Hey Zip-
I understand what you are saying. Talking about home-defense & ACTUALLY PULLING THE TRIGGER are 2 different things. I hope I never have to take a mans life, good or bad. Make no mistake, if they come in my house with bad intentions, I will. I have not shot my guns in years!! If I had to shoot someone, I would actually be more comfortable with a compound bow... but by the time I got to full draw, I would be dead.
I live in a pretty low crime rate area too. Double D: not being in a war ever, it is hard to relate. I am alot like Zip... just hunt is all & never had to use a weapon on anyone to defend myself. I am sure if you are in a place like Nam, you never loose the feeling of looking over your shoulder.