My girlfriend's father used a .22 to make holes in the ceiling of one of the old theaters in downtown Columbus to give it the appearance of stars when backlit. No killing or malice involved. I know this is but one small example, but goes back to the idea that a gun is nothing more than a tool which is designed to lob a piece of metal over a distance. In his case, that was exactly what he needed. As far as target practice goes, I enjoy the challenge of improving my focus, fine motor skills, reaction time, ability to track objects, etc. Could I do this by playing golf, or using a slingshot, or some other method? yes. But none of those other methods offer me the inherent precision in a rifle which allows me to detect smaller variances in my skills. I most certainly don't pretend that those paper plates I'm murdering might one day be an attacker who I might need to dispatch. I enjoy target shooting, and the great thing about this country is that I am free to do the things I like.