As you certainly are aware, both laws and attitudes towards guns are very different here in the US. So I hope you don't find my answer too strange.
Both my wife and I each shoot Sig 226 9mm. Hers is a (very posh) Blackwater 226 with a laser/light mounted on the rail. Mine is a Sig 226 SCT (Super Capacity Tactical) with Crimson Trace Laser Grips and a SigLight mounted on the rail. We shoot these in local competition and 'fun shoots' at the local gun club. I freely admit that my wife is a better shot than me!

These weapons are also kept in the nightstand next to our bed as 'home defense' weapons. Not that we live in a bad neighborhood or expect the need to defend our home...but it is better to have a weapon and not need it, than to need a weapon and not have it. (This is why both weapons have laser sights and lights mounted on them. Both are removed for competition shooting)
My wife and I are also licensed to carry concealed weapons, and have been for a number of years. She carries a Colt Defender in .45 caliber. Her lady's purse is specially designed to holster the weapon safely and out of sight. I carry a Colt New Agent, also in .45. I generally carry with an Inside-the WaistBand (IWB) holster under my shirt.
My wife is armed most of the time. Whereas I only carry about 20% of the time.
To someone not familiar with American 'gun culture' it all sounds a bit over-the-top. It's not a 'wild,wild, west' scenario at all. It's simply an everyday part of life....and we do enjoy shooting.