Buying for home protection.

GUMBY · 2 Apr 2012, 20:29

Don't know where this belongs but I was thinking of buying a weapon for some home protection.

I have no background in making any purchase of this kind and wish for some suggestions.

I read this http://www.gleamingedge.com/mirrors/...sheepdogs.html and was inspired by it that maybe I should look into getting something so I'm not a sheep waiting for wolves.

If this matters I am a small guy about 5'2" and weigh about 130 lbs. so I cant handle nothing big.

The reason I don't have anything already is because I've never been around weapons and I am really intimidated by them, and also have small children and with that said I'm kinda scared to own one with them around. I'd also like to be able to protect them too.

I guess I'm asking for help on what you would recommend.

Thanks

[ODG]Lunch Meat · 3 Apr 2012, 15:53

Important considerations to have are where you will store the weapon. I know you have some children, so having it easy access is a no go on all fronts. No matter how responsible they may be, a friend of theirs may not be.

So you will need either a gun safe and or a trigger lock. Gun safes can come in small sizes, with a spot for you to quick punch a code in, or to unlock with a key. Accessibility is less of an issue with this, and you can keep it close by.

Some trigger locks are use a key, some combo, and there are a few that use a resistive band (think strong elastic) that a child could not release unless they ate a lot of Wheaties.

There are of course, other options such as a home security system, a loyal animal. Pepper Spray, hand held stunners ( like a tazer, but does not shoot out a needle, point of contact only), and the old trusty baseball bat.

When you purchase a firearm, you enter a whole new world of laws, rules and regulations that you need to be fully aware of before you decide to buy. You need to know if firearms are legal to possess and carry in your area (in Illinois, weapons laws are crazy, you have to have a special ID just to buy ammo). Will you need a permit? Will that permit require you to take classes?

If you have never fired a weapon, then you need to get some trigger time in, and probably take a safety class or many. It's not a big deal to us as trigger pullers now, but at one time none of us had any idea about firearms, and we spent a lot of time learning before they ever let us touch one.

Now, onto another issue, you do not need a pistol to overcome the sense of being a "sheep." That mentality comes from self confidence, and a bit of knowledge and training. I think your first step should be to consider a self defense class and exercise program, simply because you could run into a situation where you need to defend yourself and shooting the person is either not possible or inadvisable. Also, making the decision to not be a victim, is often the most important step.

GUMBY · 3 Apr 2012, 17:17

Wow !!! Very good info, for me to ponder and actually very helpful. I often am swayed by persuasion, but your post has had the same effect but to the positive side, almost leaning me away from a purchase base on all the seemingly down sides, and regrets if things should go wrong. I must say though that your remarks also give me other options to think about, and some encouragement to seek those avenues.

The worry I feel is really if I aim and shoot "Then it's on" and might create a situation where all a person is wanting is materials items. If I would shoot Myself or a family member I will pay more than a material item for sure. Glad you mentioned other things.

Thank you very much for your reply.
Gumby

[ODG]Lunch Meat · 3 Apr 2012, 19:09

Those are all very solid, and valid concerns. I'm not trying to sway you out of purchasing, I'm all for having as many guns in the house as I can have. But my kids have grown up around firearms, have put a few rounds downrange and I took precautions when I actively carried. That is what you have to do, educate yourself and take precautions.

Major-G8tor · 3 Apr 2012, 20:32

Originally Posted by Lunch Meat

That is what you have to do, educate yourself and take precautions.

And don't move to New Jersey or any of these North East states. The gun laws here are ridiculous.

Thanks Lunchmeat for the good information. Also recommend getting to know your neighbors well. My next door neighbors are trustworthy and would look after my house if I'm away. Kind of pissed now that I have to PCS after making good friends here. Got orders to cajun country Louisiana. Oh well maybe the weapon laws there are more straightforward.

BC_ · 6 Apr 2012, 22:41

@Gumby - I am so glad you asked here. Lunchmeat is giving you solid advice.

@Major-G8tor - say hello to Teufelhunden : http://www.offdutygamers.com/forum/s...ead.php?t=1283 He lives in Cajun country. Likeable fellow, knows where the good places to eat are. Likes to go shooting.

@Lunchmeat: Glad he heard it from a Marine first (just thought of Krulak) vs. a Rigger in the Army.

Teufelhund · 6 Apr 2012, 23:21

Originally Posted by Major-G8tor

And don't move to New Jersey or any of these North East states. The gun laws here are ridiculous.

Thanks Lunchmeat for the good information. Also recommend getting to know your neighbors well. My next door neighbors are trustworthy and would look after my house if I'm away. Kind of pissed now that I have to PCS after making good friends here. Got orders to cajun country Louisiana. Oh well maybe the weapon laws there are more straightforward.

You will be happy to know that we love guns here in La. You can even have Class3 if you have that kinda patience. What area are you going to? I would assume from your sig probably Shreveport /Bossier City? We call them yankees up there. But a word to the wise, even that far from Baton Rouge Gator haters lurk

Geaux Tigers!

Teufelhund · 6 Apr 2012, 23:27

Hey just a few words on what Lunchmeat said. I cannot tell you how being always aware of your surroundings can keep you out of a lot of situations. It has a couple times for me that I know of and who knows how many I don't. Just remember Hard targets are harder to attack than soft ones. Keep yourself HARD

Camille92 · 19 Apr 2012, 07:23

The best thing for home protection is the alarm imho :) I prefer not to trouble the trouble...
I agree with your choice though, that's a nice gun for home protection I think
Just keep it away from the reach of children!

WarHammer · 12 May 2012, 18:30

If you are concerned about being victimized while in your home you can wear your gun on you. That's the safest place to have it and be in complete control of it while it's ready for instant use.