Your wife is only looking at half the possibilities. She knows what could happen if you or her are irresponsible with your firearms. She considers what it would be like if one of her children found one and hurt themselves or their sibling. Has she considered her children going through life without a mother or her going through life without her children? This stuff does happen to good people for no reason.
The fact is you and your wife are responsible for yourselves and your children. This includes defending their lives from an attacker. A firearm is the best tool you have to do this. Your wife is familiar with firearms and that is a very good thing. Sign her up for a defensive pistol course. Buy a safe to store the guns in. The attic is a terrible place to store firearms for a number of reasons. You really should have a safe. If your state allows you to conceal a weapon you should do so, in and out of your home as often as possible.
People are not your only threat. Dogs attack children all the time. She could be walking from the parking lot into the store, at the park, in front of the school, etc. How will she fend off a vicious dog that is trying to rip her child apart? What if someone tries to carjack her with the children strapped in the car? How will she possibly defend the family against an armed assailant? Will she just let the carjacker take the kids and hope you get them back safe and unharmed? You have the best tool available; use it and your head.
I think she needs to wake up to the reality of this world. There are many evil people out there wishing to harm her. Do not be one of the "I hope it doesn't happen to me people"; be prepared. Police are never there when you need them. You are responsible for yourself and your children. Your wife needs to be able to defend herself and her children. Do not depend on someone else to do it for you.
Best of luck to you and your family.
Edit:
Also teaching your wife and children to defend themselves without a weapon is crucial. I highly recommend going for the eyes of the attacker. Women are told to kick a man in the balls. This does not always work, she could miss of clothing may block the impact. Eyes are almost always within reach and are very sensitive. Poke and gouge at the eyes of your attacker. It's very difficult to restrain someone when your vision is impaired.
Last edited by west-phoenix-az (2007-05-18 20:55:31)