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A question I thought I'd never have to ponder

5K views 67 replies 28 participants last post by  Les Moore 
#1 ·
Well, here we are, what has the world come to?

I've never owned a firearm. I'm not against 2A, I've just never been in a situation where ive felt ive needed one. To be honest, if I had the choice, I could think of other things I could do with my money, yet, here I am, contemplating buying a gun.

I work out of town a lot, so im not home as much as normal people.

I keep going back and forth in my mind. Should I? Shouldn't I? Is it worth it? I guess it boils down to, how much of what we hear is true? Will there be mass violence and unrest? Or will all of this just blow over?

I'm not married and have no kids so I'm not worried about that, but I also wonder, what are the odds that I will be dragged out of my truck or home and beaten in the streets? That is the question I'm pondering and the one that pretty much hinges on my purchase decision.

I guess its, am i stupid if I don't? With ammo shortages, does it really even matter? Am I too late to the game and it's going to be hard to find enough ammunotion to practice with and also have spare for defense?

Was hoping some of you with more insight might be able to clear some of this up.

Thanks.
 
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#2 · (Edited)
owning a firearm is a personal choice, I don't feel the "need" to carry, because I don't venture into those areas that are iffy or potentially dangerous. your situation may be different, only you can asset that, no one else can or should do it for you

as for all this mass violence, civil unrest etc... I'll stay at the home and defend myself there, if I need to.

I'm not stupid like some would, to go out and confront those people. they keep away from me and not attack my home, I'll keep away from them
 
#3 ·
Yes, I think it's worth it. It's a life-saving tool. Precious few good alternatives to it, when you need one.


Out of town ... meaning, out of your home state, across borders where it might be not so lawful to be in possession of your arms?

In terms of essential functional utility, the question is much like, say, a spare tire. Worth having? If you have a flat, it could be vital. And there aren't good alternatives.

Life-saving tools are like that. There aren't good alternatives, when the chips are down and your life's on the line. No real way around that.

There's the legality of staying legit while crossing state lines. (Assuming in the USA.) Look into the routes you do and consider the state statutes in question. Very possibly, you might acquire an out-of-state CHL that'll cover you in most (possibly) all states where you'll be traveling.

As for ammunition, that's a tricky one. Might purchase from a well-stocked local gun shop you're comfortable with, but make any sidearm purchase contingent on acquiring your initial stash of 300-500rds of ammo. Many shops won't be able to, or won't want to. But a lot of shops hold back inventory for "paying customers" (ie, those purchasing firearms from them). Or, cough up stiff prices to get the ammo you need, which is available (it's just relatively expensive).

As for training, you'll want to ensure you're modestly capable. This being your first, it'll likely take numerous sessions with your arms to know you're competent enough to avoid striking the proverbial 3yr old child across the street if/when you miss. You'll need to get up to speed on safe handling, effective operation of your sidearm, reloading, correcting jams/errors, etc. A good trainer can assist.

I'm sure there are a handful of "big rig" truckers on the forum who'll be able to provide their insights beyond the general comments above.
 
#4 ·
Well, here we are, what has the world come to?

I've never owned a firearm. I'm not against 2A, I've just never been in a situation where ive felt ive needed one. To be honest, if I had the choice, I could think of other things I could do with my money, yet, here I am, contemplating buying a gun.

I work out of town a lot, so im not home as much as normal people.

I keep going back and forth in my mind. Should I? Shouldn't I? Is it worth it? I guess it boils down to, how much of what we hear is true? Will there be mass violence and unrest? Or will all of this just blow over?

I'm not married and have no kids so I'm not worried about that, but I also wonder, what are the odds that I will be dragged out of my truck or home and beaten in the streets? That is the question I'm pondering and the one that pretty much hinges on my purchase decision.

I guess its, am i stupid if I don't? With ammo shortages, does it really even matter? Am I too late to the game and it's going to be hard to find enough ammunotion to practice with and also have spare for defense?

Was hoping some of you with more insight might be able to clear some of this up.

Thanks.
It doesn’t sound like a bare necessity for you. (If it were you wouldn’t be asking)
Guns are not a vital necessity for me or the vast majority here. We are gun enthusiasts, we own guns because we want to, not because we have to. With that in mind, and budget permitting, buy a good practical gun and see how you like it. If you don’t, you will get most of your money back, and write off the difference as learning experience. If you do, problem solved :)
 
#5 ·
I understand. I don't live in an area where I would normally worry about these things. The problem is, these are not normal times we are living in.

With all of the threats of violence surrounding the election, the rioters claiming they will be moving into the neighborhoods.

These are why I'm now thinking of this. And dont get me wrong, I'm not doing this out of fear. If its my time to go then.....

At the same time, I dont want to be the victim of a brutal beating should I happen to drive around the wrong corner when a riot may be happening, or if they move into the residential areas and start attacking people in homes.
 
#7 ·
I understand. I don't live in an area where I would normally worry about these things. The problem is, these are not normal times we are living in ...

At the same time, I dont want to be the victim of a brutal beating should I happen to drive around the wrong corner when a riot may be happening, or if they move into the residential areas and start attacking people in homes.
Here's one way to think about it.

How difficult is it for whatever person to turn into your driveway and get into your home? A little fiddling with the lock? A hard shoulder against the front door? Removal of a window at the back?

How difficult is it for someone to run up to your vehicle as you're driving to threaten you in a carjacking/robbery, assuming he's (?) armed but you're not?

The key: the simple willingness to attempt it.

And it can happen in the blink of an eye.

Think of it from a determined predator who doesn't have the same essential qualms you do. They think differently, generally. You've got what they want, when the "wrong" one crosses your path and identifies you as the targeted victim.


BTDT on a few occasions. It's not pretty. It's brutal and violent, and you've got only you to depend on, on the instant something goes down. Decide how important it is, to you, to avoid being victimized. Only so much is insurable from your agent.
 
#6 ·
You are not planning on a house fire when pan frying some squash, but do you have a fire extinguisher? Same idea.

Chances are, you will never need one, but personally I don't like taking that chance. That decision is up to you. Even in the most rural areas, there is the chance of a break in by the local meth head looking for easy money. These people are becoming less scarce by the day, and chances are there are some kind of riff Raff close to where you live.

The ammo supply will eventually come around, in my opinion, but elevated prices might be here to stay. Many may balk at a .22lr for personal defense, but there is still limited amounts of it on the shelf in my area.

If you do decide to purchase a firearm, get some training and always remember, safety first.
 
#10 ·
As the man said- it is a personal choice.
For myself- retired Army, retired law enforcement. And I lead a rather sedentary life, in the country, in a quiet, peaceful community. I do not go out of my way to confront protestors, demonstrators, rioters, people parking in handicapped spaces or generally being obnoxious.

However- bad people do not wear signs that tell you they are bad people. They do not restrict themselves to a bad people quarter that I can avoid.

This was Bryan and Kathryn Harvey. Along with their 9 yr old Stella, and their 4 yr old Ruby, were murdered in their home by being strangled, stabbed, and beaten with a claw hammer. Richmond VA. In what is not a bad neighborhood.

If my family or I attract the attention of predators, I would like the option of fighting back.Now, this IS Firearms Talk Forum. Of COURSE folks here like guns, like shooting. For different reasons.

Yes, the supply of guns and ammo is down (but not gone) and prices are up- mainly because a few hundred thousand people that had put off making a decision- MADE a decision.

Is there going to be mass violence, mayhem and madness? Hell, if I could foresee the future, I would not only be handsome, but also wealthy!!! But I will say this is not 1969, and it is not the summer of love.


If somebody tells me they intend to hurt me and take what is mine, and I ignore them, well, shame on me. Meanwhile, your call to make.
 
#11 ·
I have been carrying for a very long time. I dont go looking for trouble and I stay out of places where trouble might start. Trouble has found me on more than one occasion and I have needed to be armed. My signature says it all. I am going to make a suggestion that will not sit well with many but considering your learning and the ammo shortages I feel it is sound. Buy a 22lr revolver. The Ruger LCR, LCRX or Taurus 942. 22lr ammo is available and still the cheapest to shoot. I own an LCR 22lr that matches my LCR 38 spl. Load it with a high velocity 40 grain solid. Hollow points are pretty much useless in short barrels. CCI Minimags are the best but others will do. Cheap 22lr is usually not as reliable but can be used for practice. Revolvers are not ammo sensitive for function. Learn to shoot. Lessons would be best so you dont practice mistakes. You will have a minimal investment and once you have learned to shoot you can look at other options. 22lr is a lot of fun to shoot.
 
#12 ·
3553
It is best to have one and not need it than to need it and not have it!
I guess if nothing else having the ability to defend ones self is simply a piece of mind.
I am certainly not one to discourage anyone from having a gun to protect themselves.
But regarding the question to own and have one there are considerations that must be considered.
1. If it came to use it on another individual could I mentally do that?
In those cases hesitation is a killer for the gun owner.
2. Understanding the Law when it comes to use of a weapon. (Using Force)
3. I there someone or some place I could get proper training
4. Safe Operation and Function of the weapon. Which equates to practice.
5. Where do I keep it at home of other locations where I have immediate access?
But not accessible to friends and family.
4. If out carried or taken out of the home do I need a Concealed or other Permit?
5. Your City and State Law concerning the possession of a weapon.
6. If you travel where is it legal to have it and where it is not. (States regarding Reciprocity)
I am like one has already said the best part of a decision, is if you sense trouble stay away from it. In the examples of driving up on a civil disturbance, being aware of your surroundings is the best policy always. Like turning around and getting the H*** out of Dodge as the old saying goes.
I am an avid gun owner and have been since my youth. I carry most of the time when out. Not so much for myself of course that is important. But for others who might be victims like fish being shot in a barrel.
Guns have always been a part of my life both as a citizen, Army and an almost 30 years being a retired Police Officer.
Good luck on your decision but do not buy into the Left's mystique that if you own or want to own a weapon (Gun) something is wrong with you! That is a farce!
As I said, I would rather have one and not need it! Than to need it and not have it! It is then to late then!

C-3's Post above about the innocent family brings the point home!

03
 
#14 ·
Its pretty simple to me. I want options.. thats it.

I do not expect to ever need a firearm, but I carry one ( because I want options)

I practice and train with my firearm because it is the responsible and ethical thing to do.

Whether or not you purchase a gun is your decision to make. If you do, please seek competent training and apprise yourself of the laws in your state which govern the use of force and carriage, display, ownership and storage of weapons. good luck
 
#15 · (Edited)
I am an old hippie, a good Democrat and a dedicated liberal, and I carry everywhere I go. I live in a high crime area in a high crime state, and even though I avoid trouble or troublesome places, I may one day find myself in a dangerous situation. As the old song goes, "I'd rather be a hammer than a nail."

Carrying a firearm is a commitment and a serious responsibility. Buying a gun is the easiest part of the process. Carrying a firearm is not right for everyone, and the actual odds of having to use one are extremely low. I am near 70 and I have yet to need to pull a gun on anyone, and for that I am grateful.

If you have never shot, or shot much, and you decide the time is right for you, do it right. Get some basic training, by a qualified trainer, not bubba down at the car shop. Probably everyone here knows people who have handled guns all of their lives and still do everything possible the wrong way. If you get a firearm and keep it in your car or dresser drawer, it won't do you any good if ever needed. You need to have a plan for practice. A gun is a tool like any other and it takes a while to become a journeyman shooter and decades to become a master.

You will get to the point where you might need some legal questions answered. Study the legal issues for your state and where ever you might carry. Don't take legal advice on gun forums, and whatever you do, don't take legal advice from a gun forum. (I have also seen some bad information from cops too, so beware.)

None of can predict the future, but I do not expect some massive uprising in November regardless of who wins. I think that there has been a hell of a lot of hype and trash talk, but I do not thing it will devolve into some kind of revolution.
 
#16 · (Edited)
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When I was young and had no liabilities my attitude was "The best way to get in a gun fight is to have one".

Now that I'm older and DO have liabilities (and things people might want to take from me) my attitude is "The best way to LOSE a gun fight is to not have one".

Concealed or open carry, depending on where you live, is a decision at the next level. First decide if you will defend your home, and obviously your life in that home.

Around here cops arrive pretty fast, but not fast enough. If I lived in a rural area I'd have more guns, not less because the delay is usually a lot longer.

My first reaction to any violent encounter is to escape. When that's not an option..... and in your home where do you escape to? Lock yourself in a bathroom? The bad guys already came through an exterior door that should have had a dead bolt. Another weaker door is not much of an obstacle.

So I have guns.

That and it's about the constitution. Beto O'Rourke didn't convince me to buy an AR, Mitch McConnell did. "We're going to have to look at assault weapons" he said, so I did. I don't think he meant it the way I took it, but that's okay. I have one and he doesn't (or does he?).
 
#18 ·
Mr. 53,

Welcome to the forum. You sound conflicted. You are single, always single?

Owning a weapon is a commitment. You cannot be a non-committal gun owner.

Waiting until the gasoline is spilled and the match is lit is NOT the best time to decide how to keep from getting burned.

Find a coach, pay for training, lots of training. By the time your coach feels you are competent to carry we will be past the election and, maybe the pistol market will relax and you'll be able to purchase the weapon you want without delay.
Bicycle part Gas Composite material Gun accessory Shear
Air gun Trigger Grey Gun barrel Wood

Or whatever

For 30 years I have wondered why people wait for things to start going bad before deciding to do something about it. "It won't happen to me" or "I trust people" Pollyanna's just flitting through life, blissfully ignorant of mans ability to bring evil on his neighbor. Behaving like children while disregarding their obligation to make informed adult decisions and take adult actions.
It is a harsh statement of life, a harsh reality.
Welcome to having your eyes opened, we are thankful that you have decided to wake up.
Maybe read some history, the run up to the Civil War might be a good place to start. The happenings in Kansas are especially poignant right now.
God speed Mr. 53. We hope he keeps you safe long enough to develop the wherewithal to keep yourself safe.
 
#22 ·
Mr. 53,

Welcome to the forum. You sound conflicted. You are single, always single?

Owning a weapon is a commitment. You cannot be a non-committal gun owner.

Waiting until the gasoline is spilled and the match is lit is NOT the best time to decide how to keep from getting burned.

Find a coach, pay for training, lots of training. By the time your coach feels you are competent to carry we will be past the election and, maybe the pistol market will relax and you'll be able to purchase the weapon you want without delay. View attachment 226404 View attachment 226406
Or whatever

For 30 years I have wondered why people wait for things to start going bad before deciding to do something about it. "It won't happen to me" or "I trust people" Pollyanna's just flitting through life, blissfully ignorant of mans ability to bring evil on his neighbor. Behaving like children while disregarding their obligation to make informed adult decisions and take adult actions.
It is a harsh statement of life, a harsh reality.
Welcome to having your eyes opened, we are thankful that you have decided to wake up.
Maybe read some history, the run up to the Civil War might be a good place to start. The happenings in Kansas are especially poignant right now.
God speed Mr. 53. We hope he keeps you safe long enough to develop the wherewithal to keep yourself safe.
Thanks, yes I'm single and have no kids so its really only me were talking about.

I appreciate the responses. I guess the adage of having it and not needing it....pretty much sums it up. I guess I was wanting to see what people were thinking about the immediate future, but nobody can predict the future. Even so, home protection is still a consideration.
 
#19 ·
I guess its, am i stupid if I don't?
Not stupid, just unprepared for the worst. Your risk is something you have to honestly assess for yourself.

With ammo shortages, does it really even matter?
What matters to you is something only you can answer.

Am I too late to the game and it's going to be hard to find enough ammunition to practice with and also have spare for defense?
It's going to be hard to find a good gun - ammunition even harder. But it's not too late. When martial law is declared (or some similar thing) is when it's too late.

Very few people use practice ammo for defense, but it'll do in a pinch. As you learn more you'll find these things out.

I wouldn't say we're at some point of no return to normal (that is my opinion). We've seen these shortages before, but perhaps not this severe. In time (probably when Trump is inaugurated again) we should see things start to settle down.

And when it does, get your ammo in bulk. Else you'll be like the other ammo whiners we see on every firearms forum. All hat and no cattle.
 
#20 ·
It seems to me through reading this, you already made the decision to get one. I think you should ask yourself, what are your intentions with it and are you prepared for the outcome of your reasoning it get one... To own a firearm for self defense takes on a whole new level of responsibility. Things like CCW permit(if you wish to carry), practice, training (witch requires ammo cost and range time) and yes, insurance. Not so much to cover the firearm, but coverage on yourself...
 
#24 ·
the moment you realize you need one, NOW!

you either have one

or you have nothing. bupkis. zilch. nada. and no way to get one.

if you realize you need one - not NOW!, but it is unwise not to have one - and they are as scarce as democrat brains - you will regret not having got one while they were available.

if the Democrats sweep the election, it's too late.

it is fill the pot or get off it time. if you think you may have a need, get a move on.

I had an AR-15, asking price $450, and a Survivor SB-1 ( 410 shotgun with rifling, also shoots .45 Long Colt ) in my hands the week before George Floyd ODed on Fentanyl. I had the funds. I decided to wait until the next time I got to Albuquerque.
 
#25 · (Edited)
Just a quick backstory on me, I lived and grew up in the city with my family for a little over 10 years. That's where I did all my schooling, went to church and got to know the neighborhood and the city extremely well and also learned to drive from place to place. However, no guns in the house, I mean I played alot of call of duty growing up. And I actually wanted to learn how to shoot, hunt and have the responsibly of owning a firearm but I was a teen back then and the parents never felt the need to own a firearm.

But one day we had a friend from church that owns over 200 acres with cattle and invited us over to do some paid work on his land since he's getting older and can't do much like he used to. Anyways my dad, brother and I went out there that summer and did some work. Well, he brought out his AR15 and his Barreta M9.

His pistol was the first real gun I've ever seen, touched and fired. And then his AR15, which I loved just holding it :D. So the brother and I finally got to shoot real guns.

Anyways, fast forward 10 years we moved to a farm of 26 acres and there we defintely bought guns. Started out with a hunting rifle and a .22, then traded the hunting rifle for an AR15. Then bought a 40S&W (dident like) sold it. Then bought 2 glocks, got our CHL. Sold the AR and bought a .270 and 12G. Then sold the .270 and lastly replaced my old AR with a more higher end DMR.

So you can see how I kinda went back and fourth until I was really happy with my guns and ones I can afford to shoot whenever I'd like.

So Its all a personal choice, I have guns because I'm an enthusiast and also refuse to become a victim. Others have guns as a hobby, others for protection only and others collect guns for fun.
Others have guns (myself included) not because we have to but because we want to.

And carrying a gun is also a big responsibly, I've been carrying for almost a year now. I just stick with the moncho, "better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it."

Also one thing to remember when carrying, if you keep loaded mags that sit in a case/ammo box/safe or in your gun but the gun sits in your case/ammo box (if its a small pistol for ex) or safe. Then the mags with ammo are fine.

But if your gonna actually carry, the rounds in your mag will discolor over time, which is perfectly fine, I've fired rounds that are discolored and they shoot perfectly. Its rust and corrosion you wanna watch out for which usually has to do with how the gun is stored, negligence, or if you carry in extreme environments that can lead to rust and then later corrosion if you don't take care of it in time.

So just keep that in mind when your carrying and you check your gun/mag after a while and if you start seeing random spots on your bullets. That's discoloration starting to happen. Which is gonna happen when the ammo sits in the mag for so long and the gun is taken everywhere you go.

I recently swapped out discolored hollow points with fresh shiney FMJ in my carry mag just a little less then a month ago. And I checked on it last night (because I was putting together an ammo box and getting my guns ready because my brother and I are fixin' to go shooting soon.)

And I noticed there's spots of slight discoloring already on bullets in my carry mag. Which again, its fine, your carry mag/bullets and the gun arnt gonna stay shiny looking very long if your gonna actually carry it.

But to the OP, buying a gun is a personal choice. No one can make that for you, look at your options, and if you really feel the need or want for one then by all means go for it.
 
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