Some say thay’d do whatever it takes to protect their family. Now, what about if a thief is doing “whatever it takes to protect their family” when he breaks into a house for money because they need it? Since you (and by “you” I mean whoever it is holding the gun, don’t take offense) wouldn’t wait to ask before shooting, would you be really that different from the thief?

My dad does olympic shooting, but he keeps everything in a safe under lock and didn’t keep a weapon in the house until my brother and I were both over 18.

I’ve read many people saying that they keep their guns locked and safe. I guess if someone breaks into your home and you need it, it won’t be easy to reach unless you’re actually next to it, right? So, what’s the point?

In most European countries (I actually think that in all of them) you can’t carry guns, and I feel so much safer knowing that it’s actually extremely hard to buy one that I would if I knew that anyone could have one. And statistics are there to show that it’s actually safer.

That said, I understand this is probably a cultural issue, so I respect any opinions.

I live in Sweden and I have actually never known or even heard of anyone who grow up with guns in their house, with the exception of airguns that some friends had. Rifles would somehow be more common, but only in areas where hunting was permitted and where most people take part in the hunting. You need a licence to own a rifle and to get that licence you also need to pass a written and a practical exam.

To own a handgun you need a licence and a “good reason” for owning it, ie protection (only in very special cases), target shouting, collection etc and you have to be a member of a gun association club and pass their target shouting exam every six months. With a criminal record you won’t be approved for the licence.

So laws are quite strict here in Sweden and I have to admit I’m very very happy to live in a country where owning a weapon is more of an exception rather than a rule!!! We still feel pretty safe at night in our houses or on our streets here in our little corner of the world. =)

Thanks for a great website, I found it a couple of weeks back and have been reading the older posts for hours. And thanks for all interesting discussions and it’s really good to hear a little more of what you people on the other side of the pond =) think of life and things in general.

I completely and totally understand the hesitation of having guns around kids. I have 5 myself. I was not raised around guns but hubby was. He is responsible and keeps his guns unloaded and locked. Even his antique guns are not displayed but hidden. It took me years before I was comfortable with guns. I now believe that with proper caution and good education that kids can live safetly in a home with guns.

As far as could I really shoot an intruder…you are darn right I could. I have shot intruders in my henhouse and could certainly do the same in my own home when my family’s safety was at stake.

Good luck…this is not an easy one to decided

Love Letters – I know, there’s always that fear of accidents and the question of whether or not we could actually shoot AT someone. So many things to consider.

On the other hand, I think the only time I would approve of them in the home is if they were kept locked away in a safe and used only for purposes of recreational target shooting- like your Father does.
I’ve always thought it would be cool to learn to shoot one, but that’s probably only because I watch too many action flicks. I would never seriously use one.

Whew! I totally did NOT realize I feel this strongly about not having guns in my own home. Thanks for making me think! I need to ask my husband how he feels.

My Dad was trained and certified as a peace officer and carried, but was not welcome to bring his weapon into my home. He grumbled about it, but “this is my house and you’ll follow my rules” quieted him down as he went outside to smoke – something else not welcome in my home.

So the question is yea or nay, I would say definitely yea. As I read through the comments I found it interesting that most of the cons that were listed were things that are completely avoidable. Growing up the way that we have and being so close to tragedy as I was when I lost my best friend to a gun accident, I am still for the right to bear arms. The key is that you are responsible and safe with them. Training is an essential part that plays a key role in both your confidence and safety. I pray that none of use ever have to use a firearm for anything other than sport but it is reassuring to know that the option is there.

Going back to the being responsible part, there are so many options these days to make them ever safer than ever. There are all types of safes and locks to keep them out of the hands of children. I even saw a reasonably priced biometric safe the other day that looked really cool. There are even special bullets now that you can buy that will defragment when they hit a wall so that you decrease the likelihood of injuring someone that you did not intend to.

If it helps the decision making process remember the button that dad still has that says “it’s the law in Kennesaw.” Without getting to political, this is a right that we must fight for and ensure that it is still around for our children.

I have rambled long enough. Love you Tab.

John – Ha ha! Be sure to save me one too! Preferrably a rifle.

Weakonomist – Interesting to hear another man’s point of view. I think I often assume that most men wouldn’t mind them so it’s nice to hear a differing opinion!