Why do you have a handgun?

Protection - we live on the edge of city limits. The only way a cop is getting to our house faster than something bad happens is if it's the one that lives a few blocks over and hears the commotion from his house (not likely).

Target shooting - we haven't had as much time lately, but it used to be a whole day's outing - meet up with family, go shooting, go back for a cookout.

Because we can

I do not have one. My mother recently got her concealed carry permit and bought a handgun. She lives about 25 miles away from the closest law enforcement department. She lives near heavily wooded areas where it's not uncommon to find yourself staring down a bear. Not to mention that she lives in a new neighborhood that consists mostly of lots that haven't been sold or built on, thus resulting in a great place for privacy if you need a place to conduct drug business. No less than 10 times a day (worse in the summer) drug dealers are driving up on the hill to sell their shit. She took gun safety classes and fulfilled all of the requirements to follow the law. I would hate for her to have to depend on law enforcement to drive 25 miles to respond to her needs.

I have several, I like shooting. Also had bad shit happen in my past ( you can message me for that ), my area is great actually but I'm home alone with my kids a good portion of the year.

I dont have a handgun but I plan on getting one as soon as I go through the safety classes. I dont live in a bad neighborhood but the city I live in has a really bad rap sheet. I've been attacked in the past. I have never wanted a gun until the colorado theater shooting.

I enjoy shooting, a lot of my guns have been handed down for generations. I've been shooting since I was about 5 and its something I enjoy. I hunt with my guns and I have some which I carry with me at all times strictly for personal protection.

It's my constitutional right as an American Citizen, and I enjoy shooting (target & hunting).

Don't own a handgun. We own a 12 gauge shotgun though. We live in a pretty rural town/area that has only 3 cops period, so it might take a bit for a cop/law enforcement to get here. Plus, it comes in handy when you have a coyote problem.

I grew up w/ guns & was taught at an early age how to be safe around them. We have always had one for home protection & I like the security of knowing it's there if I need it. Hoping I never have to, but glad it's there just in case.

Don't have a gun