Let us know what brought you to this decision...or were you raised around guns and they've always been a part of your life? As for me...growing up, I had uncles who hunted and had guns in their homes for that purpose. But, my dad didn't own any guns, so wasn't raised in a "gun friendly environment". On election day, Nov. 4, 2008, I told DH that we'd better consider purchasing some guns while it was still legal to do so. And, the ball started rolling from there. DH and I both got our concealed carry permits this past Autumn and enjoy going to the indoor AND outdoor ranges often.
I grew up around guns - my stepdad was a dealer. I rarely went shooting, I didn't have alot of interest at the time but he always made sure that my sister and I knew how to load/unload, check safety etc of any new gun he brought into our home. As a result we were neither gun curious or afraid of guns. When I grew to adulthood the thought of purchasing a gun for home defense came and went several times but nothing ever came of it as my ex husband really had no interest. When I married my current husband 4 1/2 years ago that all changed. He was an avid hunter - both bow and rifle and had also been around and owned guns for most of his life. He always talked about getting another pistol someday. We started talking one day about getting our CCWs and carry pistols and this fall we finally did it. Funny thing is I got mine first and I actually carry more than he does :)
Step father was a LEO (shot in the line of duty). Husband gave me a .380 for a wedding present, we lived in Dade County Florida (enough said). Live in the country. Problems now invading from the PA Turnpike and no local LEOs. State Police just takes to long if there are problems.
+1, Kathleen. A lot can happen in the 5...10...15...20 minutes it takes for LEO to respond to a 9-1-1 call! By that time, they could be investigating the murder of an innocent unarmed citizen. Thanks to that wonderful document called the Constitution of the United States of America, we have the 2A RKBA and it would be insane not to exercise it!
Grew up around shotguns and rifles my whole life (both my parents were in the service, my dad was Navy, my mom was Navy and then Army). When I was pregnant with my first child I had a handgun pointed in my face by the father of the child and I had been scared of them up until recently. Got with a guy who is an avid hunter and handgun owner (him and his dad) and he started teaching me, letting me shoot his guns, getting comfortable with them. This past summer I purchased my first handgun a Ruger .380 (had already owned 2 rifles previously), then shortly after I bought my first shotgun (Benelli). Took classes, acquired my hunter's license and my Concealed Carry Permit. And now I don't ever leave home without one (or sometimes two!) of my guns.
