Self-defense Gun/Weapon Safety and Training Discussion

n/a | October 14, 2012 | A Navy Vet

[A Navy Vet]

Thinking about all the new gun owners out there, I thought this might be a good time to discuss gun/ammo facts, safety issues, training, and legalities within Fedgov and various State laws.

This thread should also include various other self-defense items, such as: pepper spray, tazers/stun guns, batons (including extendable), other material items, and various forms of Martial Arts (including Krav Maga).

[A Navy Vet]

As a disclaimer: I am not adverse to admitting I own the following (weren't lost in a boating accident - ha). All of the below are Fedgov and California legal.
Remington 870 12guage shotgun with legal barrel length for home defense;
Sig Sauer 9mm with a CA legal magazine of 10 rounds;
Colt .38 revolver

You need not say what you own, but your input regarding self-defense would be appreciated. Thank you.

[Qwackertoo]

I would like to sign up for a class to boost my confidence level. I just need to sign up and do it.

[JRandomFreeper]

The most dangerous and potent weapon is the one between your ears. Which tool you use, and how you employ it can vary.

The mindset to protect you and yours covers many sins.

/johnny

[Hardraade]

Be sure to include the offensive stuff.

The best defense is knowing who to kill first.

[djone]

Good subject. If I may suggest a book for the thread, that would be “On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society” by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, on what its like to kill some one. Its quite sobering for those who carry. (it’s available in many public libraries)

[MasterGunner01]

Questions to ask yourself:

1. What's my budget because that will affect how much that can be spent.
2. What's my skill level: beginner, average, advanced.
3. What kind of action: Pistols — revolver or semi-auto; Shotgun — pump or semi-auto; Rifle — bolt action, lever action, pump action, or semi-auto.
4. Is this a gun I can shoot well and does it fit me? Does it work for my spouse or significant other? If not, what does?
5. Does it take easily found ammunition and not odd or hard to find calibers? [I recommend calibers that are loaded for both the military and civilian markets.]
6. What's the reputation of the firearm as a “go to war” gun? That is, how well has it stood up to abuse and neglect in the field and still kept functioning?

Short list of “go to war” guns:

Pistols: Revolvers — Any S&W or Colt .38 Special or .357 Mag [lots of ex-police guns to choose from]. Semi-autos — M1911-series, Browning P35 High Power, Walther P.1, Sig Sauer, Glock, or Springfield XD-series.

Shotguns: Pumps — Ithaca Model 37, Winchester 1300 Defender, Mossberg 500-series or Maverick 88-series, Remington Model 870. Semiauto — Saiga 12, Benelli M4.

Rifles: Bolt action — WW2 main battle rifle in .30-06, 7.62x54R, or 7.92x57; Savage Model 10 or 110; Remington Model 700. Semiauto: AK-clone; AR-clone; M1A/M14/M1; FN FAL-clone; HK G3/91-clone.

[MS from the OC]

Suggestions requested.... It’s been a long, long time since I did any shooting. Effectively, I’m considering myself as having never shot before.I’m looking for a good place to take a gun safety course and range to practice on. Not sure what I want to purchase yet, probably a pistol for home protection. Maybe later a shotgun.

Any ideas about placed to learn and practice in Orange County California?

[Molon Labbie]

Carrying a firearm is a deep commitment. Some people I know got excited about CCW until they experienced carrying daily.

Now they treat it as an impediment, and throw it under the seat or glove box or just stopped carrying daily.

The criminal scum NEVER take a day off. Your self protection shouldn’t either.

Remember, “I was in fear of my life (or anothers) and I need to speak with my lawyer.”

[Chipper]

New handgun owner (less than 2 months). SA XDM 3.8 Compact .40. I am looking at getting the Remington 870 also (if I can figure out which version), and probably a Ruger .22LR of some type.

[Nailbiter]

bflr

[A Navy Vet]

Please contribute. There are so many new gun owners out there and they would probably benefit from your years of expertise.

I'll start off:

1. A gun is ALWAYS loaded! No exceptions! If someone hands you a gun, you IMMEDIATELY check to see if loaded. It doesn't matter if he just did same unless a firing range professional. If you don't know how to check for load, do NOT take physical possession;

2. NEVER EVER put your finger on the trigger until you are seconds away from firing;

3. NEVER EVER point a gun at anyone for any reason, even if inadvertently. Always be aware of the direction of the barrel. If learning, point the weapon down if no other safe direction exists.

There are other rules that the National Rifle Association discusses on their website, but they may not apply to home defense, such as keep your gun unloaded. Check their site for other safety and training protocol.

My next post will be about handling a pump shotgun, arguably the most common home defense weapon.

[fella]

A Taurus Judge loaded with BB’s/goose-load or #4 buckshot will clear a hallway or room quite nicely.

[Lazamataz]

Top 10 Gun Safety Tips:
10. Always keep your gun pointed in a safe direction. Such as at a hippy or a commie.
9. Dumb children may get a hold of your guns and shoot each other. If your children are dumb, put them up for adoption to protect your guns.
8. No matter how responsible he seems. Never give your gun to a monkey.
7. If guns make you nervouse. Drink a bottle of whiskey before heading to the range.
6. When unholstering your weapon. It’s customary to say “Excuse me while I whip this out”
5. Don’t load your gun unless you are ready to shoot something or are just feeling angry.
4. If your gun misfires, never look down the barrel. Have someone else do it for you.
3. Never use your gun to pistol whip someone. It could mar the finish.
2. No matter how excited you are about buying your first gun. Never run around yelling “I HAVE A GUN. I HAVE A GUN.”
1. And the most important rule of gun safety. DON’T MAKE ME MAD!

[A Navy Vet]

"I would like to sign up for a class to boost my confidence level. I just need to sign up and do it."

I did such recently and feel much more confident. Like they say, "practice makes perfect" unless you can't shoot the broad side of a barn...haha!

[Qwackertoo]

After completing the basic CCW class, then I think the Tactical level training course would really boost & benefit my confidence level.

[Qwackertoo]

I think finding a place such as the link below would be a great place to start with multiple courses available to take your training to a level you feel comfortable with.

http://www.selfdefensesolutions.net/

[A Navy Vet]

Great stuff for the newbies. Thanks Gunny.

I'm still trying to figure out what make/model of rifle I want that handles 5.56 ammo. I don't need extreme accuracy, just something I can put an average scope on to reach past my 870 and Sig. Got cost effective suggestion? I'm thinking an AR-15 variant.

I live in CA and they require a bullet button to release the magazine. I've seen legal get arounds for the pin that can be installed, but still limited to 10 round mags (sigh). Is bolt better for defense or is that mostly sniper stuff, which I'm not?

[Cheerio]

Remington 870 12guage shotgun with legal barrel length for home defense;

This is my favorite....


Model 500 Special Purpose Cruiser

[Sawdring]

Does anyone know how to check for left or right eye dominance when you shoot? I heard some guys talking about it at Boy Scout camp this weekend and thought it was an interesting topic since I have never heard of it before.

[MasterGunner01]

Being a CA resident,you have my sympathy. So far, in IL, we've kept the loons in Chicago/Cook County under control because gun control is a suicide issue for any state politician. Getting CCW gets closer [and we're the last state without it].

Getting back to your rifle, you might consider an SKS [fixed magazine] in 7.62x39. Ammunition is both cheap and plentiful. The SKS is fast to reload with stripper clips, accurate, and the 7.62x39 is more of a stopper than the .223 Rem/5.56 NATO, plus the SKS does not look like an evil black rifle (EBR). [Civilian-type replacement furniture (stock and handguard) are available to make it even less threatening looking.]

I have a Russian SKS and I love it. You'll have to check what the law is as to what features are CA legal on the SKS, but because it is more “conventional” looking than either the AK or AR, you should be better off. There are also extended mags designed to replace the untegral 10-round magazine of the SKS. Removal of the 10-round magazine and follower and replacement with the 30-round magazine is easily done.