Filing the serial number off a weapon (and I hadn't heard that) is in itself a crime. Keeping firearms accessible to children should be a crime, since there are LOTS of ways to prevent it. My own firearms are locked up and the ammunition is stored in a seperate locked container.

Do I feel safer with guns in the house?

Since I'd have to run downstairs, unlock the the guns, unlock the ammo, load the gun, and then run back upstairs -- no, I don't have them for "defense."

My old nightstick is far better, since I know how to use it -- and you're not going to do much shooting or stabbing with a broken wrist, kneecap, or elbow.

Were I to run downstairs to get a weapon I'd probably grab my smallsword -- it's hanging on the wall, I know how to use it, and I don't have to take the time to load or reload it.

(At work I have a pencil.)