Self Defense Guns

When it comes to self defense guns, the one thing you need to do before you make a purchase and/or carry a gun is to honestly answer this question: Are you willing to use it in a self defense situation- if, that is, in fact, why you have it?

Perhaps you live in a wilderness area and carry it while hiking for protection against bears or pumas. Hey, I’m there. I would hope to avoid using it even then, but let’s face it, if a bear, mountain lion or even alligator attack a human, it’s gonna get ugly and as smart as we are, it’s hard to argue your way out of being ripping to shreds and eaten.

It is hard to find a lot of unbiased information regarding gun ownership. I will just present the facts here, except that I do believe if you have a one you should know how to use it and only carry it if you are qualified to use it.

Even at this writing the second constitutional amendment is being reexamined and ruled on in the Supreme Court. It states: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

For home security, gun ownership does cost less than burglar alarm systems, security companies, purchasing and maintaining a guard dog or moving to a safer neighborhood. It costs more than safety procedures such as locking doors and windows, neighborhood watches and other avoidance behaviors.

The United States contains millions of firearms. More than half of the households process firearms. Approximately one in every twenty Americans carries them. Washington, DC, Chicago and New York City all have bans of some sort- all though that may be changing now, while other states, such as Vermont let anyone who can own one carry it concealed. To check the laws as they vary state by state visit this website: State Gun Laws (another window will open). Go to the bottom of the page to view the US map.

Most self defense handgun purchasers are looking for something easy on cost and high on value- seems logical. Nationwide dealers report selling a lot of Glocks and Kimbers. In recent years Kimbers have sped to the forefront and are very hot sellers. The J frame Smith and Wesson; the .38 Special or .357 Magnum are also good sellers.

As for long-guns, the shotgun is the traditional weapon for home defense. While enthusiasts appreciate high-tech autoloaders, the average Joe likes the lower price and the dependable function of the slide action. There’s nothing like the sound of pumping the first round into the chamber to let the intruder know you mean business. Remington and Mossberg are the best selling brands.

The 12 gauge is generally the standard for self defense. Since the recoil of a 12 gauge may intimidate some, let’s not neglect the 20 gauge repeater. The recoil is a lot less, but the blast of the 20 gauge is equal to two rounds of a .44 Magnum.

If you decide to purchase a firearm, keep safety in mind and consider the curiosity of children when you store it. Far too many tragic accidents take place when kids find them loaded.

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