Like you I live in California and in a small town where it is unlikely I would ever have use for a weapon. Years ago, as a youth, I owned a 22 semi automatic rifle and took a course on handling, firing and care of a weapon. I don't remember who it was through but I also recommend you do the same if considering owning a firearm. I had not owned a firearm until I saw what the youth gangs did to the elderly after the earthquake in Haiti and decided that it was time to own one again. I decided on a Chinese made assault shotgun with an 18" barrel. Just to look at it makes me want to run and I'm hoping it would do the same to an intruder, or group of intruders. If not I have 00 buck and one ounce slugs to convince them to run...or die.
