Handguns have come a long way since the muskets of the 1700's and Samuel Colt's first revolver in the 1800's. Guns have made great contributions to our society. They were the backbone of our independence when ordinary citizens took up arms against the British in the American Revolution. Guns have technologically progressed, making them safer and thus more attractive for family protection. This boosted gun ownership, and in 2001 nearly one in every three homes enjoyed the protection of a gun (Gale 9). This increase in gun ownership has divided the country in a debate over private gun ownership. Some people believe it is our constitutional right to own a gun. Others believe that guns should be confiscated from the hands of all citizens. Powerful organizations have developed over this debate. One of the biggest arguments is whether guns contribute to crime, or hinder it. The truth is private ownership of firearms helps reduce crime.…
