too controversial?

[onlooker]

I really don't want this to become a heated debate. I know there are going to be extremist that are going to go one way or the other on this one.
I want to know what people think about gun ownership. Hand guns, not guns for hunting purposes.
I have one. Will I ever use it? I doubt it. However, if anyone breaks into my home, with the intent of harming my wife or children, then I may...not sure.
I have been mugged before. I was angry. Would I have used a gun if I had it? More than likely I wouldn't have. My money and watch were material objects.
But my family is another story!
If a man holds a knife to my wife with the intent of killing her, then is my killing of him justified?
I know many of you will say no, that it isn't. I want you to be honest though. Could anyone watch their wife, or child, be slain and not stop it if you had the means to, even though you felt it was commiting a sin?
My thoughts have been so often to get rid of it. I figured if I didn't have it, then I could never use it. But the fear that if I get rid of it, and the unimaginable happens....how could I explain to my surviving family members that I could have stopped it, but gave up the means to do so?
Very confused on this one!!

[Law of Loud]

To shoot a person in defense of one's family would be justified, even if it may be hard to do. I personally don't have a gun, though I do have a couple of things lying around that would make decent saps.

I believe it is justified to protect the innocent, even if it means taking the life of one who would kill the innocent. It's an issue of the lesser of two evils.

[ClementofRome]

I am a gun owner. I do hunt. I do not own a handgun, but am most likely going to buy one in the near future as I enjoy shooting my friends various handguns. I enjoy target shooting, sporting clays, etc. As for self defense, I have a fair arsenal at home. Would I carry a handgun as a side arm in public? Probably never, unless the US turned into a Mad Max sort of situation.

If my family was under threat, I believe that it would be justifiable to use a gun in defense. Would I? Could I? I think so, but I pray that I will never be placed in a situation in which I would have to make that decision.

[onlooker]

hmmm, maybe this wasn't so controversial after all. Honestly, I'm a bit suprised at the responses....glad though.
Clementof Rome, I too pray that the situation will never arise.

[Onesimus85]

I own a shotgun which I inherited from my grandfather. I don't hunt, though I am interested in starting. I think that it is justifiable when family is in danger to use a weapon and exert force if necessary. My shotgun is a pump. Hopefully the sound of a shell getting jacked into the chamber would be enough to send any robber away.

In my case we also have livestock. We have had numerous chickens and goats killed by larger animals so we have had to use the guns in defense of our livestock.

I also hope that I would never come across this type of situation. But if it ever did occur I think that I would be ready.

[amx]

I'm glad I haven't had to give this much thought. I haven't been mugged nor have I ever really had my safety threatened. I pray I never will.
I would like to see everyone who's mentally healthy and of age be armed if they are willing. I think violent crime would drop if the criminals realized that the next person they attack could be their last.
When the Lord returns all this concern is going to be a thing of the past. We'll be able to walk the streets anywhere without fear. All of the social problems we have He has the solution. The older I get the more I look forward to seeing how He will correct so many if these issues. Well, That's my daily birdwalk I guess I better get back to work:)

[HeatherJay]

My hubby has hunting guns, but no handguns. I know that I would do whatever was in my power to protect my children...and I'm sure my hubby feels the same way about his girls (me included). But I'm fairly positive that he'd never own a handgun for the specific purpose of home-defense.

I'm not a big supporter of the NRA or organizations like that. But, I suppose guns are a necessary evil. :(

[5stringJeff]

I am an NRA member, as well as a member of the Washington Arms Collectors. So you can probably imagine how I feel about owning and using guns! :D Although, thankfully, I have never been in a situation where I would have had to use force against anyone, I am thanful to have the means with which to defend myself and my family.

[onlooker]

Wow, boy do I satnd corrected. I thougth for sure that I'd get a thrashing of some sort over this one...lol, but everyone seems to be in agreeance.
I have decided on 2 things:
1.) I will keep the gun. Oh, in case anyone is wondering, it has a trigger lock on it. It is also stored unloaded. The bullets are hidden, and well out of reach of children. I have practiced hundreds of times, and will be able to ready the weapon in a few seconds flat if ever needed.
2.) I will continue to pray that I will never have to use it.
Thank you to everyone who has posted.