"I've never handled a gun in my life" -- buy one and you'll understand why so many people do. First of all, shooting sports is a diverse and challenging not to mention extremely enjoyable pastime. Then when you realize that you are preparing to take care of yourself and your loved ones in the event that there is nobody else there to do it for you (basically, most of the time), you will develop an new-found sense of independence and security that you will get no other way.

As tough as it is SCA, you can even do this in NYC.