Do you think I should get a gun?

Question

I have pepperspray and a stungun..but I was wondering if I should buy a gun for home defense..

I'd like to at least learn how to shoot one..but dont you need one to learn? can you go to a shooting range and like rent one?

if I do get one wats a good type?

Answer 1

get a gun

Answer 2

YES, . . . . 'nuf said.

Answer 3

Many ranges do indeed rent guns, not to mention there are classes you can take that will provide them (usually a bit pricey, but not out of reach. $100 can get you the concealed handgun course in Texas, which covers safety, use, and legal instruction).

Yes, a firearm is a much, much more effective tool for self defense than pepperspray or a stungun. Immensely more effective. However, that is only true if you are proficient with it. It doesn't take a lot of training, but it does take some. The same actually applies to pepperspray and stunguns, but most people assume they can use them proficiently without training. That's part of why they're ineffective - they get taken away because people don't know how to use them.

Pepperspray also tends to get everywhere, including on you, in a fight. If someone comes into your home, that's what it will be, a fight. And he's probably been maced before. You probably haven't. It will hurt you about as bad as it will hurt him. The first time I was on an arrest and someone broke out the spray, EVERYONE was hurting. We got the guy, but I personally wished we'd just risked it and not used it. We switched to Pepperfoam later, and it was an improvement.

If you do buy a gun, and it is your first, I highly suggest sticking with as simple a firearm as you can. A revolver, in a medium-light caliber (38 Special, for example) is best for the beginner who needs a defense firearm. Semiautos require a lot of regular maintenance to be reliable, which beginners are rarely willing (or even able) to do.

Basically, don't get one unless you will be serious about it. A gun in your nightstand won't do you any good unless you are able to properly employ it. Not just accurately fire, but keep it away from bad guys and use it against them under stress.

My wife keeps a Smith&Wesson Ladysmith (Model 642LS) on her side of the bed. It's a J-Frame 38 Special. When she carries concealed, she carries a Kel-Tec P32, because she can't conceal a larger gun. That's trading a lot of power for concealability, but it's better than nothing.

Good luck.

Answer 4

I have a 9mm that I use primarily for self-defense. I enjoy shooting it and I feel safer with it on me or in my nightstand.  

Answer 5

Glad to see you are interested. If you want to learn, I'm sure you know someone with a gun so just ask them about it, show your interest in it and the sport. If you dont know of anyone you will have to go out and buy one. Shooting ranges do not lend them. A home defense gun would def. be a pistol. But like everything else you need to start small so get a .22 caliber pistol and work your way up. Good brands are Smith&Wesson, Sig Sauer, H&K, and Glock.  

Answer 6

Take a firearm's training course, as well as, practical courses with certified instructors (not some redneck that thinks he/she knows how to handle a firearm).

As for a firearm, try out as many firearm's as you can before buying.

Educate yourself!  Consult, a professional before buying a firearm.

Good luck!

Answer 7

Some ranges offer rentals, and shooters tend to be friendly folks, so you shouldn't have much trouble trying a few.

What you want is going to depend in part on your plans. If it's to be left at home, a shotgun is probably your best bet. Either a pump or a good old-fashioned side-by-side "coach gun" would be good. For the latter, think of the guy "riding shotgun" in western movies.

If you're considering taking it about with you, you'll have to take an in-depth look at local regulations and permit requirements. They vary widely. For somebody new to shooting, the handgun of choice is a revolver, as they take a lot less training, practice, and maintenance that semi-automatics. Then you can peruse a zillion similar questions on this site, with as many answers as there are people answering.

Answer 8

Yes!  if you are a law-abiding citizen, you should learn how to shoot and get a gun.

Get the most powerful gun you can safely, accurately shoot and control.  

Answer 9

Great answer Doc...

Congrats on wanting to learn about firearms and safety. You should find a local gun shop (one with a range preferably) and let them know you are interested and they should be able to help you out.  

Answer 10

I agree with Andy. contact the NRA see where they are offering a basic firearms introduction class.

Answer 11

"With great power comes great responsibility."

The best defensive handgun for the average person is a double-action revolver.

The best defensive firearm for the home is a 12 gauge shotgun loaded with buckshot.  

Answer 12

In my area there are several ranges that rent pistols and revolvers. I would recommend you trying to find some in your area and ask for some help. Ranges are filled with people willing and eager to help a new person to the hobby.

Start with renting a .22 and work your way up your comfort zone.

Good Luck. Be safe.:)

Answer 13

Depending on where you are there are ranges that rent guns, for fun or to try before you buy.

Find yourself a NRA certified instructor and take a basic handgun class.  look here;  http://www.nrahq.org/education/training/...  Some instructors will want you to have your own firearm others will be willing to work with a new shooter and have a few to try, ask about this.

Defensive handguns come in two types; Revolvers and semi automatics.  Revolvers are more user friendly.  They require little manipulation, simply open cylinder, load/unload, close cylinder, pull trigger.  No slide to rack, no magazine to worry about, no safety to remember to take off or put back on (not not all autos have safeties like this such as Glocks) no slide cycling back as you fire.

A good .38 special or .357 magnum (they can fire .38 special ammo also) revolver with a 3 or 4" barrel makes a great defensive handgun.  If you plan to carry it and your state allows you to do so a shorter (snub nose) barrel will reduce weight and make concealing easier.

If you want or think you need more than 5 or 6 rounds ready you'll need to look at a semi auto.  These come in a multitude of sizes and makes, this is where a chance to fire a handgun is nice.  Many semi autos with large magazines don't fit in small hands.  While some will say the 9mm is a weak round, it is middle of the road as a defensive cartridge and the fact is many police still use a 9mm.  9mm is also one of the cheaper centerfire rounds to shoot.

Answer 14

get a gun. a  lot of ranges offer rentals so you could learn what fits you, take a course if you can. if your state offers it, get a concealed weapons license. if you get licensed, carry as often as you can.

Answer 15

You can buy a gun for self-defense if you want, but it's a lot of fun to have a gun to shoot for recreation.  A .22 caliber rifle is a good choice to shoot for fun. If you're into home defense, nothing beats a shotgun in 12 or 20 gauge.  

Answer 16

If you feel you might need a gun, by all means get the

training to use it, ... and then the gun.

State laws vary, but most places you can get training at a local range.

Some States require training to get a license.

"A good type" depends a lot on you.

In the training you'll get a feel for what you want and can best handle.

Answer 17

only you can decide if you need a gun, i am tickled to see a young lady with at least some pepperspray, a gun requires a commitment to training and safety. please do learn how to shoot and handle a gun safely. then decide if you want to pursue a purchase and what calibre you are comfortable with. start with a phone call to your local gunsmith. education,training ,safety are key to becoming a responsible gun owner. p.s. I taught my wife to shoot, and with practice comes confidence. good luck, be safe.

Answer 18

None of us can tell you if you should or should not purchase a firearm, that is something you must decide for yourself.

If you do not believe that using lethal force to defend your life or your family, don't get a gun.

If you don't think you could use lethal force to defend yourself or your family, don't get a gun.

If you are not willing to commit yourself to learning to safely and effectively use a firearm, don't buy one.

Firearms ownership is a right, but it imposes a duty.  If you own a firearm, you have a duty to learn to use it safely and effectively.  You have a duty to learn the laws of defensive use of lethal force.

These are things you must decide for yourself.

If there is a shooting range with rental guns available, I think shooting a bit before you buy a gun is a good idea.

As a beginner, it is very important that you don't start with a loud, hard-kicking handgun that will cause you pain.  Start with a .22 LR revolver.  These are the safest and simplest firearms for a beginner.  After you've mastered the skills of safe gun handling and marksmanship with a .22, you can decide if you want to move on to a centerfire revolver, my preference, or a centerfire semi-automatic for defensive use.

Just take the time to learn the basics before you jump into large bore centerfire handguns.

Good Luck and Good Shooting.  If I can be of assistance, feel free to e-mail me.

doc

Answer 19

yeah hats actually a very smart idea and as for tips look for short range deep penetrating though a good bullet for this is something like a barnes xpb large bullet diameter low recoil is good if its in the middle of the night and you just woke up and your tired so a 45 long colt lever action carbine is small and compact hard hitting and short range and high expansion and deep penetrating and its low velocity so you wont ruin your ears since the rounds are fairly low velocity  and you can go to a class at your local gun range to learn how to shoot rifles but not handguns then you have to apply for a pistol permit and only if you are 21 or over and btw you have to be 21 to buy a gun and only some ranges allow you to rent guns but if they do they are rarely anything different than a 22 if anything else they may have a 38 special carbine or something and no ranges let you rent handguns and in the class they let you shoot a 22 and show you everything you need to know about gun safety actions and whatnot and a silencer is a good addition if you are going to shoot rounds over 1400 fps and a scope is not needed for even 100 ft corridor shots and if you get a silencer the front and rear sights may not be high enough for the silencer so you may need to get higher sights and if not thats it enjoy and if anybody shows up in your house at 2:30 in the morning throw lead and punches not kisses and hugs

Answer 20

That is a question you and you alone need to ponder.  With a gun, comes a lot of responsibility.  And, training.  Look at all of your options, is there somewhere you can practice.  What are the laws for your state.  What will you do with the gun, storage, etc.

Check on shooting ranges in your area.  Do you have a friend that has a gun you might be able to shoot.

Most people that buy their first gun start out with a 22LR, but if you are looking for something for personal defense, you should look at a .380 or 9mm.  Both of those guns have minimal recoil, but will protect you, with a lot of practice.

I own a 40 S&W that my girlfriend loves to shoot, which will have much more energy and help a lot more in case you need to protect yourself.

Good luck