Have you ever used a firearm for defense (outside of in the military or in law enforcement employment)? That does not necessarily mean to having shot someone. It could mean merely displaying that you have a firearm to back off or scare someone off. The problem with gun statistics is there is not statistics for all the times guns prevented anyone from being hurt or any crime committed. Tell you story if you care to.
I can think of at least 2 instances in which my being armed deterred individuals whose clear intent was not to make me any healthier or wealthier. No, I didn't report the incidents to the police because nothing happened. Normally, it's not a good idea to display that you are armed unless circumstances demand it.
Outside of the military I haven't had to draw my weapon, thank God, because I was trained that if it had to be drawn someone has to die no if ands or buts. I carry openly because it is legal in Arkansas and requires no license. I believe having one visible deters criminals and makes them choose a soft target. Should the need arise I am fully capable of using it to protect myself and others around me.
Luckily, I have been able to avoid the paranoia (and intense feelings of societal inadequacy) that lives in the hearts of the overwhelming majority of 2nd Amendment Huggers. So, my answer to the question in the OP would be "No". I am satisfied to be a normal law-abiding citizen. The "Paranoid Gun Freak" thing isn't my trip.
I got about 100 pounds larger, 290 pounds...initially mostly muscle... haha...initially... which by itself 'magically', stopped all manner of anti social behavior by others towards myself..secondly.. This may sound far out to some, but I found Jesus. I got spiritual protection in some manner, or my vibrations changed, or what have you. I found that I no longer had to carry.
I have on 4 occasions. 3 in which I fired. One I did not. The one in which I did not was when I found myself surrounded by 5 young men, rough looking, and I in a new car in a 3 piece suit just outside the car door on a cold night after midnight. It didn't feel right, bad part of town, and I had a tiny .22 in my hand - almost worthless really, so small with gloves on they couldn't see it. One of them demanded "hey man, you got any money?" I replied "what I have is this tiny 5 shot pistol (showing it in my hand). But I never figured the size of the gun matters, only the size of the bullet. Say, what a coincidence, there are 5 of you." He put up his hand as all 5 backed away, him saying "Everything's cool."
I am glad you found Jesus and I hope it works out for you. For me I know Jesus as well but I never ask of him anything I can do for myself, he gave me the knowledge of protection for a reason.
I forgot to mention that there were and are some behavioral improvements on my part made, due to Christ, that have played a part as well.
I was *this close!* to shooting a boar in AZ when I was quail hunting. I heard it coming around a copse of bush and knew i was going to surprise it (didnt think to just yell at it at the time...) and I was worried it might fight instead of flight. When it rounded the corner and saw me ( about 10 feet away, shotgun shouldered at it), it squeeled, did a 180 and disapeared. So not really defense, but I was ready to defend myself. I clicked 'maybe'.
Very definitely a dangerous situation! They'll rip open a person's leg who can bleed out in a couple of minutes.
Broke the thumb break on my holster once when confronted by 3 men in Austin TX, parking garage...2 had knives, not sure of third. They reconsidered and took off...Called police and parking garage video confirmed my story.
Oh for Pete's sake, nobody is living in fear by carrying a firearm anymore than someone having a first aid kit, wears a seatbelt, take martial arts classes, have a fire extinguisher, and have insurenve is.
What I find odd here is that you think "hugging" (with capital letters) the US Constitution is somehow a negative thing. So gun owners are necessarily "huggers," "paranoid gun freaks" and apparently not "normal law-abiding citizens"? I bought my first gun as an adult due to living in an area that was choked in drugs and homicides. So you're saying I was... Abnormal, not law-abiding, paranoid gun freak?
Nor are there really statistics for all the crimes and deaths and injuries that a lack of guns on the part of would-be criminals prevents. I don't own a gun and have never been in a situation where I felt one was necessary. I would probably want one if I lived in a rough neighborhood, although only if potential burglars might be so armed. I have other weapons that could easily handle someone breaking in unarmed or with only a blade or other such weapon.
I live in a very rural mountain area. Dogs barking at 2:00 A.M. Went down in my underwear to my front door with my 9 millimeter (an antique German war souvenir from WWII) Two men were in the process of kicking down my door and I had them on the ground eating dirt. They said they were having car trouble but I could hear their car running fine. Told them I would go in, get dressed and help them but would not hesitate to send them to God if they tried anything funny. As soon as I went back inside they took off faster than a cat can lick his a$%! Next day I talked to the Sherriff and he said there was three break-ins in my area. Mostly part timers. He told me I should have shot them. I told him I don't need any court time.
It is honorable that you feel that way. On the other hand, I will start conceal carry to Church. I have off and on but I will be more diligent in the future. There are enough hateful atheists in this forum to convince me attempts at more church massacres could be forthcoming. I pray for protection and at the same time I will assist the angels in protecting the children if need be.
