The personal firearm as a weapon of warfare is much more limited in application today, than it once was; this is the reason for the proliferation of bombings by revolutionary groups worldwide in recent decades. Guns work only if you know who your enemy is. Against the enemies of freedom these days, Madison Avenue (bread and circuses) is more powerful than gunpowder and steel casings. Obviously this country will never be attacked by enemy infantry. It would be either nuclear weapons, terrorism (bombings, infrastructure attacks, food supply contamination), or ecconomic in nature. It still has some use for personal protection, IF you are faster, stronger, and luckier than your attacker. But the old argument that personal gun ownership is what keeps us free just isn't true anymore. Yes they might keep you alive a few more days in an appocalyptic scenario, if you can call that living. That said, I do own firearms, but not for any high-minded constitutionalist reasons. My 3 cents. Your mileage undoubtedly will vary. Now, I'm going to go look for the new comet in my big binos. Thanks to Kurt for the head's-up.