do i need a gun for home protection?

Question

i live in oakland, not a very safe place, my cars have had their tires, deck, battery jacked in differnt times, my house has been robbed once, and once was an attempt, my neighboor's house got robbed twice in the past month and a half, i am scared of my safety, should i get a gun? my only concern is if i have a gun and they have a gun, then its all bad, or if somehow they got my gun. so should i get a gun? im tired of these ppl jacking everyones stuff

i have also have a dog, cars are outside

i have a security system, but those are pretty much useless now, they go through so much before the cops come, and they can be gone by then, and since everyone got those now, a lot of false alarms go out and cops dont really response so quickly to those...

Answer 1

no. just ask the intruder to please leave.

Answer 2

Move. The problem with a gun (and I have them myself) is that if your house is broken into while you aren't there, they steal your gun. Another problem is that you might not be able to get to it in time.

But if you are going to get one for home defense, get a pump shotgun, keep #2 or #4 buck in the magazine (not the chamber). If anyone enters your house, just the sound of you racking a round might scare them off. But in the event you need to engage, #2 or #4 buck has enough and large enough shot to improve your chances of a hit and having it stop the intruder. Oh and be sure that you are retreating, being fired on and cornered before you use it, if you are able to get away and don't try, in many states (not sure about CA) you might be in a lot of trouble, even if the other guy was shooting at you. Also, make sure no kids have access to it, you are liable for any accidents if kids get into it (in most states). Also take the shotgun safety training course so you know how your weapon works and how to use it safely.

Which brings me back to my original point. The rules are not in your favor when it comes to someone breaking into your home. I suggest that you find a better neighborhood. (The dogs are a good warning device though).

Answer 3

You could move out of Oakland instead...?

It's up to you, of course. But here are some facts to think about:

-- for over 98% of guns kept in the home, there are only ever 2 uses: target practice, and accidental or intentional shooting of a family member. Less than 2% of guns in homes are ever used for "self defense"
-- There were 28,663 firearm deaths in the US in 2000. 58% were suicides, 39% were homicides (270 came from police action), and 4% due to accidental shootings in the home (1,006 deaths). Out of the 11,071 homicides, 8,651 were committed by someone known to the victim, 93% of the time by a family member. The other 2,150 were what you'd consider "crime" from robbery, assault, etc. That's 7% of ALL gun deaths in the US.

Those numbers show that it's MUCH more likely that a gun in the home will be used for suicide, killing a family member intentionally, or an accidental shooting than for self-defense.
You decide if it's worth the risk :)

Answer 4

It helps. But i found having a very big dog does the trick. I have a big dog and when someone knocks he jumps up and starts barking and growling. But you also have to think that if they got in the house and hurt the dog you need some form of protection. So yeah i would say having a gun for protection is a very good thing. Better to be safe then sorry. And i'm sorry about your car and house. That always sucks when your personal space gets violated. Good luck and stay safe.

Answer 5

Do you know how to use a gun? If not do not get one: if you do know how, think about it some more. In the mean time they have a barking dog sensor; that does work, less exspences and less danderious as well. If you do decide on a gun, take a gun safty coarse before getting a gun; if you have kids shon them what it can do and make sure they understand do not touch the gun. Do not trust a lock box, kids figure out how to open the better and faster than adults do. I have guns myself, but I know how to handle them: as if there loaded all the time.

Answer 6

It depends. Maybe you should take some martial arts and keep a bat with some nails in it next to your bed. Thats a hell of a lot scarrier than a gun.

But yes, home protection is important. If you do choose to buy a gun, just be responsible with it.

If you feel that you would be safer with it, then I don't see why not.

Answer 7

I would recommend getting a security system or in your situation, a handgun or maybe a shotgun.

If I were you, I would get a H&K MP-5 machine pistol with telescoping sight and flashlight. I would sit in a rocking chair on a porch and wipe the gun all day long.

Answer 8

hold up do you know how to use it seriously or will you freeze and they take it away from you and shoot you or your family even your dog second i think its a crime to shoot someone even if they are robbing you can you afford to move to a less violent area how about neighborhood watch and yes its horrible these scums are terrorizing your neighborhood but stop and think about the whole gun issue playing with fire on that one can you afford a alarm system for car and one of those things that go on your steering wheel lock apt doors and windows and put 2 master lock padlocks on door they may help noise usually prevents burglars

Answer 9

You would be safer investing in motion lights and a security system. Firearms without training can be dangerous and even in experienced hands bad things happen. If you do choose to purchase a firearm make sure you undergo training in the firing and maintenance of the firearm.

Answer 10

No don't get a gun! If you have to stay in that neighbourhood, maybe you could invest in other home protection equipment and get suggestions from the local police force if they have any availiable. From what I know guns have never meant safety.
No idea what your community is like but maybe you could figure out why these people do this? Is it lack of community/ lack of resources?

Answer 11

Woah!
Do you mean Oakland ,FLORIDA?
Cause if so then YES you need a gun for your own protection!
I've used to ride the bus back in 98' to school and I remember it being pretty bad through that area.