IMHO, you are making your family more at risk by having a firearm (any kind) inside the house. There is more chance of an accident (a todler playing with a firearm for example) and using a firearm to fight against a rober will increase the chance that he will open fire. Violence accelerate very quickly. Also, someone who lose momentarily his reason (for whatever reason), may take the gun to commit suicide or to kill someone in the house. He/She may not have done it if the gun wasn't rapidly available. I have no gun in my house and I don't need one. If a rober want my TV, let him take it. The insurance will pay me a new one. They will not replace my spouse or my daughter.

We own a gun. Believe me, it was a sad and discouraging process to go through. But one we talked about it and agreed to do it.

I don't know how anyone can make a general statement that using one will increase the odds of a robber opening fire. Yes, I can see that happening - I can also see it preventing me from losing someone. Any of a dozen or more scenarios are possible.

I certainly respect your decision not to own one and I understand your reasons. It's a decision that each family has to make. If a child can somehow get access to a gun, clearly the family has not taken all of the precautions.

I'm in favor of laws, background checks, etc. But I also believe that people have the right to defend themselves. I wish we didn't feel we have to own one, and I hope we'll never have to use it.

Kevin