Not sure how much I can add to the discussion, but I guess I can briefly share my experience with firearms. Living within the Great White North I guess I have been accustomed to firearms in the terms of rifles and shotguns, and the like. I'm a young 'hunter' and try to go out at least once a year to some great spots up here in northern Ontario. So, I kind of already implied that for hunting purposes I feel firearms are perfectly fine. Although I'm not a fan of trophy hunting unless its for population control and only if the entire animal is used in some form or fashion. Licenses/permits here for Ontario for both rifles and shotguns are also aren't too bad as well, so its not something that is forbidden or frowned upon, which a bonus I say in terms for the public's eye. Although some of the laws of how a firearm should be stored, etc. is quite problematic in the way of self-defense is considered. Handguns for the most part are hell to get from I understand and they still for the most part share the same rules and regulations as the larger firearms. Honestly, its best to simply reach for a bat when your house has been broken into because the time it'll take to go into the basement (or a room that is out reach, away from view) and unlock the safe would be more troublesome than beneficial considering most doors and windows are not in the basement or said room to begin with...