Christians and Guns

I have a few gun-owning friends who are Christians. Some actually brag about it while others are more discreet. I wonder about how appropriate this is. So I have questions. True, the questions I ask and the way I ask them betray which way I'm leaning, but I am sincere at hearing some answers.

Disclaimer: I have never owned a gun. I have fired a few (I'm a horrible shot because of my poor vision and poor hand-eye coordination), but the closest I came was a CO2 pellet gun, which was a gift and I only had for a short time.

I can think of basically three reasons to own guns: (1) Hunting. (2) Recreation. Target practice, shooting tin cans, etc. (3) Self-defense.

I have no problem with the first two items on the list. Although neither appeal to me, I know many guys who really enjoy to hunt or just shoot. As long as you store the guns safely and keep them away from kids, fine.

It's the third item that bothers me. And here are my questions. If an intruder came into your home, what are you going to do with the gun? Shoot first? Only shoot if necessary? Just use it to scare them away?

(The last option is dangerous, because if you are not prepared to shoot, you might find the gun being used against you. If you are going to pull it out, I think you have to be prepared to use it.)

If you are prepared to shoot, are you concerned about potentially taking another person's life? Even if he/she is a criminal? Is there a difference between shooting someone to keep them from taking your stuff vs. shooting to keep them from harming you or your family?

And how does this reconcile with Jesus' words?

You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? (Matthew 5:38-46)

I am not entirely comfortable with any of the answers I come up with. I know that i don't own a gun so I will probably never face the issue. But still I wonder. How do you answer these questions?