Let me stir the pot a little. In many parts of the US the deer population is so large that, without hunters, the environment would be ravaged in no time. As a boy I spent many happy hours in the woods plinking at tin cans and still think it's a good thing for a boy to experience. I fully support responsible gun ownership. On the other hand, except for sport, I don't see any need or use for privately owned hand guns. They are convenient for shooting people; not much good against deer or bear. If you feel you MUST defend your home, I recommend a short shotgun loaded with buckshot. It works well in the dark and the shond of a round being chambered is the most frightening thing in the world. With any luck at all, you'll never need to know. Personally, if forced to fight, I'd rather use a knife. But I'm glad it's never happened.