Thinking about getting a gun

[plantlvr]

I live alone and with crime being so rampant I've often thought about what I would do if an intruder came into my home, so owning a gun has been in my thoughts lately.
I did own a gun back in the 80's when I lived alone with my daughter who was two at the time. A man I had met once came to my house in the middle of the day. Something was wrong with him, drugs or mental illness, I forget now.At that time I lived in the middle of ten acres with no neighbors. As this man knocked on my door, I took my daughter to her room and told her to be still, went and got my gun and stood there in front of the door he was knocking on.I was hoping he would just go away, but he tried the doorknob, and I raised the gun. Luckily the door was locked and he left. I truly believe I would have shot him if he forced his way in.
Would like to hear what you all think, own guns yourself or not?

 

[mbolack]

Not knowing your exact circumstances, I can only say guns scare me to death. I'm not strong enough to keep a burglar from taking it away from me and using it on me.
I have two German Shepherd dogs (in addition to the doxy), and they make me feel very safe. Biggest guys in the world who come to my door back off immediately when they see them. They have had good training, and will let anyone in if I tell them to. But they'd definitely take you down if you were invading without permission or trying to hurt me.

 

[wgm]

... I'm not strong enough to keep a burglar from taking it away from me and using it on me.

That's what the trigger is for. If you're strong enough to handle those pooches, you're strong enough to pull a trigger. However, if you have any doubt that you could shoot someone in a defensive situation, then you definitely should NOT own a gun.

My black Lab is also a great deterrent to unwanted visitors. But I back her up with an assortment of firearms, all of which I am proficient with.

Best,
Will

 

[Synthesis]

Personally, I would never own a gun. I'm just too accident prone to feel comfortable with one. Heck, I shouldn't even have kitchen knives...

 

[mischiefgrrl]

Personally, I would never own a gun. I'm just too accident prone to feel comfortable with one. Heck, I shouldn't even have kitchen knives...

LOL me too....

I used to have a stun gun and plan on getting another one for me and one for my daughter.

 

[Cherice]

I purchased a gun last year. I am 41 and my 61 year old mother lives with me. We immediately went to the shooting range to learn how to use it. She never felt comfortable with it and seemed almost scared to use it. Therefore, the gun is hidden from her. I know if she were confronted alone, she would end up getting it taken away or used on her. I on the other hand have no qualms about using it and feel very comfortable. The key is, if you have any doubts about "shooting to kill" don't get one. Don't think, well, I will just injure him...not kill him. If you do that, you will possibly miss or injure him and tick him off big time. You have to be willing to go all the way and aim for the heart. Just my opinion. Better to be tried by 12 than carried by 6.....

 

[RIMP]

I live out in the woods in north Fla We have several weapons in the house I'm not afraid to be by myself at nite, I know how to use them, and wouldn't suggest anyone have one without training The person who breaks into your home isn't there to have a civilized talk with you. Just know if you pull a weapon out you must be ready to use it
RIMP

 

[Mary Kay]

I agree with the training..I had some with my husband and also when I was in collage. You have to have the mind set that if you aim..you better be able to shoot! Saying things like "I have a gun, Go away" is like having one of those fake dog bark machines! Just useless.
If you think you wouldn't be able to kill someone..then get a big dog, a big boyfriend or a big lock.

 

[dgriego]

I have a gun and grew up around guns. Although I do not live alone all the time my husband works out of state a lot and I often find myself alone. Having a gun just helps me not to worry about someone breaking in.
Mind you I also have a 100lb Dogo Argentino who is scarier than the gun as he will not tolerate a stranger coming uninvited into his house.
If you get a gun, invest in the training so you are 100% comfortable in how to use it.Get the right ammo for it as you can easily kill a neighbor sleeping in his bed with a stray bullet that goes through your wall should you attempt to shoot someone.
If you are just looking for home defense perhaps a shotgun would serve. There is nothing more terrifying than the sound of a pump shotgun being engaged, and you do not have to be a great shot with one as the spread will take out anyone in the general vicinity of where it is pointed, and you do not have to worry about killing your neighnor by mistake.
Guns are tools, and guns do not kill people, people kill people.

 

[jj2]

It's been said, but here it is again. A gun is only protection if YOU are willing to use it. If not, it is a potential weapon that will be used against you.
I don't have much to do with them because I'm pretty sure I couldn't use it against another human being.
As I get older, that is changing a bit.
I don't really have to worry about it though because RW is here and he is very knowledgable about weapons and knows that he can pull the trigger (Vietnam Vet).
If I ever get to the point of wanting to be a legal gun owner, I'd take the class.
Knowing I could shot straight would be nice.

 

[Mary Kay]

My dad taught my sister and I how to shoot his rifle. He didn't want us to aim at anything but the plate glass window. He said the sound alone would scare the wits out of anyone.

 

[Slea]

Not a handgun sort here. I'd be sure to shoot my husband coming back from the bathroom in the middle of the night.

I do own a rifle, but def. not for home protection. It's unloaded and the gun and ammo are stored in 2 different locations.

 

[rocketvapor]

I agree with all the posters here. I have several firearms, and as a military vet, I have been trained on how to use them. I keep them clean and well-oiled, and practice regularly.

If you are considering buying a gun, I suggest you go to a local gun range. Many rent weapons you can try out. Ask the employees there about good options for you. Don't let them talk you into some wimpy little pea shooter just because you are a woman. Believe me - you can handle the kick of a weapon that will stop someone - which is what you want.

.22s are great and the ammo is cheap - I use one for target practice for this reason. But if someone broke into my home, I will NOT reach for the .22....I'm going for the 9 mm. I can definitely put down a bad guy with a double-tap to the chest with a 9. A lot of folks will get up and come after you after 2 with a .22. A shotgun is also a good choice. As mentioned, accuracy is not so much of a concern.

As I said, talk to gun owners you know - maybe you can borrow a weapon and see how the fit, weight, etc., feel to you. Once you get a gun, do take a gun safety course and learn how to use it. You also really need to familiarize yourself with the laws in your state. Florida is pretty liberal in this regard, but other states, not so much.

Good luck!

 

[rfun6]

we have guns. get a big gun, not a hand gun, they are to easy to use.

 

[Jewls]

I have a gun and grew up around guns. Although I do not live alone all the time my husband works out of state a lot and I often find myself alone. Having a gun just helps me not to worry about someone breaking in.
Mind you I also have a 100lb Dogo Argentino who is scarier than the gun as he will not tolerate a stranger coming uninvited into his house.
If you get a gun, invest in the training so you are 100% comfortable in how to use it.Get the right ammo for it as you can easily kill a neighbor sleeping in his bed with a stray bullet that goes through your wall should you attempt to shoot someone.
If you are just looking for home defense perhaps a shotgun would serve. There is nothing more terrifying than the sound of a pump shotgun being engaged, and you do not have to be a great shot with one as the spread will take out anyone in the general vicinity of where it is pointed, and you do not have to worry about killing your neighnor by mistake.
Guns are tools, and guns do not kill people, people kill people.

I totally agree with you. If I was not in law enforcement I would never have felt safe owning a gun. Proper training really helps.

 

[316lvm]

I've posted this in another thread related to guns and self-defense.
A gun is only useful if you intend to use it. Otherwise, you'd be better off with a dog or a non-lethal weapon. Problem is, if you piss off an intruder, they might cause more harm than not.

I have a Markov that I keep by the door. I have a combat knife by my side of the bed. My husband has his Markov on his side of the bed. We have several other guns that have trigger locks and are put away.

We're looking to buy a Mossberg - shotgun. For home defense, I believe it's the way to go. Just point and shoot.

We also have 5 dogs, all family pets. They are friendly and lovable but if anyone makes a move to harm a family member they will rip you to shreds.

I have used my gun before that stopped a home invasion from happening to myself and my son when my husband was away.

Bottom line is, if someone tries to break into my home, chances are they aren't going to be the friendly, chatty robber who will just steal my jewels and leave me alone. Anyone coming into my home, uninvited with intent to do harm, will be leaving in a body bag. That's just me.

 

[dgriego]

I also agree with everyone who has stated that one must be willing to use a gun and able to use a gun if you are going to purchase one for home protection.

If you feel that you could not shoot someone do not bother with a gun, get a large dog.

I have found that having dogs does seem to help as I think most people will look for a home to break into that does not have a dog.
That show "It takes a thief" proved though that even a dog is not always a deterent to a crime. People who know dogs well can get around many of them. If you have a dog for protection you have to ask yourself "would my dog defend me?" and then move on to the next question "would my dog continue to defend me if someone was hitting him with a baseball bat?"
I have two dogs, a Vizsla who would come to my aid, but I do not think he would be able to sustain a long struggle with someone who was hurting him, and a Dogo who would fight a intruder to his very last breath and the baseball bat would just get him warmed up to the fight.
So if you are depending on a dog as protection (which is different than a deterent) make sure you get the right dog.

 

[rocketvapor]

Having owned both guns and dogs, I recommend a Rottweiler if you want a dog. Great family dogs and very protective. And the females are just as protective as the males, if that's your preference.

I know they have a bad rep, but just make sure you buy from a reputable breeder, start obedience training early and stick to it. Rotties are head-strong and will test you. But they're great dogs. Your children can ride them if you socialize them properly. An untrained Rottie is an accident waiting to happen. A well-trained Rottie is a joy to have in your family.

Plus, just the sight of one is usually enough to scare off most bad guys.

 

[Mary Kay]

I have always have German Shepards..sweet and docile until one of the 'family" is in danger.
Not to be a killjoy, but just what would you be doing if your dog tried to protect you?

Standing there with back of the hand to forehead, going oh me, oh my?
Or hitting the SOB with with a baseball bat or a lamp..or at the very least running out the door screaming blue murder?

At best your dog is a distraction to keep the bad guy busy while you defend yourself and the dog. Or as stated before..run for safty and help. Chances are the SOB will be running too. They really don't want to be around when the cops show up..or maybe a neighbor who CAN shoot a gun.

 

[rocketvapor]

MK - Agreed. Dogs are great, but dogs are mortal.

My 9 mil is not. Nuff said.

However, if you're not comfortable with a gun, a German Shepherd is a great choice.