10 Reasons NOT to Have a Firearm in Your Home

I am all for people utilizing their second amendment rights to the fullest. The possibility that many of the homes in a neighborhood have firearms is a good deterrent to criminals, being able to protect yourself is a natural right, and well, I just like having my guns around--it gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. There are circumstances, however, when it makes a whole lot of sense to (usually temporarily) not have firearms in the home. Here's when:

1. When there is domestic violence in the family or the possibility of domestic violence such as during a contentious divorce. This is a bad situation that needs to be fixed immediately, generally by putting a lot of distance between the parties. If the violent people are all in the same house and there is a firearm, there is an increased possibility that one will use it on the other.
2. When there is a suicidal person in the home. Firearms are often used to commit suicide. Ideally the depressed/suicidal person receives treatment and all is well, but until treatment is successfully completed, having a firearm on the premises generally exacerbates the problem. Some people say yes, but if there is no gun they will just hang themselves or use pills. Possibly, hopefully not, but on a macabre note, if there is no stopping the suicide, walking in on someone who has hanged themselves is a whole lot better than finding someone who has blown their head off.
3. When alcohol use is out of control. Excessive alcohol use and anything else (driving, using a firearm, carrying around a knife, etc) usually winds up with stupid if not deadly results. An alcoholic with a gun is bad all the way around.
4. When there are troubled teens in the home. Gang banger kids, show off kids, kids who are bullied or out of control make for a very volatile situation. Also, kids are pretty clever so if they really want to get to your firearms they probably will and the results can be deadly (or at least lead to incarceration).
5. If there is a convicted felon in the home. The law is pretty clear that unless an ex con has had their rights restored, being in possession of a firearm--which usually happens when there is an ex con and a firearm in the same vicinity--can send them back to the big house. Why take the risk?
6. When the gun was purchased years ago "for protection", has never been used or practiced with, and has been stashed in the back of the closet under the sweaters to use in the event of an emergency. This is a sign of an irresponsible gun owner who probably shouldn't even own a gun.
7. If you are a pacifist or are diametrically opposed to gun ownership. Just because a person can own a gun doesn't mean they should.
8. If it is illegal in your jurisdiction. Deciding whether or not to break the law is a personal decision; in this situation some people feel their right to own a gun as outlined in the constitution overrides the whim of the city council. For others they will follow the law and thus avoid a nasty legal situation.
9. It's against your religion. Some religions are like that and people need to do what they feel is right.
10. If you think you will only use it to scare away a burglar but would never actually use it. Hopefully the sound of chambering your 12 gauge will send a smart burglar right out of your home but this may be wishful thinking. The only time you should point a firearm at a person is if you fully intend to use it on them.

Obviously owning a gun is a big responsibility. Part of this responsibility is knowing when not to have one. If any of the above situations apply to you, consider temporarily storing your firearm at a friend's home or at your local gun club. In the place of a firearm, in order to protect yourself and your family, consider other non-lethal options such as pepper spray or a taser.