Discussions about the "best" self defence firearm is always fun, and always seems to come up in any thread about guns on a forum where guys congregate. I've thought about this post for a while, and actually started it a couple of times. Always thought better of it, and never posted this or even completed it before. With that said, here goes. My opinion on the subject.
All people have an undisputable, absolute right to self defense. It's a natural right that predates government. Just to make that clear up front.
Here are some things to consider if you intend to use any weapon to defend yourself. I'll focus on guns here, but the theory is the same for any weapon in a practical sense.
Don't carry a gun unless to intend to use it. Don't pull a gun on a threat unless you intend to shoot it. Don't shoot at a threat unless you intend to kill it. Keep shooting until the threat is immobilized and no longer a threat. Read this several times and let that sink in. Please don't strap on a gun and decide to defend yourself until you give it due consideration.
OK, you've thought about it, right?
Here's some practical things to think about as well.
You must be proficient with your weapon of choice. That takes practice. Consistent practice. Using a firearm is a perishable skill. If you think your life will depend on your ability to use a firearm...you need to be practiced and skilled.
Now that you are skilled and practiced with your firearm, find a good defense attorney with experience in firearms law. Talk to him. Carry his card any time you carry your weapon. Know a good man of the cloth who you trust and can talk with. Have a close friend you can talk with about any subject. One who is discrete and will be brutally honest with you. Have several tens of thousands of dollars and many hours to devote to defending yourself in court, even for a clearly justifiable shooting.
Expect to lose friends, maybe family, and be known as THAT GUY. Expect to spend the rest of your life second guessing your use of deadly force. Expect your mental health to suffer, at least to some degree and for some period of time. Your life will change dramatically, but at least you will be alive to deal with it.
Carry on...
My favorite self defense weapon is a 1911.
All people have an undisputable, absolute right to self defense. It's a natural right that predates government. Just to make that clear up front.
Here are some things to consider if you intend to use any weapon to defend yourself. I'll focus on guns here, but the theory is the same for any weapon in a practical sense.
Don't carry a gun unless to intend to use it. Don't pull a gun on a threat unless you intend to shoot it. Don't shoot at a threat unless you intend to kill it. Keep shooting until the threat is immobilized and no longer a threat. Read this several times and let that sink in. Please don't strap on a gun and decide to defend yourself until you give it due consideration.
OK, you've thought about it, right?
Here's some practical things to think about as well.
You must be proficient with your weapon of choice. That takes practice. Consistent practice. Using a firearm is a perishable skill. If you think your life will depend on your ability to use a firearm...you need to be practiced and skilled.
Now that you are skilled and practiced with your firearm, find a good defense attorney with experience in firearms law. Talk to him. Carry his card any time you carry your weapon. Know a good man of the cloth who you trust and can talk with. Have a close friend you can talk with about any subject. One who is discrete and will be brutally honest with you. Have several tens of thousands of dollars and many hours to devote to defending yourself in court, even for a clearly justifiable shooting.
Expect to lose friends, maybe family, and be known as THAT GUY. Expect to spend the rest of your life second guessing your use of deadly force. Expect your mental health to suffer, at least to some degree and for some period of time. Your life will change dramatically, but at least you will be alive to deal with it.
Carry on...
My favorite self defense weapon is a 1911.