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A Gun In The House: Pros And Cons
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Are Guns A Good Deterrent To Crime In The Home, Or An Accident Waiting To Happen?

Newer studies conducted in the US show that a burglar's biggest fear is the possibility a homeowner may confront them with a firearm.  However, there is also no question that guns are involved in many cases of lethal family violence and tragic accidents.  A recent study by the US Conference of Mayers has shown that a family member is more likely to be injured or killed with a firearm than any intruder.

Avoiding Accidents Caused By Firearms In The Home:

Proper training in weapons and gun safety are absolutely essential for any family member who may need to use the firearm for self defence.  Unfortunately, it is not always possible to properly train children on the use of firearms. For this reason, your gun(s) must be securely stored, unloaded, with ammunition stored seperately.  Whether you own a gun or not, be sure to explain the dangers of guns to your children when they are old enough to understand.

Guns In Rural Areas:

If you live in an isolated area in the US, you may already own a general-purpose firearm such as a pump shotgun or .22 caliber rifle.  Although the experts say this is a good idea, others say using a Citizen Band radio with battery backup is more useful.

The Moral Issues:

Ethics can come into play when deciding on a gun for the home.  Are you really ready to confront a burglar with a firearm?  If you are not, the intruder may sense this and take advantage of the situation (and he's probably much better with guns than you are).  And what exactly are you willing to kill for?  The safety of your family would probably fall into this category, but would you use deadly force to protect your DVD player?  The problem here is that many of us don't know the full intentions of the burglar until it is too late.

Ultimately, the decision to use a firearm in the home rests with you.  Remember that following the crime prevention strategies outlined on this site will vastly improve your home's security, without you having to become a gunslinger!
The USA has had a love-hate relationship with guns since its inception.  In fact, the Constitution grants every American citizen the "right to bear arms", provided they are not a convicted felon.  On a per capita basis, Americans own more guns than any other nation in the civilized world -  nearly 50% of homes in the US have at least one firearm. 
Deciding whether a gun is right for you and your home's security strategy often comes down to personal and moral reasons.  Consider these points if you are thinking about purchasing a gun:
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