>I guess I have a little different opinion than most since I had to use a firearm to defend myself once.

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Lance,
I am genuinely curious:
- Did you actually fire any rounds?
- Did the possibility of (innocent) bystanders being hit exist?
- Have you received any kind of training to help you distinguish between genuine targets (whatever that might mean) and those that should not be shot at?
- Are there any kind of regulations (similar to car drivers) about eyesight? In the U.K. there are minimum levels of eyesight before you can obtain (and maintain) a drivers license.
- In the event that "you" had shot and injured or (perish the thought) killed an innocent bystander - would you be wide open to big-time litigation, or would you get off with a smack-on-the-wrist?