I was raised and taught that a "man must protect his family". When you deal with an intruder the thing you want to avoid most is "close physical contact". My home will always be protected by a firearm. People often say that they'll never keep guns, but many have changed their minds after their home was broken into, and they found themselves face to face with an intruder.

Ownership is one thing, but you have to be a responsible gun owner. That in itself is a concept that is so often not present in people. I had to force some drunk off my property at gun point recently. I didn't like having to point a pistol at this man, but in today's world--you just can't take the chance when it's your family. We live in a nice neighborhood, but regardless of where you live, anything can happen. It's best be prepared IMO.

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 08-21-2007).]