Brave questions, @Anonymous ๐
The only "gun" I have is a toy six shooter that I got years ago when some creep was stalking my condo, peeping in my dining room window, and freaking me out. I figured from a distance it might not be noticed that the gun was a fake.
Despite that incident, and while home invasion crimes are not unknown in my metro area, I don't feel unsafe or under threat enough to own a gun.
As to the broader question, I think it's a complex issue. Personally I would like for anyone who doesn't have the physical ability to safely handle and discharge a gun to not have one. If a pistol is too heavy to hold steady, if hands shake thus preventing accurate aim, if eye/hand coordination is impaired by neurological or muscular problems, trying to use a gun is dangerous to self and others.
I would like for anyone who doesn't have the mental capacity for sound reasoning, good judgment, and acceptance of consequences to not have a gun. If one can't distinguish between mere intimidation versus real potential of harm, if one is chronically prone to blame the victim for one's own actions, if one can't de-escalate a situation without getting violent, then having a gun is dangerous.
I would like for anyone who doesn't have control of their fear, anger, and hatred responses to not have a gun. Way too many people use gun violence to make themselves feel powerful, and to resolve emotional tension within themselves. This is dangerous to society in general and a lethal threat to anyone who happens to get into conflict with an unstable gun owner.
Some of these people might be elderly. Many of them are young and everywhere in between.
