The need to feel intimidating, maybe? It's hard work to work out and become the alpha male, when you could just drop half a c-note and pick up a really nice idiot proof rifle instead. Same thing goes for melee weapons, although on a lesser scale, and many people will institute "skill" as a part of it, too. I've found this often to be an attempt to play off the role of being disciplined as well, without actually being disciplined.

In general, weapon obsession often seems to be an attempt to add depth to one's personality, always with the notion of being "dangerouse", and depending on the weapon, the addition of being "mysterious" (fantasey weapons), "exotic" (katana or other Eastern weapons), "noble" (Great sword or other Western weapons), "crazy" (fully automatic rifles or explosives), "badass" (butterfly knives or switchblades), or something along those lines. Sad thing is, as long as that list was, it isn't nearly exhaustive. Whatever the collateral reasons, I will re-emphsize that for men, it is an extension of the need to feel powerful, feared, respected, etc.

Keep a sharp eye out for these people. They'll generally keep their weapons on display, practice with them freely in front of other people, and/or have their pictures taken with them in "cool" poses.

If you sensed a little bit of disdain in my words, you were right.