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Firearms - looking for advise, not criticism, kinda long.
I know I wouldn't get much criticism from you ladies, because we're polite and not crappy to each other, but I wanted to put this out there first that this is not an NRA or gun owner bashing session. I'm merely looking for those of you out there who do shoot or own guns, which ones you've shot or owned that you'd recommend. Here's why.
Lately, there's been some strange stuff going on in the neighborhood that puts me on edge, especially when I have to be here by myself. I've been spending a lot more time over at my parents when Zach has to go to work in the evenings, primarily because being here alone scares the $hit out of me. It doesn't help that we live 2 blocks from the "bad" side of town. I have been raised with guns in the home, as has Zach, and both our fathers have a loaded gun within reach should someone break in in the middle of the night. This knowledge that I would be protected has helped me sleep better at night for 24 years of my life. The last 3 months, I haven't been able to say the same.
With our apartment situated where it is, we're not in the bad side of the area, but relatively close to it. This means police sirens can be heard a few blocks away any time during the day or night, and sometimes the offenders stray into the better part of the neighborhood - we live in the historic district, where a few homes have been turned into apartments, and we're in the bottom one. It is a decent apartment with a good price on the rent, but the single lock (not dead bolt), lack of outside lighting at night, and the property management leave something to be desired, especially if you're a 5'3 114 pound female. I bought a monster flashlight that could double as a weapon if need be, and use that to get to my parking spot on the street up to the apartment at night. I've called and asked several times about having dead bolts installed on the door, but no one has been sent yet. I plan on calling again this afternoon and informing them I'll be installing my own this weekend. Still, I'd feel safer having a firearm for protection when Zach's not home - it sends prickles down my spine when he comes in and forgets to announce it's him, and I have nothing in the family room to attack with if I need to.
So, sorry it was so long, but any advice on the whole of the matter would be appreciated, especially on which firearms you prefer (if you do). Thanks!
Re: Firearms - looking for advise, not criticism, kinda long.
I've hunted most of my life and have taken fire arm safety. If you're interested in a hand gun, I would recommend taking a class and becoming familiar and educated with the gun.
My other advice: only get a gun if you are able and willing (worst case scenario) to shoot it.
I don't have any specific advise, although I think you're wise to go ahead and install the deadbolt lock yourself. Actually we locked ourselves out of our apt last night and since the deadbolt wasn't locked and just the "regular" lock was locked, DH was able to "break" into our apt by just using a debit card and sliding it between the door and doorframe! so definitely do a deadbolt!!
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I don't have any advice yet. But I just sent Keith an email with your message in it, to see what he'd recommend.
My biggest worry is that you seem SO nervous, do you think you'd be ok and able to safely use a gun, if needed? How startled are you when your husband comes home unanounced? Do you think there's any way that could go bad, if you did have a real weapon nearby?
We have guns in the house. And there is one loaded on the nightstand on Keith's side of the bed every single day, but I don't know that I am personally someone who would be able to use it.
But, I have a feeling after I have kids, that mindset would probably change for me. I think I'd be too scared to protect myself with a gun, but wouldn't hesitate to reach for it if I were protecting someone else.
And I am someone who has been raised around guns and learned proper gun safety at a very young age. I learned to shoot in grade school. But, I'm still too nervous of a person to carry a concealed weapon or to even think to grab for the loaded gun that is 5 feet from me, if I had to.
If he responds today on his lunch break or something, I'll let you know what he says.
Missing our little turkey.
Estimated Due Date 11/13/12 | Natural Miscarriage 4/17/12
DH gave me a 40 caliber Taurus handgun for a wedding gift, it is made for a girl so it isn't too heavy and fits a smaller hand. You could also go for a Glock, they make a "Baby Glock," then you would have something with a lot of force but isn't huge. I would just shop around and make sure that you hold them and see what you are going to be able to handle. I know here in Iowa, you have to have a permit to purchase a handgun (not long guns only handguns), so you better check into that also. I would also check into your concealed carry laws. Iowa just became a "Must Issue State" rather than a "Can Issue State" so now they have to issue you a permit unless you have ever had a domestic assault charge, or are a felon, and maybe a few other restrictions.
I also did not like having no guns in our house, we have some shady people in our neighborhood and I wanted to know that if I had to or if DH had to we would be able to defend our home.
I also have to add that IMO handguns are a lot different that long guns, so if you are not that familiar with handguns you should take some type of safety course just to familiarize yourself. GL!!!
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Estimated Due Date 11/13/12 | Natural Miscarriage 4/17/12
My dad was an avid hunter my whole life so his living room had a fully stocked gun-cabinet and there were 3-4 shotguns on display in there as well so I've been comfortable with guns in our home my whole life. When Mike and I purchased our home, my dad got me a small handgun, it's a beretta. He bought me the ammo as well, but I do not keep the gun loaded. He's never had the guns loaded in my parents home, and I have no intention of keeping mine loaded either.
As PP touched on, the chances of me actually shooting it are slim to almost none, so I don't see a need to have a loaded gun laying around. The fact that it's availalbe to me makes me feel good.
---side note: I live in a small town, not a bad area in the least. I do not have any concerns of bad-area people around, or anything. It's just something I've grown up with, so it's comfortable for me to have it.
If you are looking for something only to have at your house, I'd recommend a shotgun with high grade shells for ammo...If you don't have a lot of practice shooting, you will be more likely to hit your target in general with a shotgun, but especially if you are nervous & shooting at an intruder. I'm a fan of the Remington 870 Express Super Mag. I'm had other 12 guage guns before and just really like the feel of it best--everyone is different with what is most comfortable to them. That being said, there are a lot of different long guns out there. Are you looking for something to carry with you all the time?
From a general personal protection and law enforcement standpoint, a handgun is the most versatile and easy to wield...because it will be a single round per trigger pull, again, if you are not well practiced firing under stress, you will be less likely to strike what you intend, even at a relatively close range. I have a Beretta 9mm (with appropriate ammo) that I keep at home. It is too large to carry in a concealed holster, so I don't. Check out Glock, they are very reputable and have several different models you could put in your purse or in an ankle holster...I recommend an ankle holster v. your purse...purses get stolen and left behind.
My #1 recommendation for you is to visit a reputable gun shop and discuss your needs and concerns with the people there. They will be able to decide what is best for you. Once you have the weapon you need/want, you must get proper training. Weapon safety and proper usage is vital.
My DH has guns and I have tried several of his. At the moment I cannot remember which I like the best. I think I like the 9 mm. He has some small ones too that easily slip in to a pocket or purse. So keep that in mind too. He wants me to take the concealed handgun license class in TX and get the license.
Other thoughts on safety. I work at a govt installation and firearms are forbidden. Given that, DH has put mace in my car. He also recommends wasp spray. Something legal anywhere and can shoot a great distance. This does not answer your question but may help someone reading this thread or be an option as you go to/from your car if concealed guns are not allowed in your state.
A gun with a laser pointer could act as a deterent too. The shotgun that has to be cocked is also a deterrent to someone braking in. f they hear that they know there is a powerful weapon behind it. DH keeps one near the front door for that reason.
Ok, DISCLAIMER! - so even though I was raised around guns and am fully capable of handling them safely and shooting and everything, I really just am horrible at remembering what type is what and what caliber is what and all of that. It just doesn't interest me, so I never remember what means what. I do know what a .22 is, but only because that's what I prefer to shoot. lol
So, while talking to Keith, I made some notes. I will now attempt to make sense of them. :-)
If you are wanting to conceal and carry, he always recommends a small revolver. He said he'd go for a 38 special or a 357.
But since you're kinda tiny, you have to consider that a semi will have less kick, so will most likely be more comfortable for you personally. However, he did say that Smith & Wesson makes an "Airweight" revolver that might be a good choice. I looked and found this link:
http://www.christiangunowner.com/smithandwesson638.html
He also said you might look into a Compact 1911. He said most are 45 caliber but he thinks you can get them in 9mm too. But he said if you go with that model, don't go cheap. He'd recommend spending probably at leat $600 if you decide to go with a Compact 1911.
I hope this helps! He just said to try to find a firing range in your area, that has gun rentals.
And he said that even if you were raised around them and have good working knowledge of shooting and handling, it's always good to take a refresher coarse. And if you do, they might even have some guns there that you can test out and get comfortable with.
ETA: He also said that everyone should carry mace with them, in addition to their firing weapon. :-)
Missing our little turkey.
Estimated Due Date 11/13/12 | Natural Miscarriage 4/17/12
Seriously! I was actually really surprised at the amount of responses that included us having guns!
I second everyone else's suggestion of going to a gun range... or even a gun show, that will let you try out different types of guns.
I have personally shot a glock 19 and a Sig (don't remember the model). I did NOT like the glock, and i LOVED the sig. Both were 9mm.
We are going to get me a handgun soon, and when we get a house I will buy a pump action shotgun.
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Thanks for all your replies! I do believe we need to create an NRA chapter now - wow! I'm going out with dad this afternoon to look at a few new places that popped up in the past week and see what they've got. A few police officers in the area have begun opening gun shops and offering classes, so we're going to check those out. Zach's also talking about maybe getting a dog for added protection.
I can't remember who asked, but yes, I only feel unsafe and uneasy here at the apartment alone, which is why I spend my weekend evenings with my parents at their house until Zach gets off. I especially hate Fridays, as that is our laundry day and I have to tote our laundry over to mom and dad's, then back again, and by the time I usually get back, it's close to midnight. Zach always meets me outside and helps me carry it in, but I feel like it makes us more vulnerable to have our hands full. I can't wait to get out of this lease in June and move somewhere safer.