Originally Posted by Wildbore

I can live my whole life without even considering having a handgun for self-defense. I would feel sufficiently safe simply having a security system, you really don't have to turn it on, usually the sticker on the door is enough to scare any trespasser away.

Lets look at the classic situation. Break and Enter, Trespasser is clearly holding a gun and you have a gun and can easily blast his brains out, thats great. I'd just as well assume hes a burgular and go hide somewhere or run out the back door or window. I'd take it theres a small but realistic chance I could be shot if I confronted the trespasser with a gun of my own. What if he has a knife, ok, I can just grab a golf club and cripple him, no need for a gun.

Just saying having a gun isn't that great, sure it looks cool and you can shoot people, but really i'd only recommend it for young-middle aged single women, they are the most likely to be raped and usually rapists don't expect women to put up a defense, so that demographic would only benefit.