How to Buy a Gun

Every Thought Captive ^ | 2002 | A.K. Fortyseven

[condi2008]

In order to buy a gun one must first be persuaded that gun ownership is both reasonable and responsible. Let us then first establish that Matthew 5:38,39 does not mean that, if someone breaks into your home intending to harm your family, you must submissively point the way to your children's playroom as you sheath the criminal's knife with your belly. Jesus here explains to us that God allows no room for personal vengeance. Leave that to the Lord and the temporal responsibility for punishing evil doers to the civil magistrate (Romans 13:4).

God immutable says, "If the thief is caught while breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there will be no bloodguiltiness on his account. But if the sun has risen on him, there will be bloodguiltiness on his account. He shall surely make restitution; if he owns nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft" (Exodus 22:2,3). In other words if you, unable to discern his intentions, kill a night-time home invader, you bear no guilt before God for his death.

Even if you are with me thus far, you may still be asking, "But why a gun?" In case you haven't noticed, not only do we have military foes abroad but there are plenty of fiends domestic: thugs across town, thieves down the road, and murderers at the rest area by the interstate (and possibly a terrorist cell downstate). If one is to defend himself and his family against the black hats, it is best to have the most practical and efficient means for doing so at your disposal. For an Army Ranger that might be a grenade launcher. For an individual in Jesus' day it was a sword. Since the "weapons of our warfare are not carnal" (II Corinthians 10:4), why else would Christ have commanded His disciples to barter their cloaks for swords (Luke 22:36) if not for self-defense? For us civilians, the most practical and efficient means is a personal firearm.

By the way, if you insist on statistical evidence for the benefits of gun ownership, I encourage you to find a copy of Dr. John Lott's book More Guns, Less Crime or any number of articles by him available on the internet. The gun-control crowd has certainly tried to discredit his findings, but the best they have been able to offer is "if it really is the case that the results aren't good then he's really peddling a false message."

Let us consider how to go about purchasing a firearm. First decide what you need. Looking for something suited to home defense? A 12-gauge shotgun with a short barrel will do nicely. A shotgun is preferable because if it is aimed in the general direction of the criminal you will hit your target. Actually just racking a pump-action shotgun might be enough to scare him away. Mossberg and Remington offer shotguns designed specifically for home defense (the HS 410 and the 870 Home Defense models respectively) as do other manufacturers.

Handguns are a little more particular (as far as the need to aim carefully goes), but if you intend to keep your firearm with you, let's face it, the greeter at Stuff Mart might be a wee bit intimidated if you walk in toting a 12-gauge. There are many options available to you so I am just going to offer some general guidance. Handguns are available as revolvers and semi-automatics. I prefer a semi-automatic simply because in my humble, unprofessional opinion they are marginally safer. I say marginally only because I do not consider firearms unsafe when handled, maintained, and stored properly. Frankly, the tiller in my shed causes me more concern than my pistol does.

Ladies might consider a .38-caliber revolver (such as the fairly compact Smith & Wesson model 60 or its cousin the Lady Smith) or 9mm semi-automatic. As for the gentlemen, the aforementioned will do, but I encourage you to think about something with more stopping power such as a .40- or .45-caliber semi-automatic. Glocks are nice if you have no qualms about the safety being part of the trigger mechanism. My pistol, however, has a safety that decocks the hammer, disengages the trigger, and blocks the firing pin. Having children around, those are features that I appreciate. Those on a tight budget might consider various Ruger models. If you have more cash to spend, take a look at Beretta, H&K, SIG Arms, and Walther models to name a few. There are also the ever-popular Colt 1911 and Browning Hi-Power.

Once you have decided between a shotgun and a handgun (not that you can't have both), it is time to go shopping. Visit a gun shop and handle as many different guns as you can. Take note of which ones feel most comfortable in your hands and which ones have easily disengaged safeties and engaged slides and magazines. Gun shows are wonderful places to see and handle lots of guns at one time. Whether you are at a shop or a show, however, do not buy anything there (unless you buy from a private individual at the show). Better to buy from a friend or neighbor, than to have to go through the background-check rigmarole and risk losing your weapon should Uncle Sam come asking for it. Also, if you know a gun enthusiast, ask if he or she will take you out shooting so you can get a better feel for a few different guns before you buy.

My final suggestions are 1) familiarize yourself with state and federal laws governing the bearing of arms and their use in self-defense. Constitutional guarantee notwithstanding, laws vary considerably from state to state. The National Rifle Association is a good source for such information. 2) Don't obtain a concealed-carry permit. I am not encouraging you to break the law; I am saying there are legal ways to at least transport firearms (dependent upon your state of residence). Look up the Firearm Owner's Protection Act (18 USC §926A). 3) Practice as often as possible once you obtain the gun. The best gun available will not be of much benefit if you aren't prepared to use it in the tension-filled moments of an assault.

[FreedomPoster]

>>I plan to use that the next time I get into an argument with a mush-head anti.

I once had that conversation at a party with a guy, who, while not a mush-head anti, was at least leaning in that direction.

He asked "Why do you need a gun? Have you ever been attacked or had a break-in?"

To which I replied "Do you own a fire extinguisher? Have you ever had a fire?"

You could see the light bulb go on. It was priceless.

[Joe Brower]

Thanks for the backup, Squantos -- you know more than I do about these things. I've only had to draw down on bad guys twice in my life, and it worked great, since both times they just hauled a$$ so fast it was surreal. And on one of those occasions, the firearm wasn't even loaded!

[Puppage]

Why do you need a gun?

I always LOVED that question. Why do you need anything for that matter? That's not the question. It's a question of personel preference, and the exercising ones Constitutional Right.

[Squantos]

I rely on ya'll to keep me honest Bro !.....:o)

BTW I picked up that little charter arms bulldog pug which is their new name for the same old version. I am fond of the .44 special as it's a revolver round, big bore per se with viable record and almost identical velocity of the .45 acp. The little revolver loaded with CCI's Blazer 200 gr flying ashtray hollowpoint is (if not "the") one of the most accurate handguns I own.

I use it as a house gun pretty much as if it is stolen I won't cry as much as if it had been my 1911A1 meltdown. The Bulldog "feels" cheap at first, the finish is good, stainless as you stated and the grips that come with it acceptable for a self defense handgun and a plinker . The trigger is excellant in both DA/SA modes and I have only one complaint..... I want but don't have more of em ......yet !:o)

Stay Safe , Stay Warm !

[dansangel]

He asked "Why do you need a gun? Have you ever been attacked or had a break-in?"

To which I replied "Do you own a fire extinguisher? Have you ever had a fire?"

I just HAVE to crib that line. I absolutely love it!!

[glock rocks]

Call 911 while you reload!

negative... call 911 after you reload.

[Squantos]

Your personal situation and actions aside , respectfully, I made myself a hard and fast rule that no human being would ever be able to "tell" anyone what my primary self defense firearm looked like.

I once witnessed a mans life ruined, personally and financially . A POS liar claimed he brandished his weapon and threatened him. The liar knew my friend carried and used it against him in a personal vendetta.

Call it extream but , none of my local friends or family know the "color", type or make of my "carry" sidearm. I have an identical (exact except "color") handgun that I use for practice and training. My carry gun would get me run off a range as it's "neon" finish and color is not one that such a liar would easily guess I was carrying if they tried such with me. They "will" die laughing per se :o)

I like to "think " I have all the avenues and possibilities covered .......but realize there is always a better way and something new to learn. That's why I like these FR gun threads so much !

Stay Safe !

[Atlas Sneezed]

SOmeone who preferred not to post mailed me:

"You really seem to know your stuff. I have a question about one thing you said about it being perfectly legal to buy a gun in private sale. Did you imply that you aren't legally required to then register the gun? This isn't a trap, I really want to know. I want to purchase pistols for my family but the thought of being on a gun list scares me. I should mention that I live in Maryland which is competing with California for most individual freedoms taken away."

You need to be sure for your own state. Most states do not require guns to be registered, although in reality the background check and dealer record keeping amounts to that. However, you probably DO need to register your gun, and some states may in fact prohibit private sales, or require registration.

"Also, I have done some research without trying the guns yet and most of the serious gun guys are telling me to go with Kimber -- American made, dependable. Any thoughts?"

Re-read the post this replies to, especially the part about testing and trying samples/rentals before you buy. Kimber is great, but there may be other great options that work much better for you, or maybe not. You wouldn't buy a Mercedes without a test drive. Don't buy a fine gun without one, either.

[Joe Brower]

Hey, this is the internet, which means that the probability is 99.9% that I'm BS'in' from here to the bank.

For example, you'd never guess that I'm really a fox terrier, and not even human at all! $;-)

[Semaphore Heathcliffe]

"I am somewhat of a gun entheusiast, and my home defense weapon is currently an Uzi."

God, I love FR.

[TEXASPROUD]

Squantos,
What is the difference between a .44 Special load and a .44 Maggie load? Three of four chunks of metal.

[Squantos]

Woof !

Yeah but your viability and credit is good with me :o).....Stay Safe !

[Squantos]

Hey you still alive ???

Stay Safe !

[Shooter 2.5]

I'm glad the technique worked. A person can't argue with success.

Let me give you an example where chambering a round when someone is already inside your house may not work.

On a Mossberg 500, if the shotgun action is already cocked, the action can't be opened by working the pump. The release button has to be pushed before another round can be chambered. I know where the release button is on my shotgun because I use it quite a bit. In a tense moment I don't know if others would guess where that button may be.

[PoorMuttly]

Time for my truly humble opinion. I cringed when you said you prefer the automatic, as it seems safer. I have used automatics for decades, and am known for it. As is always best...one learns through experience.

I now contend that autos are mostly for military-type high rate of fire situations, in long term disaster survival and resupply considerations, and serious concealment, since they are flat. Not for defending one's life suddenly, if there is another choice. I have always exclusively favored single-action automatics, in Condition One. The first shot in being the most important. No second-place winners in a mortal fight. I favored military-proven calibers/cartridges...the .45ACP and 9mmP.

Of late, my experiences have been in less formal circumstances, rather than on-duty readiness. Post-9-11, I have been giving the whole matter of practical self-defense much consideration.

A few weeks ago, while working in the "Security" trade, I fell asleep at night, as I was allowed to do, during an extended engagement...in a very large room filled with very, very valuable inventory. One of my well-placed alarms sounded, and I lurched into action, grabbing my equipment. I suddenly realized that I was not quite coherent enough to swiftly clear a jam in my M1911-style Colt manufactured smaller caliber handgun should it occur, and in those fractions of a second would quite probably die. A double-action revolver would have worked, and kept on working. I learned. When a handgun is one's ONLY ready means of defense..."Six for Sure" shines like a beacon ! The weapon I was using had a back-up magazine nearby, which I purchased and tested the day before. On the 3rd. round fired, every time, it unlocked and came out of battery. Useless, until shoved back in. This was my first such failure experience, and it deepened the pit gaping beneath me, as I knew my equipment would let me down. It enhanced the practical utility of a good revolver. Even the Single Action Army is famous for still somehow working with many of its parts broken. Other than the trigger, the safety on a revolner is the exposed hammer. A thumb-break holster keeps it in place, as a leather cord did on the 1873 peacemaker for all those cowboys...who weren't stupid.

Automatics are really for trained and ready professionals, and especially those in posession of rifles, shotguns, associates, and more. These people...like Squantos, Harpseal...and the usual crew around here, were trained in youth, reinforced in combat, drilled frequently in their hobby, and downright determined, I am sure. Most "regular people" are not...and especially when suddenly awakened and pressed into performance. Even with pre-planning, autos are problematic. Ask Squeaky Frome, who squeezed off a shot at the president, with a magazine-loaded .45...and was immediately apprehended. No round in the chamber. This could happen during shooting too, as sometimes was the case with the famous Luger...which could fail to pick up a fresh round and reload. Click.

Also, unless it's a .45, police engagements have shown that even successfully emptying a magazine of 9mm's into an assailant when under mortal pressure is far from a guarantee of a stop.

Therefore, I very humbly suggest that you select a well-made .357, either snub or up to 4", and head for the range. Pass the word.

BTW...just to reinforce the point that y'makes yer choice an' y'takes yer OWN chances...what will I be packing on my next such engagement, before my planned healthy retirement ?....

...a Belgian made Browning High Power, loaded with Cor-Bon bonded JHPs. It usually works...is flat, and in this circumstance..5 or 6 of anything may not, tragically, be enough. No war...just survival, and work. Preparedness for personal survival goes well with my suit, too.

[harpseal]

I like Charter Arms and I often slip a Charter Arms undercover .38spl into a coat poscket just to have something handy for walking to the mailbox.

[harpseal]

In my original post I certainly did not mean to in any way imply that a .357 magnum could not be an ideal gun for home defense most especially at oh dark thirty when the dog has awakened one and the sounds of coming in the house put one into condition red will still bleary eyed. There is no safety to play with and one has the original point and click interface.

What I was trying ablbeit probably ineffectually to point out was that each person has unique needs, hands and eyes and no prescription from afar can possibly substitute for the individual getting the knowledge to make an informed judgement.

[harpseal]

Ahem! even Fuscia guns do not get laughed off the range up here in CT. No I do not know what color your sidearm is but as such it can't be worse than hot pink.

[PoorMuttly]

Your useful points were quite clear, and I hope I didn't imply any contradiction. It is always a personal choice....and one realizes this quite sharply once under pressure. This is why I pitched the .357...and chose the High Power !

BTW...I sure like the stage-show gun theory. Brilliant. I always learn so much, and discover so much about myself and my true position in life, here on FR.

The question is...do I pack the Powder-Muttly-Blue with Yellow/Purple Stars one and reveal the Chartruse-with-Orange-Lighteningbolts one at the range....

[glock rocks]

mine are all black. i feel so, um, yesterday.