VaughnT
Member
Welcome aboard, Scribbler. Guns are great fun and shooting can become quite an addictive pastime.
Good to have you in the fold.
Good to have you in the fold.
Robbed in Atlanta
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CasualShooter
Member
Scribbler....
You didn't say; but, I assume you mean a .38 Spl. Revolver. If it's of good quality, such as Colt, S&W and a few others, that would be a good pistol to learn with and develop your skills. Target loads, such as wad cutters, are available at relatively low cost and are generally lower powered resulting in reduced recoil. I recommend that you pick one gun and get proficient with it before you start considering other guns.
A .38 Spl revolver is not a bad choice for concealed carry. Shorter barrel, such as 2" is pretty easy to conceal and up to 4" is manageable especially if you will be carrying in a properly made purse for it.
The lighter weight guns will generally result in heavier recoil, for a given cartridge, and may be more difficult for you to control accuracy until you become truly proficient.
Anyway, that's my 2 cents worth ... Hope it helps.
You didn't say; but, I assume you mean a .38 Spl. Revolver. If it's of good quality, such as Colt, S&W and a few others, that would be a good pistol to learn with and develop your skills. Target loads, such as wad cutters, are available at relatively low cost and are generally lower powered resulting in reduced recoil. I recommend that you pick one gun and get proficient with it before you start considering other guns.
A .38 Spl revolver is not a bad choice for concealed carry. Shorter barrel, such as 2" is pretty easy to conceal and up to 4" is manageable especially if you will be carrying in a properly made purse for it.
The lighter weight guns will generally result in heavier recoil, for a given cartridge, and may be more difficult for you to control accuracy until you become truly proficient.
Anyway, that's my 2 cents worth ... Hope it helps.
Al Thompson
Moderator Emeritus
Scribbler, that was humour - note the at the end.
at the end. I can't, that's the point
I'm trying to help you answer your question about when and where you should carry your gun. Since you need to have it when you are attacked, and nobody can predict when and where that will be...you need to have it all the time. Or the maximum amount of time allowed by law.Just trying to be helpful...no offense meant.
- Gabe
Byron Quick
Moderator In Memoriam
Murphy's Law: Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong.
First Corollary to Murphy's Law: It will happen at the worst possible time.
Scribbler,
Murphy rules my universe. I am firmly convinced that the most likely time I will need a handgun...is when I don't have one. As a result, about the only places I'm not armed is in courthouses, police stations, and airplanes.
I avoid courthouses, police stations, and airplanes to the maximum possible extent. I understand that your work makes this impossible.
However, I would check the courthouse(s) environs with a view to pick routes and alternates. Situational awareness would be at the maximum during these times with the view to see possible trouble in time to avoid it.
This might sound like an intolerably paranoid way of life. It's not. It's just a behavioral pattern that has been trained into an automatic pattern.
First Corollary to Murphy's Law: It will happen at the worst possible time.
Scribbler,
Murphy rules my universe. I am firmly convinced that the most likely time I will need a handgun...is when I don't have one. As a result, about the only places I'm not armed is in courthouses, police stations, and airplanes.
I avoid courthouses, police stations, and airplanes to the maximum possible extent. I understand that your work makes this impossible.
However, I would check the courthouse(s) environs with a view to pick routes and alternates. Situational awareness would be at the maximum during these times with the view to see possible trouble in time to avoid it.
This might sound like an intolerably paranoid way of life. It's not. It's just a behavioral pattern that has been trained into an automatic pattern.
Pulling a Gun
I am still pondering the permit idea. Here's a question for y'all.
If I am in a situation where I feel I am in imminent danger and I need to pull my gun out of my purse, won't I be putting myself in line for being arrested for brandishing a firearm? I was told recently that would be a possibility.
Anybody here ever been arrested for that? I'm not talking about at your home, I'm talking about out in public. I wonder if it's just a fine or if there's jail time.
I personally sorta wish I could "brandish a firearm" every time I ride MARTA downtown, but I have a feeling the MARTA police [they have their own special train police] would take a dim view of that.
There's another question I have, about firing. I actually took a riflery course in college. Thank god the final was a written test or I would've failed. I am no good at things that I have to do with my right hand. My right shoulder is missing a bone [birth defect]. I can't throw a frisbee, snap my fingers, or any number of things that require fine motor skills. And I am totally right handed. So my shooting skills are limited. Then again, if I am shooting someone I am probably going to be so freaked out I would likely miss anyway, and get shot for my audacity....
aaargh - too many questions...
I am still pondering the permit idea. Here's a question for y'all.
If I am in a situation where I feel I am in imminent danger and I need to pull my gun out of my purse, won't I be putting myself in line for being arrested for brandishing a firearm? I was told recently that would be a possibility.
Anybody here ever been arrested for that? I'm not talking about at your home, I'm talking about out in public. I wonder if it's just a fine or if there's jail time.
I personally sorta wish I could "brandish a firearm" every time I ride MARTA downtown, but I have a feeling the MARTA police [they have their own special train police] would take a dim view of that.
There's another question I have, about firing. I actually took a riflery course in college. Thank god the final was a written test or I would've failed. I am no good at things that I have to do with my right hand. My right shoulder is missing a bone [birth defect]. I can't throw a frisbee, snap my fingers, or any number of things that require fine motor skills. And I am totally right handed. So my shooting skills are limited. Then again, if I am shooting someone I am probably going to be so freaked out I would likely miss anyway, and get shot for my audacity....
aaargh - too many questions...
Nathaniel Firethorn
Member
Hiya, Scribbler,
Easier question first.
You honestly don't need much accuracy for self-defense. What I'd suggest doing is to take the NRA First Steps Pistol course. At the end of it, ask the instructor if you are accurate enough to be safe with a CCW.
IANAL, but here's how the brandishment bit goes. If you are in immediate, unavoidable fear of death or grevious harm, you have the right to take steps to defend yourself. Sure, the thug could try to nail you for brandishment, but under those circumstances, you can (and IMHO should) charge him with at least assault. But definitely don't pull if you can possibly avoid it.
If you've got a few nights and you want the whole story, see The Law of Self-Defense: A Guide for the Armed Citizen. (The price is wrong; should prolly be somewhere between $10 and $15.)
- pdmoderator
Easier question first.
You honestly don't need much accuracy for self-defense. What I'd suggest doing is to take the NRA First Steps Pistol course. At the end of it, ask the instructor if you are accurate enough to be safe with a CCW.
IANAL, but here's how the brandishment bit goes. If you are in immediate, unavoidable fear of death or grevious harm, you have the right to take steps to defend yourself. Sure, the thug could try to nail you for brandishment, but under those circumstances, you can (and IMHO should) charge him with at least assault. But definitely don't pull if you can possibly avoid it.
If you've got a few nights and you want the whole story, see The Law of Self-Defense: A Guide for the Armed Citizen. (The price is wrong; should prolly be somewhere between $10 and $15.)
- pdmoderator
Oracle
Member
Just an FYI, it's illegal to carry on MARTA, even with a permit.
bogie
Member
Yes, officer, I just witnessed a robbery.
Where are you?
I'm on Peachtree...
<sound of uncontrolled laughter...>
rperry03
Member
As much as I hate to say this...yes you can be charged with brandishing a firearm if you are not being attacked. Every investigator and state is different. In your case (without going back and looking) I think you said the person pulled up to you all with a gun in that case no.
If you are in a situation where self defense is needed the attacker will probably be within 0-10ft so accuracy is not an issue. Any farther than that and the officer will say you had an out and you should have escaped.
Anyone please chime in.
This is what a few of my law enforcement friends had to say when I asked them some time ago.
If you are in a situation where self defense is needed the attacker will probably be within 0-10ft so accuracy is not an issue. Any farther than that and the officer will say you had an out and you should have escaped.
Anyone please chime in.
This is what a few of my law enforcement friends had to say when I asked them some time ago.
Al Thompson
Moderator Emeritus
Any farther than that and the officer will say you had an out and you should have escaped.
Perhaps in VA, but not much of anyplace else. Your assailant needs Ability, Opportunity and Intent. Ability is "within range of the weapon" - knives at 21 feet, handguns to 200 yards or so. Seems long, but those ranges are well documented and the handgun thing could be stretched pretty eaisily.
The knife is based on the Tuller drill and I routinely see folks hitting a man sized target at 200 yards.
Perhaps in VA, but not much of anyplace else. Your assailant needs Ability, Opportunity and Intent. Ability is "within range of the weapon" - knives at 21 feet, handguns to 200 yards or so. Seems long, but those ranges are well documented and the handgun thing could be stretched pretty eaisily.
The knife is based on the Tuller drill and I routinely see folks hitting a man sized target at 200 yards.
We don't have a formal "brandishing a weapon" law in GA, and I can't recall reading about an arrest for anything similar to that. Nor do we have laws abt having to retreat to the extent possible as do some other states. Ahd, we don't have laws abt having to keep your gun highly concealed from others, so with a carry permit you can't get busted if someone accidentally sees your gun (there's actually no specific prohibition on open carry, but it's highly unusual).
Here's the law on using, or threatening to use deadly force in GA:
16-3-21.
(a) A person is justified in threatening or using force against another when and to the extent that he or she reasonably believes that such threat or force is necessary to defend himself or herself or a third person against such other´s imminent use of unlawful force; however, except as provided in Code Section 16-3-23, a person is justified in using force which is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm only if he or she reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent death or great bodily injury to himself or herself or a third person or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.
16-3-23 concerns people fighting by mutal agreement, or when you are the aggressor.
The list of forcible felonies is pretty long, and you prob know it already.
You can hit perfectly adequately out to 5-7 yds or so by indexing the gun with your torso, retaining the gun close to your person.
Here's the law on using, or threatening to use deadly force in GA:
16-3-21.
(a) A person is justified in threatening or using force against another when and to the extent that he or she reasonably believes that such threat or force is necessary to defend himself or herself or a third person against such other´s imminent use of unlawful force; however, except as provided in Code Section 16-3-23, a person is justified in using force which is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm only if he or she reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent death or great bodily injury to himself or herself or a third person or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.
16-3-23 concerns people fighting by mutal agreement, or when you are the aggressor.
The list of forcible felonies is pretty long, and you prob know it already.
You can hit perfectly adequately out to 5-7 yds or so by indexing the gun with your torso, retaining the gun close to your person.
Byron Quick
Moderator In Memoriam
treeprof,
Reference the section of the code which applies to:"carrying a pistol without a license."
This is what you will charged with if you carry openly and do not have a license.
If you carry concealed without a permit it will be carry a concealed weapon.
Reference the section of the code which applies to:"carrying a pistol without a license."
This is what you will charged with if you carry openly and do not have a license.
If you carry concealed without a permit it will be carry a concealed weapon.
CasualShooter
Member
Never pull your gun unless you are prepared to use it. Don't Bluff! If you pull your gun in a bluff and someone calls you on it, what are you gonna do then.
If you are in a situation where you are in imminent danger and in fear of your life, then pull it; and, if the threat doesn't disipate or retreat immediately, then use it.
Then be prepared to have to defend your actions, if necessary, in both criminal and civil proceedings. :banghead:
In addition to acquireing proficiency in the use of your weapon, you should take some courses in self defense which include the lawful use of deadly force and situational shoot/don't shoot scenarios.
2 cents worth...
Byron Quick
Moderator In Memoriam
Georgia is very reasonable in this. I know of only one case where a wrongful death civil suit was brought to trial. And it was NOT ruled self defense. My buddy was charged with murder instead...and acquitted. He was found guilty of wrongful death in the civil trial and filed bankruptcy. The family suing him never got a dime from him.
In Georgia, it is almost impossible to find an attorney who will take a wrongful death suit on a contingency fee basis after the authorities have declined to prosecute due to the death being ruled justifiable homicide/self defense. Georgia attorneys are very fond of being paid for their work. Ain't gonna happen in a case that was no billed due to self defense. So unless the family of the person you kill in self defense has money and wants to waste it...you won't face a civil trial.
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Scribbler,
If you carry, never carry in a purse. That's something muggers want. Better to have the gun on your person. A good holster that is worn comfortably will make for an easy draw and with loose enough clothes (something fashion dictates against a woman), it can be easily hidden.
Brandishing is waving a weapon in a rude & threatening manner. There's a difference between feeling threatened and being threatened. Being threatened generally justifies self defense. Feeling threatened is something a trier of fact
may look at and disagree with.
BTW, good for you on taking that rifle class in college. I wasn't fortunate to have anything like that. Too bad the instructor didn't allow you to be a southpaw shooter. Even the GI guns are generally friendly (esp. the AR family) to southpaws.
Gary
If you carry, never carry in a purse. That's something muggers want. Better to have the gun on your person. A good holster that is worn comfortably will make for an easy draw and with loose enough clothes (something fashion dictates against a woman), it can be easily hidden.
Brandishing is waving a weapon in a rude & threatening manner. There's a difference between feeling threatened and being threatened. Being threatened generally justifies self defense. Feeling threatened is something a trier of fact
may look at and disagree with.BTW, good for you on taking that rifle class in college. I wasn't fortunate to have anything like that. Too bad the instructor didn't allow you to be a southpaw shooter. Even the GI guns are generally friendly (esp. the AR family) to southpaws.
Gary
CasualShooter
Member
Scribbler...
Which of your eyes is dominant? Even though you are right handed, there is a chance that your left eye is dominant. If that is the case, you should learn to shoot left handed and would likely be more accurate.
There is a simple test for this. With both eyes open, point your finger at something. Then hold steady and close first one eye and then the other (while opening the first).
Whichever eye lines your finger up with the object you pointed at, that is your dominant eye.
If it's the left one, learn to shoot left handed. Otherwise, shoot right handed.
Don't think that you have to shoot with only one hand, though. Use a two handed grip -- ask a friend, who is familiar, to show you the weaver stance for shooting a handgun. (Your friend won't need to have a gun in hand to demonstrate this enough for you to get the idea) I think you will find that competent instruction, and practice on your part, will help you overcome the handicap which you described.
Which of your eyes is dominant? Even though you are right handed, there is a chance that your left eye is dominant. If that is the case, you should learn to shoot left handed and would likely be more accurate.
There is a simple test for this. With both eyes open, point your finger at something. Then hold steady and close first one eye and then the other (while opening the first).
Whichever eye lines your finger up with the object you pointed at, that is your dominant eye.
If it's the left one, learn to shoot left handed. Otherwise, shoot right handed.
Don't think that you have to shoot with only one hand, though. Use a two handed grip -- ask a friend, who is familiar, to show you the weaver stance for shooting a handgun. (Your friend won't need to have a gun in hand to demonstrate this enough for you to get the idea) I think you will find that competent instruction, and practice on your part, will help you overcome the handicap which you described.
CasualShooter
Member
Byron....
One is enough to illustrate my point. This is precisely why you should know the law and be prepared to defend your actions, if need be, in a court of law. :banghead:
You surely don't mean to imply that your buddy didn't have to pay a substantial price when he first had to defend himself against a murder charge and then lost a wrongful death suit in a civil trial and had to declare bankruptcy to avoid paying a judgement?. That's not what I'd call a winning situation.
Also, other states may not be so "reasonable" as Georgia. It is very foolish to carry a concealed weapon, if you don't make the effort and take the time to first learn the law regarding the use of deadly force where ever you plan to carry that weapon.
Furthermore, if you plan to travel with it in other states, you better make the effort to learn how the law may be different in those states. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a situation similar to what your buddy found himself in
-- only you may not be so lucky as he was.
One is enough to illustrate my point. This is precisely why you should know the law and be prepared to defend your actions, if need be, in a court of law. :banghead:
You surely don't mean to imply that your buddy didn't have to pay a substantial price when he first had to defend himself against a murder charge and then lost a wrongful death suit in a civil trial and had to declare bankruptcy to avoid paying a judgement?.
That's not what I'd call a winning situation. Also, other states may not be so "reasonable" as Georgia. It is very foolish to carry a concealed weapon, if you don't make the effort and take the time to first learn the law regarding the use of deadly force where ever you plan to carry that weapon.
Furthermore, if you plan to travel with it in other states, you better make the effort to learn how the law may be different in those states. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a situation similar to what your buddy found himself in
-- only you may not be so lucky as he was. - Status
