“Okay. If your life is in immediate danger, and there is a gun lying close by, go ahead, don’t use it. If you are set on dying, I supposed an exploding gun or a bullet in your head doesn’t much matter.”
odawg’s phrasing brings with it the aroma of rhetorical finality - like something’s been settled with surety.
If he (she) deems me some sort of Libertarian, hung up on absolutist concepts of ownership, that’s his (her) privilege. I can offer only my unsupported assertion that I find Libertarians too childish to survive in the real world (true of most other absolutists too).
The prudent user adapts to the situation. The more dire the situation, the more urgent one’s search becomes, for a suitable tool for self-defense. Even if it is only GGGGGreat grandpa’s fowling piece(not that I’d volunteer to stand in front of a functioning one).
Short of that, forum members are urged to attend closely to particulars of ownership. And attend equally closely, to what will or won’t work for them, in instances of mortal peril.
Since incidents can arise with little warning and go wrong in a hurry, it’s prudent to think one’s way through tactical scenarios, and accumulate tools in anticipation of ugly happenings that have not yet occurred (with thanks to the late Mel Tappan).
For those set on owning firearms, find out beforehand, what you can handle. And afford. Buy quality as the budget permits. Do not go with older items; they fail in unanticipated ways, often at the least opportune moment. “They don’t make them like they used to” is an adage to be avoided. In practical terms, this means anything predating 1940, of US origin. Foreign items are less certain.
Obtain enough ammunition, and spare parts and support stuff (cleaning tools and supplies). Train with your arms. And above all, stay safe.
Once hostile action begins, there are no sure things. All you can do is improve the odds. I’ve no idea why odawg chose the silly expression “set on dying,” but the objective ought to be to stop the hostile actions of one’s adversaries. By life, death, or any other means necessary.
Please report back to your sanitarium.