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The Resident Destroyer of Liberal Logic
  
Location: PNW | Three 4 Luck - 2014-04-22 4:11 PM
svincent - 2014-04-22 3:18 PM Kgirl - 2014-04-22 1:36 PM I agree with everybody else on here....
Gun and dog...
I have a black lab mix and he die to protect me. My hubby also taught me to shoot. I had a few guns before i finally got one i love. it is a smith and wesson revolver. If you are not used to guns i recommend a revovler cuz it wont jam like any of my pistols did. And they are super easy to use.
We live near a truck stop in no mans land and one night the neighbor called me saying she saw a man in her back yard. Because of this... When hubby aint home I have guns strategicly placed loaded throughout the house and out of sight so i can be prepared no matter what room i'm in.
I would NOT recommend this pistol to a new shooter, or any other tiny handgun. The recoil on these is brutal on your hands and will create a timid shooter that flinches. I am a very experienced shooter and these things make ME flinch - this would be the last thing I'd want as a home-defense weapon, because there's NO WAY I'd ever practice with it enough for it to become second nature. I shoot A LOT, both for just pure practice and I also hunt. I've attended several tactical day classes. If I had to pick ANY pistol to protect myself with in ANY situation - I'd choose a .40 or .45 original frame Glock. The grip area is big enough to offer control, the recoil is NOWHERE near as powerful as the previously shown small pistols, and you don't have to "baby" them. I carry one with me out and about on the ranch doing work - it has been dropped a bazillion times, gotten rained on, had dust in every nook and cranny and it has fired EVERY TIME I pull the trigger. They are super user friendly, have an easy to work safety, the slide isn't a bear to pull back. Also, no matter what you get, replace the factory sights with glow-in-the-dark night sights. Also, I'd load it with something good. Google "man stopping rounds" As far as shotguns, no matter what you get - PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE - they look easy in the movies, but it takes more strength than most people realize to pump one correctly - especially since you work that with your non-dominant hand. I have dogs, three border collies - and my fat fluffy one is the MEANEST dog I've ever owned. She's not much for presence, like a German Shepherd or Doberman, but she will bite anything/anyone that she perceives as a threat - no questions asked. I don't know that I'd trust a lab to do anything but bark and lick, but it just depends on the dog, and probably how much it has been socialized to other people. Our three dogs are OUR dogs: they don't listen to anybody but our family, they don't play with anybody but our family, nothing. They are our stock dogs, immaculately trained, and loyal to a fault. I'd trust any three of them to risk their life for me and my family. Good luck, and toughen up : ) 
They are MISERABLE to shoot. I would shoot one IF I HAD TO... Like, if there were no rocks to throw...
And I don't know a single person who actually PRACTICES with one - because they are so miserable. Everybody I know who owns one are very experienced marksman and could effectively use one without practicing with it - and they all agree that they definitely aren't going to shoot it more times than ABSOLUTELY necessary - so, once. Lol | |
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 Expert
Posts: 2276
 
Location: ohio-in my own little world with pretty ponies :) | SO told me the smaller the gun the worse it is usually is to shoot. I was wanting one of the small cute little purple ones...don't even know what it is lol | |
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The Resident Destroyer of Liberal Logic
Location: PNW | lexyy12 - 2014-04-22 4:30 PM
SO told me the smaller the gun the worse it is usually is to shoot. I was wanting one of the small cute little purple ones...don't even know what it is lol
Guns aren't supposed to be cute. Guns are powerful, lethal tools of protection. Just like with my horses - I could give a flying rip what a piece of tack looks like - it just needs to do its job. But if you really want to girly-it-up a bit, you can buy after market grips in different colors - for pretty much any pistol. I know Hogue makes some for almost all Glock frames and I THINK for most 1911s.
Your SO is generally correct about the size of the pistol frame. But don't go buy a SW 500 - it's big, but it ain't friendly. Lol
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Expert
Posts: 2276
Location: ohio-in my own little world with pretty ponies :) | Yeah but me knowing nothing thought that cute little purple thing was nicer than some of the ones he has...he said no lol | |
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The Resident Destroyer of Liberal Logic
Location: PNW | lexyy12 - 2014-04-22 4:47 PM
Yeah but me knowing nothing thought that cute little purple thing was nicer than some of the ones he has...he said no lol
Yea, generally "cute" guns = crap
I shake my head EVERYTIME I see somebody proudly posting pictures of their new pink/camo gun... | |
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 Chicken Chick
Posts: 3562
Location: Texas | Southtxponygirl - 2014-04-22 10:36 AM The best ever watch dogs I have had are my Heelers, they are very territorial and become very attached to their owners. When someone would come up in the yard and my dogs did not know them they would always stand between me the stranger, and you did not mess with my kids, love these dogs.
I do NOT like heelers, but if I were ever living alone or home alone alot and scared... I would get a heeler lol. The main reason why I don't like them is because I haven't met one yet that hasn't tried to bite someone, sometimes though that wouldn't be a bad thing.
Even though hubby is here every night we each have a gun on our sides of the bed, shot gun in the corner, and a gun in the car. The Doberman and Boxer sleep right inside the bedroom door, and if you don't look closely when you walk in the room you will trip over them. I don't think either one of them would be good for anything other then scaring someone off because of their looks and noise making. Their job is to give me time to get to the gun before they wuss out lol. | |
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Expert
Posts: 2276
Location: ohio-in my own little world with pretty ponies :) | I have one dog that doesn't like strange people...he is small but I bet he would scare them off and would bite if someone tried to come in unwelcome. Sometimes if someone he doesn't know kneels down to pet him he will growl. The other 2 are just noisey but we are most likely getting a German shepherd. SO grew up with them. | |
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 Dancing in my Mind
Posts: 3062
Location: Eastern OH but my heart is in WV | I have a larger dog' that clearly has Aussie in him' and he is the most protective dog I have ever owned. Almost to over protective. He is great with the family but very protective of the yard and house. Our beagle is small but very protective of her family also. She has a wonderful 6th sense about things/people and if her hair goes upright, I get worried. Also keep a loaded gun handy, but I pray I never have to use it.
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| Wow! I'm suprised to see the reaction to my gun! I love this gun way better than the 10 others I had owned and tried before. My pistols I had would either jam or I had too much arthritis in my hands to work the slide or it would bite ya! I've only been around guns the last few years so I would not consider myself an expert. I had two of my friends also go out and buy this same gun after shooting mine but I guess to each their own! | |
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 Expert
Posts: 1440
Location: Texas | Definaty guns and dogs! I am by myself the majority of the time as my husband works out of state. We have a Glock 40 which is really easy to shoot and a Bersa 380 which is an AmAzing little gun. It is super easy to shoot an is economical. I keep them on my nightstand when he is gone. I also have a shotgun right next to the bed. I have 7 dogs lol. Some are just little noise makes (2 doxies) and a LARGE chocolate lab who looks intimidating and will bark and raise her hair is you come up and she don't know you. I don't. Ow if she would actually do anything if push came to shove but she looks mean! I have a healer, an Aussie,a corgi , and a mutt who are good noise makers out side. The mutt is pretty new to us but I think in time he will get more protective. He is grateful for being rescued from death row and seems to be very territorial of our place and gets pretty upset if stranger come up the drive. Honestly the most protective dog was a mutt named Suzy who I rescued from the pound. She would sleep in myths doorway to my bedroom and not let anyone in unless I told her it was ok. She had to be put to sleep after a coyote attack. She always ran coyotes off from around the house. RIP Suzy. Sorry got a little off track there, she was just the best dog I had ever had the please of having in my life. | |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 742
| Was the house you're moving into robbed or burglerized? I guess I should ask, were the people at home when this happened? If they weren't there did they have a dog(s) in the house? | |
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Expert
Posts: 2276
Location: ohio-in my own little world with pretty ponies :) | They were not home. Didn't have a dog but since has gotten some sort of boxer/ mix type young dog. | |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 336
Location: Missouri | I've debated long and hard about posting, but finally decided to talk to you as if I really know you. You seem like a very VERY sweet young lady, and I love reading your posts on horses and you life. Everything I'm going to say is said because I care, and don't want to see you get yourself in a pickle. By far the best defense is SELF CONFIDENCE. Knowing you can handle yourself, projecting that image, all is a great edge in self protection. Without self confidence and a strong attitude, both guns and dogs can give you more trouble than help.
First, and the ONLY reason I'm opening my mouth at all.... A. GUN. IS. NOT. CUTE. Period. Sorry but I about had a stroke when I read that. Yes, I get having one you "like". I have shot since I could stand. My kids were both started on the same rifle I learned on by the time they were three. By the time they eight they could pick up, load properly, and shoot every rifle, shotgun, pistol in the house. They also have their own now. I am completely 100% confident in their shooting abilities, but more importantly, their maturity and safety awareness to properly handle any gun. They have hunted since before they were in kindergarten and made to gut and clean everything they killed. Walking up to that deer that a second ago was moving. Still warm, having to take their knife out - huge wake up call. Guns are only as safe or dangerous as the person holding it.
Since firearms are new to you, frankly you are probably more a danger WITH a gun than without. And plinking with your SO's really isn't enough - but it's a good start! IF you choose to get a gun - 1st get one that fits YOU. I would recommend a S&W .38 or .357 revolver simply because it is easier to load and no jamming for you to worry about. Think old fashioned police style - not a long barrel. And, if you had to use it, it's got knockdown. My S&W .357 is my go to fave. Next...practice. Practice. Practice. It needs to become a part of you. You should be able to load that sucker in the dark and one handed. Here's the hard part (and one reason I don't rely on anyone else) - many people, even "good" shots, when it comes to actually being forced to use one - committing to raising that gun and pointing it at someone - that's tougher than it sounds. If you pull it, be prepared to use it with lethal intent. No...oh gee, I hope this scares that bad guy away. Sure, hope it does, but don't count on it. I was taught, and my kids were taught - anything you aim at, assume you WILL be killing it. Sounds simple, but push come to shove it's not. Yes..I've had to raise mine - fortunately I didn't have to pull the trigger. Do you have it in you to pull that trigger?
A good dog is an excellent deterrent. BUT...having a truly "mean" dog is NOT the best choice. I love the way everyone is referring to theirs as protective - that's what you want. My Catahoula would without a doubt go the wall for me. He is NOT a "mean dog". Don't start none, won't be none type. Mess with me or my kids, and he!!'s a comin with him though. Any big dog outside that makes a lot of noise and is protective will be a good deterrent (especially if they "look" ferocious!). If you can get a protection trained dog, awesome, but a loved on mutt can be just as protective. Me, I want my dogs (I have my Cat, daughter has a Cat/Aussie cross, son has a lab, all of whom are extremely protective), to alert me and scare off anyone, protect if necessary, but I will be having a welcoming party for anyone that can get past them. Like someone else said though, my Cat is known throughout the county - most don't venture too near. BUT...again, you have to have self confidence to properly train and maintain control of many protective/aggressive dogs - you have to be the alpha!
I liked that you were advised to "toughen up" - excellent advice. Such an exciting time in your life!! So ya..suck it up Buttercup ;) - stay sweet, stay who you are, but if you project self confidence, be smart, be aware, work on that "hey I'm in charge of my life" attitude, you will be less likely to be messed with. True, random bad things happen. Often though, burglaries are not random. Lights, dogs, knowing the chick at that house can take care of herself - that will keep you from being an easy target. And one other thing...QUIT WORRYING SO DANG MUCH! Congratulations on your new home!!
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 Underestimated Underdog
Posts: 3971
Location: Minnesota | I have a chocolate lab and she's very protective, not very typical for a lab. She'll bark at any strange noise and has woken both my husband and myself up when we did have someone wander onto our property. My husband and I have both taught her well and she will protect us both. Were adding a heeler this fall for me to have a constant companion when my husband and dog go hunting(I go too but not all the time).
I agree with get a gun. I learned from a very young age and feel very fortunate that I know how to shoot all different kinds of guns. I prefer a revolver, I know it won't jam. I would familiarise youself with your states gun laws as well. Don't be scared, being able to protect yourself when you are alone is a great feeling. Get a bigger dog, cameras and a gun. | |
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 Firecracker Dog Lover
Posts: 3175
| Three 4 Luck - 2014-04-22 2:11 PM svincent - 2014-04-22 3:18 PM Kgirl - 2014-04-22 1:36 PM I agree with everybody else on here....
Gun and dog...
I have a black lab mix and he die to protect me. My hubby also taught me to shoot. I had a few guns before i finally got one i love. it is a smith and wesson revolver. If you are not used to guns i recommend a revovler cuz it wont jam like any of my pistols did. And they are super easy to use.
We live near a truck stop in no mans land and one night the neighbor called me saying she saw a man in her back yard. Because of this... When hubby aint home I have guns strategicly placed loaded throughout the house and out of sight so i can be prepared no matter what room i'm in.
I would NOT recommend this pistol to a new shooter, or any other tiny handgun. The recoil on these is brutal on your hands and will create a timid shooter that flinches. I am a very experienced shooter and these things make ME flinch - this would be the last thing I'd want as a home-defense weapon, because there's NO WAY I'd ever practice with it enough for it to become second nature. I shoot A LOT, both for just pure practice and I also hunt. I've attended several tactical day classes. If I had to pick ANY pistol to protect myself with in ANY situation - I'd choose a .40 or .45 original frame Glock. The grip area is big enough to offer control, the recoil is NOWHERE near as powerful as the previously shown small pistols, and you don't have to "baby" them. I carry one with me out and about on the ranch doing work - it has been dropped a bazillion times, gotten rained on, had dust in every nook and cranny and it has fired EVERY TIME I pull the trigger. They are super user friendly, have an easy to work safety, the slide isn't a bear to pull back. Also, no matter what you get, replace the factory sights with glow-in-the-dark night sights. Also, I'd load it with something good. Google "man stopping rounds" As far as shotguns, no matter what you get - PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE - they look easy in the movies, but it takes more strength than most people realize to pump one correctly - especially since you work that with your non-dominant hand. I have dogs, three border collies - and my fat fluffy one is the MEANEST dog I've ever owned. She's not much for presence, like a German Shepherd or Doberman, but she will bite anything/anyone that she perceives as a threat - no questions asked. I don't know that I'd trust a lab to do anything but bark and lick, but it just depends on the dog, and probably how much it has been socialized to other people. Our three dogs are OUR dogs: they don't listen to anybody but our family, they don't play with anybody but our family, nothing. They are our stock dogs, immaculately trained, and loyal to a fault. I'd trust any three of them to risk their life for me and my family. Good luck, and toughen up : )
Now I have to ask about you shooting a 12 gauge for the first time. What kind of shell did your husband put in that thing? | |
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | It was bird shot and I was trying to sting the neighbor dogs because I didn't want to kill them if I didn't have to. I knew it was going to kick and I braced against it instead of rolling with it. I almost ended up on my butt and pulled a muscle in my neck and shoulder so bad that I was useless for 3 days. He said "I thought you knew how to shoot a shotgun!" Um NO! I had never shot anything bigger than a .22 other than pistols, because I'm right handed/left eye dominant and was always afraid of breaking my nose. | |
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| brlraceaddict - 2014-04-23 10:44 AM Three 4 Luck - 2014-04-22 2:11 PM svincent - 2014-04-22 3:18 PM Kgirl - 2014-04-22 1:36 PM I agree with everybody else on here....
Gun and dog...
I have a black lab mix and he die to protect me. My hubby also taught me to shoot. I had a few guns before i finally got one i love. it is a smith and wesson revolver. If you are not used to guns i recommend a revovler cuz it wont jam like any of my pistols did. And they are super easy to use.
We live near a truck stop in no mans land and one night the neighbor called me saying she saw a man in her back yard. Because of this... When hubby aint home I have guns strategicly placed loaded throughout the house and out of sight so i can be prepared no matter what room i'm in.
I would NOT recommend this pistol to a new shooter, or any other tiny handgun. The recoil on these is brutal on your hands and will create a timid shooter that flinches. I am a very experienced shooter and these things make ME flinch - this would be the last thing I'd want as a home-defense weapon, because there's NO WAY I'd ever practice with it enough for it to become second nature. I shoot A LOT, both for just pure practice and I also hunt. I've attended several tactical day classes. If I had to pick ANY pistol to protect myself with in ANY situation - I'd choose a .40 or .45 original frame Glock. The grip area is big enough to offer control, the recoil is NOWHERE near as powerful as the previously shown small pistols, and you don't have to "baby" them. I carry one with me out and about on the ranch doing work - it has been dropped a bazillion times, gotten rained on, had dust in every nook and cranny and it has fired EVERY TIME I pull the trigger. They are super user friendly, have an easy to work safety, the slide isn't a bear to pull back. Also, no matter what you get, replace the factory sights with glow-in-the-dark night sights. Also, I'd load it with something good. Google "man stopping rounds" As far as shotguns, no matter what you get - PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE - they look easy in the movies, but it takes more strength than most people realize to pump one correctly - especially since you work that with your non-dominant hand. I have dogs, three border collies - and my fat fluffy one is the MEANEST dog I've ever owned. She's not much for presence, like a German Shepherd or Doberman, but she will bite anything/anyone that she perceives as a threat - no questions asked. I don't know that I'd trust a lab to do anything but bark and lick, but it just depends on the dog, and probably how much it has been socialized to other people. Our three dogs are OUR dogs: they don't listen to anybody but our family, they don't play with anybody but our family, nothing. They are our stock dogs, immaculately trained, and loyal to a fault. I'd trust any three of them to risk their life for me and my family. Good luck, and toughen up : )
How does a revolver bust your hand open? never had that happen! | |
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Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | The part of my hand between thumb and index finger, base of the thumb actually where there is a bone that sort of sticks up. It would kick so hard that I would bruise and then bleed if I kept shooting. And that was wearing gloves. | |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
| lexyy12 - 2014-04-22 10:08 AM Are labs good at protecting or no?
Mine is VERY good at protection - I was somewhat shocked! He had always acted like a big goof until I had a guy out installing dish network and that dog about had a come apart - and he still does now when ANYBODY pulls in the drive. | |
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| Three 4 Luck - 2014-04-23 11:06 AM The part of my hand between thumb and index finger, base of the thumb actually where there is a bone that sort of sticks up. It would kick so hard that I would bruise and then bleed if I kept shooting. And that was wearing gloves.
Wow!! my 38 special revolver dont kick anything like that! now i've had the pistols that have caught me in the meaty area between the thumb and index finger and "bite" me when they are doing the sliding motion. | |
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