In my book, having a firearm is a choice. not a neccessity. I believe crimes commited with firearms are still crimes pepetrated by human beings. Mentally ill or criminal, but still human beings. Firearms do not discharge themselves, nor commit crimes. 

Recently, our reactionary politicians have rung the bell for more firearm controls. Me, personally, I think statistics will show that legally applied for and checked out by police, firearm owners have a safer track record in proportion - than an equivalent amount of medical personell. Also, I believe anyone awarded a firearm purchaser's permit should be personally interviewed by law enforcement. Civilians are not taught when to shoot and when to hold fire as police are - and just being able to hit a target on a range during the day, does not guarantee stopping the bad guy who is in your house while you are deep in sleep. I know of no one who practices waking up, half asleep, loading the firearm, pointing it at a REAL perpetrator (hopefully not a family member) and actually hitting the person. More than likely, a half asleep gunowner will shoot a family member under those conditions. 

If your reason for purchasing a firearm is plinking, sport shooting, hunting - fine!

But if your reason is to protect your house, I recommend the best locks, motion sensors, alarms and if possible - a dog trained to bark at strange sounds. You can call your dog back, but not a bullet. That lady today with twin daughters was very lucky that she did train for that event, but her daughter's do have to live with that experience. I believe a good alarm system or a dog would have prevented the crime. No crook wants to go through alarms, motion sensor lights and camera, and a dog - just to steal something. There are plenty of other easier marks.