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In reply to the discussion: Gov. Jerry Brown signs California gun restriction [View all]Adrahil
(13,340 posts)But I'm not really a "home protection nut." I do have self defense guns, but I treat them the same way I do my tornado kit.... I'll very likely never need them. But when I need them, I NEED them. I keep then in the aforementioned locked containers, and although I do keep a loaded magazine with them, the magazine is not in the gun and the chamber is empty. I'd have to make a very deliberate choice to load the weapon, reducing the chance of an accident. I've carried a gun with some moderate anticipation I'd need it exactly twice. Once when a friend was being stalked by her crazy ex-husband (who had beat her), I went over to pick her up and take her to a safe place. The cops wouldn't escort her, so I went and got her. Fortunately, her ex didn't try to approach when he saw she was escorted. The second time was when the court ordered him to move all his stuff out and she wanted someone there with her while he got his crap (again, the cops would not do it). Again, I didn't need it.
I mainly own guns because I enjoy shooting them at the range. I do have a carry permit, but I do not carry on a daily basis (in fact, other than the times mentioned above.... never). In my view, the chances of an accident outweigh the tiny chance I'd actually need it. Having said that, I don't think that's true for everyone.
Lastly, most of my guns are antiques. Probably half my collection is pre-1898 and not even legally a firearm. I don't even own any ammo for a good portion of them.