our laws explicitly state that self-defense is not sufficient reason to own a gun.

Are your law enforcement agencies obligated to protect you and can they depended upon? I would not choose a semiautomatic rifle for self-defense so that distinction I not relevant to this for me. While won’t applaud your action I won’t deride it either. You are fortunate that violent crime is so uncommon where you live. My home has been invaded twice and my cars have been robbed twice. This is in decent to nice neighborhoods. Three I have fought aggressors who were hurting someone I cared about. I don’t carry a firearm but I might if things go bad.

If guns are banned here I would comply. I don’t feel I need any of my guns but I don’t see anything wrong with having them.

TEK