Crush
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Mercnbeth I have a "firearms issue" that I'd appreciate some of the CM experts assistance. I was brought up a 'city' guy from the east coast. I never wanted a gun nor felt I needed a gun. Recently, my mind has been changed. What do you recommend for personal/home protection. I'm thinking I need one of those unique noise making when loading shot guns, and a pistol. Do you think that's a good start? My farm-girl beth is well trained in the use and safety. On the other hand, "I never touched a gun in my life. That and that alone forever doomed me to middle management" Sure, I know the basics like; "you always use a '22' because the bullets are small and they don't come out the other end like a 45, see, a 45 will blow a barn door out the back of your head and there's a lot of dry cleaning involved, but a 22 will just rattle around like Pac-Man until you're dead." Anybody what to 'aim' me in the right direction? (Quote Source) Actually, a revolver is good because it is simple. .38+P at a minimum. Nothing to maintain. If a round doesn't fire, you just pull the trigger again. Laser sight, while a good thing, optional. For shotguns, the ca-chunk is overrated. At my place, the bad guy will never hear that sound...he'll be deaf from the first shot that put a bunch of lead in his chest. Buckshot, 12 gauge. Do you have kids? Then you need a "quick open" safe. Some have fingerprint readers so you stick your hand on it, push a button and then your handgun is available. You have to practice. Regularly. Take a lesson or two. You have to be able to assess the situation and decide what to do in a few seconds. You must accept that if you take the gun out in a self defense situation that you may have use it and someone will be seriously injured or dead. A heavy responsibility. I just noticed...you live in California. You are so screwed in so many ways before you get a weapon. I'd probably stick with a shotgun. A couple good links to start you are: http://www.handgunlaw.us Just click on the state of California in the map for some good info. Another link is http://www.stategunlaws.org/ run by the Brady Campaign. It gives a "report card" for each state, based on their perceptions about handguns. California gets their highest score...it is their #1 ranked state! What you can get from here is what restrictions and processes are involved for you to have a weapon to actually save your ass if it came down to it. Plenty of other information out there, but these two will get you started. Just send me a note via Collarme if you want further info. Bottom line: ALWAYS consider a gun loaded. Never point it at something or someone you don't want to destroy. Every bullet comes with a lawyer attached. And, contrary to so many movies, keep your finger OFF the trigger until you are sure of your target and the things around your target that you might hit as well. (Variant of the Four Laws of Gun Safety ) REAL bottom line: It is good that you are considering taking the safety and security of yourself and yours, since, as my signature quotes...when seconds matter the police are only minutes away. Congratulations on thinking it through, since it WILL alter your life and outlook. It might or might not be right for you, but at least you can make an informed decision. REAL REAL Bottom line: Shotgun, with one in the pipe. No "ca-chunk" ... just boom. Double barrel. Pump. Semi-auto. Handgun -- Revolver, at least .38+P nice and simple. (Unless you plan to practice and learn about a semi-automatic pistol (clearing misfires, etc.) Practice using whichever one you purchase. It is another tool, but like any tool, you need to know how to use it properly to keep it from hurting you or someone else.
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"In religion and politics, people's beliefs and convictions are in almost every case gotten at second hand, and without examination." -- Mark Twain
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