My Wife Wants to Buy a Gun. Help?

I don’t believe we’re personally threatened by extremism, but she does.

By Philip Galanes

Jan. 28, 2021, 10:25 a.m. ET

I live with my wife and our 11-year-old son in a peaceful suburban community. Given the civil unrest that shook our nation’s capital recently, and the continuing threat of violence elsewhere, my wife is fearful and would like to buy a gun for protection. She believes that unrest threatens us personally. I disagree. I think the presence of a gun in the home markedly increases the risk of someone being shot. I am also skeptical of marauding bands in our neighborhood. Any thoughts about our conflict?

OREN

My father killed himself with a gun he kept in our home, so I have a million thoughts about owning firearms. First, though, let me ask an important question: Have you and your wife discussed the responsibilities of gun ownership? (It may sound simple, but it’s actually a lot of work.)

It requires foolproof storage of the weapon, preferably in a locked gun safe with the ammunition housed separately; instruction for you and your wife in using the gun safely; and absolute certainty that your child will not get his hands on it. Let me add: There is no room for error in any of this!

Studies show that guns in homes increase the likelihood of domestic homicide and suicide. And defending yourselves from lawless mobs seems improbable to me. Still, I get your wife’s fear. The attack on the Capitol was terrifying, and subsequent reports may have increased anyone’s anxiety. Perhaps, though, by exploring other security measures (better locks, for instance, or an alarm system) your wife may agree that the kneejerk purchase of a gun is unwise.
The New York Times
Me: Let her buy a machine gun and then she can get the job done, once and for all. Unlike America, we are not allowed to own guns here, only the police and armed forces have guns…..