Bill the second amendment is an INDIVIDUAL right which was supported by the Supreme Court decision. The first nine amendments in the Bill of Rights are INDIVIDUAL rights. Following the Federalist papers would lead you to conclude that it was there to protect the individual against a tyrannical government , if the situation arose. Our founding fathers would roll over in their graves if they thought that they did not have the right to personally protect themselves and their families.
If the present gun laws were enforced, the bad guys would not get away with what they do while armed. A plea bargain reduced from armed assault to discharging a weapon within city limits is a far stretch to upholding the intent of the law.
Years back there was an article in the Hartford paper showing how Congress wanted to get rid of "Saturday Night Specials" and showed the confiscated cache to exemplify their position. In the picture was a Browning High Power, A PPKS Walthers, A .357 Ruger, an S&W .38 and a Colt Python. The only one that one could consider a Saturday Night Special was a Charter Arms 38. These politicians have NO idea of what their talking about.
Bill, there IS A HUGE responsibility placed on you when you carry and one should not take it lightly. Having said that I see no reason to deny people the right to defend themselves. You are ultimately responsible for your own actions and safety. It behooves you to be very proficient and fully familiar with your weapon.
In my opinion, if you pull out your gun it better be to shoot it, 'cause anything less you were not that fearful for your safety of life to warrant pulling it out. It should be used when you don't give a damn about the possible legal ramifications because you TRULY feared for your life.
Again just my opinion.