Many, IMHO, talk themselves into a need for a gun for protection
rather then research the statistics which may show that the chances of them being a victim of a violent crime are very low. In my own case, being a middle aged white male living in rural Michigan, the possibility of me being a victim of a violent crime are practically zilch. And yet on Facebook, since the recent school shooting, I see many posts made by family and friends who live near me who are adamant on the need to have a gun or guns for self defense. I don't get into discussions with them on this as it'd be like getting into a debate with a fundamentalist who believes everything written in the Book of Genesis is factually true.
Over the years I've occasionally looked for articles where a citizen used a pump action, bolt action, or lever action rifle or a revolver for self defense but died because the gun they had didn't hold more then a few rounds. I have yet to find such a case. I've read posts here at DU made by members who have said they want a semi-auto pistol or rifle with magazines that hold 10+ rounds because of the chance they may need that many to save their own or a loved one's life in a self defense situation. The chances of that happening may be less then the chance of winning a mega-millions lottery but they have faith in their belief and that cannot be refuted by facts and statistics.
Numerous stories are posted here at DU about instances where a gun was needed and successfully used in self defense. It does happen but so also happens where people win large amounts of money playing the lottery or the local casino. The state lotteries and casinos really advertise the people who win or the amounts that could be won but say nothing of the great majority who do play who lose or that people who never play in their life do just fine.
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