Let me caveat onto that Carl,

In Katrina I saw an Officer clear his side arm improperly. I only know it was improper because he sent a round into the clearing barrel. The second he did that he made the statement by his actions that he thought his weapon was unchambered.

While in Iraq, with a company of about three hundred or so, we had three negligent discharges. Each time a round is fired during the clearing process is because that Soldier was under the impression that they didn't have a round in the tube.

Not trying to preach, lack the credentials to do so, but no I wouldn't advise anyone to own a fire arm. I think it's a decision that each makes on their own. Some to hunt, some for protection, some because they think it's cool to own one.

From the three, the last one scares me. Well, not the blood-draining-wet-my-pants kind of scare... more like the quiet man-scare that causes a mild flinch... but in a dirty harry kind of way...