In my 18th year on this Earth, I was jacked at gunpoint.
They took my van, my guitar, my amp, my music and my money.
All I got was a blow to the head and laid out.
I was lucky. They let me
live. That rattled me so bad that I swore
I would never be on the downrange side of a muzzle again.
Three years later, I became a Navy .45 Colt ACP Match Ball
Sharpshooter and earned my ribbon. I took my training and discipline
home when I got my Honorable Discharge to 1stCivDiv.
Since then, I hunt and I shoot legally, by the rules, and so far I haven't
managed to kill a single person yet.
We lost two different pregnancies to stillbirths, so we have no kids. No
reason for me to lock anything up - except my doors at night.
I have a S&W .38 Police Special loaded with hollow-point wadcutters
within reach of where I lay my head.
Sigette has a .357 purse derringer, and she can hit a 25yd. target with it.
Nice. I think I'll keep her.
I took a home tactical defense course, and if some dumb bastard breaks
in my home, you can bet the farm that I'll see him before he sees me.
If he lifts on me - game over. I know the rules of engagement in my
state.
Unfortunately, in my state, they allow the perp a "free spin" to
attempt
to kill you before you can open fire.
If you live in a state with "Castle" laws or "Make My Day" laws - good for
you. The process just got silly-easier for you, you lucky bastid.
It's pretty much shoot first and ask questions later.
We all have our reasons to own and carry.
Bottom line: Law-abiding citizens have a God-given right to protect
themselves.