Ever heard of home invasions? I carry a .40 in my belt all day, and keep an AR on the couch. Unless Im in the garage, in which case it comes with me.
As far as needing a gun? God, I pray I never need it. Just like I hope I never need a fire extinguisher or a seatbelt, but like those things, the threats are real enough, and happen often enough to anyone, anywhere, that not having them is simply irresponsible.
Having a couple plinkers and a couple higher end guns, and reloading isnt so much a "need" per-se, as a want. It's challenging and fun. Also nice to know Im not the one to fuck with.