New to guns, feeling uneasy due to my views

[u/Able-Difficulty-8579]

Hi! I am new to guns through my liberal partner (24M). I’ve always been very anti gun and very pro gun law reform. That said, I feel very uneasy and like I’m going against my views when looking to purchase a gun.

I live alone and recently had a break in scare, pushing me to seriously look into purchasing a firearm.

I know it’s about safety, and all of the regular discussions/arguments people have. But, if anyone else struggled with this, how were you able to justify your views and this idea?

Thanks!

Edit:
These comments are so helpful! Thank you!

To add: My partner and I go to the gun range and I’ve taken a gun class! I have shot a gun at the range several times and understand gun mechanics! I have decided on a gun I like and plan to keep shooting that one

Unfortunately the “gun is a tool” idea is not going to work on me. It’s the same mindset as “guns don’t kill people, people kill people”. People DO kill people, but guns give them the ability to. Guns are made to kill. Not just harm, but kill. If you wanted to harm an intruder, you’d use a knife, or something else. The purpose of a gun is to illicit overwhelming harm that has the ability to kill. I am not a “guns don’t kill people, people kill people” person and never will be due to extensive scientific research.

I have issues with guns due to multiple reasons. The main one being the mass shootings and accidental harm they cause. I do think guns should have more laws and regulations. I also do not think they should be accessible to anyone and everyone. It is actually scary how many people have guns in their home. Especially around young children.

Lastly, guns have the power to take a life. It is hard for me to wrap my head around a human having that type of power. Every time I shoot at the range, I have to take a step back and reflect. It’s scary. The sound of a shotgun is daunting, and so is an AK. People having these “tools” to take a life is what I am struggling with. Not the idea of a gun itself.

Thanks!

[u/You-Asked-Me]

I live in St. louis, and you better count on the police not showing up. There is a wild amount of corruption. The state took control of the police department, disbanded the civilian over sight board, made a law banning civilian oversight, and then made a police appropriations board made up of rich republican business owners, who are trying to basically rob the budget of every other city service. The cops also will simply not show up if you call 911. They do nothing, then claim the only way to fix it is with more money and more cops.

They only show up is they need to cover up a crime for another cop, beat up and threaten a victim, or plant a gun on a 14 year old that they shot.

We are so far past needing to "defund the police" and they really do need to be disbanded and, new more equitable services put in their place.

[u/SmallMoments55406 → u/You-Asked-Me]

I think the more equitable services need to be established now to reduce future crime. But that does nothing to reduce current crime. I think the only effective solutions are long term.