"What, are we gonna have to wait for one of these loonies to shoot someone before we get it???"

Seems someone does just that every day... you still haven't got it.

I am not a fan of the gun, but I have handled and fired several varieties. I respect the rights of others to legally carry and use if they wish. Being a Brit, we're not yet used to seeing our law enforcers carrying weapons, although in certain situations and locations, it's becoming more common.

A gun is a tool, it should be carried when required - as the OP stated, when out in the woods for protection against animal attack - but only when the danger is likely. A chain saw is also a tool, but you wouldn't take one of those on the school run just in case you came across a good looking tree. If you are so afraid of your neighbourhood that you cannot step outside your door without carrying a weapon of any sort, then maybe it's time to consider moving to the boondocks.

There will always be a type of person who needs to have the biggest, loudest, bangiest weapon on the block, it's an inbred human trait to try to protect our own lives and the lives of those we love... regretably, it appears that that type of person is usually the least mentally qualified to cope with the responsibilities that packing big heat entails.

As for the 'assailant first rule' - I point you to the case of farmer Tony Martin, who, ten years ago, used an unlicensed shotgun to shoot at two men who were breaking into his house. One was killed, the other wounded and Tony Martin was jailed for manslaughter. The 'rule' is not hard and fast.

LTS