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GUN SELECTION:
SELF DEFENSE
Selection of a particular
type, make and model
of firearm for self defense is both an objective and subjective
decision. From an objective perspective, one should assess their need in
terms of the intended use of the gun. Is it for home protection? Is
it for security while traveling and camping? Would you like to be able to
carry it concealed in jurisdictions that honor a "Carrying a Concealed
Weapon" or "CCW" permit? W
ill the firearm serve a dual role, such as personal protection and hunting, or
personal protection and recreational shooting? If hunting is a secondary
objective, is it for small game, big game, waterfowl or upland game? Some
firearms are more versatile than others in fulfilling multiple roles.
Shotguns in particular are readily adapted to satisfying different
objectives. Extra barrels of varying lengths and chokes can be easily
swapped out on the shotgun depending on the particular need. Handguns and
carbines or rifles can be suitable for both self defense and hunting, depending
upon type of game and caliber choice. Do
you live in a racially, ethnically or culturally diverse urban area where rioting, looting
and civil unrest are a concern? Are you a survivalist or "prepper"
hoping for the best, but planning for the worst? In these scenarios, a
firearm chambered for a proven self defense caliber and capable of accepting
high capacity magazines would be preferred. An AR-15, which is the
civilian semi-automatic version of the true military "assault rifle"
issued to the U.S. Armed Forces, ideally fills this role. It may not be
legal in some nanny states. Answers
to your personal questions regarding needs and preferences will largely determine whether
a handgun, carbine, rifle or shotgun represents the most appropriate type of firearm for
you. As inclinations suggest and financial resources allow, perhaps you
may wish to acquire additional firearms for additional pursuits. Once a category of
firearm has been identified,
it is a relatively straightforward process to choose a type of action and
caliber or gauge
of ammunition that will fulfill the purposes one has in mind. Various
internal links at Internet Armory will give you the knowledge to make informed
decisions in this regard. From
a subjective perspective, one should "like" the firearm they intend to
acquire. This attraction will involve a myriad of factors, including look,
feel, heft, fit, color and composition among others. For example, does one
prefer wood or synthetic grips and stocks? If synthetic, is there any
preference for a unique color, such as pink, versus the ubiquitous black?
Is stainless, matte or blued steel desired? Do you like (or hate) guns
with high tech polymer components? What would you like to see in the way
of safety features? The choices are nearly endless as
manufacturers respond to consumer tastes and demands. Beauty is definitely
in the eye and hand of the beholder. Many states have implemented "shall
issue" legislation that helps eliminate arbitrary denial of a CCW permit
to a law abiding citizen who has fulfilled all appropriate application
requirements. Some states require evidence that the applicant has
completed a prescribed firearms class, usually followed by an exam, that is
taught by a certified instructor. Other states want to see that the
applicant has passed an actual handgun proficiency course at the shooting range
as well. Depending upon the state, the CCW permit may be issued by a local law enforcement
agency, such as the County Sheriff's Office, or at the state level, by a
Department of Public Safety or similar agency. The trend nation-wide is towards more relaxed instead
of more restrictive CCW legislation. Of course, this trend does not apply to
the "usual suspects": nanny states where the Second Amendment
guarantee of individual gun rights is viewed with disdain. Numerous states
have instituted a policy of reciprocity, whereby the CCW permit issued by another state is considered to be valid
within the borders of their state. CCW
permits issued by Utah and Florida are among the most widely recognized when it
comes to multi-state acceptance. For this reason, many truckers and RV'ers
acquire a CCW from one or both of these states in addition to a CCW permit from their own state
of residence. This ensures maximum geographical coverage for legal
concealed carry while traveling. A smaller, lighter
handgun such as a diminutive
autoloader or snub nose revolver is well suited to lawful concealed carry
outside the home. In
contrast to concealed carry, home security or RV defense suggests that a
larger handgun, a 12- or 20-gauge short-barreled shotgun, a "cowboy" carbine or
an AR-15 carbine or rifle would be appropriate. Be sure to visit "Rifles: Self Defense" and "Shotguns:
Self Defense" for pertinent information. To
examine the handguns, carbines, rifles and shotguns available from various
manufacturers, you may wish to go to www.galleryofguns.com
for pictures and descriptions. Information provided by this distributor is
accessible in a very
convenient format.
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