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How do I choose a firearm?

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#21
Lonesomedave said:
?????????????????


yeah, we may be living in "safest period of history", but why do you suppose that is? go ahead, follow the advice on this thread, and buy multiple guns (while you still can)....if nothing else, they're fun to shoot

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I didn't say that, but it doesn't stop it from being true.

I grew up in Canada, very safe country where you might not see a gun in an urban setting in your whole life.

I live is Switzerland, a very safe country where guns are strictly controlled but where many homes have a military rifle in the basement. That probably won't last another twenty years, as the military justification for it is no longer viable, some suicides and murders would be prevented by having them in armouries, and the status of the army as a militia may not last, either, being eventually replaced by a professional standing one.

If you think wide personal ownership of guns is protecting your homes, property, and families, or if you think it will protect you from a government that wants to impose its will militarily against the wishes of the majority, you are simply mistaken.

If your government really wants to take away all your guns you will not stand a chance against them, and if everyone is walking around in fear and armed to the teeth are you really all that free to begin with?

I'm so grateful my country and culture did not ever mythologize a simple weapon and make it a symbol of freedom.

I know this seems to have no place in a thread asking what guns to buy, but the unintended irony and political nature of the OP begs a response.
 
#23
I have many guns and a lot of experience and training. My two cents on this topic...
My personal philsophy is to own at least one good shotgun, one good rifle, and one good sidearm. All have different purposes.
A relative who happens to be an attorney advised me that legally speaking, the best option for home defense is a shotgun. Now I had already kept a shotgfun for years as my primary home defense weapon but his reason was one I had not thought of. If someone breaks into your home and you have to confront them with a gun, it's a scary thing. I know because I've done it. It's very scary.
So regardless of your training/background, in that situation it's easy to forget some critical training. Everyone thinks they will be John Rambo when the bad guy kicks in the door at 3am but regardless of how big and bad you are, it's a scary encounter. SO with a shotgun, it's far less likely that the discharge will go through a wall and hit a neighbor. Where a pistol or a rifle round; it's very possible that if you miss the bad guy (under extreme pressure and very nervous, aiming isn't very easy) the round will go through a wall/window/open door and hit a neighbor. Then you're liable.
If you're going to carry, obviously a handgun is what you want. As others have suggested, many places will rent different weapons and let you try them out on their range. Do this and do if often. When you get an idea of what you like, look to the used market. $800 for two firearms isn't a lot if you're buying new. But used, you can do alright.
I bought a very nice Desert Eagle 9mm with 100 rounds and a nice pelican case for $300 from a friend who used it as a duty weapon when he worked for the DoC. Weapon is in great shape and has tons of life left in it. Now with all the current frenzy, you likely won't find any good deals. But it doesn't hurt to check.
Also, take some classes and learn about your weapon. I have military experience, combat experience, and federal security experience (trained by DoD Police) and I've just registered for a basic pistol class. You're never too good to work on the basics. I'm not taking it because I need it. I'm taking it because I want to. A big ego and a firearm do not mix very well.
Finally, as others have mentioned, buy a safe. Buy a nice safe that has an electronic lock with a back up key lock. Keep your gun in there when not in use but also keep it acessible in case it's needed quickly.
I have two safes. One is kept in the basement and contains all but one gun. The other safe is in my bedroom and contains one gun and nothing else.
Happy shooting!
 
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