I'm thinking about buying a gun.

[BeachBaby]

TZ....wanna go shopping? :hide:

[Parche]

1. Guns kill

:loveya::hi: :hug:

[BeachBaby]

2. Hey, you.....

Yeah, I know. :loveya: :hi:

[sasquatch]

3. Glock 21, fires .45 calibers

With that amount of stopping power you can take down even the biggest of FReepers.

[BeachBaby]

9. I know nothing about guns. NOTHING.

I was thinking about something simple - 9mm.

[Common Sense Party]

16. I just bought a 9mm this week. My first gun.

Why should Freepers have all the fun?

[BeachBaby]

20. Oh, wow.

Have you been to a range yet? How does it feel to shoot it?

[Common Sense Party]

23. I haven't been able to yet. I shot a friend's and it was fun, so I took

the plunge. I got an XD-M, made by Springfield Armory.

I really want to take a firearm safety course before I go out and play at the range by myself, so I'm looking around for one that fits my schedule.

[BeachBaby]

35. A firearm safety course sounds like a great idea.

Please keep me posted on how that turns out....if you found it to be beneficial, etc. Thanks! :)

[Common Sense Party]

38. Will do. I'm sure it will be beneficial, since I'm pretty much a gun

novice. I've shot a handful of times with friends. Mostly I just like target shooting. I'll have it in the house, but I really don't expect to ever need it for home defense. I haven't in the past 17+ years of married life, I doubt I will. But, should I ever need it, it's there.

I got one of those easy access mini gun safes--you can code in a combination, even in the dark, and get the gun out pretty quickly. That way, I don't have to worry about the kids messing with it.

[doc03]

87. I just got me a XDM in .40 cal a few weeks

ago. It shoots great I put 8 rounds in a 6 inch group at 25 yards off sand bags. Off hand I can shoot about a 25 inch group at 6 yards.

[Common Sense Party]

92. Sweet. The .40 was just too much kick for me. I liked the 9mm.

You're much more accurate than I (at either distance).

[flvegan]

21. 13+1 .45 makes for a fairly heavy gun, don't you think?

I mean yeah, if you're police/military, but for civilian carry?

I like my 6+1 Officer's Compact. Perfect size and weight.

[BeachBaby]

24. Ummmm.....

you and I need to talk sometime, if that's okay.

[flvegan]

29. Sure.

[sasquatch]

54. Yeah, but the benefits outweigh the consequences with that gun

[ForrestGump]

131. Glocks are for wimps

Do what I do when the earth quakes, and the poison arrows fall from the sky, and the pillars of Heaven shake. Call in an airstrike.

[Pierre.Suave]

4. I have a big gun you can, uhmmm, use...

:evilgrin:

:rofl:

[BeachBaby]

5. YO!!!! How the fuck are ya???

:hug:

Now, about that big gun..... ahem....

You haven't been around, obviously. A lot has happened. That is all. Bwhahahahaha...... :evilgrin:

[Pierre.Suave]

6. Yes, but...

I am aware of everything. SO, I know.

[BeachBaby]

7. Interesting.

Just exactly WHAT was discussed at the meetup today, hmmmmm???? :rofl:

[Pierre.Suave]

8. Nothing relating to this

I am observant and capable of figuring things out on my own.

[TZ]

10. Then you know

Living where you do, maybe that wasn't umm the safest comment to make..:evilgrin:

[Pierre.Suave]

11. I am not worried about him

I can factor him into insignificant numbers...

or something like that.

:P

[BeachBaby]

12. +11. ROTFLMAO!!!!!

[Midlodemocrat]

13. Jesus! Where have you been?

You had people really, really worried. Hope you're okay.

And, don't do that again, or Skittles will KICK YOUR ASS and we'll all help.

:hi:

[Pierre.Suave]

14. Family emergency

I absolutely had to go.

I did not know I was so important around here to warrant a manhunt.

[Midlodemocrat]

17. Well now you know.

:evilgrin:

I think it was the circumstances that freaked people out; that you didn't go to the meetup that you had planned.

DUers are good, kind people. Well, most of them.

:hi:

I'm sorry about the emergency. I hope things have settled down for you.

[Left Is Write]

44. I would have called you...

...except I apparently did not save your cell # in my phone. So, if you still have it, you'll have to call my number again so I can save your number. :D

[Pierre.Suave]

46. I do not have your number either

I did not think I had a reason to save it.

[Left Is Write]

51. Well, I guess we were both silly, then.

[Pierre.Suave]

55. For sure

I never throw away a hot woman's phone number... What was I thinking...

:P

[Mike 03]

15. I have too; for a couple of years now.

Something keeps me from actually doing it, but I have felt that it would be an intelligent thing to do, in my case. For others, it might be the wrong decision, for sure. I'm just speaking for myself.

[BeachBaby]

18. I'm a single mom.

I believe I would be responsible with a gun. I've thought about it for a couple of years - but it's been on my mind, more and more.

I just want to educate myself, and be properly trained on how to use something as powerful as a gun, before I actually go out and get one.

[Mike 03]

26. My sister is a single mom too who made the decision to train in the use of a gun and buy

one. She keeps it unloaded and locked up.

I respect that decision.

Society is going to become increasingly violent as the economy worsens. There are good arguments for self-protection, although I know that is not a popular concept with many folks here. And I respect that, but we only have one life (although, as a Buddhist, I'm hopeful we have more than one: we are only sure we have one), and we need to look after our loved ones too.

[Kali]

53. I do not understand the purpose of a locked up and unloaded hand gun.

If it supposed to be for protection what are they gonna say? "Oh wait a minute while I go get my gun, please"? :shrug:

[flvegan]

28. Find a local range that rents firearms.

No better way to figure it out other than a test drive.

If it's just for home protection, one word: Mossberg. Go short and pistol grips. Nothing stops like a slug. Just my opinion.

[BeachBaby]

30. Remember that CSI girlfriend of mine I told you about?

She's a former Marine and cop. She was a sharp-shooter in the Corp. She told me yesterday that she would "train" me if I choose to go this route.

I imagine she'll take me to some police dept. range.

[TZ]

19. What brought this on?

Snow geese "bombing" your car again...:hide:

[BeachBaby]

22. I'm not quite sure.

After PiGuy left, I realized that I was on my own. Sounds weird, I know - but it kinda woke me up to my vulnerability.

[Midlodemocrat]

25. Oh, like that douchebag was any protection.

:hide:


Get an alarm. Great piece of mind for coming back into a dark house at night. The teenaged son doesn't hurt, either.

[BeachBaby]

31. Ooooohhhhh.....

I'm tellllinnnnnnn!!!!! :spank:

I can't get an alarm - I rent.

As for my teenager, he's 13. In another couple of years, he may be worth something. :P

[Midlodemocrat]

32. I lurves the pi guy.

:rofl:

[TZ]

27. Well you still have Natasha and her slobber of mass destruction...

Any smart prowler would take one look at her and run..I know I nearly did..:hide:

PS- You KNOW what kind of comments Pi Guy is gonna make when he hears about this right? " I got yer gun right here babee!" :rofl:

[BeachBaby]

40. About Natasha.....

Yeah, she's one intimidating-looking beast of a dog. Small horse to some people - BUT....

She's getting older, on the end years of her life span. Not as quick to move. Sleeps a lot more. I've been the owner of the breed before, and so I'm aware of what happens when these changes take place. She has slowed down quite a bit.

As for your PS - yeah, I can actually hear him say that. Good lord. :rofl:

[triguy46]

33. A bit of reality...

I have a shotgun for dealing with varmints out here on the farm. But they would do me absolutely no good for protection. Why? Because I don't keep them loaded or accesible.

Sooooo....If you feel you need a handgun for protection, if you are convinced that your situation is such that you could be victimized in your home, then you must commit to having it loaded and nearby at all times. You do not get a time out in a home invasion. This is a significant committment, because having it unloaded, or for that matter loaded, but hidden or in a drawer or on a shelf requires that you go get it.

Sooooo....point in summary: If your level of concern is less than the need to have it nearby and loaded, I would question whether you truly need it. I see it, IMHO, as an either/or issue with not much in between if the goal is self protection.

Good luck. BTW, I'm partial to revolvers of the large size.

[BeachBaby]

41. I hear ya.

That's probably why it's taken me so long to get to this point. I understand the seriousness of the subject.

Thanks for your advice. :)

[RebelOne]

34. Yes, yes, I have been thinking about buying a gun

for quite a while now. I have been feeling quite secure because I have a Rottweiler. She is a wimp, buy anyone thinking about breaking into my house doesn't know that. Well, my Rottie is now 11-1/2 years old even though she seems to be in good health, a Rottweiler's lifespan is 11 to 12 years. There have been break-ins in my neighborhood, but have not hit my house because of my dog. When she passes, I will definitely be buying a gun.

[BeachBaby]

45. I know of what you speak.

I just mentioned it upthread.

I have an Old English Mastiff. Very intimidating in size and height, but she's getting old. :(

Love the Rotties, btw. :)

[greenbriar]

36. this one is cool.

http://www.gunsandammomag.com/cs/Satellite/IMO_GA/Story_C/Charter+Arms+Pink+Lady+.38

[rrneck]

37. Be safe

Take a safety course, practice, and accept the fact that having a firearm means you should be ready to kill someone with it.

And get one of these:

http://www.gunvault.com/minisafe.nxg

[Renew Deal]

39. A gun thread in the lounge?

:popcorn:

[Left Is Write]

42. I thought this said you were thinking about buying gum.

[madinmaryland]

43. Uh-oh!! Here come the gun nuts and gun grabbers.

:popcorn:

[BeachBaby]

56. Looks like you're wrong, troublemaker.

:spank:

This thread turned out to be civil and informative. Nanny nanny noo noo. :rofl:

[DarkTirade]

47. I don't know if I'd ever own one myself...

but I think at some point it might be a good idea to learn how to use one.

Of course, being a complete and utter nerd, I'd probably see if I could get ahold of a working Mauser C96, Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector II or Webley Mark VI. (I'd have to get that one modified of course, they don't make .455 bullets anymore. But every one I've seen in circulation before has been modified to work with .45s. And the Mauser has an odd bullet size, dunno if I could get the right size for that.)

... and only a true geek will recognize why I chose those three. :P

[BeachBaby]

57. I'm a complete virgin to anything gun-related.

Seriously. I know ZILCH about this stuff - but it's time for me to learn, I think. :)

[DarkTirade]

79. I've never touched a loaded gun before.

I've touched a few when they were a little bit tipsy, but none were completely loaded. :P

[DS1]

48. First and most important question:

Do you have any kids in the house?

[BeachBaby]

58. Yes, I do.

Two boys - ages 10 and 13. My two biggest reasons why I haven't had a gun in the house. Yet.

[whistler162]

72. If you do buy a pistol include

your sons in the safety course, if not in the training and practice sessions.

[BarenakedLady]

49. I'm thinking of buying protection too.

Thought I'm thinking more towards the young, beefy, testosterone-laden kind because that's the way I roll.

;)

[BeachBaby]

59. LOL!

Well, that is the plan for me, too - but until then..... ;)

[applegrove]

50. uck. Why would you do that?

[BeachBaby]

60. If you read through the thread, you'll gain a better understanding.

This decision is hardly impulsive. It's been on my mind for awhile now.

[liberaltrucker]

52. S&W .38 Special is my recommendation

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=14763&langId=-1&isFirearm=Y

* .38 S&W Special +P Rated
* Non-Reflective Finish For Discreet Personal Carry
* Crimson Trace® Laser Sighting System
* Light Weight Airweight Package

When you need a lightweight carry revolver, you turn to Smith & Wesson's Small Frame Airweight Series. They are the original aluminum, small frame revolvers chambered in .38 S&W Special +P.


Use a subsonic hollow point round.

[BeachBaby]

61. Okay - this is where I may think differently than others here in this thread.

Call me naive, but when I think about shooting an intruder, I am not thinking along the lines of "Shoot to kill". I'm thinking "Shoot to stop". Hollow points are definite killers, no?

[Mugu]

63. Anything that is a good stopper is going to be more deadly.

Edit to add: Your motivation should always be to stop your adversary in their unsocial behavior not to kill. Unfortunately a shot that immediately disables will probably be fatal.

Edited a second time to add: I've seen shots where you couldn't tell that the shootee had been hit, that turned out to be fatal. I've never seen a shot where the shootee dropped like a wet dishrag that wasn't fatal. If you're not prepared to take a life, don't shoot.

[Pierre.Suave]

64. when shooting

there is only shoot to kill, nothing else.

If the attacker also has a gun, and you put a bullet in his knee, he will shoot you. There is no shoot to stop, only to kill.

And thats IF you even hit him. Not so easy under stress.

[Mugu]

62. So much to say, so little time to say it this morning.

I'm very much a believer in being armed. However, if there's any chance that I may have to fight there's no way that I'm going to reach for a handgun. They're just too ineffective. Handguns are best for those times when you don't expect a fight, but find yourself involved in one.

IMHO a newbie with an auto-loader is an accident looking to happen. With over forty years of handgun experience and numerous weapons to chose from, my personal choice for a pillow gun is a medium framed .357 revolver. Easy to operate, even when awoken from a deep sleep, able to deliver a decent punch, virtually no worry about an accidental discharge, and fits under a pillow much better than a 12ga.

Just my $.02.

[GOPisEvil]

65. How about a shotgun with a pistol grip?

Not as hard to aim while under pressure, and if you hear someone outside, the mere sound of the cycling of a shotgun is enough to drive most intruders off.

Something like a Mossberg 500 perhaps?

[TZ]

66. I've fired a shotgun

The kickback is not fun

[GOPisEvil]

67. You can get the Mossberg in a .410 gauge.

Much less kickback.

[Mugu]

69. If your life is being threatened you won't even know that the weapon went off.

Recoil is only a problem during practice. In all the accounts of gunfights that I've been privy to, the participants report thinking that their weapons weren't working because of not hearing the shots and not feeling any recoil.

That's why you hear of people emptying their weapons into their adversary when to a person that's never been in a fight it appears unnecessary. I always chuckle when I read the threads where people complain about the bad guy getting shot 15 times. The people making those complaints have never been in a fight.

[TZ]

75. Is not the idea to HIT your target

There's no fucking way I could hit someone with a big bulky gun under pressure.personally I would find a gun like that useless p

[Mugu]

82. As my dear sweet grandpappy use to say,

"I'd rather hit with a .22 short than miss with a howitzer."

That said, it does little good for you to deliver a blow that has a delayed effect if your aggressor is still able function during that time. First rule of gunfighting, no second place winners.

The only point I was trying to make in the post that you replied to is that recoil is of little concern or even noticed once a confrontation starts and the fight or flight subconscious responce takes over. Gunfights by their very nature are generally very brief and extremely violent, leaving little or no time for conscious decisions or physical sensations.

[Heidi]

68. Little-known DU fact: I have an ROTC marksmanship certification.

Please do more than think about buying a gun. Think about getting the proper training before you make that purchase. As I understand it, you have children. That gun, if you buy it, will be your responsibility, whether it's used by you or someone else. I think we Americans too often taken the responsibility of gun ownership (and especially handgun ownership) quite casually when, in fact, it's an enormous responsibility.

Just a thought.

[BeachBaby]

70. If you read through the thread....

you'll see that I've considered everything you've mentioned.

[Heidi]

73. I read through it.

I think the educational part is very, very important, and has not been stressed enough in this thread. We have two handguns in our home, and we take the responsibility extremely seriously -- to the point of having the handguns in separate, key-secured lockboxes in locked closets with the ammunition stored separately. As a result, these handguns would not have been much use to us in terms of ready protection in the past 10 years as our goddaughters (who live across the street from us) have essentially grown up in our home.

This is not an easy decision to make -- nor should it be. I wish you good judgment and, above all, safety.

[Kali]

71. I'd get the training for the kids too

takes away the "forbidden" allure and mystery - especially for boys

[Heidi]

74. Indeed.

:thumbsup:

[Kali]

77. that is one of thoise kinda right wing wacko ideas I really like

it ought to be some kind of mandatory PE class for all kids - making them have to learn about guns/safety in school would take away ALL the allure:rofl:

[Heidi]

78. I'm kinda undecided about that.

I don't think DARE, for example, has taken away ANY of the allure of drug use. I simply believe we have to act logically and assume that kids are gonna be curious about or irrationally afraid of anything "forbidden," especially when our culture has trained them up that way (whether it's guns, sex or drugs or whatever)-- and we as responsible, progressive adults have an ethical responsibility to act and behave logically.

On edit: removing personal info. :hi:

[Kali]

86. Oh definitely not in a DARE type program.

That shit never works. I'm thinking just a regular required class like a PE class - some handling info and lots of target practice - to the point of it being almost boring. (and best presented by an instructor who is less than enthusiastic as well :rofl: ) No fear or BS like the anti-type programs, just something that is so normal it not only takes away the fear, but bores them out of the subject.

[Call Me Wesley]

76. Nooo! You shoot your eye out,

or:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=8642447&mesg_id=8643932

[Heidi]

80. Untrained, negligent adults caused that hole in your left left leg, the scar

that runs vertically down to your shin, the aches you experience when the weather is extremely cold or moist weather even 33 years later, and the fact that your mother's foot is disfugured (also 33 years later) from the same handgun "accident." I love you and wish the gun owner and your parents had been more attentive when you were a curious 10-year-old kid.

[libodem]

81. Hell, buy yourself a few and lots of ammo

why should wing nuts be the only ones who are armed? Showdown at the OK corral, baby. Honestly I'm pretty wary of firearms and think they need to be handled in the safest manner with the utmost respect of unexpected accidents. Seems like if you have one for buglers or rapists you need it loaded beside the bed. Then what do you do about the kids? I knew a gal once who had lived a rough life as a prostitute in a stable of traveling women, with a pimp, and everything. She shared her story because I am the kind of person, you can tell, a story like that to, and it would never change how I think of you. Anyway, back on track, she said to put a nail in the closet, up high, over the door frame, because you are likely to jump into the closet to hide. Then you can take down your loaded gun and be ready for action. Just sayin'. Honestly I don't have a dog in this race.

[Mugu]

83. An old gal that I knew (truth be known, it was my grandmother)

used the cheap wire cleaning brush that comes with every new gun pushed into the bore to hang her gun from the drapery rod, hidden behind the drapes. If she needed it, all she had to do is grab it and pull.

[formercia]

84. 12 Ga. with Brenneke slugs.

Body armor 'might' stop them but recipient will be due some serious R&R.

In built up areas #2 steel high velocity (1550fps) is guaranteed to make serious hamburger.

You can buy a shotgun most anywhere. It's a defensive weapon as opposed to an assault rifle.

If you live in a heavily populated area, you don't want to have something that will carry a long distance and possibly injure an innocent party.

For inside the home #6 steel shot is plenty.

[Kali]

85. the only problem is you can't normally carry a shotgun in your purse or car

If I were to choose a weapon for protection in general, though - that would be it. I mostly use my gun for putting down large animals. I figure I am too much of a doofus to actually try to use a gun for protection. So far, in almost 50 years of a fairly reckless life I have never needed one. The very few times I felt fear for my safety I either talked my way out, simply submitted until an escape opportunity arose, or just decked the mofo.

[formercia]

93. Carrying a gun in your car is not a good idea

Unless you can cite some legitimate reason, have a concealed carry permit, it will be nothing but trouble.
It's fairly rural where I live. I go target shooting and hunting on a regular basis. I carry my hunting permit, concealed carry permit, targets, hunter orange clothing and other gear, so that, if there is any question of intent....

Using a firearm, even to defend yourself should be an absolutely last resort. If your life or the life of another isn't in immediate danger, using a firearm can put you in a lot of legal jeopardy.

The best defensive weapons you can have is a cell phone. A couple of years ago, I was boxed-in while out in the woods hunting by a group that didn't have my best interests in mind. I was armed, but there was a half-dozen of them and they were too. The minute I took out the cell phone, they split.
It would have been a good firefight. I had a scoped 742 Rem in 30-06, 6 magazines and 2 132 round bandoliers of ammunition.

[Kali]

113. AZ has allowed it since at least the 80's

My mom used to carry a newspaper clipping with her .38 just in case. Can even be concealed in vehicle.

I usually forget mine at home but really only use it in emergency livestock euthanasia situations anyway. Also I travel to Mexico a lot so don't like to risk any kind of gun or ammo type stuff in the vehicle. BIG no-no there.

Yeah on the phone - I always approach trespassers with my phone up to my ear (whether I am actually in contact with anyone or not - heh)

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

115. BeachBaby lives in NJ

It's ridiculously hard to get concealed carry permits here.

[Kali]

121. don't even need the permit for your vehicle here

I think pretty easy for on-person conceal but I haven't looked into it. As I mentioned somewhere I don't use my guns for protection so have no interest in carrying one all the time. However to protect a home I would go with the shotgun.

[formercia]

124. Mandatory sentencing

NJ is very strict.

It's not good to be out and about in NJ with a firearm, no matter what your good intentions are. I gather that even hunting can be a problem.

I like Maine. No hassles.

[S n o w b a l l]

88. I'm so thankful that I don't live in such fear

that I feel a gun is necessary for my protection. I've lived alone in some wild places, Pico Blvd in LA being one and I've never had the thought of owning a gun. I just don't live my life in that much fear. To each his own I guess.

[WildEyedLiberal]

105. It's not about "fear"

Any more than making sure you wear a seatbelt every time you get in a vehicle means that you're terrified you'll get into an accident and go through the windshield. Taking precautions and making sure that one is prepared in the event of an absolute worst case scenario isn't fearful, it's just prudent.

Now don't misunderstand, I don't think it's "necessary" to have a gun to prepare oneself for the possibility of a home invasion or whatever. But if someone does make that choice, I don't think it's fair to dismiss it glibly as an action based on "fear."

[elocs]

89. You should buy a gub.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UHOgkDbVqc

[CreekDog]

90. don't let TZ anywhere near a gun

[TZ]

94. truth.

I want to hurt people too much right now.

[BeachBaby]

95. You're gonna be okay, gf.

They love you. They're just doofuses. :P :hi: :hug:

[TK421]

91. My nephew has a Browning 22 ( I think it's 22...don't really know my guns )

his buddy, a Bristol police officer has a Glock and we went to the shooting range one time...lots of fun, but I had a problem with what they called "anticipating the shot"...just couldn't get used to the recoil on either gun.

The Browning was smaller, and seemed to have a bigger kick but the Glock was much easier to handle, although ( maybe it's just me ) didn't seem to have the accuracy the Browning did? :shrug:

[guitar man]

96. It's great that you're thinking

And not just running out and impulsively buying :thumbsup:

I'm sure you'll get a lot of good suggestions and there is certainly more than one good choice, but my .02 for a self defense weapon is the Ruger SP 101. It's compact, simple and reliable. If the .357 mag is too stout for your liking, it will also chamber .38 special. .38 special +P loads should get the job done nicely without an excess of noise and muzzle blast.

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAFamily?type=Revolver&subtype=Double%20Action&famlst=9

Please do take all the safety and marksmanship training you need and get the kids informed and involved ;)

[BreweryYardRat]

97. I've been doing the research on this myself.

If you're looking for home defense, I've heard the Remington 870 shotgun get a lot of praise -- sturdy, pump-action, easily refitted for pistol-grip, and I've heard it's simpler to clean and maintain than Mossberg shotguns.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

98. has crime gone up in your neighbourhood? do you have a stalker?

or are you kidding?

either way, all i got from my criminology course in college is that as long as you dont own a gun and your fam doesnt own a gun, you are pretty safe. oddly its that class in college that made me not care about gun laws as much. i mean i would still prefer automatic weapons off the streets but its not something i spend too much energy on.

[Deep13]

100. Can I clarify some terms?

I know your feelings on this and I don't want to annoy you with it. I just thought I'd offer some information.

Just to be clear, automatics (a.k.a. fully automatic) are illegal except that Fed. law allows them with a special, difficult to obtain license. Even then, many states ban them anyway. Automatic means that when the trigger is depressed, the gun will continue to load and shoot until either the trigger is released or it runs out of bullets. It's a machine gun, essentially.

What most civilian shooters have are semi-automatics which are far more limited. With a semi-auto, one squeeze of the trigger will shoot one bullet, eject the empty case and load another one. One must release and depress the trigger a second time to shoot again. All this does is save the step of drawing a bolt or cocking a lever to load the next round. I cannot spray bullets. Most handguns are semi-auto, except for revolvers. All of these military-looking rifles are either made to be s-a for civilians and cannot be retrofitted without quite a bit of effort in the machine shop. Or else they are surplus imports like the AK that have been retrofitted for civilian use before sale. (I wonder if these can be returned to full-auto and I am concerned with their dirt-cheap price and unauthorized sales at gun shows, to be honest.) Some states limit magazine capacity on s-a guns. OH laughably limits magazines to 30 rounds, which is essentially no limit since nothing comes with anything bigger than that (too heavy.)

So, no argument intended, just some information.

Also, cats should be allowed outside. :hide:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

102. sorry if my post sounded uninformed but as i said, gun laws are something i lost interest

in since it really doesnt directly affect my life.

as a minority i have more important things (importance here defined as valuable to me) that to worry about guns. i like nyc's gun laws. i think guns in general have different impacts depending on where you live etc

however so long as you are not in my close fam/friends circle, your gun purchase is general irrelevant to me.

[Deep13]

109. FWIW, I also think your rights are the more important issue.

I'll never vote pro-discrimination just because of my hobby.

P.S., I see you are sick. I hope you feel better. I should not have bugged you with this.

[AirBaud]

108. why do you hate guns?

very elitist.

[Deep13]

110. How is that elitist?

I can see arguing it is misinformed or something, but elitist? :shrug:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

112. true. how dare i assume that all of america isnt suburbia

:P

[TZ]

114. She lives on a farm in the middle of nowhere.

Nobody close enough to help if she needs help. I'm not much of a gun person myself but I understand why a single mother who lives out in the middle of no where with two young sons would want to have one just in case.

[AirBaud]

116. Thats a lame reason.

[TZ]

117. I thought you were the gun nut?

I love it when they can't even keep their stories straight....:rofl:

[AirBaud]

119. Gun nut or no, thats a lame reason to buy one.

[TZ]

120. Okay.

I think guns are lame and should be banned then. If not for protection than the only other use is for criminal enterprises.
Thanks for making my gun control argument for me...

[AirBaud]

125. You have that right.

I have my guns.

[Kali]

122. why?

[BeachBaby]

127. Why is owning a gun for protection, "lame"?

I can't wait to hear this.

[TZ]

128. I don't think you are gonna get an answer.

That particular person seems more interested in pushing buttons than actually discussing the topics.

[BeachBaby]

129. LOL.

Being that the Constitution clearly states that the reason for owning firearms is for protection, I found his answer to be less than intelligent.

[Taverner]

99. If you do, get a trigger lock and a gun safe

It is a disturbing statistic that many handguns are used on their owners by the perps...

[Deep13]

101. Good advice...

...though keeping guns and ammunition in seperate rooms will go a long way to avoiding that.

[Taverner]

103. Yes but then the gun is not ready and loaded when you need it

But on the other hand, the gun is not ready and loaded when the PERP needs it...

Getting a gun is not something to do lightly, one should develop all kinds of contingencies if one gets one

[Deep13]

106. I have no children, so I keep one in a case next to the bed...

...with the expectation that it will never be used except at the target range. There are combination lock safes that are smaller than shoeboxes that can be opened in the dark by feel. Not too expensive either.

[Taverner]

107. That works too

It just amazes me that some people have aresenals in their home, that anyone who made it past the front door can fully access...and these folks fee "safe"

[SacredCow]

104. Wow, BeachBaby-

I'm surprised this thread didn't turn into a super-ultra-mega flamewar!!!

I've got an arsenal that I never touch (yeah- homo that likes guns; another stereotype blown all to hell!). Actually, they're all at my parents' house under lock and key. I don't necessarily feel safer with one around where I live, so I'm content to keep them all in the safe.

So long as you get yourself educated (your kids, too!) I would have no doubt that you know what's best for your situation.

:hug:

[Lil Missy]

111. Me too. I saw rabbits yesterday. Gawd, I thought why can't I have a gun at times like this.

[JoDog]

118. I recently bought my first gun

a Beretta U22 Neo. It is .22 caliber semi-automatic. Comes with two 10-shot clips. Uses .22 long rounds.

I purchased it because my research suggested it is a good first pistol and target shooter. I'm pleased to say my research was correct. It has proven easy to clean, load and handle. It has very little kick, allowing me to worry more about learning how to handle and aim the pistol while building up strength in my hands and wrists.

The price was very entry-level too--less than $300 new. Also, you should factor in the cost of ammo into your costs of ownership. A gun that uses more expensive or rare ammo may quickly become a gun you can't afford to practice with.

Definitely take a safety course to learn the basics of shooting, range rules, and your state's laws on storing and transporting guns and ammo. At the very least, have a friend who is a shooter mentor you for a little while.

Good luck!

[kentauros]

123. Eddie Izzard: Guns dont kill... but they help.

Lego style - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Is_xrLNS6bY

:rofl:

[NYC_SKP]

126. You'll want a shotgun, not a handgun.

If you live in a rural area, I'm thinking you're somewhat serious so here's my advice:

In the dark, in a panic, the chance of actually stopping someone are low with a handgun.

More often than not, you'll miss or only make them angry.

And automatics can jam when you least want it, revolvers don't but you only get six shots.

A shotgun is very forgiving of poor aim and has serious effect.

If you're light of frame you can get a 6-shot .410 pump action: http://personalsecurityzone.com/cgi-win/order/prodlist.exe/PSZ/?Template=ProdDetail.htm&ProductID=19759

Or a 20 ga Remington 870 with extended magazine for 7 shots: http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=98877

I think they're both legal in all states.

:patriot:

[virginia mountainman]

130. Some thoughts...

Most of the above advise is sound!

I have a couple of thought to add, you mentioned that you would not "shoot to kill" only "to wound"

Please, PLEASE understand, that in most states their is no legal justification to "shoot to wound" ONLY to "shoot to kill' understand that if you shoot to wound, your assailant will in the eyes of the press, suddenly become the "victim" and he will be a piller of the community, because "he was doing so well"

IMHO....If your not willing to kill, in self defense.......Your not ready to have a gun for self defense.

I would be terrified that if something was to happen, and you pulled you gun, you would hesitate...and end up dead, because make no mistake, predators will not hesitate. Use Pepper Spray instead, something that YOU, will not hesitate to use. No, its not as effective as a gun, but you wont be afraid to use it.

I carry a gun, for self defense everyday, I have a CCW Permit, in Virginia. I am willing to kill, to stop aggression against Innocent people. Does this mean I put myself in "unsafe situations" Absolutly not.

Also, I DO know that NJ, has a ban on hollow point ammunition, this is the kind of ammo you would want for a handgun in defensive use, If you do decide to purchase a gun for home defense, get a good shotgun, as pointed out above, hard to argue with a load of Buckshot, or slugs.

If you want a handgun, keep to bigger calibers like a, 45ACP, 40S&W, or a 357 mag...

Stay away from small calibers, the lack of hollow points make them very ineffective.

I carry a Glock 36 in 45ACP or a Kimber 1911 in 45ACP as well.