[philderbeast]

"an intruder with a statistical 30-40% chance of being armed"

add gun control into the mix and this chance goes WAY down.

"If you startle them they could open fire sending a stray bullet into your kids room"

As could you by opening fire in an attempt to stop the attacker. Noting the majority of gun owners never use them, they are far more likely to cause harm them prevent it.

The "protection" argument is best served by reducing the number of weapons in circulation, not by arguing your ability to use one to protect yourself.

[michaelmrose]

You are certainly correct but one is usually in a stronger position to control your individual situation than your societies. Logically reducing weapons in circulation makes sense but if one cannot actually do that then it may make sense to arm yourself even if on net your society is less safe for the decision you are all collectively making.