I have been asked about GUNS…
John Havener July 10th, 2009
I have been asked about guns for self-defense…many times recently. I am a former Marine Corps officer and long-time shooter, so it is not surprising that friends and family might ask me about firearms…and a number have. These inquiries are set in a broader context…since the President was elected there has been a huge and unrelenting stream of people buying guns and ammo. Try buying some .45 auto ammunition (or other ) at Walmart and discover for yourself how tight are supplies of pistols and ammunition. Most are buying these to protect themselves or their families or property…but there is much more to the issue of guns for self defense than at first might appear.
I will try to briefly cover the following: Your convictions about firearms, especially using them; Gun laws and other legal issues ( check with your Sheriff or lawyer); Cost, safety and training; Specific choices for home defense; and more… What are your personal convictions about firearms? Do you want them in your home? Would you actually shoot somebody who was threatening you or your family? If you have children, how does their presence effect your situation? Under what specific circumstance would you reach for your firearm. Would you attempt a “show of force” before actually shooting? Do you have the real faith to “trust the Lord Jesus” through a very dangerous situation…with or without a weapon? Questions like these are actually vital. Hesitate too long and guns and ammunition may not be available to you. In an actual threat situation, you must at least start with a very clear understanding of what you will do. I cannot answer these questions for you,but you must find the answers, and soon. Prayer and family discussions with personal reflection will bring you to a good starting point.
Guns are expensive and you must get some kind of training to learn how to use them safely. Self-defense shotguns cost from $300 to $450; A good pistol costs from $300 to $1000 depending on the make and caliber. (You do not want a junk pistol or some weird caliber!) And then there is ammunition…you need to have enough to practice shooting and then have a reserve supply. Enough ammo is critical and presently is in very short supply. Changes in Gun law may make it almost impossible to obtain. Training is important, or at least helps you learn more quickly and safely. Local law enforcement, shooting ranges, NRA courses, or private tutors may be an option for you. If you get or have a gun, you must know how it works and you must know it so well that you don’t fail in a critical situation.
Safety is no small matter and must not only be thought through, but then “the safety plan” must be carried out consistently and with discipline. Words can never express the sorrow of a gun owner who accidentally shoots a family member/ neighbor or whose child finds a guns and shoots them self or a sibling. Only the adults in the situation can work toward eliminating this possibility. All new guns have a safety brochure in the box…they offer good advice, but are geared toward recreational shooting or hunting type users. Intense self-defense environments require that guns be loaded and available and this drastically increases the dangers of accidents. In very dangerous environments I would have the whole family “camp out” in a designated room…all can be quickly accounted for and anyone moving around or in the house is a potential intruder. If you have a family and things get really rough, have family drills and drill till everyone gets the plan right.
Guns Laws are a must know and may change very rapidly. These laws are mostly state and local matters… although the ownership of some types of weapons may violate federal law. Your Police Department or Sheriff’s Office is a good starting point for this critical info. Laws vary from state to state and sometimes by locality. In my state, if you kill an intruder INSIDE your house it is not a crime, but shoot someone in the yard and you may do jail time. If you ever have to shoot at someone, call 911 as soon as possible and report the matter to the Law. In most states you have to have a concealed weapons license/permit to carry a gun on your person off your property or in your car. These are issued by local law enforcement agencies and may require passing a class and/or exam. They may be honored by other states, particularly in the South, but have certain restrictions apply, such as not bring a gun into a public building or place where liquor is served. These permits usually last a year. I recommend you and your wife each have one if you go the gun route.
What kind of gun should I get? (Again, what are your real convictions?) I am only dealing with home/ personal defense, not the best combo for hunting/marksmanship, etc. My advice is subjective, consult others also. Here are some factors to consider: Dependability, “knock-down/ stopping power,” Practical usability; availability of ammunition. Revolvers tend to be more reliable than semi-automatics…they may jam less and are very clear-cut on loading.(Clear-cut and slow!) A 20 or 12 gauge self-defense shotgun with buckshot has the maximum stopping power (But poses the greatest safety threat to a family that is spread out in the house); Shotguns and big caliber pistols (.44, .45, .357 mag) are very noisy (the concussion can actually hurt!) and can seriously jump in your hands when shot and may not be practical for a lady or older youth. Some calibers are very, very difficult to obtain ammo for… recommendations in next article!