One of the great things about ETS is the genteel discussion of controversial topics, like the need for firearms.

My personal perspective - I am a firearms owner, and I enjoy recreational shooting and reloading (just as much fun as shooting, IMHO) - in most situations, weapons and ammo are not necessary and their weight and bulk can be used for more useful items - this is especially true if hiking or backpacking.

There are two occasions in my adult life where I was really glad I had my 357 handy. The rest of the time it was just a nice recreational device.

Circumstances and environments vary and what works for one situation may not go in another.

In a recent newspaper, there was an article about "good guys with guns" and the assertion that their presence at a crime scene actually impeded detention of the bad guy. Google "good guys with guns" and there are many articles, some with interesting stats, that make thoughtful reading....