I have an Israeli K98k chambered in 7.62. On one side it has the Nazi Eagle waffenstamps, and on the other it has a very crude Star of David. The receiver was manufactured in Berlin in 1938, so I know it had to see some action in Poland against the Poles, French and Brits. It has possibly shot at Americans, French, British, Polish, Soviets, Egyptians, Syrians, Iraqis, Arabs and at some point even Nazis.
You know why I freakin' LOVE this rifle? 'cause it is irrevocable proof that a gun is a gun. A tool. Nothing else. No imbued spirit of evil or malice inside it. Used by Victimizer for brutality and eventually by their victims for defense of their homeland. Full 180, politically. The Jews had no problem in the Warsaw Ghetto using Mausers against their oppressors. The Jews had no problem using Mausers to defend their homes with them.
So, what's the problem? It's a gun. It's history. Mine has seen at least two wars, for sure. The souls of it's slain do not reside in it's steel and wood. No evil spirits come out of it when I fire. I don't feel the overwhelming desire to murder kittens by the bag full when I fondle it. It's an inanimate object with markings that prove its history and I enjoy owning it.
Great post. Thanks.