Lets state the glaringly obvious:Guns are not a viable form of self defense in the majority of cases

[Lurker Deluxe]

9. Firearms

Law enforcement personel are not using a taser or handgun for self defense. LE put themselves in harms way, daily, it is thier job. They are using tasers more and more becasue it is a quick way to subdue someone so they can be restrained ... better than 4 cops beating the snot out of someone with sticks in an attempt to apprehend.

As far as home defense is concerned, in the evening my place is deathly quiet and pretty dark. Someone "snooping" around inside my house is at a severe disadvantage to me, I know where I am, they do not. I can promise you the slide of that 9 comming home in a dark unfamilar place is all will take to avoid confrontation. That sound is very very distinct, same as the 12G pump chambering, or the 12G auto slide closing.

Guns deter crime. Period. So do locks and alarms. And dogs.

I have a carry permit but generally do not carry, I have never been in fear for my life. I have no desire to shoot anyone, and in the circumstance of someone in my home I would most likely fire a round into the bed or something to avoid confrontation, but after that if you continue into the bedroom you will not be the one with the advantage ... there will be no "closing" ... you will be full of holes.