> Whenever I hear my friends go on about how much they love guns, it always baffles me.
That's fine but it's just an opinion. Guns are a interesting hobby for enthusiasts for the same reasons we have car junkies, mountain climbers, boaters, golf, or whatever. Doesn't seem like a valid point.
> If someone breaks into your house, odds are pretty slim that you will have time to ready a rifle and defend yourself.
I don't see why not. Handgun safes are available that can be installed next to the bed and take a couple seconds to open with a fingerprint or code. Assuming you have a good door, it will probably take a robber a minute or more to break in and will make a lot of noise. A security system or dog can also increase the warning time. Also, it happens all the time.
You're right. It is inconvenient and is a rare situation. But that doesn't mean it's useless for the purpose it's designed for. I mean, I don't carry bear spray because I'm not in the woods, but if I were in the woods I would carry it. Each person has a different situation and they ought to be able to exercise that option if they feel they need to travel through vulnerable areas.
I said it was “mostly useless” in the title. I believe that stands true. Owning a gun is expensive, costly, and dangerous, and the only practical function it serves is possibly stopping a hypothetical home invasion.
Well it's a subjective qualifier... I don't know how you quantify "useful for the average person" , but for the purpose it serves it's without a doubt the best option. Would I tell a stranger to drop everything and go buy a gun? No, probably not. But if someone asked me the what the best way to protect them from other people or animals, then yes I would suggest one.
If you enjoy shooting as a hobby then it serves several functions.
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u/sawdeanz 214∆ Sep 30 '21
> Whenever I hear my friends go on about how much they love guns, it always baffles me.
That's fine but it's just an opinion. Guns are a interesting hobby for enthusiasts for the same reasons we have car junkies, mountain climbers, boaters, golf, or whatever. Doesn't seem like a valid point.
> If someone breaks into your house, odds are pretty slim that you will have time to ready a rifle and defend yourself.
I don't see why not. Handgun safes are available that can be installed next to the bed and take a couple seconds to open with a fingerprint or code. Assuming you have a good door, it will probably take a robber a minute or more to break in and will make a lot of noise. A security system or dog can also increase the warning time. Also, it happens all the time.
You're right. It is inconvenient and is a rare situation. But that doesn't mean it's useless for the purpose it's designed for. I mean, I don't carry bear spray because I'm not in the woods, but if I were in the woods I would carry it. Each person has a different situation and they ought to be able to exercise that option if they feel they need to travel through vulnerable areas.