Where can I buy a gun

[jiacinto]

Where can I get a gun?

[childslibrarian]

1. Walmart

Sporting goods

[hunter]

39. Wal-Mart doesn't sell guns in California anymore...

They got in big trouble for selling guns to drive-by shooters.

In California don't ever be a drive-by shooter, and don't ever sell guns to drive-by shooters. You will get into Big Trouble.

Okay, seriously, all the little gangsters in my city get their guns by stealing them from other people's houses. Look for a house that has a "Don't Beware of Dog, Beware of Owner" sign on the front gate. You know, the sign with the big picture of a revolver on it. Simply wait until the jerk who put up that sign goes to work, break into his house, and steal all his guns. He probably has some nice guns, better than that Wal-Mart crap that blows up in your hand, and, bloody hell, it's hard to explain those missing fingers and powder burns in the E.R. The nurses will dish out all sorts of crap, and then they will call the cops.

Personally, I think jiacinto should go to Time Lord school. Then he could simply extinguish any timelines he doesn't like.

I'm thinking of all those timelines where George W. Bush grows up to be television's favorite baseball "girly boy." Those timelines are looking mighty fine to me these days. Nobody gets drafted, and many gay folks, men and women, are the pride of the United States Military.

Do I have a gun? Sadly, in this particular timeline, I must resort to my Dirty Harry Clint Eastwood stare. "Do You Feel Lucky? Well, Do Ya, Punk?"

No, no, that's not true. I simply flirt with mom, and the thug that was dad never has a chance, and the bad guys are never born.

I love this job!

PM's are welcome. I answer them at least every fortnight.

[TBURNS]

61. Guns and wal-mart

Though I am a pro-gun supporter. I believe Guns should be sold responsibly, hence not at your local wal-mart store. Wal-Mart has many problems, currently to be credible selling guns.

Sure, not all Wal-Marts have the same problem, however, if you see the workers in the sporting goods sometimes, well - I'd be scared.

T.B.
http://conservativeissues.com
Balancing out Politics

[Fixated]

2. .....

What kind of gun?

[not_in_my_name]

3. Why do you want a gun?

[Frangible]

19. Si vis pacem, para bellum (nt)

[RC]

4. Why, ya got a liquor store in mind?

[KG]

29. that might solve his money problems.

[Droopy]

5. Pawn shop

That's a good place to get a deal on a hand gun. Why buy something new when you'll likely never use it? If you want to go new there should be any number of sporting goods store in your area that will have them. I think there is a wait to get a hand gun, though, while they do a background check to be sure you're not a felon.

[DoNotRefill]

59. Pawn shops...

tend to overcharge on guns. If you want a bargain, go to a gun show. Stear clear of pawn shops.

[caledesi]

6. You are scaring me Ji, want to talk? nt

[Cocoa]

7. you're losing it

I know enough about you to know that a gun won't make you safer.

Moving to a safer place is rational, going Michael Douglas in "Falling Down" is a mistake.

[jody]

8. Look in the yellow pages. If you are serious and want answers, post

your question in the J/PS forum.

[1a2b3c]

9. Better question is

Where can you get training to use a gun. Other than that do what Jody said.

[NoMoreRedInk]

10. The places that sell guns can give you that info********

nm

[1a2b3c]

11. Not most of them nt

[HEyHEY]

12. Fully or semi automatic?

want a clip too?

[1a2b3c]

15. Come on now

Its a magazine not a clip :-)

[HEyHEY]

17. what makes the difference?

I'm a gun illiterate

[LeftistGorilla]

82. most of us are...

at least up here....

[DemBones DemBones]

13. If you're going to own a gun, you need training

in how to use it properly. A good gun shop will have a gun range or connections to one where you can get training.

[kalian]

14. Hmmm....pissing people off?

I'm curious. You claim that you got mugged. Then state that you
bought a can of mace and a flashlight and are expecting to get
another visit from your assailant. Strange...muggers don't usually
target the same person twice given that the incidents are usually
random to begin with.

What's up then?

[indigo32]

26. Take it easy....

he said he was mugged at gunpoint. I don't know bout you... but I'd be freaked too. However... I don't think this is the state of mind to be in when purchasing a gun.

[KG]

27. what's up? Death Wish

[1a2b3c]

16. Check out these websites

www.auctionarms.com

www.gunbroker.com

[MissMarple]

18. "Get"? Interesting phraseology. Of course, you want to buy.

Gun shows in many states, Walmart type stores, gunshops, sporting goods stores, owners. And, oh yes, you do need training. To be safe you need a lot of shooting experience, and training workshops. You should almost be able to disassemble and reassemble it in the dark. If it is for home protection, you need to understand your liabilities and capabilities. A gun is not always your friend.

Now, do you really want a gun, think you need a gun, or are you just fishing? We gave the girl child, after the break in, a baseball bat and a flashlight. She didn't want a gun. She was afraid of shooting her roommate.


on edit: Honey, were you mugged? I am so sorry. :hug:

[KG]

20. planning on killing someone over something as transitive as money?

that sickens and disgusts me.

[Frangible]

22. no, but his attacker is

And you can read his other threads for stories of people killed over money. Defense is not offense. Perhaps you'd like to die and give your money to a criminal, but not everyone feels that way.

Remember: 98% of the defensive uses of guns, according to the FBI, do not involve firing a single shot.

[greatauntoftriplets]

31. I was once mugged at knifepoint.

Although I own knives (for kitchen use) and a Swiss Army Knife, I do not walk around armed. I got over it. Life went on. And I live in the same place.

[Cheswick2.0]

66. well that was an assholic thing to say

The money is upsetting, but I think Carlos is worried about his safety. If you can't be civil when someone is in trouble maybe you should avoid the thread.

[KG]

69. ah, nevermind

just another hypocrital post. not worth the smart-aleck remark. :eyes:

[Frangible]

21. Walmart sells pump action shotguns at a good price

But remember: a gun is only one aspect of home defense, and is the very last one.

Make sure to fill out the rest of the home defense equation.

And as others have said -- look at getting training and practice, and store it safely when you're not around.

And guys remember: even if his assailant does not target him again, the fact is something similar could happen again, and it's not unethical nor unrealistic to want the ability to defend your own life.

[Scaramouche]

23. Check this site where they've got the Nuke50 or the 300 round Uzi...

http://www.birdman.org/products/products.htm

Or my fav the the ShotCaller 2000 9mm Telephone...



For extra fun check out the video on the Nuke50

[DoNotRefill]

60. that's a joke site...

and Carlos is being serious.

[arcane1]

24. aren't you in VA?

Hell when I left there you could get a gun in Richmond on damned near every streetcorner!

[indigo32]

28. He's in Miami now

eom

[absyntheNsugar]

25. Gun shows are usually the cheapest place

albeit the most controversial. You can get a wholesale discount on lots of different guns if you shop around.

BTW...a gun won't make you any safer...by the time you realize youre in danger, you won't have time to whip it out. They are, however, fun as hell. As a hobby theyre excellent. For self defense, however, I reccomend Tae Kwon Do. You never have to "whip that out."

[hlthe2b]

30. Carlos! you don't like where you are living, don't have a job...

and just got mugged and thus don't feel safe. Why don't you go home-- wherever home is to friends/family for a while or at least move back to where you did feel relatively safe, with friends, and where there may be better job prospects?

I don't want to enter into the pro-anti gun debates. But, I think most will agree that a gun purchase is not one to be done rashly and without prior training. OTherwise, that gun may very well be your undoing-- used on you or against you (because of your inexperience and hesitance).

[HEyHEY]

32. Shut up pansy.!..........Carlos buy a big gun

Just jokin hlthe2b is right. Maybe you need some down time with people you know and trust.

[leftofthedial]

33. carlos, did you call the numbers people gave you?

the last thing you need right now is a gun.

[XanaDUer]

34. Agreed...

Please don't get a gun. Please call the help line first.

[jiacinto]

41. I did

they gave me the name of a counseling center that exists.

[XanaDUer]

42. Call them tomorrow for an appointment

you will probably feel better knowing you are starting something to help you heal.

[jiacinto]

43. I was going to the UPS store tommorrow to get boxes

to move.

[hunter]

46. You have friends here...

Lean on them.

[hunter]

45. Yeah.... Talk...

You don't need a gun.

:grouphug:

[Andy_Stephenson]

35. Silly....

:crazy: Why would you want a gun...you'll shoot yourself in the foot for sure.

[ithacan]

89. lol!

good one andy

[Xithras]

36. You don't need a gun right now

I both own guns and have used them in self defense, so please trust that this doesn't come from some kind of anti-firearms position.

Jiacinto, I believe that if you were to buy a gun right now, you'd probably end up killing or wounding someone and be thrown in prison. You were robbed, you're scared, jumpy, and just slightly paranoid. That's a NORMAL reaction (I can sympathize as I've been there myself) but you're not thinking straight right now. How would you react right now if you stepped out your door and some suspicious looking punk ran at you from across the street? Would you be scared? Would you pull your gun to defend yourself?

What if he was just running over to ask the time?

Scared, jumpy people shouldn't be carrying firearms, because those are the people you read about who end up blowing away their neighbors, their kids, or their neighbors kids. Should you ever buy a gun? Sure, after you've calmed down a bit (give it at least a month). After that, go to a local gun store and ask for lessons. After you've learned to handle and use a gun properly, find a store with a range and do some shooting before you buy. Put at least 30 rounds through a gun before you buy it to make sure that you're comfortable with it, and that you can control it and hit your targets.

Never buy a gun out of fear, and never buy a gun you aren't comfortable shooting.

[Andy_Stephenson]

37. Carlos? Paranoid?

no!:wow:

[XanaDUer]

38. Perfectly put...

Nerves, fear, and guns are not a good combo.

:(

[hunter]

40. Yeah, what they said...

Send me a message.

I think you may have my real email too.

Peace be with you.

[Dirk39]

44. Guns are boring: WMDs for free in Iraq should do the job!

Hello from Germany,
Dirk

[MissMarple]

49. Hi, Dirk!

:D

[YellowRubberDuckie]

47. Honestly, your nerves need to calm before you get a gun...

I'd hate for you to shoot someone just because you're startled. Did you call that hotline?
Duckie

[Guaranteed]

77. Seriously.

Guns are truly not for the scared. Jumpy people and guns are a bad combination.

[brokensymmetry]

48. Seriously -

Go to a large gun store, not a pawn shop and not a department store. A police supply store isn't a bad idea. Pawn shops sometimes (not always, of course) sell cheap junk. Such firearms can kill, but what you want is a firearm you can depend upon, one that can save your life. Department stores often don't sell effective personal defense weapons.

You'll be pleased to know that Florida is a concealed carry state - thus, you can get a permit to carry your firearm at all times.

In choosing a gun store, find one that also provides the training required for the concealed carry permit.

Generally, semi-automatic weapons are easier to conceal; however, revolvers might be preferable for you. A 357 magnum revolver with a 4 inch barrel and .38 calibre ammunition loaded with hydroshock or Glaser safety slugs is good for home defence; for concealed carry, the Glock 27 in 40 calibre is excellent, again with either hydroshock or Glaser ammunition.

Another good home defense weapon is a 12 Gauge shotgun. Consider #10 shot, since it is less likely to be lethal through walls.

The ideas about training are important; issues such as weapon retention are critical.

With a combination of quality training and a good firearm, you'll feel - and, in my opinion, be - much safer.

[MissMarple]

51. Umm... all the good thoughts.

:D

But, this is still way scary stuff.

And actually, having a gun around ready to fire, is way too much responsibility for me. That means I would have to kill someone. Now that we don't have our big guy around, if someone attacked me, I'd just go for his nose, eyes, and throat. And other sensitive areas if time permitted. My husband seems to have great confidence in the girl child and me. He thinks we are like Celtic warriors or something. Like, right. :D

Well, a gun would be nice. But, damn, I would know I was going to to acutally kill someone.

... And that's easier if you are protecting someone else. Then, I would shoot them.

I apologize for the vent/rant thing. This actually took a while.

[FDRrocks]

50. alot of places legally.

Have fun with it :eyes:

[Nikia]

52. Sporting goods store

We've bought our guns at Gander Mountain and Scheels. I suppose in Florida that hunting isn't as big as it is in Wisconsin, but there still should be sporting good stores that sell them.

[jiacinto]

53. Ok

nt

[Cleita]

54. Carlos don't get a gun unless you have been in the

military and know how to defend yourself with it. All you will be doing is providing the gang bangers with another weapon to terrorize you with. It's a very dangerous thing to do. What you need are good security bolts on your apartment and some caution in your moves through the neighborhood. Staying in after dark is the best thing you can do besides being aware of your surroundings and not dressing like a target.

[jiacinto]

56. I have to be out at night

as my job requires me to work until 10 PM

[hussar]

55. If you want a gun

I would get trained first for your own and others protection and I would think you will need a concealed carry permit if you intend taking it out.

Safety is everything!

[Cleita]

57. Then be cautious and don't be obvious or invite another mugging.

Having a gun will only make you a target. They will want it and they could shoot you with your own gun. Don't be a fool. I used to work in a bar at night and you just have to learn to be cautious, study your surroundings and make them safe for yourself and watch your back.

[DoNotRefill]

62. That's crap...

How would having a gun make you MORE of a target than NOT having a gun???

Most muggers want unarmed victims. Why? Because it decreases their chances of getting SHOT!

[Cleita]

64. That's not what the police will tell you.

Muggers love an amateur with a gun. The best thing you can do is not be a target. Staying on well lit streets with groups of people lessens the chances of being mugged. Not carrying anything they would want also lessens your chances of being mugged. Also, if I saw a group of guys coming toward me that look like they could be muggers I get out of their way fast before they had a chance. This is where being aware of your surroundings is necessary.

Carlos would be better off learning how not to be a target instead of increasing his chances of being one by carrying a gun. Most cities have community centers where classes are taught about this.

[DoNotRefill]

65. that's because...

if people can defend themselves from criminals, their budget will get cut.

What do you base your "muggers love an amateur with a gun" statement on? Personal experience? It's certainly not scientific fact or even INFORMED opinion.

What do muggers want? Money. That's kind of hard to carry unconcealed, isn't it?

Here's some facts for you from the DoJ:

Odds of getting hurt in an attack if you have a gun: 20%
Odds of getting hurt if you're unarmed and offer no resistance: 33%
Odds of getting hurt if you resist with a method other than a firearm: 50%

So, to sum up, according to the DoJ (under Clinton, this was published in 1994), if you're attacked, the BEST way to come out unharmed is to have a gun.

[Terran]

71. You have got to be kidding!

if people can defend themselves from criminals, their budget will get cut.

That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard. Do you actually think that people who work in law enforcement are worried that they will ever run out of criminals to chase? Give me a f*cking break.

Police tell people not to carry guns because amateurs carrying guns almost always result in somebody getting shot who would not have otherwise. And don't tell me I'm wrong, because I know quite a few people in state, local and federal law enforcement.

Dirk

[Character Assassin]

73. Allow me to tell you you're wrong.

Police tell people not to carry guns because amateurs carrying guns almost always result in somebody getting shot who would not have otherwise.

'Almost always'? I 'almost' never found that to be the case.

And don't tell me I'm wrong, because I know quite a few people in state, local and federal law enforcement.

You can take what the Feds tell you and chuck it straight out the window. They don't deal with muggings, and, to my experience, usually dwell in a magical place called 'Fantasy Land'.

[Terran]

75. "the Feds"?

Rather a broad brush, isn't it CA? To be specific, these were DEA people. No, they weren't dealing with muggers, they were dealing with drug dealers, and the occasional by-standing abuser. I didn't always agree with their methods, but I wouldn't call their world "Fantasy Land".

Certainly all the local guys I know prefer that the shooting be done by them, and not by untrained citizens.

[Character Assassin]

78. Absolutely. The DEA folks are, to my experience, insane.

Glorified cowboys who live out fantasies of their own creation.

No, they weren't dealing with muggers, they were dealing with drug dealers, and the occasional by-standing abuser. I didn't always agree with their methods, but I wouldn't call their world "Fantasy Land".

I would certainly call it 'Fantasy Land'. Drug dealers, on the level that the DEA deals with, are NOT amateurs, any more than the Cocaine Cowboys who work the the DEA are.

Certainly all the local guys I know prefer that the shooting be done by them, and not by untrained citizens.

Ah, but that's a different issue, isn't it? Of course we'd like the shooting to be done only by us, but we're not always around, so that's not possible.

[haele]

79. No statistics to back this up...

But in the two years I had alternate duty as shore patrol, I ran into 5 instances where a mugger ran across someone with a gun and one case where a drunk got into a physical altercation with my armed partner.

In two cases, the victim pulled out the gun and froze. One got shot and one got pistol whipped with the very gun pulled out. Both cases, the mugger got away with both wallet and gun.

In two cases, the victims managed to intimidate and chase off the mugger.

In one case, there was a mutual firefight, and a passing car got it's tire blown out by a riccocet, and the mugger ran off without getting either the cash or gun from the victim. However, the passerby had to replace her passenger side tire and was damn lucky she didn't run into the fire hydrant and lightpost she ended up on the sidewalk next to.

In the case of my partner, he (only three years in the military, basically just out of his year and a half worth of billet schools) went up to and pulled out his gun to play John Wayne against a physically smaller but very drunk Spec Ops Marine who was engaged in a friendly brawl with a fellow Marine bud, and got the shit kicked out of him within 15 seconds of confrontation before I could talk both Marines down and call for backup.

Yeah, these ancedental incidents can be "offset" or invalidated by DOJ, GOA and NRA statisticians, but I gotta go with my experiances on this one if I'm going to give advice to someone who's not sure if a firearm is right for them or not.

Upshot to responsible ownership - you must know what you are doing with a firearm, know your surroundings and your potential threats, and realise that carrying a firearm is really just nothing more than one powerful tool amongst a choice of several tools availible for self protection. If your job situation requires you be in dangerous situations, then the best thing if you want a firearm is to take the time, get used to the tool, and learn how to use it competantly, not just figure it's going to be some sort of magical equalizer and protect you just by it's presence. It's still a tool you have to learn how to use properly and understand the consequences of it's use.

If one has a tendancy to be fearful or careless with tools or your surroundings, the equalizing potential of a gun can easily be mitigated by the potential for a self-inflicted injury or death by one's own misuse or poor reactions.

If someone's basically going through an agoraphobic stage where they're consumed with a general fear of strangers instead of a specific potential threat - I'd suggest a serious round self-defense and self-confidence classes and carry some high powered pepperspray before I'd suggest getting a firearm.

However, if Carlos is doing work that can put him in danger on a regular basis - such as making night deliveries in bad neighborhoods or night guard, I would suggest to him that along with taking self defense/street-smart type courses, he also hook up with a reputable firearms store (perferably one that sells to the local patrol/police organizations) and go through some reputable firearms training - and get a firearm he can use comfortably.

But first, he has to get his self-confidence back. The law doesn't protect you if you shoot someone just because you are afraid of the way they look unless they could be proven to have been threatening you with assault or robbery.

Haele

[Cleita]

84. Funny that's what I did.

I was taught defensive and I'll say dirty and unsporting moves from street fighters and some of them were ex-muggers. There was no fancy dancy karate in this class. I found this a lot more useful than having a gun although I could have easily gotten a license to carry a concealed weapon.

Muggers operate from close contact. You don't get mugged from a distance, so the first step is to avoid closeness. Being with a group of people helps. Also, an actor friend of mine who lived in NYC in a bad neighborhood because that's what starving actors do, told me that mugging was a way of life for him while he lived there.

What he did was stick his credit card in his sock inside his boot. He never carried anything more than $20 cash. If he got mugged, they got the money and he could go about what he was doing. As a matter-of-fact, he said it was almost mandatory that you have some money on you. That way they were happy and you were free to go your way. Not having any money meant you could be beat up and stripped of your belongings.

Also, anyone who has ever visted an inmate in prison becomes immediately aware of the fact that the guards carry only sticks. The don't carry guns or any pointy sharp things. This is because the prisoners are more than happy to relieve a guard of his weapons. Now if prison guards, who deal with violent criminals, feel safer without guns, that speaks volumes.

[Character Assassin]

72. Sorry, that's just crap. Muggers love easy targets with no gun

That's not what the police will tell you.

The police are telling you, here and now, that muggers don't like anyone with a gun.

Muggers love an amateur with a gun. The best thing you can do is not be a target.

Absolutely untrue. The best thing he can do is learn how to hit is target.

Staying on well lit streets with groups of people lessens the chances of being mugged. Not carrying anything they would want also lessens your chances of being mugged. Also, if I saw a group of guys coming toward me that look like they could be muggers I get out of their way fast before they had a chance.

So you'd make yourself conspicuous by getting out of their way? That's not learning how not to be a target.

This is where being aware of your surroundings is necessary.

That is necessary with or without a gun.

Carlos would be better off learning how not to be a target instead of increasing his chances of being one by carrying a gun. Most cities have community centers where classes are taught about this.

Most cities also have morgues, which is where people who take the advice not to buy a gun very often end up.

[Guaranteed]

76. Here's Mike Royko's opinion on the subject:

"....Now I understood him. When I was robbed last week, I was not armed. But if I had been armed, I could have avoided being robbed. I might have even captured the robber. Right?
'Well, yes.'
That's a dramatic scenario, so let's expand it. I'm in the vestibule of my building. A man with a gun bursts in. His partner waits outside as a lookout. The man puts the gun to my face, in the general area of my nose, which is a quite general area.
Now, let's assume that I own a pistol. Chances are that I wouldn't have it in my pocket or waistband, since it's illegal to carry a concealed weapon.
More likely it would be upstairs in my apartment, probably in a drawer next to the bed, which is where most gun owners stash their guns. (That makes it more convenient for them to wake in a fright and shoot their wives, children, dogs, or feet. Far more family members and feet are shot in this country's bedrooms than burglars and fiends."
Obviously, I have a problem. He is pointing a gun at my nose. But my gun is upstairs in a nightstand drawer. So what do I do?
I suppose I could call upon his sense of sportsmanship and say: 'Would you mind waiting a moment while I go upstairs and get my gun, and we can settle this man to man?'
He didn't seem the sporting type.
Or I might have been devious and said: 'Here's my money. Boy, am I lucky. This is just chickenfeed. I've got more than $50,000 stashed away in a drawer in my bedroom. I'm sure glad it's up there and not in my pocket.'
This would arouse his greed, we'd go to my apartment, I would reach into the drawer, whip out my pistol and drop the gullible fellow with a fast shot.
I don't think he'd fall for it. And if he did, he might want to check the nightstand drawer himself. Wow, would he be mad at me.
No, what I would have done if I owned a gun that was upstairs is exactly what I did anyway. I would have given him my money and felt enormously relieved when he departed.
But, for the sake of argument, let's say that I owned a gun and had it on me.
That's possible. While it's illegal, many Chicagoans carry pistols in their pockets or purses, and the vast majority are never caught unless they shoot somebody or get drunk and flaunt it in a bar.
So I could be carrying a gun. And let's resume the scenario. I'm in my vestibule, my door keys in my hand. The man bursts in, I turn and see the gun near my nose.
Do I reach for my gun at the moment? Of course not. He has only to move his finger an inch or less, and I get a bullet in the nostril.
I wait for him to tell me to give him my money. When he does, I reach into my pocket and-surprise!-I pull out a gun instead.
Unfortunately, he watches my hand going into my pocket. And if it emerges with a gun instead of a wallet, things might get sticky. He might squeeze his trigger before I squeeze mine. In which case, I lose.
Or he might hesitate long enough for me to squeeze the trigger at the same time he squeezes the trigger. I earn a draw, which wouldn't be bad in a chess game, but not in a shootout.
....
So I wouldn't do it, unless I was feeling suicidal. Even with a gun in my pocket, I'd still give him the money.
Then, I suppose, I could wait until he backed out of the vestibule and started running. I could draw my gun, dash outside, aim and try to bring him down.
If I was a good shot, I might do it. Or I might miss, and he might turn around and shoot at me. Who knows what the outcome would be?"

-Mike Royko July 2nd 1984

[Frangible]

74. Only partially true

According to DOJ statistics you are less likely to be injured with a gun than if you offer no resistance.



You're right about one thing though-- a gun is only one part of self defense, and is the last part of it. There are many other things that need to happen as well. You cannot simply buy a gun and call it done-- a gun is a responsiblity, and part of that responsibility is making sure you avoid using it unless you have no other choice. You are held to a higher standard.

[DoNotRefill]

58. Before you buy a gun, Carlos...

look in the phone book for gun shops with firing ranges. Many ranges will rent you a gun to use on their range. Before you rent one, tell the counter person that you have no experience at all with guns, and get him to teach you some basic safety. Or, you would be VERY well served to take a course. I've got copies of the NRA basic pistol course book. In case you didn't know it, NRA training is the "gold standard" for firearms training...they teach the cops, and most states that require training to get a CCW permit specifically approve the NRA courses by name. If you'll PM me a snailmail address, I'll send you one free. I'll even pick up second-day shipping...it's THAT important that you learn safety FIRST.

Gun suggestions: Depending on how much money you have to spend, my first choice would be a Glock 19 (should run between $450 and $550, depending on where you shop) in 9mm or a Makarov in 9x18mm which should run under $200, but if you shop well you can sometimes pick up a used one for $100 (what I paid for my last Makarov). An intermediate priced gun is the CZ-75 in 9mm, which shouldn't cost over $350, and it's an excellent pistol. The Glock's a better gun (higher capacity, more powerful round, less recoil) but the Makarov is very serviceable, compact, reliable, and DIRT cheap. DO NOT GET A Bryco, Jennings, Lorcin, or anything like that. Yes, they're cheap, but they suck.

DO NOT FALL for the "gotta get a BIG gun!!!" mentality. I wouldn't advise you to get anything bigger than a 9mm. (I have bigger guns, but I carry a Glock 19) Don't get anything smaller than a .380, since smaller calibers are generally unsuitable for self-defense. Remember, the bigger the caliber, the more recoil you'll feel, and the harder it'll be to shoot accurately. If a 9mm is good enough for the cops, it'll be good enough for you.

If you're serious about getting a gun, PM me with any questions and I'll be glad to answer them. Remember, though, it's easy to get screwed buying a gun. I know the market, and will be glad to help you.

[sandnsea]

63. Find a self-defense class

It'll help boost your self-esteem and give you that 'air' of someone who can take care of himself, you'll get out and meet new people, you'll get a sense of control over your life, it'll help in alot of ways. They probably offer them at the Y or something. Do this before you think about buying a gun. It's cheaper too!

[Frangible]

80. It may help in some ways...

But as my sifu told me, do not try to use martial arts against someone with a knife or gun. You will lose. He said he would lose, and he was a triple black belt.

Attacking someone without a weapon is one of the most dangerous methods of self defense. If you are unarmed, I recommend running like hell or cooperating with them. (in general)

[REP]

67. Gun Store

If you get one, be SURE you know how to use it. If buying for self-defense, be SURE beyond doubt that you could kill a human being. Go for reality, not cool: a shotgun is a better home defense weapon than a Glock, especially of you're not a shooter. If smeone gets in your place while you're there, you'll be scared, freaked out and shaking with adrenaline and not able to aim real well. A shotgun is easier for the intruder to see and hear, and if that's not enough to get them to go, aim is not as important as with a handgun. Bonus - if the break in happens while you're away, they may not take your shotgun; when I was robbed, they left my gun!

Spend a lot of time at the range practicing. A gun in the hands of someone who doesn't know how it works or how to use it is a disaster waiting to happen.

[mac56]

70. Sometimes all you have to do is "pump" the shotgun.

That sound is unmistakable.

[Bertha Venation]

83. I had the same advice from a freeper

when asking about home protection weapons. "Just get a pump shotgun. Just the sound would make the perp shit his pants."

[mac56]

86. I hate it when a Freeper agrees with me!

But even a nearsighted squirrel finds an acorn now and then.

[onebigbadwulf]

68. Open a bank account

in Texas

[bushisanidiot]

81. Go Check Out The Freeper Sight. I'm sure they give them away at their

pro-KKK bake sales. Buy a cookie for whitey, get a free gun.

[Cleita]

85. When I lived in Idaho, you could pick them up

at the weekly farmer's market.:eyes:

[neuvocat]

87. YOU NEED TO LEAVE FLORIDA!!!

If things are that bad so soon after you get there then you should see it as a sign that you may end up getting killed, gun or not.

[Bake]

88. Hey, J, if you want to buy a gun, buy a gun

You may never have to use it, and I hope and pray you don't. But it's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

With that bit of "wisdom", let me suggest a couple of things. One, I'd recommend a revolver. Odds are you're not going to need a full clip of ammo, and revolvers don't jam and they're generally cheaper than automatics. Two, don't get a cheap gun (the proverbial Saturday Night Special), spend a little more and get a good quality make like Smith & Wesson (I'm partial to S&W, but there are other good makes as well). The balance will be better, the aim will be truer, etc. And get something big enough to be worth the trouble. All you'll do with a .22 is piss somebody off! I'd get at least a .38 or a .357 magnum.

Finally, go to a shooting range and learn how to use the thing. You do NOT want the first time you HAVE to use it to be the first time you've ever fired the weapon! They're loud and they "kick" and the first time you shoot it, it will scare you almost to death (and that's a good thing!). Shoot it often and get accustomed to the feel and sound of it (but wear ear protection! If all else fails, stick a cigarette butt in each ear!).

Don't feel guilty about buying one, and don't let anybody here make you feel guilty about it either.

Finally: if you ever have to use it, for real, don't hesitate. Don't give the bad guy the opportunity to take it away from you and use it on you! If you're at home, of course, make sure it's a situation where you NEED to use it!!

Bake

[Skinner]

90. We've discussed this long enough.

I'm locking.