[BureaucratusMaximus]

OK...thats it. I have often pondered getting a firearm for self and family defense (so don't think I got my tinfoil hat now because of this article) and this story takes the cake. I can only imagine one of these dirty bombs detonating in the downtown area of the major metro area I live nearest to (Chicago) and all hell breaking loose. Livng a few miles from what I'll call a very "diverse", crime ridden, gang invested area would make me feel a little queesy when, in the event of such an attack, the "have-nots" would certainly start looting/rioting/raping/pillaging the "haves". In short, I don't want to caught with my (blank) in my hand. To be brief, and I'm sure a lot of Freepers would know this, what would be a good "starter" firearm, what are the price ranges for such an item, and are there any shooting ranges in the SW suburban Chicagoland area. I'm off to bed...any advice would be appreciated. God bless...and stay safe.

[FairOpinion]

You are making an excellent point. The dirty bomb itself may not be as dangerous, but it would break up civil order and that's what would cause panic, chaos, lootings, and worse.

Having a firearm to defend oneself sounds like an excellent idea.

[clee1]

Mossberg 12 gauge pump action, short barrel, pistol grip.

about 130 dollars

[Iris7]

If you are serious, get a Winchester 94 made by USRAC here in the USA. This is a 30-30 "deer rifle", excellent for showing the jury you don't have a mean thought in your body. An AK look-alike has about the same effectiveness militarily as the 94 but is much worse when the prosecuting attorney holds it up for the jury to see!! In fact I suggest "deer rifles" in general for applications like yours.

Handguns are of little use in point defense except in the hands of an expert. If you need something to carry concealed so that an expert can't see it immediately, then it pretty much has to be a handgun 16 oz. or lighter.

There are excellent bulk capsicum projectors designed to deter grizzly bear attack. These are available over the internet and are not illegal. Well, very illegal. Google "bear pepper spray".

[Dosa26]

what would be a good "starter" firearm

It's hard to go wrong with a Ruger 10/22 (140$)to start. Even with a 25 magazine I wouldn't rely on it for defence against my locals (locos) though. For a "When the Offal Hits the Rotating Blades" firarm I would buy a SKS/AK (200-450$)clone with 30 round Mags. More important really is that you practice with whatever you buy often. And no house should be without at least one 12 gauge shotgun. Mossberg 500 (150-200$)is good and cheap, Remmington 870 (225-350$)is my choice cuz it's easier to take apart and clean, but it's a little more expensive.