LOLyeager had a good vid on the different types of gun owners. everyones personal opinion of him not withstanding, it rang true. ill see if i can dig it up.
EDIT - here ya go http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcBi_gKUCy0
I shoot primarily for recreation. I carry weapons (not just guns) for self defense. While some of my shooting is practice for self defense, it's just part of the matrix.
For me shooting is zen. It's like meditation in that I have concentrated focus and deep awareness of my physical presence.
I don't particularly compete although I used to. Now I compete against myself. Shooting is also an excuse to reload.
Why isn't "all of the above" one of the responses???