Deciding to get a dangerous object like handgun is a difficult decision.
I had to consider all the ramifications of the decision. And there are several ramifications: legal, safety, purpose, etc.
For me the primary purpose of a handgun is rooted in protecting my family. Recently I experienced Hurricane Ike in the Houston Area. My apartment was without power, water or phones for days. During a couple of these days there were drunken parties and people walking around to check if apartments were unlocked. I became very aware of how vulnerable we were in our apartment. There was no thought of calling the police. They would respond very slowly if at all-if I could even get a hold of a working phone. At this time I wanted the option of a gun. But having a gun and not be capable of using it effectively and safely would be worse than no gun at all.
Also I needed to determine what was the best gun for me. I needed something reliable, inexpensive and easily secured that had the stopping power I needed. After some internet research and talking to several people I determined I needed a handgun or a 12-gauge pump action shotgun. For me the difficulty of securing a shotgun made me consider handgun exclusively. Then I had to decide on which caliber and if I needed a semi-automatic or a revolver.
The stopping power of different handguns is debated the world over but after consider the information in front of me I decided for stopping power and cost the .357 magnum is a very good choice. I also decided on revolver for its simplicity and reliability. Also the ability to leave it locked up loaded for extended periods of time without worrying about clip spring wearing out or loading problems appealed to me.
I feel that I am doing everything I reasonably can to protect my family by selecting the right gun and by going through training with it. In the final view I would rather spend the money and time to have the 'gun' option then to have something happen wish I had prepared myself sooner.
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4 comments:
Naturally, I am scared of guns. I worry about their potential to hurt my family being more likely than that to protect them. But I find your argument quite convincing. We are quite vulnerable, just flimsy doors and windows to protect us. Most of my friends in Denver have guns in their homes. How do you plan to keep it safe? Is there a way to lock it up so even teens can't get to them?
A few years ago, a couple of boys in my hometown ward found a hidden handgun (in another neighbor's car) and started playing around with it. Being kids, they didn't stop to think about how dangerous of a weapon they were messing with. The owner had left the gun loaded and unlocked, and one of the kids ended up dead. Both families have struggled with the consequences since.
My dad never owned a handgun, but he always kept his rifles locked up, the keys hidden, and the ammo locked and hidden in a different location.
Enjoy the feeling of safety that comes with owning a gun, but know that, unless you are careful in how you store the gun, that feeling of safety is merely a facade.
I think that the key is a safe place to keep it and then never letting yourself be lax about putting in the safe place. Remember how you kids learned to open our gun cabinet? Be careful and smart and you should be okay.
I am going to get a gun safe. Tim your friend was an idiot for two reasons. Not locking up the gun and two not educating your kids early on about gun safety. My guns will always either be in my hand or locked up.
And thirdly teach kids not to get into things and play with things that are not theirs is big no no.
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