Why Americans Love Guns

In the wake of Sandy Hook, many gun-rights advocates adopted a so-called 'Wild West mentality' and asserted that the solution was to put more guns in the hands of citizens, namely teachers. This particular mindset can explain everything from 'Stand Your Ground' laws to the psychology of Walter White.

But how safe were gun-wielding Americans on the frontier? And why are firearms so inextricably linked to American history, and hence, our psyche? Collectors Weekly decided to find out.