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Thinking about buying a gun
By ITDEFX 01-27-2013 10:11 AM
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2174 views |
 Here is something I never thought about buying......a gun. Why am I thinking about doing such a thing? Well up until last Wednesday the thought ever crossed my mind. Around 6:30 pm that night while cooking dinner for me and my wife I noticed a flash of light outside of my kitchen window. At first I was like WTF is taking pictures of me outside of my house so I grabbed the baseball bat and went to go see what was going on. It was a cop car with it's search lights on which went around the corner from my house and parked. The officer came out of his car and followed one of my neighbors. He had his hand ready at his side to draw his gun and I was like WTF?!?!? Minutes later other police cars and ambulances arrived with their lights flashing. Something was going on in my neighborhood. My wife went into investigate and learned that someone had been shot and killed in the area where we normally take our dogs out for a walk. About 20 minutes later I started hearing what could be described as a helicopter landing in the baseball field behind my house. It was really hard to see because it was clear that it wasn't trying to attract attention by keeping it's lights to a low. The body was removed and transported away from the area. The police stayed and searched the area with their flash lights for I guess the weapon or clues. The next day when I went to work I found out that one of my fellow retail co-workers was shot in the arm. I don't believe their was a connection, but the timing was weird. So I have been talking to my fellow co-workers and he was in agreement that this is no longer a safe area. He admitted he carries a gun and so does his wife. When asked how much this would cost me and he informed me because of all these shootings in schools lately the demand for guns have risen so much that is why prices have gone up. As a teacher I know for a fact that I cannot carry a weapon on school grounds and after that incident at Sandy Hook and finding out that the mom owned guns and was a teacher really bothered me. I even was going to support the idea that if you are a teacher, you cannot own a gun and if you do have that you need to tell the school system and let them know. There is a lot of debate in my county about if teachers should be armed or have armed police officers in the schools. I am sure my wife will be against this idea. Even angry that I brought it up. I do want to protect my wife but also make sure she can defend herself if I am not around. I am also sure this is going to be expensive..any idea for the costs? |
 Comments (Total Comments: 26) |
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joshnorm
- 01-27-2013, 01:32 PM
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She wasn't a teacher. That was a large part of misinformation that hit after the shooting due to the dipshits trying to be the first to report and not being actual reporters.
It also depends on what you want. A small compact CC weapon can run a few hundred dollars (Kel Tec PF9 example). I don't recommend that if you are a first time owner since small weapons like those have a huge kick and are difficult to aim. I would honestly find a range that allows rental of weapons to shoot and try them out but I would recommend looking at a Glock 17 ($599 MSRP) or Rugar SR9 ($499 MSRP). Also shop around even after Newtown I was able to find both of those weapons under MSRP at my local shops. Avoid the gun shows. You will see a mark up there. |
MrshllJcb
- 01-27-2013, 02:25 PM
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I've got a 14 month old daughter and girlfriend that live with me in my home. I live in Massachusetts which has some of the hardest gun laws in the county, and I dont necessarily live in a bad area but I have also been considering getting a firearm. Both my brother and my mother have their class A license to carry and conceal so they can carry their pistols with them in public, and Ive been shooting with them often, and was raised in a home where ownership of guns was a responsibility and an exercised right. Even in MA where it is difficult to get a handgun it is actually very easy to get a shotgun which would make a good home defense weapon so I am thinking of going that route.
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Shadows916
- 01-27-2013, 02:33 PM
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i've always carried my beretta 92fs, a 9mm. Its a little bulky but very dependable, low recoil on a 9mm round. Its the non military issue version of the M-9 our troops carry, new costs around 550, I bought mine used for 325- I prefere it over my kimber 1911 aegis custom II that cost just over 1200
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AZR43L
- 01-27-2013, 03:06 PM
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I recommend Glock. Reliability is first and foremost when it comes to purchasing a gun for self-defense. Don't worry about saving a couple hundred bucks on the actual firearm. Most of the expense will come from buying the bullets anyway. I'd narrow your choices down to either 9mm or .40 (they're cheaper than .45ACP) but you should consider visiting a local shooting range that lets you test-fire pistols of different calibers. Like this you can get a feel for them and decide based on comfort and accuracy. Bottom line is 9mm is (usually) cheaper and so more convenient for regular visits to the shooting range while .40 is generally more expensive but offers more "stopping power." You should really head to the range and try them out yourself.
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sdoxas
- 01-27-2013, 03:24 PM
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"Something was going on in my neighborhood." I really thought you were going to 'Fresh Prince' us, there.
If I ever got a gun, I would think I'd go with a revolver. Dependable and loud enough to scare off a burglar with a warning shot. I'd like to avoid a gun that needs a lot of maintenance. How often do Glocks need to be cleaned, oiled, etc.? |
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bigsick
- 01-27-2013, 04:04 PM
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I second glock as they are the most reliable but I would also recommend a springfield armory. I have a SA .45 XD and its really nice.
Not recommended is a revolver, especially in a gunfight. No one is going to stray away from you firing one round off, especially if there's a bunch of people or they have guns as well. The new semi-automatics are also more reliable and more accurate. They always tell you, do not draw your gun unless you plan to use it..so firing a warning shot isn't the way to go. You either shoot or be killed, your choice. I wouldn't let a revolver protect anyone i knew. |
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mission42
- 01-27-2013, 05:51 PM
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@bigsick
Have you ever seen a revolver get jammed? I have a Ruger Super Redhawk, by no means is it a conceal carry kind of weapon, but I wouldn't hesitate having it protect me. Am I going to shoot a warning shot because it is loud and to try to scare off an armed robber, hell no, but I'll guarantee you this, the first six times I squeeze the trigger the gun will go off everytime. Somehow I don't think I'd need more than six shots for home defense of an armed robber either. |
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KillerRamen
- 01-27-2013, 08:01 PM
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My advice is to do your research and find a gun shop in your area that has a range and has firearm rentals. In St Louis there is a place where it's $27 an hour for the range and the renting of the guns (you still have to purchase ammo).
Find the gun that works the best for you. Then get training and practice. |
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kaw
- 01-27-2013, 08:43 PM
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Glock 17. Reliable and 9mm recoil is easy for new shooters.
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antlp89
- 01-27-2013, 10:33 PM
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MiNuN
- 01-28-2013, 01:45 AM
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I'm from Canada
So guns are not common at all over here, yes police has them, yes we know really really bad people have them, but were not scared of walking outside and knowing somebody beside us is carrying a gun I know that people in our countries, even if we have the same life style, have different mindset, so I do not see how purchasing a gun would enable self-defense If somebody really wanted to shoot you, they will, will carrying a gun really scared off people? I, myself, would feel horrid if I carried any sort of weapon on me, as most Canadians would I assume. |
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eulogywerd21
- 01-28-2013, 05:14 AM
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I have, but do not carry a 3rd gen Glock 17 with night sights. It's a very reliable gun even though it has a slightly random ejection pattern. I've put 200+ rounds through it, without cleaning it, and still hit dead center no problem.
I carry, because of it's size, a makarov 9x18 with 2 clips full of HPs. The sights are fixed and it does take some getting used to, but I've never had a jam or misfire. Like MrshllJcb said, I was raised in a home were guns were kept in the closet or safe and treated with the utmost respect and care. Legally owning and using a gun is a very serious responsibility, so make sure you know exactly how to operate whichever firearm you decide to buy. |
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ShirtSizeXXXLXT
- 01-28-2013, 05:15 AM
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Get a handgun for protection. Don't get a shotgun for protection. There are lots of incidents where someone has tried using a shotgun for self defense, missed the target and the blast has gone through the wall and killed their own child. I know handguns can do the same thing, but the blast of a shotty is much larger.
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gr8asianman
- 01-28-2013, 06:38 AM
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I say it's better to have one and not need it than need it and not have one. I'm a teacher too and I never bring my firearm near school, but when I'm out and about I carry. As others have recommended you should do some research and try out some firearms at the range or gun store. I would lean towards a Glock G17, but only when you have the firearm in your can and take a couple shots can you really see if it works out for you. Lean towards something that uses 9mm, .40 or .45ACP. If you decide to get a shotgun stick with birdshot as it will penetrate your walls much less than buckshot or solid slug.
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polly
- 01-28-2013, 10:42 AM
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Agreed. And by carrying a gun around now you are the one causing others to be fearful for their lives. All for the illusion of safety. The Glock company thanks you for your patronage. Welcome to the wild west. |
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Richard Kain
- 01-28-2013, 11:05 AM
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A handgun is best for on-the-go protection. A shotgun is best for home protection. In theory, a shotgun would also be best for on-the-go protection, but it is impossible to comfortably carry something as bulky as a legal shotgun.
While I do think it is fine to own and operate firearms responsibly, I don't think it is a good idea to bring them into an educational institution. Schoolchildren can't legally carry firearms. It should be possible to maintain discipline in a school without firearms. Incidents like Sandy Hook are carried out by madmen. There is no sure method for defending against insanity. For general protection in the neighborhood, I would recommend a revolver. It is much harder to reload, and doesn't carry more than six rounds. But you shouldn't ever really need more than six rounds at a time, and revolvers don't jam. At the end of the day, the primary purpose for carrying a firearm is for deterrence, not aggression. |
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hostyl1
- 01-28-2013, 01:02 PM
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@Richard Kain: You say "the primary purpose for carrying a firearm is for deterrence". I dont think many people agree with you. Because, if you're using a gun to deter, you'd want people to know you had a gun. But yet there has been great push to allow people to "concellled carry". Doesn't effectively 'hiding' the gun lose the deterrant factor? I'm sure it makes it easier to carry around for some, but dont you want a possible assailant to know "Hey, I've got a gun and will shoot if you
 with me and mine"?@OP: The idea that you *only* want a gun because you've heard of a few incidents seems awfully knee-jerky to me. If you want a gun cause you just like guns/want to learn to shoot/want to 'excersie your rights' just cause you can, I'm actually okay with that. It's when I hear people want them because of fear that gives me pause. When people are scared, they panic. When they panic with a gun, often someone gets shot, and not always the intended target. So if you are getting a gun "for protection", I'd urge you to ask yourself a few question first. Am a willing to take a life? Under what circumstances would I take a life? How long do I wait in a 'situation' before pulling out my gun? If my assailant has a gun too, can I out "draw" them? Can I minimize my chances of getting into a 'situation' without a gun? Personally, I dont think I'd do very well with a gun for 'protection'. It just not for me. I've lived in so-called 'rough' neighborhoods in Chicago and Washington, DC and never did I think my life would be better if I had a gun on my hip. In fact, looking back, I can see how many times my life trajectory would have been greatly altered (adversly) had I had a gun on me and was willing to use/brandsh it. |
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Richard Kain
- 01-28-2013, 05:30 PM
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Yes, you are quite right about concealed weaponry. Potential deterrence is ruined by carrying a gun in a handbag or in any other "hidden" location. People usually don't carry concealed weaponry in order to be sneaky, but to avoid causing a fuss.
It's important to remember that the fiercely defended 2nd amendment wasn't written with the intention of enabling everyone to walk around packing. It's ultimate purpose is to allow the common citizen the ability to defend themselves from the government itself. Having the right to bear arms is a privilege that every citizen can choose to exercise. They also have the right to choose not to exercise it. Both are valid options, and at the discretion of the citizen. One of the most important things to remember when deciding whether or not to own and operate a firearm is the time commitment. In order to be a responsible firearm owner/operator, you need to take classes on firearm safety, and get in regular practice at a firing range. This practice at handling and operating a firearm safely is the best way to avoid accidents due to panic. A good firearm owner knows how to properly use and maintain their firearm. |
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The Crotch
- 01-28-2013, 05:47 PM
Updated 01-28-2013 at 06:04 PM by The Crotch |
Minun: Canada actually has a pretty large number of civilian-owned guns. Nowhere near the amount of the US, granted - they're nearly 1:1, whereas we have about one gun for every three people. Now, that doesn't mean that one in three Canadians has a gun, as those numbers include multiple guns in one household.
I'm curious what the rate of gun ownership in cities is for Canada and the US, though. I grew up way in the ass-end of nowhere, where guns were ubiquitous, and I can't imagine not having one out there. But at the same time, I can't imagine owning one in the city for self-defence. Related to that, I'd love to know the ratio of handguns to rifles and shotguns in both countries. |
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rogueweapon
- 01-28-2013, 09:49 PM
Updated 01-28-2013 at 10:03 PM by rogueweapon |
Get a gun, don't listen to TV propaganda. When Hurricane Sandy rolled through here, we had no power and no gas for over a week. No cellphone service and most phones were out. If looters come around you have to protect yourself and your family, and the cops aren't coming. The cops and army shouldn't be the only ones who are armed because the bad guys will always have guns. For those who are afraid of guns, don't get them. But if you can be responsible, you have a right to protect yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3gHTb-Wes4 |
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