I'm less worried about rioters as much as a certain political party's members whose language has started to really concern me. That coupled with my complete loss of faith in certain institutions I expected to protect me and the (I know some will call this crazy) fear that my political party/views or sexuality might paint a target on my back. Hoping and even working towards what I see as a better future where I would not need a gun alone is become less acceptable in my mind. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

I'm also quite liberal, and bought my first AR back in November 2016. I share your concerns. Your timing is bad, but I do think having a gun (preferably a modern rifle) is a good idea.

You're right that training is important. I don't think you'll find beginner classes right now, but I don't think an in person class is essential. The Shooting 101 series Lucky Gunner Ammo did is a decent start. Some outdoor ranges are still open, but that may not be an option where you are.

I should have done it then but I just never imagined we would be where we are just 3.5 years later. Would have given me time to train and educate myself.

The pandemic opened my eyes to a lot of things. Things not even related, at least on the surface, to the pandemic itself. I’m kicking myself for not seeing it till now.

I’ll check out that series, thank you.

The first thing that comes to mind isn't the virus, but defending one's body, home, or business from rioters.

seriously. not much looting in open carry states.

Any evidence to back up the implication here?

I’m curious.

Not exhaustive but, compare the below with Chicago or Minneapolis.

https://houston.eater.com/2020/6/1/21277094/downtown-houston...

Minneapolis is where the protests started, though, so it makes sense that they would be more intense there in Houston. And beyond "not exhaustive," one example is essentially no evidence at all, unless you believe protests inherently turn violent without people open carrying firearms. Some actual numbers on property damage in multiple cities compared to rates of firearm ownership and ideally open carrying would be useful, but I'm not sure we have those.

I'd love that data. I'm sure someone will publish something with that. I'm personally in a red state and the agitators were kept on a short lease by the police. Just a few broken windows and a temporarily blocked freeway. Nothing burned down.

And you are right non-exhaustive was an understatement. Haha.

Were rioters looting private homes? I don't think it makes sense to buy a gun to defend your local Wal*Mart.

I saw more than a few Mom and Pop shops looted. If they had shotguns, maybe their shop would have suffered broken glass but the looting would stop after you had "peppered up"[1] the first looter.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLT5ZADZCeI