General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Handgun-owners map draws outrage [View all]spin
(17,493 posts)The fact that I have firearms available for self defense in my home is a careful decision that I reached after some serious thought.
When I made my decision it was influenced by the fact that I had enjoyed target shooting handguns for over 20 years on a weekly basis and consequently already owned the firearms and had the training to use them safely as well as the required proficiency.
Of course you may state that I am excessively paranoid and fearful and should have absolutely no reason to believe that my home will ever be invaded.
I would reply that my decision proved wise on one occasion. A man was attempting to break into my Tampa home by forcing open the sliding glass door in the kitchen. A burglar alarm was blaring and a 60 pound Black Lab was in the house. Neither discouraged him.
My daughter who was home alone woke up to the alarm and walked into the kitchen. The intruder was halfway through the door when she pointed a large caliber revolver at him and he wisely decided to run.
The handgun would have done my daughter little good without the alarm and the dog was a very gentle animal and probably would have never defended my daughter. The noise of the alarm terrified this dog just as thunder would. My daughter told me that the dog was hiding during the incident.
So perhaps you will understand why I discount any arguments that you will make against having a firearm available for home defense.
But I have no problem with your decision that a firearm is useless and I am in no way advising you to get one.