Would you ever forgive your father if this happened to you?

I think I would probably seek help from A LOT of friends and probably even councillors out there who have the ability and capacity to protect you. That's the problem with America. Leaving guns lying around and allowing residents to have a capacity to use them. Not to mention constant media provocation of violent imagery (Just watch Bowling for Columbine) and I definitely won't think about going back. If I could sneak back when my dad was out at work, then I would and grab as much as I could (since I know what time my dad gets out of the house and when he returns)

Though really, your friend's dad is just PURE psychotic. He really really really needs to get his priorities right! It's your SON you're talking about here, not like some mannequin which you can just pull your trigger. I would personally find it VERY hard to forgive my dad (since I also respect him very much as a fatherly figure and as a pillar of support) unless I'm sure he's changed for the better.

I'm pretty sure your friend's dad should have regretted his actions but to uphold his "dignity" refuses to admit that he's in the wrong and that leads onto more frustration and more angst, leading to more spouting and hatred between them. I hope your friend's situation does get better. But seriously, I think he should try getting some proper help like from the police or councillors who have the legal capacity to speak to his father and shield your friend from harm.

All the best for his situation. It's tough grappling with things like that but I hope he pulls through.

Jam it back in, in the dark.