TahoeSadist -> RE: Gun Question (9/9/2007 8:08:19 AM)
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This isn't quite the answer asked for, but here goes. For someone completely new to firearms, I advise looking for your local shooting club ( a quick Google search turns up a bunch in your state). The reason being, many if not most clubs have instruction on firearm safety, use, etc. Even if the one near you doesn't, I promise that someone there will be able to point you in the right direction. As was pointed out above, one doesn't want to appear to be a responsible gun owner, one MUST BE a responsible gun owner. You need to know how whatever weapon you choose (if you decide to get one) works, what the pluses and minuses are, how to handle mechanical issues with it (it is said that no one "*needs* a handgun except when you need it very very badly" and while I don't quite buy that theory, at a time like that you do not want to be trying to figure out how to clear that stovepipe jam in the automatic) Also, relying on a weapon, any weapon to work just by the scare factor or if I hurt this person maybe they will leave me alone isn't the best plan. It may work, but then again it may not. Thus learning how to use whatever you pick, in less than best conditions, is very important in case the absolute worse scenario happens and you have to use it. Now that that is said, I'd suggest also that you look at this from a different perspective. Shooting is a fun activity, it requires skills be developed, practice, control, and more. Virtually all participants in shooting sports I know are friendly, helpful, normal folks who like to see new shooters and go out of their way to assist them (going back to locating your local club(s)) Looking at it as a positive i.e. "I want to learn this skill and see where it takes me" I think will work better in the long run than viewing it in a less positive light i.e. "this is just in case I have to harm or kill someone". As to the original question, my opinion is this: a 20ga (no bigger) or better yet a .410 pump gun would be very high on my list, second choice would be a double action revolver in .357 but loaded with .38 spl (does not need to be kept loaded, and a speedloader will be as fast or faster than the mag loaded auto) my last choice would be an automatic for a new shooter, as the issues that can happen with one can stop you cold if you don't know how to handle them. Eric
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