Should I buy a gun to protect my family if necessary?

Question

I have a 70 acre farm in a small town. (not sure of population, graduating class has 50-80 kids) Not really a lot of violent crime, but I am worried a little that if it were to happen, I don't have anything more than a hockey stick or golf club to protect my wife and I. I was thinking of getting a 20 gauge shotgun or something small like that. What to you think?

Please spare me the "Guns are evil" answers. Thanks.

I grew up hunting, but don't care too much for it. I've been through hunters safety.

I am far from suicidal and would never shoot anyone unless My family was directly in harms way.

Answer 1

The weapon of choice for home protection is a 12 gauge pump shotgun. In the event your home was invaded most rational lawbreakers will run as fast as they can when they hear the unmistakable sound of a 12 gauge pump being ****** and locked. In the event of some drugged crazy-do not play rambo--that is what insurance is for--stay in your bedroom with your wife and children. If the drugged crazy attempts to enter the room fire as he enters the doorway. AT 10 feet the 12 gauge has a 4 foot spread and the crazy has no where to go when he is in the doorway. However, do not buy a weapon for home defense unless you are willing to take another human life in defense of your family and home.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

You need to answer some questions.

Is your personality such that you will only shoot someone in self defense and not shadows in the dark, someone that pissed you off, or some petty thief?

Are you willing to kill someone in self defense?

If you don't have experience/training in firearm safety and use, are you willing to get training? Without it you would be a danger to yourself and family.

When kids come along will you find a way to keep it securely locked away but have quick access?

If you answered no to any of these questions, then please don't buy a gun!

A 12 ga short (legal) barrel shotgun would be my choice. The idea of a "small" gun for self defense is not a good idea. The big hole on the business end makes it less likely that you will have to use it.

Also the idea of shooting to wound is seriously flawed. If you are justified in shooting, you need to stop that individual right now! Even well trained individuals have trouble hitting targets when someone is attacking them.

Answer 4

It is your right to own a gun. I would recommend that you take a course on how to use it. If you were to be a victim, you need to ask yourself if you are prepared to do what you will have to do once you brandish the gun. If the answer is I am not sure or no, don't purchase it. You will also need to place the gun in a safe location so that kids can't play with it. I would recommend a trigger lock with a key. You will also need to keep the key close by if the worst were to happen.

Answer 5

Get a couple. A 12 gauge pump action would be better. Sometimes just cycling the pump is enough to scare away intruders. Learn to properly use them, and practice until you can load and fire without looking at the weapon.
Do not use any shotshell that has larger than birdshot in it for inside the home defense. Bigger pellets can go through adjacent walls.
You can also get a large caliber handgun and use shotshells inside the house.
Make sure the kids cant get to them! Use trigger locks at the least. A gun safe is a great investment for kids safety.

Answer 6

It's your right to own a gun, and if you think it will help then by all means buy one (or more). Personally, I would recommend a shot gun. The last thing some fool breaking into your house is the sounded of a shotgun being ******.

Mossberg makes a pretty sweet tactical shotgun, many law enforcement agencies use them, but checkout their website and find something that fits your needs.

Answer 7

It's pretty much your call to make. With owning a firearm comes certain responsibilities and obligations that you'll need to be aware of. Check out the gun laws in your community and best of luck to you. Now if it were me yes I'd have a gun or two available, a 20 guage shotgun is not a bad place to start.

Answer 8

I grew up in a rural area and it would be considered strange _not_ to have a rifle or shotgun in your house. However, from a statistical standpoint, in rural areas the odds of an accidental death from a firearm in the house is actually higher than the odds of death from home invasion, so looking at it that way I guess it would be better to not have one. If you do still want one, I would say make sure you get a locking gun cabinet/safe with a combination, NOT a key, as the kids can lift the key from you but can't read your mind...and don't write the combination down anywhere. Good luck!

Answer 9

If you want to own a rifle or pistol then it is your second amendment right to do so. My husband and I own several and we like to shoot on occasion. Just be sure to educate your family about the dangers of handling a potentially loaded weapon. Hunters Education classes are good for kids because they teach them how to properly handle a gun and how to avoid accidents. The best education is to simply take the family out and shoot with them. Curve their curiosity and make sure they know that daddy's gun/guns are off limits and handling such things could end with someone getting hurt or killed. Accidents happen and they should be taught that. A gun is an inanimate object that cant do any harm unless loaded and handled.

You could get a dog but the dog can be shot or poisoned. The chances of something happening are small but it pays to be prepared.

Answer 10

It depends on the level of danger and how well trained you and your wife are in using a gun. In your situation, you might have more need of a gun to protect yourself from a wild dog than from a home intruder.