Ha, I grew up target shooting with rifles, handguns and shotguns, as did a lot of people I know who've lived up here their whole lives. I've never hunted (never had to). I'll never carry a handgun, but only because I really think it's a chickensh*t thing to do. So, no, I don't have a big problem with guns, I'm just not feverent about it like so many others (NRA) are. In fact, I've been hankering for some skeet lately (the autumn air does that to me). And, in actuality, the only issues I have with the south (which is the southeastern US for those who don't know) are that it's humid for over half the year, and you can't ski anywhere the other half. Commander, I think you'll find the US a lot safer than you think. I suspect there is an image in other countries that the US is a dangerous place, but it's really just fine. I've lived near/in a big city my whole life and I've never been in an overtly dangerous situation. Hank.