Do I arm or do I not arm, that's the question.
For the past 15 years, I have lived and worked overseas in countries where it is basically impossible for expatriates to own personal guns (e.g., China). In the New Year, however, I am relocating with my family to the San Francisco Bay Area. Hence, my conundrum.
Now that gun ownership will soon be a possibility for me, I'm trying to wrap my mind around a number of issues.
I realize that I will be moving to a gun-unfriendly city in gun-unfriendly state relative to most of the US. I also realize that my apparent ambivalence risks marking me as an "Anti Troll" among the many here who long ago made their decision in favor of firearms. I assure you, though, my inquiries are in the spirit of "introducing new people to responsible firearm ownership."
So, in no particular order:
1) Given the restrictions related to concealed carry and transportation in my soon to be home of California, I see no practical way to incorporate a handgun into my daily routine while in public unless I want to break the law. Is there something I missed? Commuting and while out with the family are the times I would most likely want to be armed.
2) I have two kids under age four. In the context of home defense, how do I balance firearm accessibility and readiness against the innate curiosity of the kids?
3) On a related note, where can I find good information about introducing children to the safe handling of firearms?
As background, I grew up (decades ago) in a very gun-friendly neighborhood, where I had limited opportunities with my friends to shoot small-bore rifles, shotguns and the odd handgun in a range / hunting context. My parents' home itself, though, was 100% gun free, so the application of firearms in a SD context is an unknown.
For the past 15 years, I have lived and worked overseas in countries where it is basically impossible for expatriates to own personal guns (e.g., China). In the New Year, however, I am relocating with my family to the San Francisco Bay Area. Hence, my conundrum.
Now that gun ownership will soon be a possibility for me, I'm trying to wrap my mind around a number of issues.
I realize that I will be moving to a gun-unfriendly city in gun-unfriendly state relative to most of the US. I also realize that my apparent ambivalence risks marking me as an "Anti Troll" among the many here who long ago made their decision in favor of firearms. I assure you, though, my inquiries are in the spirit of "introducing new people to responsible firearm ownership."
So, in no particular order:
1) Given the restrictions related to concealed carry and transportation in my soon to be home of California, I see no practical way to incorporate a handgun into my daily routine while in public unless I want to break the law. Is there something I missed? Commuting and while out with the family are the times I would most likely want to be armed.
2) I have two kids under age four. In the context of home defense, how do I balance firearm accessibility and readiness against the innate curiosity of the kids?
3) On a related note, where can I find good information about introducing children to the safe handling of firearms?
As background, I grew up (decades ago) in a very gun-friendly neighborhood, where I had limited opportunities with my friends to shoot small-bore rifles, shotguns and the odd handgun in a range / hunting context. My parents' home itself, though, was 100% gun free, so the application of firearms in a SD context is an unknown.