I agree that a shotgun can be as effective if not moreso for home defense, in most situations. I choose to have options when someone decides that my house is the one to try tonight. Close quarters vs. distance, etc.
There is already a mandatory minimum of 7 years (I believe, could be 9.) for using a gun in the commission of a crime. That doesn't seem to be scaring many gangsters off. Punishments for simply possessing one would be overkill, IMO. I guess I'm coming from the side that knows most handgun owners are responsible, and respectable people. The folks that don't store their guns securely are making their own bed, and may face the consequences. I would have no issue with fining or charging folks that don't securely store their firearms, I just think it would be a tough law to enforce.
Handguns
are made for killing people if the threat presents itself, except for mine. It's made for killing big furry animals.
This argument seems to be more of a personal choice vs. greater good discussion, and that's fine. I'm a firm believer in the saying "Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it."
As I've stated in previous threads about the same subject, this discussion is like abortion, religion, etc. You're likely not ever going to change someone's mind one way or the other, and that's OK.
Handguns are never going to go away completely. I could give a multitude of examples of people protecting their lives and property with the use of a firearm. I'm afraid someone would claim I was just shilling for the NRA, of which I'm not a member.
Prohibition of anything in the U.S. just creates an underground market for it. You just need to look at alcohol early in the 20th century for that, or the illegal drug trade today. I'd much rather have the industry be taxed and regulated.
As I've said before, I respect everyone's opinion on the subject. I hope someone's personal decision whether to own one or not doesn't come back to bite them. Whether that is owning one which ends up in the wrong hands, or not owning one and being at the mercy of someone who does. There are legitimate concerns associated with each viewpoint.