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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 707
 
Location: The stix of Utah | We had a VERY scary encounter last night. We live down a super dark, long, dead-end dirt road. We don't have very many neighbors and we never have people just "stop by". Last night I was in the kitchen doing dishes while my husband was bathing my son. My daughter was playing in her room and getting ready for bed. I heard a faint knock at the door that progressively got louder and louder. I hollered to the hubs to come see who was at the door. I wasn't comfortable from the get go with the whole situation. I stopped Bry and told him to look out the window before he opened the door. He flipped on the porch light and peered through the window to see a man with nothing but jeans on, hunched over and leaning on our door just pounding on it. Bry jumped back from the window and gave me a freaked out look. The man, knowing we were there because we had turned the light on, started yelling to let him in. Bry yelled back asking what he wanted. He said he was F*ing freezing and to open the F*ing door. He continued to yell to let him in as I ran to get my phone to call the cops. Bry ran to the safe and got the gun ready just in case and hollered at the guy to watch his mouth because our kids were inside, hoping this would defuse the situation. The guy got even more mad and yelled even more! As I was on the phone with dispatch the knocking and yelling stopped. A minute later my dogs started barking like crazy in our backyard, which freaked us out even more! I ran through the house making sure all the doors were locked when we noticed car lights on the road in front of our house. We looked out the window to see the man talking to our elderly neighbor and then getting in the passenger side of his car and driving off. We told dispatch what we had seen and the description of the car. About an hour later we were contacted by the police letting us know they had found the man in a field and arrested him (my neighbor was fine - just thought he was doing a kind service). The man was incredibly high and had apparently traveled over 3 miles that night based on other calls to police.
So long story short Ü.... I don't know what I would have done if my Husband wasn't home. He has a rotating shift and it is only luck that he was home for this incident. Though we do have many guns in our home, I have never taken the opportunity to learn about them nor how to use one. In talking to Bry about how to use his gun I would have never figured it out in a high pressure moment like that. I would like to get my concealed carry permit and a small effective gun. My worry is that my gun enthusiast husband will pick out a "cool" gun for me that is too much. I am starting to research guns and wonder what type you ladies carry as your means of protection?
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 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9992
  
Location: Kansas | get a ruger .380 auto
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  Shipwrecked and Flat Out Zapped
Posts: 16390
Location: DUMPING CATS AND PIGS IN TEXAS :) | hoofs_in_motion - 2015-02-10 1:36 PM get a ruger .380 auto
That looks like a cap gun lol. My personal protection is 3 chihuahuas, 1 pit bull and a large black frying pan. Bring it! :) |
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 Expert
Posts: 1718
Location: Southeast Louisiana | The simplest thing is a revolver. Any semi-auto is going to have more moving parts and, if you get off one shot and it stove pipes malfunctions because you aren't shooting under ideal conditions, you will likely never be able to clear it and get it back in service. Most revolvers have a long trigger pull, too, so you don't have to worry about a touchy trigger. Super simple and very forgiving as far as it getting dirty and still being usable. For home defense, I prefer a shotgun, though.
Edited by Nita 2015-02-10 1:52 PM
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Expert
Posts: 1718
Location: Southeast Louisiana | LRQHS - 2015-02-10 1:47 PM
hoofs_in_motion - 2015-02-10 1:36 PM get a ruger .380 auto
...and a LOTTA CRAZY!!
LOL |
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 Money Eating Baggage Owner
Posts: 9586
Location: Phoenix | I also would like to carry a small weapon but would want to take a course first. My boyfriend has already scouted out a couple of courses that he'd like me to take. We've got a Beretta PX4 and something 96 that we shoot at the shooting range. |
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Shipwrecked and Flat Out Zapped
Posts: 16390
Location: DUMPING CATS AND PIGS IN TEXAS :) | Nita - 2015-02-10 1:50 PM LRQHS - 2015-02-10 1:47 PM hoofs_in_motion - 2015-02-10 1:36 PM get a ruger .380 auto
...and a LOTTA CRAZY!! LOL
Truth lol. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1094
Location: Idahome | hoofs_in_motion - 2015-02-10 12:36 PM get a ruger .380 auto
I carry a Ruger 9mm. Very easy to shoot and handle. I prefer semi-autos to a revolver. I did take a course to get my CC permit and even though I have always had guns, I definatley learned new things. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1119
| hoofs_in_motion - 2015-02-10 1:36 PM get a ruger .380 auto
I have one of these also (although mine is not pink!). If you are worried about something at home though, honestly the best thing would be a shotgun. The sound of a shotgun pump will hopefully make an intruder think twice, and if he doesn't, a shotgun gives you a much wider chance of hitting them. |
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Shipwrecked and Flat Out Zapped
Posts: 16390
Location: DUMPING CATS AND PIGS IN TEXAS :) | Can this pink pistol really drop a doped up, out of his mind dude? It takes a bit more to drop one like that. |
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Shipwrecked and Flat Out Zapped
Posts: 16390
Location: DUMPING CATS AND PIGS IN TEXAS :) | I could be wrong, but that sweet little pistol just looks like it would **** him off lol. |
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 A Big Ditto!
Posts: 3600
Location: Jasper, Tx | I have one hell of a German shepherd in my yard, my Personal protection trained Dutch Shepherd in my house, if they get thru the first 2 which I highly doubt!!!! I have my guns ready and they leave in a body bag! Love my dogs! My Dutchie goes every where with me. :) I have always suggested for people that are afraid of guns or just don't know how to use them to get a DOG! a TRAINED DOG! |
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 Party Reptile
Posts: 1545
Location: Magnolia, Texas | A shot gun is most the best bet for home protection. I/we have one in several places throughout the house, I also carry a .45 everywhere I go. If I'm dressing up I carry a 380 on my person. I highly recommend not only taking the concealed handgun class, but find you a place that offer womens gun classes as well. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2457
| All good replies! I have my CCW and have had to protect myself before.
Whatever gun you choose, get comfortable with it! Know it inside and out and hit the range often enough that you can load, operate, and do anything you need to the gun in the dark with your eyes closed!
I'm glad the situation was figured out and you all are safe!! |
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 Expert
Posts: 1210
Location: Kansas | LRQHS - 2015-02-10 12:47 PM
hoofs_in_motion - 2015-02-10 1:36 PM get a ruger .380 auto
OK, now we all know that the pitbull is going to be useless in the case of an intruder, because I know mine would probably just bring the guy a ball to throw. Those Chihuahuas, though!!! ;) |
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 Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 13315
Location: East Tennessee but who knows?! | You girls like toys! ??
I carry a Marlin rifle. I'm working on getting the crazy gun lady of the neighborhood rep. We live out in the country but we have a drug house across the street. I patrol my place at all hours of the night with my Marlin clearly in sight. I followed some guys that tried coming on to our place. Had the Marlin in the truck under the blanket. Asked them if they'd been back down the road - knew they had. They said yes. I pulled the blanket back and said, "See that right there? Next time you come around my place again I'll shoot your a$# off!"
Neighbor has also stuck a gun in a guys face who was on his place late at night.
I don't mess around -- takes cops too long to get here. I grew up getting broke into several times. The only true deterrent is good aim, which I have!
Edited by Fairweather 2015-02-10 2:13 PM
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Shipwrecked and Flat Out Zapped
Posts: 16390
Location: DUMPING CATS AND PIGS IN TEXAS :) | I'll admit, the pit bull is only for show lol, but the crack head is going to have a hard time moving with 3 chihuahuas hanging off of him. I just need to be careful not to hit them when I'm beating him senseless with my frying pan.
Edited by LRQHS 2015-02-10 2:12 PM
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A Big Ditto!
Posts: 3600
Location: Jasper, Tx | LRQHS - 2015-02-10 2:10 PM
I'll admit, the pit bull is only for show lol, but the crack head is going to have a hard time moving with 3 chihuahuas hanging off of him. I just need to be careful not to hit them when I'm beating him senseless with my frying pan.
I see it now a Chihuahua hanging on each ear lol and if you can train one to head for the crotch area you won't have a moving target so no problem with hitting your dogs!! hahaha
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 Namesless in BHW
Posts: 10368
Location: At the race track with Ah Dee Ohs | Glock 40 cal
Edited by total performance 2015-02-10 2:26 PM
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1182
Location: Do I hear Banjos? | My protection is named Vera...She's a mean looking 12 Gauge Mossberg with a tactical light. sitting in the corner. (Kicks like a dang mule)
Her little sister is a Colt King Cobra .357 that is on the night stand.
I need a carry gun...but I love revolvers best. Simple and easy to run...very dependable and the .380 semi just isnt for me. So...I'm looking at the hammerless revolvers like the Lady Smith
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_764960_-1_757768_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
Or maybe the Ruger LCR
Practice with whatever you get. And practice drills like real shooting scenarios. (moving while shooting etc.) And you have to decide if the time came...could you actually shoot. I know I could/will if necessary. |
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 Good Grief!
Posts: 6343
Location: Cap'n Joan Rotgut.....alberta | you guys (i mean ladies) scare the crap outta me...lol
m |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 617
Location: London Ontario | I too am SURROUNDED by guns in our house, But because we live in the great white north, we have stricter laws. All our guns need to be kept under two locks(trigger lock and gun safe). With this in mind if anything happens it takes us much longed to gain access to them. And I too have shot and can shoot, but am not very comfortable with them just yet. In lieu of that we have two German Shepherd. I always have at least one of them with me. We used to live in a not so good area and when people ask if they bite(or can pet them) if they were decent looking they were welcome to(they never would bite unless they felt the need to) but if they are questionable I said "I don't know they have bitten before, put your hand out and we will see" We were definitely the crazy GSD people on the street hahaha |
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | I'm a revolver fan. Small, simple, effective. I got my concealed weapons permit and go out and practice occasionally. |
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 Night Chat Leader
Posts: 13150
Location: Home....Smiling M Farms | A shot gun is the best for home protection. In a stressful situation, the simpler the better. I have a 12 guage side by side. Break it open, drop to shells in, and MAKE SURE they hear you slam it back together. It's ready to fire and it'll blow the door off the hinges plus whatever is behind it.
If you want to go with a hand gun, get a revolver. When interviewed, criminals said they feared revolvers over other hand guns because they could SEE that it was loaded. A .38 or a .357 will do the trick. Practice and keep your head. |
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Veteran
Posts: 160
| I have a Smith & Wesson LadySmith revolver. Its small enough not to be intimidating to use, but powerful enough to put someone on the ground. It shoots both .38 Special or .357 Mag. Single or double action. So, if you have time to think about it, you can cock the hammer and pull the trigger, or you can pull the trigger all the way back and the gun will fire. The only problem I have with this gun is making sure that it is 100% out of children's reach at all times since the only "safety" to this gun is having all 6 chambers of the revolver empty. Which I am okay with because the revolver is so easy to load, it would be very doable even in a high pressure situation. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 707
Location: The stix of Utah | Wow! You ladies have given me a lot to think about! Thank you so much for the suggestions! We are talking about just bringing in the dogs at night for the interim until we get me situated with a gun, though I'm not convinced they would do much. I apparently need to invest in a couple of Chihuahua's and a little bit of crazy!  |
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Night Chat Leader
Posts: 13150
Location: Home....Smiling M Farms | I don't know....I don't really even want to know....this individual has issues....lol |
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 Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | TrailGirl - 2015-02-10 1:21 PM My protection is named Vera...She's a mean looking 12 Gauge Mossberg with a tactical light. sitting in the corner. (Kicks like a dang mule )
Her little sister is a Colt King Cobra .357 that is on the night stand.
I need a carry gun...but I love revolvers best. Simple and easy to run...very dependable and the .380 semi just isnt for me. So...I'm looking at the hammerless revolvers like the Lady Smith
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_764960_-1_757768_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
Or maybe the Ruger LCR
Practice with whatever you get. And practice drills like real shooting scenarios. (moving while shooting etc. ) And you have to decide if the time came...could you actually shoot. I know I could/will if necessary.
I'm like you and prefer the revolvers. They are all around a safer weapon. I have a Ruger Security Six that I love. It's not a concealed type of pistol, but I still carry it. Figure maybe if the freaks see it, they will be less likely to pull $h*t. Mine has a long enough barrel I could do a little pistol whipping once the ammo runs out (kidding). |
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Blessed 
Location: Here | I am a Sig Sauer 9mm fan I know lots of ladies like their glocks but the Sig's slide is the smoothest and more comfortable for me |
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 Veteran
Posts: 260
Location: Oregon | hoofs_in_motion - 2015-02-10 11:36 AM
get a ruger .380 auto
I have this but in green. Havent gotten my concealed permit yet, but planning on it soon. For home defense, I actually have an S&W .357/.38 special revolver that lives in my nightstand. My hubby has a .45 that lives in his nightstand. Both are always loaded. My LCP would only be my CC gun, and that is only cuz the S&W is too big to conceal! :)
Biggest thing is get something you are comfortable with and learn it inside and out, upside down and backwards.
Scary situation!!
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Shipwrecked and Flat Out Zapped
Posts: 16390
Location: DUMPING CATS AND PIGS IN TEXAS :) | Really? Sorry, if I offended some of you. I was serious about my protection tactics though. If you don't come packing, you won't deter a crazed maniac. I've seen too many in the ER to think that a little, pretty pistol will stop one high on crack. |
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 Chicken Chick
Posts: 3562
Location: Texas | I have a Ruger sr9c. I LOVE it and begged for a year to get it lol, it is just too big to carry where I want to carry it. As fas as shooting it and everything it is probably my favorite of all the guns I have shot. I will be keeping it and it will be my go to gun if I ever need something at home.
Here in the next month or so I will be getting a Smith and Wesson M&P Shield 9mm to carry in my booby holster. A friend brought hers out to shoot with me and I fell in love with it. Smaller then my gun but I liked how it fit my hand and I think it kicked less then my Ruger.
I would go out and shoot some guns with your husband to get a feel of what they feel like, what you prefer more etc. A lot of it will depend on you and your preference, and also your size will have something to do with it. One of my friends is 6' tall and has really big hands, she prefers these monster guns that I would not feel comfortable shooting at all because they are just too big for me. |
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 Veteran
Posts: 211
Location: Vinton, La. | We have 4 Border Collies that let us know if anyone or anything gets in yard. Live quite a ways from road, down a long driveway. If they get past those dogs, I have a loaded shotgun by back door, loaded sighted rifle by front door, shotgun in big barn, and pistol by bed. Also an array of knives laying around. |
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 Horsey Gene Carrier
Posts: 1888
Location: LaBelle, Florida | Biggest thing to remember is be prepared. If you are going to pull a gun, you better be prepared to use it so it doesn't get used on you.
Alarms, dogs, guns are all deterents for you to get to a safe place, whereever that may be, call the cops etc.
With that being said, I am like most other folks and live out in the sticks. I would be dead before the cops got here.
I do have a dog that will bite:
oops...sorry wrong dog...
Here she is:
One of the things I did when I moved in was let the neighbors know that I had dogs that would bite and to please call before comeing over. |
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Expert
Posts: 1549
Location: Southwest Louisiana | We also live in a very rural area and the only vehicle that pulls down my driveway without calling first is the UPS guy. I've got more guns than I care to list, and know how to use them. It really doesn't matter what kind of gun you have when it comes to a situation like that, as long as you know how to use it with your eyes closed and most importantly, you are WILLING to use it. If you point a gun at a crazy drug head, and hesitate, they can easily grab it from you and shoot you before you know what happened. If you're choosing a gun to defend yourself and your children, learn to use it and be prepared to take someones life if they are threatening yours. If you aren't ready to sign on that line, then don't get a gun. Get a big, trained, mean looking dog. |
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 Chasin my Dream
Posts: 13651
Location: Alberta | Definitely learn how to use the guns, if your alone have one dog in the house and another in the backyard, have someone close (family or friend) and let them know you'll be home alone at certain times. As mentioned be prepared to use the gun when needed.....look into the laws in your state on what happens to you should you shoot an intruder....up here the criminal has more rights then me as a home owner....I have a very large dog in my house and guns....we cannot carry handguns on our person up here, in fact they have to be in a box and trigger locked unless at a gun range....
ETA, if you have a gate I'd look into a device that sounds in the house when something passes thru it.....
Edited by dream_chaser 2015-02-10 4:47 PM
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 Ms. Marine
Posts: 4642
Location: Texas | I conceal carry a Glock 27 everywhere I go and it is also my choice for home defense. |
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Go Get Em!
Posts: 13503
Location: OH. IO | horseshorseshorses - 2015-02-10 4:02 PM
I have a Smith & Wesson LadySmith revolver. Its small enough not to be intimidating to use, but powerful enough to put someone on the ground. It shoots both .38 Special or .357 Mag. Single or double action. So, if you have time to think about it, you can cock the hammer and pull the trigger, or you can pull the trigger all the way back and the gun will fire. The only problem I have with this gun is making sure that it is 100% out of children's reach at all times since the only "safety" to this gun is having all 6 chambers of the revolver empty. Which I am okay with because the revolver is so easy to load, it would be very doable even in a high pressure situation.
Love my ladysmith!!!! I have a weapon in every room of my house.IM QUITE PARTIAL TO MY MOSSBERG 5500 SEMI AUTO 12 GUAGE SHOTGUN AS WELL. |
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Go Get Em!
Posts: 13503
Location: OH. IO | horseshorseshorses - 2015-02-10 4:02 PM
I have a Smith & Wesson LadySmith revolver. Its small enough not to be intimidating to use, but powerful enough to put someone on the ground. It shoots both .38 Special or .357 Mag. Single or double action. So, if you have time to think about it, you can cock the hammer and pull the trigger, or you can pull the trigger all the way back and the gun will fire. The only problem I have with this gun is making sure that it is 100% out of children's reach at all times since the only "safety" to this gun is having all 6 chambers of the revolver empty. Which I am okay with because the revolver is so easy to load, it would be very doable even in a high pressure situation.
Love my ladysmith!!!! I have a weapon in every room of my house.IM QUITE PARTIAL TO MY MOSSBERG 5500 SEMI AUTO 12 GUAGE SHOTGUN AS WELL. |
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 I Chore in Chucks
Posts: 2882
Location: MD | A big loud dog and a Smith and Wesson revolver... Granted my dog is a wuss if anyone would actually come in the door I think he'd bark and pee himself he'd be so scared, but his bark is pretty intimidating. He puts on a good show with the door interfering between him and the UPS man. We also have a golf club by our door at all times. I hate carrying my phone at the barn. Now when I'm up there by myself I carry a walkie talkie because we have a lot of people coming in and out of this property and half the time I don't know who they are. It's more of a good piece of mind, and I can periodically have my boyfriend check the weather when I'm turning horses in and out ;) |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
| SG. - 2015-02-10 3:44 PM
I am a Sig Sauer 9mm fan I know lots of ladies like their glocks but the Sig's slide is the smoothest and more comfortable for me
I am a Sig fan too! |
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 Expert
Posts: 3815
Location: The best kept secret in TX | Scary stuff!
I carry a 9mm in my truck and stash a few others throughout the house in old safe boxes from the bank that have a 3 digit code on them and carry a .380 on my side at all times. (With a CHL.)
I can basically lock myself in a few of the rooms and get to the guns safely without having to worry about children or intruders finding them. Each box has three clips inside as well as the one in the gun. We keep a shot gun above the door as well for when people knock at weird hours LOL we're pretty paranoid.
My SO may be 6 foot 5 and broad built with muscles....But that helps me none when we're apart!!
My other SO's are my guns LOL
Thank God I have a Daddy who MADE me learn to shoot  |
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Expert
Posts: 3815
Location: The best kept secret in TX | Griz - 2015-02-10 5:16 PM SG. - 2015-02-10 3:44 PM I am a Sig Sauer 9mm fan I know lots of ladies like their glocks but the Sig's slide is the smoothest and more comfortable for me I am a Sig fan too!
I have both and love my Sig the most! |
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Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | Those that only have a dog for protection, the bad thing is that a dog can be shot. A loud barking dog will probably make a big % of your burglers etc leave, but the nut jobs high on dope not so much. I like the warning that my dog will bark if someone comes snooping around, but my comfort of protection stops there. |
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Blessed
Location: Here | IRunOnFaith - 2015-02-10 5:33 PM Griz - 2015-02-10 5:16 PM SG. - 2015-02-10 3:44 PM I am a Sig Sauer 9mm fan I know lots of ladies like their glocks but the Sig's slide is the smoothest and more comfortable for me I am a Sig fan too!
YEAH!!!
Also the new RIP last round of ammunition you will ever need is pretty |
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Member
Posts: 22
Location: Kansas | I have a Ruger 9mm and my CCW. I grew up around guns and hunting with my Dad and Brothers but I sure am glad I took the Concealed Carry Class. I learned way more than I ever thought I would. It was very beneficial.
As other people have mentioned be sure you are comfortable with the gun you choose because the only thing worse than not having a gun when you need one is having one but not being comfortable enough to use it when you need it.
I have several other various guns around my house but usually always have my Ruger with me, I love that gun. My SO is getting ready to move into my house so he'll be adding his assortment of guns to the collection too. I feel very comfortable using any weapon I have in my house but of course that could all go out the window should I ever find myself in a serious situation. So I try to go out and shoot as much as possible. Also make sure the gun you choose fits in your hand comfortably. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 975
Location: The barn...where else? SW Missouri | hoofs_in_motion - 2015-02-10 1:36 PM
get a ruger .380 auto
This is my conceal and carry choice also. Very easy to hide and effective. |
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 BHW's Lance Armstrong
Posts: 11134
Location: Somewhere between S@%&# stirrer and Saint | Wow u ladies are talking some heavy duty protection. I thought this subject was going to be about condoms! Jk. Shoot the bad guys! |
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 Veteran
Posts: 170
Location: up to my waist in you know what | RunNbarrels - 2015-02-10 7:38 PM
hoofs_in_motion - 2015-02-10 1:36 PM
get a ruger .380 auto
This is my conceal and carry choice also. Very easy to hide and effective.
I carry a Ruger .380 auto and bought my hubs a 9 mm Ruger for his concealed carry weapon for Christmas. I took my CHL class with my gun, I would never do it again!! I hate the trigger pull on my gun, my husbands Ruger has a new faster trigger and a actual safety. I would choose his over mine to buy any day now. However for home protection, a shotgun is the way to go as you just have to aim in the general direction!
Edited by cowpooh02 2015-02-11 6:57 AM
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 Queen Boobie 2
Posts: 7521
| Griz - 2015-02-10 5:16 PM
SG. - 2015-02-10 3:44 PM
I am a Sig Sauer 9mm fan I know lots of ladies like their glocks but the Sig's slide is the smoothest and more comfortable for me
I am a Sig fan too!
Add me to this list of Sig owners. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 974
Location: USA | I have a Ruger .380 and the safety on it is the long trigger, which I don't really like. I do have a laser sight that I added to it for additional "help" when aiming during times of stress. I carry this with me all the time. I also have a 9mm Glock and a 12 gauge shotgun. The next one on the list is a Judge =) I love my guns and won't be without one. Ever. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 538
Location: Central Texas | I have a Glock .40 cal that I love! I keep it by my bed. I also have a 20 gauge shotgun. My dogs are for alerting me that someone is there, but not for protecting me.
Just an FYI: You can unload an entire clip on an intruder and still call it self defense, but if you reload it becomes Murder. Something some cop friends told me one time. |
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 pressure dripper
Posts: 8699
Location: the end of the rainbow | Handguns are a little bit like saddles, everyone has a personal preference for one reason or another. Find a gun store with a built in range and try every gun you think you might like. Well worth you time and effort to pick a gun that you are comfortable with. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 754
Location: Arkansas | Nita - 2015-02-10 1:49 PM The simplest thing is a revolver. Any semi-auto is going to have more moving parts and, if you get off one shot and it stove pipes malfunctions because you aren't shooting under ideal conditions, you will likely never be able to clear it and get it back in service. Most revolvers have a long trigger pull, too, so you don't have to worry about a touchy trigger. Super simple and very forgiving as far as it getting dirty and still being usable. For home defense, I prefer a shotgun, though.
This is why I have a revolver--it's a Charter .38 Special. I love it!!! Did I mention it's purple? |
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 BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | Here's my two cents. There are hundreds of perfectly adequate guns out there......handguns, shotguns, rifles, etc... They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, cute colors, etc..... If you are serious about having a weapon for self-protection, find one that you feel comfortable with.....and use it a lot. Don't just take a course and put it away. Take a course and learn everything you can about your weapon. Take it out, take it apart, and put it back together. Go somewhere regularly and target practice often. Some people have cute little pistols but they haven't even pulled the trigger. Use the damm thing, so if a situation arises you can reach for it and be ready in an instant. Also, if you are serious about self defense, don't have the thing stripped down and locked in a safe. Figure out a way to keep it somewhere out of harms way, yet accessible in an instant. Spend some money and fire several hundred rounds so you can protect yourself. |
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Expert
Posts: 2457
| willrodeo4food - 2015-02-11 8:32 AM Handguns are a little bit like saddles, everyone has a personal preference for one reason or another. Find a gun store with a built in range and try every gun you think you might like. Well worth you time and effort to pick a gun that you are comfortable with.
YUP^^^ That's how I landed with a 9mm S&W semi-compact. Fits my hands, easily concealed on my body, and I love the trigger pull. After hours of shooting it, working the slide, etc I am confident in using it any time or place.
We also have several hunting rifles (.308. .222, 7mm ultra mag), a couple shotguns, and of course the Ruger .45 LC's that I use for mtd shooting but also will put a large hole in anything we point 'em at! In the nightstand are his .45 1911 Colt and my second set of .45LC Cimarron revolvers. The 2 Border Collies are just icing on the cake!  |
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 Expert
Posts: 1857
| txcajuncowgirl - 2015-02-11 8:29 AM
I have a Glock .40 cal that I love! I keep it by my bed. I also have a 20 gauge shotgun. My dogs are for alerting me that someone is there, but not for protecting me.
Just an FYI: You can unload an entire clip on an intruder and still call it self defense, but if you reload it becomes Murder. Something some cop friends told me one time.
That's my favorite too. I have two, one above my bed on the head board and one in my vehicle. Out of all our hand guns, it's the one I feel the most comfortable with. |
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I Really Love Jeans
Posts: 3173
Location: North Dakota | For a beginner I would get a revolver. You can see if it is loaded and all you have to do is pull the trigger. The automatic needs to have the first shot pulled into the chamber, then your good to go, but this can be a challenge for gun shy people or in a panic situation. If I were you I would put a shotgun by my bed at night, put the shells within reach. Its easy to load and you really don't have to aim just point in the general area and an intruder is toast! Because you have children you will need to be very careful though. I would NOT have the gun in a safe. If he kicked down the door you would not have had time to open a safe to get the gun!!!!!!!! When your husband works have the gun next to your bed at night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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 Semper Fi
Location: North Texas | cowpooh02 - 2015-02-11 6:41 AM RunNbarrels - 2015-02-10 7:38 PM hoofs_in_motion - 2015-02-10 1:36 PM get a ruger .380 auto
This is my conceal and carry choice also. Very easy to hide and effective. I carry a Ruger .380 auto and bought my hubs a 9 mm Ruger for his concealed carry weapon for Christmas. I took my CHL class with my gun, I would never do it again!! I hate the trigger pull on my gun, my husbands Ruger has a new faster trigger and a actual safety. I would choose his over mine to buy any day now. However for home protection, a shotgun is the way to go as you just have to aim in the general direction!
You must have the 'old' LC9. Ruger now produces a LC9S (Striker Fired) that has an improved trigger group. No more '2 mile trigger pull'. |
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Semper Fi
Location: North Texas | Following up on Bear's Post.
What is One's Life Worth? And I double dare any Gun Grabbing Liberals to challenge anything stated on this thread!
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 To the Left
Posts: 1865
Location: Florida | I have a Harrington & Remington <sp> 9 shot revolver. It is a long barrel so it looks bigger than it is. It's a 22 but I keep long hollow points in it. It is perfect for shooting snakes of all kinds. |
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Semper Fi
Location: North Texas | Vickie - 2015-02-11 10:24 AM I have a Harrington & Remington 9 shot revolver. It is a long barrel so it looks bigger than it is. It's a 22 but I keep long hollow points in it. It is perfect for shooting snakes of all kinds.
I remember those. I/We used to take One Frog Hunting. Neat Pistols.
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 Damn Yankee
Posts: 12390
Location: Somewhere between raising hell and Amazing Grace | I've not read through the thread.
I can only make suggestions based on my opinion on the subject.
First, when it comes to what kind of weapon, don't decide based on what anyone tells you or suggests. Find yourself either a gun range that will assist and rent you different weapons to try, or a good friend such as myself that hoards small firearms :)
Seriously, a revolver is a GREAT gun. And highly recommended. But some woman just hate them. Such as myself. I did learn to shoot one well and still practice. But my carry weapon of choice is a Kimber .45 ACP mid size. If I have to shoot anything, I want to make **** sure it stops in it's tracks. When people ask me about getting a tiny .22 caliber....I tell them sure....if they just want to tick somebody off :) Just shoot different guns until you find what is comfortable to you. That's the first step. It will not do you a darn bit of good to carry a gun that you are uncomfortable handling unless you intend to throw it at them.
Second.....stay away from purses as your carry source. BAD idea. A responsible gun owner/carrier keeps complete control of his or her weapon at ALL TIMES no matter what. No gray areas there. Take for instance the 2 or 3 year old that killed his own mother in walmart not too long ago. People said they were shocked because she was so experienced with weapons. The point is the gun was in the purse. The purse was in the cart, not in her immediate control. Even if you never set your purse down, it can be grabbed, snatched, etc.
There is no reason you can't carry on your body. Even in dress clothes. Shop around, there are tons of holsters.
Ok....again, just my opinions..... |
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 Friendly horse swapper
Posts: 4122
Location: Buffalo, TX | Bear is right....I shoot with a group that does situational tactical exercises to train the muscle memory to react quickly and accurately in any situation.....I'm only one more class away from getting my carry instructor's certificate so I've had it drilled into me how important all of this is.....we are trained to understand that in an emergency, your brain will temporarily shut down and paralyze your actions unless you practice quickly identifying targets, fast drawing, dropping to the ground, reloading, and fast, accurate shooting under pressure....even law enforcement will freeze in an emergency situation unless they keep up with their tactical training....it's serious stuff, but the training is also fun for me....
I keep my loaded Mossberg in my bedroom (it moves to my gun safe when I leave the house), but my carry gun is a Glock 19 (because my Glock 34 is too big), and the reason I don't carry a smaller gun or a little 5 shot revolver is that you can't drop someone with one or 2 shots...and you might be in a situation where you need a magazine with 10 rounds to save yourself...you may be up against more than one assailant and even need a spare loaded magazine....I don't think most people realize how fast they have to react when they are attacked, or how to be more aware of your surroundings in parking lots etc. to prevent an attack.....
My 1st gun of choice is my Glock 34 because it's so accurate and a natural for me personally...I do modify my triggers and change out the stock sights and I use Slipstream to keep the slide fast and smooth (for you Sig carriers...lol)....I carry on my body not in my purse, but I do carry a spare loaded magazine in my purse....I'm having one of those gun safes installed under the center console in my truck so I can carry my extra gun and ammo with me....BUT....if I hear someone breaking into my house, forget the Glocks.....I'm grabbing my Mossberg riot gun (I have a stock for it too...it's just more comfortable shooting from the hip for me...lol)....I feel comfortable and safe with my guns...you have to get training to make it second nature, along with the constant awareness that it's always safety first...I put at least 300 rounds a week thru my guns practicing...so please know that going out a buying a gun isn't enough....train and practice...
p.s...that's a Colt AR 15 A-3 tacical rifle with a red dot scope...best "girl gun" ever made....
Edited by Cindy Hamilton 2015-02-11 12:59 PM
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Cake eating bull chaser
Posts: 3787
| Glad to see more women arming themselves for protection, instead of relying on 911 or hiding in the closet. Your first concern should be safety. If you aren't proficient with your firearm, it's essentially just a club. If you can't get to it immediately, it worthless to you. Go shoot that weapon. A lot. There should be more than one line of defense on your property. Using a weapon should be your last line of defense. Think about the route the person would use to get to your house. Don't make it easy for someone to get to the point where you are trapped inside. Take the threat outside. I don't want any un-welcome person to even get close to my house. You can purchase motion detectors, driveway alarms, camera's, have big dogs outside etc., to prevent them from even entering your property. They will at least give you time to arm yourself. Smaller caliber handguns are under rated. A .22 to the head will disable the attacker enough to ensure your escape. If that's what you are comfortable with, and profient with, it's better than nothing. However, to completely stop a threat, you will need a little more stopping power. Situational awareness is very important also. Too many people are walking around with thier eyes glued to a screen. Be aware of what's going on around you. Most important, have a mind-set that you can and will protect yourself and your family. Don't be afraid, make them afraid. The last thing I ever want to do is take someone's life, but I refuse to just give mine without a fight. |
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 Googly Goo
Posts: 7053
| txcajuncowgirl - 2015-02-11 8:29 AM...
Just an FYI: You can unload an entire clip on an intruder and still call it self defense, but if you reload it becomes Murder. Something some cop friends told me one time.
Sorry, but that's a complete crock. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 707
Location: The stix of Utah | WOW! I have been busy all day and just came back to the thread to find a lot more information posted!
I am going to go to the gun shop this weekend and try out a bunch of guns to see what feels best. I don't think finding time to practice is going to be a problem. My husband couldn't be any more excited to know that I want to do this. He is already making plans for us to go shooting for the better part of the foreseeable future.
This has been a great read! Thank you everyone! |
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Expert
Posts: 1718
Location: Southeast Louisiana | I agree with choosing a gun you shoot well and are comfortable with. Also agree with practicing a lot, if you can do some situational shooting, that would be ideal. All great points to remember. Also consider what you are buying it for. It's easier to shoot targets with a shorter trigger pull, and it will feel better at the range. But for personal protection, if you are in a high stress situation, you won't notice an eight or ten pound trigger pull at all. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1094
Location: Idahome | Don't want to hijack the thread, but do you prefer double or single action? Mine now is a double and I don't really care for it. I want to get a new CCW that is more compact than what I have now. I need to try one first, but want to look for one that is a double on the first shot and single after that. I just find myself with too much anticipation after the first few shot on a 10 lb trigger. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 411
Location: Smack in the middle of WA! | I have and love my smith&wesson 5 shot air weight revolver! First 3 bullets are snake shot and last 2 are the real deal! I'm not a great shot from far off and we see plenty of snakes when trail riding so I load the snake shot first. Probably wouldn't kill a person but it would sure slow someone down! Husband bought me it for Valentine's day a few years ago  |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 805
Location: Montana | Hubby got me a Smith and Wesson .45 it fits in my purse with the holster on it. Don't have to even take it out of the holster to shot. Just point and pull. For some robbers all it takes is to hear the slide of a shotgun and their gone. I had a guy come through our sliding door carrying his dog. I had just got out of the shower and the two heelers I had at the time started to go for him heck even the dang cat got in on it. I came downstairs in bra and undies with the shotgun. No shells, I couldn't find them. But the sound of the slide stopped him. Asked him what the H*** he was doing he said who are this is so and so's house I said nope. He says you must have bought it from him I said nope have lived here for 30 yrs. you could smell the dope and see the stab marks in his arms. He left after I picked up and started dialing. |
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 Loves to compete
Posts: 5760
Location: Oakdale, CA | some dogs to alert you and a shot gun forget the cute guns. You need something thats easy to aim, shoot and hit target. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 600
Location: Oklahoma & Texas | Compact 9mm glock...i also have a .40mm springfield xdm...love it too. |
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