As the debate again ignites across the country over gun control and specifically larger, semi-automatic weapons, a Denton man found a charitable use for his firearm.
Andrew Rozell parted ways with his AR-15 rifle Thursday night, handing it over to leaders from the charity Veterans Xtreme Adventures.
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The longtime Denton resident and member of the Planning and Zoning Commission said he had begun reevaluating his ownership of the rifle after the tragedy in Orlando last weekend.
"This type of tool is being used to commit atrocities. It just didn't sit well with me," Rozell said.
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Rozell got the gun as a Christmas present several years ago to keep for home protection and recreational use. Though he said he hasn't touched it in two years, he owns smaller guns for protection, and with an 18-month-old son he questioned if the rifle was something he wanted in his home at all.
"Over the years it just seems more and more senseless to own an assault rifle, or an assault type rifle just for the sake of owning it," he said.
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However, he didn't just want to sell the thing either.
"The main reason I didn't want to sell it is because I don't trust general people. There's no way I could possibly know for certain whose hand that gun was going to end up in," he said.
So, Rozell began researching if there was a better place to send the rifle, and he found the Denton-based nonprofit.
Veterans Xtreme Adventures organizes hunting trips and range activities for veterans, Rozell said, working as recreation therapy for some.
The group told the Denton Record Chronicle that the AR-15 is useful to hunters because of its versatility, allowing a hunter to change the caliber of bullet they're using depending on what they're hunting.
"What they're doing is pretty special," said Rozell.
Showing a similar rifle he borrowed from a friend Friday, an M4, Rozell said he isn't against weapons of that kind and is a firm believer in the Second Amendment.
"I think there are some great gun owners out there, which the need or desire to have this type of weapon makes sense," he said.
He just said that's not him, and he wonders how many others may be in the same position.
He wanted to share his story in order to let others know that donation is an option if that's a path they choose, but also, he said, to add another piece to that important discussion that so many are having right now.
"I think it's worth just having the question, 'Why do I want one,' or 'Why do I have one?'" he said.
Photo Credit: Brian Scott, NBC 5