Totally out of this context, I was told by a friend years ago that if I (for example) was to carry any type of weapon to protect myself I had better be sure I knew how to use it.

RICHARD:
And while shooting a gun, and hitting what you aim at, isn't the necessary skill needed these days?
I can totally understand people wanting to get a gun to protect their family - but training in its use and SAFE STORAGE of same need to be part of the equation.