Every study on crime and or firearms proves time and time again that 99.99999% of American gun owners do not commit crimes or use our firearms in any dangerous or improper way.
You know I've carried a weapon for 10 years never shot anybody never robbed anybody. It has saved my life twice but I know they're not toys. I practice with firearms I enjoy shooting it's a hobby of mine and I have a healthy respect for them.
Learning to shoot firearms to me is a little like driving stick - it seems like a decent skill to have.
If indeed a firearm were more dangerous to its possessors than to potential aggressors would it not make sense for the government to arm all criminals and let them accidentally shoot themselves? Is this absurd? Yes and yet the government of course is arming criminals.
The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good.