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

Nah, just learn about gun maintenance. Not talking the hard stuff like castnig barrels, just the easy stuff: polishing out scratches, replacing springs. Your local range/ gun shop will probably have somebody that can teach you everything you know in a couple of days tops. For the most part guns are pretty simple and straight forward technology with suprisingly few moving parts. You should know that kind of stuff to be a responsible owner anyway. The list of skills is pretty short: you need to be able to break the gun all the way down and put it back together right, what parts to oil and how much, how to spot scratches and dings in the barrel and chamber, how to polish them out when they're minor, how to buy new parts when they're not and how to test the springs and figure out when they need replacing (and that's minor, unless you shoot a lot the springs will last pretty much forever).

You can get most of it from books, but it's nice to have somebody near buy that knows what they're doing the first time you completely take a gun apart. Just think of it as earning your handle, Clemenza knew his guns pretty good, and his spaghetti sauce.

I was thinking about the heat shield, because I was worried that rapid firing would cause the barrel to overheat. With the Mossberg, you have the option of the ghost ring sites -OR- the heat shield, but not both. I opted for the ghost ring sites that come with the 51663, and I am happy to report that we haven't generated any real heat in multi-shot situations. At most, I've felt only what you would call a warmth from the barrel.

Frankly I doubt that anybody's going to be too worried about the heat of the barrel in a 9-shot max shootout. At the same time I doubt I would ever use a sight - I'd just blast and correct, and hope I remember to pump the damn thing.

Once I'm done I won't worry about a hot barrel as much as I'll worry about having a heart attack.

Hot barrels are a worry when shooting skeet - yikes!

Thanks. I am happy with what I have for scatter guns for the moment. Besides the primary Mossberg pump actions for home defense I have a really great old field grade Model 1100 in 20 gauge. I nice 18.5 inch barrel 26.5 inch overall double barrel external hammer 12 gauge. A 24 inch barrel over under and of course an old JC Higgins single shot 12 gauge.

For rifles I have the equipment to handle any critter on land from a parie dog at 400 meters to a charging bull elephant or cape buffalo.

However, I also subscribe to the philosphy that one can never have too many guns so I do appreciate the link.

The incription is intriging, Hmmm I might be able to make rom for it in safe #4. Maybe I can give it to Mrs. Harpseal as a Christmas gift I will show her the write up. Thanks again.

I just wonder if she will like it as much as the gold filled and engraved Taurus she has said she wanted under the tree.

Stay well - stay safe - Stay armed - Yorktown

I love anything with the Sig name. Always sweet-shootin, from my experience.
But don't sell the Glock short. My .40 mod 22 came with an awful eight pound trigger. For very little cash, a smith in St. Paul got it down to three pounds (my insurance man put a round in the ceiling at the Burnsville range on his first try). A Glock can shoot just as nice.

All you guys using those pistol grips on a shotgun. they look great but FWIW, I have done a lot of shotgun shooting and I was amazed the first time I tried to shoot one of those things - I kept shooting high and just couldn't correct it so I gave up.

wtc911 I agree w/you on the ease of a pistol and for that reason I have a .357 in the nightstand and the 12ga in the closet. However every time the dogs bark late I just can't help but pick up the 12ga - I'm just more familiar w/scatterguns.

My perspective is urban/suburban. If I were in a more rural area I would probably keep my trenchgun close too. If you like big revolvers take a look at the S&W 686. It's a SEVEN shot .357 that comes in a four or six inch model. Mine is the four. My nightstand gun is a five shot S&W snubbie with a Mike's combat grip. It's smaller but I keep it loaded with federal 138g pre-frag hp, and my wife is well practiced in its use.

how about this: S&W must die. What they did with the clinton adminstration must be punished. They are under new ownership, which has publicly stated it will abide by the same agreement.

Haven't read it or think it isn't that bad? check this out.

If you have the gun and have the training, when the time comes you have a CHOICE. And if you have the tool as well as the knowledge, attitude, and skills that come from training, the choice is yours.

Although I do not condemn the Second Amendment, there are other "choices" which do not necessitate the use of a gun.

I just wonder if she will like it as much as the gold filled and engraved Taurus she has said she wanted under the tree.

LOL - I have a female friend who owns a compensated and Aimpoint-scoped .45 with "Wild Thing" engraved on the slide. She says (and I agree) that its only problem is that everybody who shoots it wants to take it home :)

I for one do not use a pistol grip on my shotgun but I have no problem with people who prefer that option. I like my speed feed stock and I can in close quaters fre from the hip if necessary.

I note that a twelve bore fired from the hip was capable of knocking a NVA with an SKS and deployed bayonette backwards in close quarters.

Stay well - Stay safe - Stay armed - Yorktown

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