So true. It's been the most intense emotional override of my brain's logical systems that I've experienced in about a decade. I grew up shooting guns, but mostly rifles and shotguns. Got my shotgun merit badge as a boy scout. My girlfriend will be trained in gun safety, use, and legislation by myself, curricula, and an instructor(s) over the course of the next few weeks. I'm not giving her a choice. Not sure if I'll go for a concealed carry permit, but probably not. In the heat of a moment, I can't tell you what I'd do. I'd hopefully assess the situation correctly and quickly, and then determine whether to shoot to wound or shoot to kill. I'm quoting this to re-emphasize for the third time, because I approve wholeheartedly. Thanks for the advice, it's a great summary. Incidentally, I just saw someone almost die in a major automobile accident on my way to the airport. Made the 911 call immediately while my uncle ran to prevent a man with a head injury from stumbling into oncoming traffic. Adrenaline reserves are running low at the moment.Buying a gun as a reactionary measure to a traumatic event isn't exercising the best sound judgement.
If you're going to have a gun for the purpose of self defense, you better be damn good and ready to actually kill and deal with all the consequences thereafter. Otherwise it's a liability and could cause more harm than good.
Seriously, know the laws.
NEVER shoot to wound. Your aim isn't that good, and your reflexes aren't that fast. This isn't Hollywood. When you take classes, you'll be taught to aim for the centre of mass, or, less likely, the heart. Shoot where you've practiced, and shoot as soon as you're aimed. If they're in your home and you live in a state with Castle Doctrine, don't even hesitate to see if they're armed. You don't have that kind of time. A human can close 20 feet in 1.5 seconds. If you can't do that, don't get a gun. Hesitating, thinking, or trying to aim fancy WILL get you killed. 20 feet. Don't take my word for it. Find an instructor you trust, and a police officer, and talk to them. In a completely different vein, you might consider looking at crime maps, in choosing an apartment. A lot of people think low income equals high crime, but it doesn't. Most cities have neighbourhoods which are inexpensive and also low crime. That's what I did when I bought a house. Worth considering, anyway. I have no idea what your income or neighbourhood crime rate is. And to echo steve, that's rough. I hope your day gets better. Have a unicode snowman → ☃determine whether to shoot to wound or shoot to kill.
'eyyyy, that's not even abominable! Thank you, for both the well wishes and the advice. I agree with everything you've said. There will be some days spent at a shooting range with my new firearm in the near future. Most of my high school friends are redneck enough to serve as introductory handgun instructors, but I'll be looking for classes to enroll both myself and my girl. I'm not worried about my reflexes, morseo hers (if you're reading this, sorry babe). Checkin' out that crime map. That's a great resource. Again, many thanks!☃
That's almost exactly why I'm here. I came knowing it would be damn near impossible to change my mind, but thought it'd make a decent community discussion anyway.
Thanks. :) It's all good. Helluva way to end a vacation.