Arming a Friend

[M2 Carbine]

I would do anything it takes to keep a (good) friend safe.

As has been said, legally transfer the gun to her and get her some fast intense range practice.
Explain to her, in great detail, your state's deadly force laws.
Also explain to her what she should and not say and her attitude, if she does shoot someone.

 

[bigjohnson]

BJA5006 --- If you lend her the gun and leave it in her possession, you are transferring it under federal and PA law. Even though it may be only a temporary transfer, it is still a transfer, and to keep yourself out of trouble, you'd need to do the transfer through a dealer.

 

[Frank Ettin]

A gun is not a good luck charm. It will only work as a defensive tool (or as a deterrent--sometimes) if the user is stone-cold certain that if attacked, they are going to stop that attack by all means necessary.

Part of that certainty can be provided by training, practice and the confidence that they provide. A lot to ask in a short time.

I'm not saying that a gun neophyte couldn't possibly defend themselves with a gun, but they stand a much higher risk than a trained person of having the gun taken away if they aren't clear on when to shoot--or even on whether they'll really shoot if the attacker won't back down....

+1..................

 

[Steve Raacke]

I'd hesitate to arm someone who doesn't already own guns and know how to safely handle them. There's a big difference between this lady and my brother-in-law who hunts regularly and has in the past carried a pistol for protection. Over the years my brother-in-law has bought and sold various peices of his firearm collection until all he has left these days are a few hunting rifles and shotguns. He has recently been working in some bad areas of New Orleans. This weekend, when I dropped by for a visit he asked for a pistol he could keep in his work truck, just in case. I loaned him one of my Ruger P-89 pistols in a nylon holster. (Yes, I have more than one.) I have no problem with my BiL taking possession of one of my guns. I know that he is a safe and responsible gun owner who knows how to handle the pistol.
Each person is a different case. I hope your friend stays safe.

 

[Byron Quick]

I would loan one to one of my friends. But then, I'm real choosy about my friends.

I'll help my friends bury bodies if the need arises. Therefore, I find it necessary to choose friends who don't produce bodies that need burying on a regular basis.

It's worked so far.

 

[K3]

I'd either loan her the $ or just give her the $. Then she can go and purchase one after an NICS check (Those shouldn't even exist, but that's another thread).

 

[indiandave]

Here in Pennsylvania you can walk into a gun store and walk out in about 40 minutes with a gun . If she is really fearfull and worried I would take her gun shopping for her own gun. A LTCF will take about 45 days. She could talk to the Sheriffs dept. With her needs they might get her one sooner.

 

[Empress Penguin]

In PA, it is not permitted to loan out your gun. I would take it to a dealer and have it transferred to her name; you can work out a verbal agreement that she will transfer it back to you when she's done. Work out for yourself that you wouldn't be heartbroken to never see it again, as I doubt the courts would find in your favor if she didn't return it and you tried to get it back.

And for the love of the goddess, make sure she knows how to use it, and only to brandish it when she plans to kill someone. it's not a magic wand, and waving it doesn't make the bad guy disappear. I'm sure you understand this, but she must be crystal clear on that point. If she's not competent and mentally prepared to use it, then your attempts to help her will be of no avail.

I hope that she realizes how lucky she is to have such a friend.

 

[mgregg85]

A lot of states have provisions for the emergency issue of CCW permits. Her case might just warrant such an issuance if she wants to try it. I believe the "emergency issue" is an 'at will' kind of thing but her situation certainly sounds like it could be dangerous.