How many people who keep guns in their homes actually use them for safety purposes?

Question

I was reading an article for my AP government class about guns. I see why so many people want to have the availability of a gun in case of an emergency. I also see the side that not having a gun in homes would prevent so many injuries, deaths and unwanted crimes. So... It would be sensible to know how many people actually use their guns to protect themselves during an emergency. Many people proclaim they want to keep it to be safe... But would they really use it? Many places have laws that require it to be locked or unloaded. When an emergency comes, a person won't have time to unlock it or load it... Isn't the answer just standing right out there in the open? Do we really need guns in our homes?
All opinions are accepted. I just want to see your views on this. It's pretty controversial.

Thanks for the opinions, guys. I didn't mean to come off as an uneducated child, at least that's what I got from some of your comments. What all of you said does make sense. But... Like you said, a gun is like a pair of scissors (pretty nice analogy) and can be used wisely when in the right hands. The concept I was trying to get at was that most of the time it is NOT in the right hands. What can be done about that? And what I meant by "safety purposes" was to defend themselves. I think one of you said something else about that. Anyways, carry on. =]

Ahcho, that's pretty nifty. I know guns are inanimate objects and would be pretty surprised to hear a story about a gun just up and shooting itself. Do you have children? I don't think you do. I was talking about families with children with guns in their homes when referring to the injuries. There are many cases like that out there.

I'm liking the answer, Dennis. Well stated.

Answer 1

I myself own a gun and grew up in a house where guns are owned. Basically it all comes down to the parents to be responsible enough to be sure their kids don't get hold of the guns and to teach their kids that they are dangerous weapons, not toys.

A gun however is not a stand alone security system. Other elements such as a dog and or an alarm are needed. Would I use it if I had to? Yes. I'm not going to guess a criminal's stand on whether or not he'll use his weapon and it is my sacred duty as a human to survive. A gun is not for bluffing. I am thankful that I have never had to use it and I don't hope for such an event to happen.

Believe it or not not all gun owners are trigger happy psychos looking for an opportunity to turn their home into the OK Corral. I don't view myself as a modern day Bat Masterson defending Dodge City from hordes of Jesse James clones. Just a human being trying to survive as best he can.

Answer 2

Zero is the answer. The owners of firearms use them for hunting or self defense; which does not involve safety purposes for the intruder.

Guns in the home require the assumption that the homeowner is there and willing to use the firearm. Nobody home means the bad guys just got another gun. Not willing to commit to using deadly force means you might be overpowered and the gun removed from you.

Now there are several safety issues about leaving loaded guns in the house. If you have small children or children visiting, assume they will play with the firearm if it is found. Best to have it unloaded and locked away to keep the children from causing tragedy.

However, your best argument would be to consider other countries. Look at the crime rates for Switzerland, Israel, the United Kingdom, and Japan. How do their crime rates match with the USA's? What are their laws about firearm ownership?

Answer 3

There is no controversy in the issue at all for those of us who are educated enough in Constitutional affairs. The only controversy occurs when someone who doesn't understand the concept of freedom and self-determination are faced with trying to uphold the silly notion that if there were no guns there would be no crime.

Guns are not dangerous, no more so than a pair of scissors. Either in the hands of a person intent on committing a horrible crime is deadly.

Having a gun in the house that isn't loaded is as effective as having a rock at your bedside. I have a loaded firearm which I carry 24/7 or lay beside the nightstand for the occasion if and hopefully never, someone is fool enough to break into my domain.

I have no qualms in defending myself or my family. I figure that if someone has made the decision to break the law and endanger my family or me, they have shamefully given their "right to live" away.

In the world we currently live in those without the means to protect themselves are just slaves. They are at the mercy of their governments as well as the mercy of the criminal.

I have learned a lot from history and our Constitution to willy-nilly toss away the freedoms and rights we were given.

Answer 4

First, most people who have guns in the home have them in a lock box that can be accessed very quickly. The guns can be loaded in less than a second with a clip. I have a gun in my home, in a lock box. I would hate to use it, but I my family comes first. I also think you should have to have a lot of training like I have had to make sure you can use it safely. You also have to understand the law of self defense. Most Americans think they can shoot anyone in there home. Not true. Unless you have a Castle Doctrine in your state, you have a duty to retreat before using deadly force.

Answer 5

I have about 20 guns in my home and about 6 in my business also I have over 50 swords in between the two places. Every single gun is locked and loaded so in other words all I have to do is pick it up and switch off the safety and pull the trigger. Funny thing is, I've NEVER had a single gun jump up and injure me or anyone I know. Guess that puts a damper on your hurt theory.