So You're Thinking of Buying a Gun

So, you're thinking of buying a gun. With all the unease in the country since 9-11, that isn't surprising. Many people are buying guns; as this news story reports, they're doing so to be able to protect themselves and loved ones. It's not a bad idea, but before you make that move, you should learn as much as you can about guns so you can make an informed choice.

Guns are among the most misunderstood items around. If you listen to some gun control advocates, guns are the embodiment of evil. If you listen to some gun owners, every person in the country ought to carry a firearm, all the time. In reality, the truth is somewhere between these positions.

A gun is a tool. It is morally neutral. A gun can be an instrument of evil, when a rapist uses a gun to force compliance with his vile act. A gun can be an instrument of good, when the sight of one stops some thugs from attacking an elderly lady. What happens with a gun depends on the intent of the person using the tool. Just as with any other tool, if a person isn't prepared to use it, mistakes and accidents can happen—but with a firearm, they can have deadly consequences. To use these tools of self-protection well, you must choose carefully, and train yourself in their proper use.

Choosing the tool that will work best for you

There are several different kinds of guns. When you visit a gun shop, you'll see "long guns"—shotguns and rifles—and handguns that range from tiny to huge. How do you know what gun will work best for you?

The only honest answer to that question is, "It depends." It depends on what you want to use the gun for, and where. It depends on your strength. It also depends upon the law where you live. One way to learn the gun laws in your state is to use the National Rifle Association's search utility for state firearm laws. Your town may have firearms laws, too; check before buying.

The first question you need to consider is whether any gun is a good choice for you. Look down deep into your soul: do you know, to the marrow of your bones, that if some bad guy came after you or your family, you'd be able to shoot him or her? Repeatedly, if necessary? If you can answer "Yes", then a firearm is probably a good choice for you. If you know you can't, don't buy a gun! Criminals can sense fear and uncertainty; if you hesitate at The Moment of Truth, your gun may be taken away from you and used to prey on other innocent people. Don't buy a gun if you can't or won't use it.

Firearms can be organized into three types: handguns, shotguns, and rifles. Handguns are small, but can shoot powerful rounds (enough to stop bears). Their overall size has little to do with the size of ammunition they can shoot. They shoot one projectile—the bullet (which is part of the "cartridge", or "round" of ammunition)—per squeeze of the trigger. Handguns can be single shot—where only one round can be fired, then it must be reloaded—or can have up to 10 rounds loaded for more rapid fire. Revolvers are one type of handgun; they have a cylinder, and chambers that revolve to place a fresh round under the hammer, ready to be shot. Semi-automatic handguns (also called pistols) have a magazine that slides into the gun. A spring in the magazine keeps pressure on the rounds, so that when one is fired, the next one in the magazine is pushed up into the chamber, after the empty cartridge is ejected out of the gun. (Semiautomatic means that you have to squeeze the trigger once for each round to be fired, and the next round is automatically loaded into the firing chamber each time you fire.) Revolvers are generally easier to operate, and are much less likely to jam than pistols—but they don't have the high capacity that semi-autos can have.

A shotgun is a long gun that is often associated with hunting and sports shooting. Shotgun ammunition is referred to as a "shell" or cartridge; it holds projectiles that are propelled out of the shell when it's fired. The number can range from hundreds of small lead pellets—good for hunting birds, which is why it's often called birdshot—to one big lead slug. Shotguns fall into three types of action: single or double barreled guns that must be manually loaded for each shot; pump or lever action shotguns that hold multiple shells and must be manually operated between each shot; and semiautomatic shotguns which function like pistols. Shotguns are more powerful, generally speaking, than handguns, and are generally easier to operate. However, it's a heavier gun, and has more recoil (that's the force that pushes against your body after you shoot a round) than handguns. You must be able to hold the gun steady long enough to shoot to stop the threat, and to take the recoil.

Rifles are useful in hunting, and for certain situations (such as defending a building from people outside, when accurate long-distance shooting is important). They can shoot small caliber ammunition the same size as some handguns, or cartridges so powerful they can bring down an elephant. These guns are very popular in military action, because of their power and accuracy. Rifles generally aren't recommended as personal defense weapons; they're too powerful for the distance that most attacks happen at. The bullet could pass through the bad guy with minimal damage, and continue for long distances, possibly injuring innocent people. Unless you live out in the country, a rifle is probably too much gun for your personal defense needs. However, given that the President has stated that we're at war, having a rifle as part of an overall tactical defense strategy can be a good idea. And, should things come to more extreme circumstances, such as the infrastructure of the country falling apart, you'll have a weapon for bagging squirrels or bigger game for meat.

Next, consider where you'll be using the gun. If you want a gun for home security, many experts suggest either a shotgun or handgun. Handguns are easier for small children to manipulate, an important consideration if you have children. If your primary concern is protecting your person, and you want to carry the gun with you, a handgun is really the only choice of firearm you have. It can be easily concealed, so your gun doesn't alarm others. If you want a firearm to keep in your car, either a shotgun or handgun may do, depending on the type of threat you think you're likely to face. Either will do damage to bad guys, but a shotgun with lead slugs is more likely to be effective if the bad guy's using a car for cover, or as a weapon. If you own a business and want to keep a firearm on the premises, for most situations a handgun is preferred; they're easier to conceal and to bring to action quickly and unobtrusively, which can be crucial in a holdup. Having a shotgun in a safe, strategic place is a good idea, if that's possible.

Getting facts on guns

Once you've decided what kind of firearm you want, go to gun stores and look at guns. Ask questions. No question is too dumb; if the salesperson acts bored or starts giving you sarcastic answers, go elsewhere. If you're a woman and get steered to handguns that shoot small calibers ( such as .22, .25., or .32) on the assumption you can't handle anything more powerful, go elsewhere. Women shoot competitively with large calibers and win regularly. If you have friends who are gun owners, ask for their help. Have them take you shooting, to get a feel for different weapons, how they work, and the calibers of ammunition. Some gun stores with ranges rent guns, so you can test a variety of firearms.

The wide range of choices available can seem overwhelming. You'll find that many people have strong opinions about guns, and they'll happily share them. It can be tempting to rely on someone else's experience, but resist that as much as possible. Remember, you may need this gun to defend your life one day; it needs to fit your circumstances. For example, it's true that the .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol, a handgun caliber of ammunition) round is more powerful than the 9 mm round, but if you can't handle its recoil that extra power isn't going to do you any good. In fact, it could work against you. A handgun your friend loves may be too big for your hands. What you choose needs to work for you.

Try to shoot as many different calibers of ammunition as you can, in the type of gun you plan to buy (comparing across revolvers and pistols is worse than comparing apples and oranges). Spend time at gun stores, handling different size guns in the caliber and type you want to buy. You most likely won't be able to shoot all the different guns available, but listen to what other gun owners say about their guns, and ask them how theirs compare to guns you've fired. Read gun magazines, and gun-oriented web sites, to learn the terminology and find what's been proven to work.

There's no need to buy a brand new gun. Most gun stores stock quality used guns, and the price can be considerably less than a similar new gun. If you want a new gun, that's fine. But if you can't afford a new gun, or you aren't sure of what you want, buying used is a solid choice. You may also be able to get more gun for your money buying used. And if it turns out you made a poor choice, generally you'll have less depreciation with a used gun. Have a reputable gunsmith check the gun, just as you would get a used car checked. Not only can a malfunctioning gun not work properly, it can injure or kill you if it misfires. Check the store's return policy before buying any gun.

How to know what gun will work for you

There's no formula for determining what gun will work best for you. Many will try to tell you otherwise, though, with statements like, "Women can't handle .45 or larger ammunition; it'll kick too much." I know plenty of women who can handle .45s just fine; I also know men who hate that much recoil. (Part of this depends on the type and weight of the gun it's fired from; that's one reason why trying different guns is important.) Similarly, some people don't like the feel of pump shotguns; others don't like semi-automatics.

For a gun to work well for you, it needs to fit with your body well. It can't be too heavy for you to hold steadily and take a shot. If it's a long gun, the butt of the gun should nestle snugly and comfortably in the crease of your shoulder. For any type of handgun, it must fit your hand; various problems can result if it doesn't. You also need to be able to handle the gun's recoil. With shotguns, this means your upper body must be able to absorb the shock. For handguns, your wrists need to be strong enough to control the recoil so that you can aim at the target again fairly quickly. Shooting different guns will tell you what you can handle.

Although no one wants to be shot with any caliber weapon, some are better "stoppers" than others. When you ask about good calibers for personal defense, be prepared for a wide variety of opinions; it's one of the ongoing debates among firearms enthusiasts. The minimum recommended by many experts is .38 Special. These have sufficient firepower to stop even a drug-crazed attacker (although it may take more than one shot). Many experts recommend .45 ACP or 10 mm. Any shotgun gauge except .410 is considered acceptable, although 12 gauge is recommended for those who can handle the recoil. Try various calibers—shoot at least 25 rounds of each that you're considering, in the type of gun you're considering. Choose the most powerful caliber you can safely and consistently handle.

Please don't make the mistake of thinking that just because you're buying a firearm, you'll magically be safe against any threat. A gun is one part of a personal defense plan. Think about other things you can do to become safer. The best book I've read on the topic is The Truth About Self Protection, by former policeman and self-defense expert Massad Ayoob. I encourage anyone interested in the topic to read this book; you'll learn things that you just won't find anywhere else. Personal safety is an important consideration; if you're just now thinking about it, you've got some catching up to do but it can be done.

Good gun information links: (This is only a partial list; there are many more good gun sites, and many more gun manufacturers. A Google web search will turn up more.)

Sunni Maravillosa is a psychologist, writer, parent, and gun owner. She can be reached at sunni@free-market.net

My two S&W hanguns were bought years ago. It is with these weapons that I protect my home and family. Recent politics count for nothing in this regard. That said, there are equally efficient and reliable alternatives to S&W. Should I ever find myself in the market again I would go Colt.

My two S&W hanguns were ~~bought~~ manufactured years ago. It is with these weapons that I protect my home and family. Recent politics count for nothing in this regard. That said, there are equally efficient and reliable alternatives to S&W. Should I ever find myself in the [revolver] market again I would ~~go Colt~~ buy another timeless classic S&W [perhaps a Model 29].

We're not so far apart.

Thanks for the response. I am left wondering though, what do you disagree with? Where and by whom have you been trained? If it was the military then the rules are different because the playing field is different. If you live in a rural area then a trench gun becomes an option, not a prefered option, just a matter of choice. But only outside the house. Bear in mind also that in most states you may legally defend your home with deadly force but if you shoot and kill a potential intruder, someone who is in your backyard, you are liable to face a grand jury, unless that person represented an immediate threat to you or others. The point is that you can shoot the intruder while he climbs through the window but not while he is outside looking in and not after he has fled the premises.

Do you really believe that an untrained person should have anything other than the most simple, most reliable weapon in his hand at three in the morning, while he's scared, his heart is pounding, his hands are sweating and he's tip-toing down the basement stairs to investigate? I've seen young officers forget to breathe under these conditions. Would your average un-trained home-owner remember to chamber a round and slip the safety? And don't think that a few hours at the local range with some guy who knows more than you do constitutes training. What would you suggest? Before you think shotgun try this...take a broom handle in two hands like a shotgun, turn a sharp corner without poking the barrel end around first, then try for target acquisition in the dark. You lose time. And you lose accuracy. If you turn the corner ready to fire and the bad guy is just inside the room you stand a real chance of wrestling for and maybe losing the gun.

This isn't about posturing. This is response to a question from someone who is looking to bring a gun into his home. Opinion doesn't count. Training and experience do. I don't mean to sound hard but this is an important topic.

That being said, since the ONLY time you can use a firearm in self defense is if you truly believe your live is threatened

Why do people commit suicide?

Nor would I recommend any alternative for someone, particularly a woman, where the disparity of force

Imagine an elderly woman sustaining the kick of most weapons let alone hitting a target. I'd never deprive many from the opportunity to do as they choose to with guns in protecting themselves (police, veterans, security...), they are trained to react, but simply putting a lethal weapon in the hands of the average person is not a cure-all.

We cannot allow government to ban weapons for obvious reasons, but people must understand real limitations as well.

Do you really believe that an untrained person should have anything other than the most simple, most reliable weapon in his hand at three in the morning, while he's scared, his heart is pounding, his hands are sweating and he's tip-toing down the basement stairs to investigate? I've seen young officers forget to breathe under these conditions. Would your average un-trained home-owner remember to chamber a round and slip the safety?

Sorry to butt in but what you are pointing out here has nothing at all to do with training. Training does not cure a persons fear of having an intruder in their home. How is range time going to help that?

Would the gun owner remember to chamber a round? Or take off the safety? You cannot be serious, you really think that hundreds of hours of range time are needed for a person to have simple common sense? I mean how much driving time did you have to log before you remembered to put your parking brake on?

I've seen alot of this training BS lately, mostly coming from liberal anti-gun groups who want to use lack of "official training" as a reason to bar people from owning guns. BTW: how much "official training" do you think your forefathers had when they fought off the very well trained British troops. How much trainign do you really think most hunters have that allow them to drop small game at much greater ranges than one will ever be faced with defending their home?

Here is a simple fact:

Most self defense shootings take place within a range of 7 to 10 feet!

Are you telling us that if people are not properly trained (perhaps by a federal agency) that they will not be able to hit a man sized target at a range of 7 feet? That's pure BS and I think you know it, I have taken numerous people to the range with me, whom have NEVER fired a gun before in their lives and they always hit the BIG man sized target that I put out at 15 feet which I might add is twice the range stated above. If you cannot hit a human sized target at a range of 7 feet then absolutely no amount of training, instruction or range time is going to help you. Range time is meant to help your aim, it is used to help your accuracy and help you to bring your shots into tighter groups. There is absolutely no reason whatsoever for an individual to be required to shoot a 1.25" group at 50yards in order for them to be able to defend themselves in their homes. And yes that is what range time is for. It does not give you common sense, it does not prevent people from being inept and it does NOT give you courage.

These seem to be the things you are referring to and training and range time simply do NOT provide them.

I didn't mean to offend if I did but I am absolutely sick and tired of hearing this new liberal mantra of "Only appropriately trained and responsible citizens should be allowed to own firearms" I think they have realized that their goal of banning guns is hopeless so now they are trying to restrict them anyway that they can. This training mantra of theirs is pure and simple BS.

Before you think shotgun try this...take a broom handle in two hands like a shotgun, turn a sharp corner without poking the barrel end around first, then try for target acquisition in the dark. You lose time. And you lose accuracy. If you turn the corner ready to fire and the bad guy is just inside the room you stand a real chance of wrestling for and maybe losing the gun.

I agree that the longer and heavier a gun is, the more difficult it is to maneuver. On the other hand, if something like the Mossberg 590 series is such a poor choice of weaponry, why does every police department and military special forces unit* in this country outfit their personnel with the 590? They do so because they know that when TSHTF, it is the cheapest, most effective tool to maximize the probability that their boys aren't the ones who go home in body bags.

[* or at least they did, until Benelli won the new contract with a gun that's not available to the general public]

Without rehashing my accidental post, I have a fair amount of training and experience. The real problem with armed combat is there are only a handful of people in the world who have participated in enough hand to hand or close in personal combat to really become knowledgeable.

I simply do not believe training although good, is as important as having the right stuff. One is either a killer or not. Being a killer does not mean one is evil. Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson were both killers but very good men. Of course one can be a killer and also evil.

I simply do not agree that .32's .380's or even .25's are useless. As a matter of fact, the .32 and .380 are about as effective as the .38 special which IMO is itself much better than most experts say.

There are plenty of people who are cool headed enough to shoot not just for the head but between the eyes. Some go to pieces and couldn't hit the broad side of a barn when it comes down to it.

Well if it training your interested in folks, Frontsites got a deal going that seems very good.

November 20, 2001
From: Dr. Ignatius Piazza
Founder and Director
Front Sight Firearms Training Institute

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snip
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"There's no formula for determining what gun will work best for you. Many will try to tell you otherwise, though, with statements like, "Women can't handle .45 or larger ammunition; it'll kick too much."

A surprisingly fine article, and this is of particular import. I had been out of target shooting for several years for various reasons. I purchased a Taurus .44 Magnum and was surprised to discover that I could no longer hold it steady on target. I started working out again concentrating on the hands, forearms, upper arms and shoulders. I now have no problem even when using the scope. I have a consistent and steady sight picture once again.

No offense taken but I think that you missed the point entirely. The original post requested info for someone who is unschooled. That is all we know about Clemenza. To suggest anything other than the most basic, most simple tool for the job of home defense for someone like this is irresponsible.

Also, you seem to attribute liberal attitudes to me that are not indicated in my posts. At no point did I indicate that I think that training is required for gun ownership. I stand on the second amendment. I do think that any individual who takes on the responsibility of gun ownership should also take the time to learn how to use it properly and to keep sharp via practice. I first learned this from my father who was a SA with the FBI in the fifties. The lesson was re-inforced by my HS rifle team and through my 1964 membership in the NRA. It still makes sense to me.

As for training not being worth too much when the shtf, why do the elite units in our armed forces get so much more of it that the standard infantryman? This is a fact. Two weeks ago I spent time with the Battalion Scouts of the EUSA in the JSA in Korea. They get unlimited range time on a weekly basis. They made the point that back in the States they would be lucky to get monthly range time. It would be more like every six months.

The point of training is to make certain actions second nature, actions like checking to see if a safety is on or if a round is chambered. This is true in any non-instinct endeavor. Tiger Woods trains longer and harder than anyone else on the tour just so he doesn't have to think about the basics. Courage is crucial and that can't be taught. You are right about that. But, every Law Enforcement and Military group I have encountered or studied knows that getting the recruit to that second-nature point counts as much..."the training takes over".

As for your hunting analogy, you don't hunt at night, in your home and the game has potential fatal results for just one player.

Bottom line, I am absolutely certain that your heart is in the right place but I firmly believe that the best advise for someone like Clemenza is to get as much training as you can and keep it simple.

You're on the right track but a bit off on a couple of points....training is important. An average guy with the right training can easier find the right stuff. Training gives familiarity which breeds confidence. This is why our military elite train so hard.

You are plain wrong about head shots. They are for snipers, not homeowners. The standard LO training discourages headshots because they are so difficult. I'll trust their opinion on this. Also, .22s, .25s, .32s are better than nothing but there are reasons why our military and police don't carry them. The .38 revolver is still part of the USA arsenal.

I don't think training is unimportant just not as important as other things.

Many years ago Skeeter Skelton wrote a good story about the gun fighters of the old West. He gave a pretty good biography of several including John Wesley Hardin, (Well I have a mental block and can't think of the others right now).

The point Skeeter made was that none of them were trained shooters and none of them could have competed with many modern competitors. Skeeter then hazarded an opinion which I agree with totally. He said if any of todays hotshots were to be transported back to the days of the old West, and were the mortal enemies of say, Hardin, then Skeeter believed that before long the modern experts would be dead.

When you say that the modern special forces are heavily trained, you are obviously correct. One of the reasons for the heavy training is to elimate the weak ones.

Here is my point in a nushell. Take all the ones who cannot make it in say, the Rangers and give them intensive training for two years. Then take the ones who would not have washed out and give them only minimal training.

Then take the two groups and pit them against each other. IMO the minimally trained cream of the crop would wipe the floor with the highly trained chaff.

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