VaEagle, Twolane, spyder, and Rjob749, all make valid and important points.  I hope and pray I NEVER have to use a handgun in defense of my person, or family.  I try my best to stay away from people and places, where trouble abides.  That way of life doesn't interest me anymore.  However, I would rather have a handgun and not need it, as opposed to needing one, and not having it.  Two big Ol' Boys worked Ol' Hub over pretty good one time, long ago.  I promised myself that night, I would always have the difference with me, from that moment on.  That was December 31, 1978.  I have kept that promise, and stand prepared to deal with the consequences of that decision, should any come up.  It's been years since I walked around packing a piece, unless I have business that requires me to be around a UMWA picket line.  Then, I'm packin'.  There endeth the lesson.  Later--HUBBARD