"Of course, in a perfect world there'd be no guns, but you have to live in the world that exists."I dunno, Brandon--in addition to their protective benefits, they're kind of fun, and shooting offers a great opportunity for cameraderie, be it with family, friends, or even strangers.
I guess a perfect world is in the eye of the beholder.
But you're on the right track with sensing a need to defend yourself and your family. Listen to those instincts. Follow them and learn.