Self Defense...
- Thread starter Diane49
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Bill of Ojai
Member
Diane, lot's of valuable info and resources have been posted for you. One other thing to consider is opening yourself to another world of sport.
Shooting is fun. Many fine people involved. Women often outshoot men in competition because of inherently better hand/eye coordination, as well as the ability to listen-to and apply instruction. You'll be welcomed at ranges with no shortage of people willing to help you get started.
It might be worth the effort to get your handgun.
All the best...
Shooting is fun. Many fine people involved. Women often outshoot men in competition because of inherently better hand/eye coordination, as well as the ability to listen-to and apply instruction. You'll be welcomed at ranges with no shortage of people willing to help you get started.
It might be worth the effort to get your handgun.
All the best...
Diane~Let NO One
Decide what you want,,I am from Texas and here we love guns and wont put up with bull from our Senators and Congressmen,tell them what you WANT THEM TO DO FOR YOU,we do(ie"Castle Bill in Texas Other post) New Jersey officals like getting rich off good NJ workers,taxes are VERY HIGH consider TEXAS,we wont be so hard and by golly we love guns and shootin the criminals,
Decide what you want,,I am from Texas and here we love guns and wont put up with bull from our Senators and Congressmen,tell them what you WANT THEM TO DO FOR YOU,we do(ie"Castle Bill in Texas Other post) New Jersey officals like getting rich off good NJ workers,taxes are VERY HIGH consider TEXAS,we wont be so hard and by golly we love guns and shootin the criminals,
woad_yurt
Member
Diane49, I have 2 suggestions:
1) Think carefully about a .357. One .357 blast inside of a house without hearing protection will cause permanent hearing damage. It's ridiculously loud; it'll hurt. It'll sail right through your walls; you're liable for any innocents you shoot, even if you're defending yourself. It's also very hard to keep on target for any succeeding shots as the recoil is a bit stout. Usually, revolvers in .357 cost a bit more than straight .38 SPL-only guns. Yes, there is definitely a mystique attached to that magic cartridge but, personally, a .357 is too crazy for me. I have a beater .38 SPL Model 10 for a bedside gun and, unless I'm invaded by aggressors wearing some high dollar body armor, the odds of which are infinitesimally small, I consider myself sufficiently armed. Have you ever shot a .357?
2) Avoid the handgun permit hassle altogether. Rather than go through tons of hoops and lots of waiting, why not get a Hi Point 9MM carbine? They're very handy, very cheap, and, since you won't be carrying it around, the larger size won't be an issue. I shot one of these once and they're way easier to master than a handgun. Yes, they're ugly but they work. Something like this:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=124759607
1) Think carefully about a .357. One .357 blast inside of a house without hearing protection will cause permanent hearing damage. It's ridiculously loud; it'll hurt. It'll sail right through your walls; you're liable for any innocents you shoot, even if you're defending yourself. It's also very hard to keep on target for any succeeding shots as the recoil is a bit stout. Usually, revolvers in .357 cost a bit more than straight .38 SPL-only guns. Yes, there is definitely a mystique attached to that magic cartridge but, personally, a .357 is too crazy for me. I have a beater .38 SPL Model 10 for a bedside gun and, unless I'm invaded by aggressors wearing some high dollar body armor, the odds of which are infinitesimally small, I consider myself sufficiently armed. Have you ever shot a .357?
2) Avoid the handgun permit hassle altogether. Rather than go through tons of hoops and lots of waiting, why not get a Hi Point 9MM carbine? They're very handy, very cheap, and, since you won't be carrying it around, the larger size won't be an issue. I shot one of these once and they're way easier to master than a handgun. Yes, they're ugly but they work. Something like this:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=124759607
Last edited:
rscalzo
Member
I've seen a whole lot of misinformation posted here about the NJ laws. Seems like many who have never stepped foot in the state are giving out incorrect information.
HP ammo is legal. It's legal and can be purchased anywhere firearm's ammo is sold. It is restricted for certain use.
Handgun purchase permit are valid for 90 days. They can be renewed for an additional 90 days at no cost. the entire procedure doe not have to be done again. In fact once a SBI number is issued, permits are issued using that number and a check of the firearm's database of prohibited persons.
Issuance of a SBI number can take anywhere from a few weeks to months. Depends on the department workload. Few departments have anyone assigned fulltime for permits, even more so in today's economic climate.
For little money you can enroll in a NRA Basic Handgun and then a Personal Protection in the Home course. Here’s a start. http://www.nrahq.org/women/ While it’s all well and good to sign up in some of the other courses, I don’t know if you are willing to spend several hundred for a course then a few hundred more for travel and lodging. Get the basics first, then decide if you want to move on to a higher level.
All the forms you need to start the process with your local police department are found here. Instructions are straightforward on which forms you will need and the monetary payments required to the department itself and the State Police SBI Bureau for the fingerprint submissions.
HP ammo is legal. It's legal and can be purchased anywhere firearm's ammo is sold. It is restricted for certain use.
Handgun purchase permit are valid for 90 days. They can be renewed for an additional 90 days at no cost. the entire procedure doe not have to be done again. In fact once a SBI number is issued, permits are issued using that number and a check of the firearm's database of prohibited persons.
Issuance of a SBI number can take anywhere from a few weeks to months. Depends on the department workload. Few departments have anyone assigned fulltime for permits, even more so in today's economic climate.
For little money you can enroll in a NRA Basic Handgun and then a Personal Protection in the Home course. Here’s a start. http://www.nrahq.org/women/ While it’s all well and good to sign up in some of the other courses, I don’t know if you are willing to spend several hundred for a course then a few hundred more for travel and lodging. Get the basics first, then decide if you want to move on to a higher level.
All the forms you need to start the process with your local police department are found here. Instructions are straightforward on which forms you will need and the monetary payments required to the department itself and the State Police SBI Bureau for the fingerprint submissions.
mljdeckard
Member
You're thinking along the right lines. There are clear advantages to a .357, particularly that they are simple, difficult to mess up with, and you can practice with .38s for a little less recoil. If you do get one, you will want to mostly shoot with the double-action, meaning, don't cock the hammer first, just use the long pull of the trigger. It's heavier and takes some getting used to, but this is how you would fight in real life. There is a large variety of good revolvers to start with, most used ones are fine. Smaller ones aren't necessarily easier to shoot.
I would also recommend getting to a rental range to shoot a lot of different guns. You might well find that there are others you like just as much or more. (I have no idea how easy it would be for you to find a rental range close to where you live.)
I would also recommend getting to a rental range to shoot a lot of different guns. You might well find that there are others you like just as much or more. (I have no idea how easy it would be for you to find a rental range close to where you live.)
Thanks ..
I was thinking the same thing ..just renting first to see which one I prefer...Great idea..there's a range not to far from me that rents and you can also purchase a gun there..They have a wide variety as I have called and checked it out... Thank you for the help it is REALLY appreciated
I was thinking the same thing ..just renting first to see which one I prefer...Great idea..there's a range not to far from me that rents and you can also purchase a gun there..They have a wide variety as I have called and checked it out... Thank you for the help it is REALLY appreciated
Hungry Seagull
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Hello and welcome.
Wife and I bought two shotguns because Wife was a Marine who qualified ok with rifles at all levels in her service but knew she was no good with a handgun.
I eventually bought wife a taser C2 that can also be used as a stun device when pressed against a dog or human several times. Myself I have a handgun in the .45 which is pretty hard to find these days but easy for me to shoot fairly ok.
We both have health issues but go to range to shoot once or several times a month and hit paper targets at 7 yards or 10. Home defense will be alot more upclose and personal than that.
Arkansas is more gun friendly than some of the eastern States and our esteemed Texas neighbors among others are fairly good towards firearms as well.
You probably are going to join many other people, both male and female who are new to gun ownership. I wish you best of luck as in learning your weapons, your laws, shall nots and do's
Also you are going to need to search yourself in your mind, soul and body and make some decisions before getting a gun. Home defense may require you to use that gun to take a life to defend your home. It is not something to take lightly.
Keep the faith, dont be faint and confused. Study, read and think things through. Ask questions no matter how stupid.
I hope also that youre experience is a positive one, possibly enough to lead others to understanding that they too can own weapons legally as laid by our Consitution and none should take that away from us.
They have taken a number of other things away quietly over the years. But we draw the line at the 2nd Amendment.
Time for us to get off of the soapbox.
Wife and I bought two shotguns because Wife was a Marine who qualified ok with rifles at all levels in her service but knew she was no good with a handgun.
I eventually bought wife a taser C2 that can also be used as a stun device when pressed against a dog or human several times. Myself I have a handgun in the .45 which is pretty hard to find these days but easy for me to shoot fairly ok.
We both have health issues but go to range to shoot once or several times a month and hit paper targets at 7 yards or 10. Home defense will be alot more upclose and personal than that.
Arkansas is more gun friendly than some of the eastern States and our esteemed Texas neighbors among others are fairly good towards firearms as well.
You probably are going to join many other people, both male and female who are new to gun ownership. I wish you best of luck as in learning your weapons, your laws, shall nots and do's
Also you are going to need to search yourself in your mind, soul and body and make some decisions before getting a gun. Home defense may require you to use that gun to take a life to defend your home. It is not something to take lightly.
Keep the faith, dont be faint and confused. Study, read and think things through. Ask questions no matter how stupid.
I hope also that youre experience is a positive one, possibly enough to lead others to understanding that they too can own weapons legally as laid by our Consitution and none should take that away from us.
They have taken a number of other things away quietly over the years. But we draw the line at the 2nd Amendment.
Time for us to get off of the soapbox.
larry_minn
Member
I have to disagree 100% with 357sigRog. Not that the .357sig is a bad caliber/gun. Its just a poor choice for a FIRST gun.
In revolvers a .357mag OR .38spec is a good first gun choice. (if you go with .357mag you start out shooting .38s and work your way up. Less noise/recoil and COST. Many +P 38 loads have dang good power with minimal recoil/muzzle flash/cost compared to .357mag.
In semi autos. The cost in ammo between 9mm and .357 sig is significant. Plus availability. I can pick up 9mm at any Wally world,sporting goods store/range I have been to. Even now with ammo shortage they still have 9mm and .45acp ammo (It may not be cheap stuff but its there)
I have NOT done a test but am told most .357sig also have considerably more muzzle flash then 9mm *unless a load designed to avoid muzzle flash* $$$$
Fact is the 9mm is .355" A .357 (is just that) volicitys are higher in the .357 sig but so is recoil. IMO not for a new shooter. Once she learns to shoot accuractly/rapidly moving up to .45acp, .40S&W, 10mm, .357sig all are options. NONE will stop a attacker any better then a 9mm if you don't get a solid hit.
In revolvers a .357mag OR .38spec is a good first gun choice. (if you go with .357mag you start out shooting .38s and work your way up. Less noise/recoil and COST. Many +P 38 loads have dang good power with minimal recoil/muzzle flash/cost compared to .357mag.
In semi autos. The cost in ammo between 9mm and .357 sig is significant. Plus availability. I can pick up 9mm at any Wally world,sporting goods store/range I have been to. Even now with ammo shortage they still have 9mm and .45acp ammo (It may not be cheap stuff but its there)
I have NOT done a test but am told most .357sig also have considerably more muzzle flash then 9mm *unless a load designed to avoid muzzle flash* $$$$
Fact is the 9mm is .355" A .357 (is just that) volicitys are higher in the .357 sig but so is recoil. IMO not for a new shooter. Once she learns to shoot accuractly/rapidly moving up to .45acp, .40S&W, 10mm, .357sig all are options. NONE will stop a attacker any better then a 9mm if you don't get a solid hit.
AKElroy
Member
If you are looking for home defense, I like the idea of a .357. My wife prefers a S&W 686 w/ a 6" barrel. It's heavy enough to tame recoil, and has a clean, light trigger stroke for a revolver. Probably too heavy for comfortable concealed carry, though. It also allows plenty of practice w/ cheap, light shooting .38sp. ammo. For your second question, yes. I had to draw once to prevent our car being jacked @ a rest stop w/ my wife & baby in the backseat. Lucky for me, the banger was backing up with his hands up as soon as his saw the gun at my side--I never even had to point it. Train to never count on that, though. Stay safe---
Confederate
Member
I don't recommend shotguns or rifles for self defense, unless they're the new little Ruger .22LRs thingies with the bipod. Still, almost any gun is okay if you can get to a place where the bag guy must come to you.
A short shotgun or rifle is fine, but by the time they become useful for home defense, they also become illegal. Also, as one ages, wielding a shotgun or rifle becomes increasingly difficult.
- .357 mag: Greatest manstopper in handgun (125 JHP), but not suitable in homes and especially condos.
- .38 Spec.: Very good choice with Treasury load or +P (110 JHP).
- 9mm, .40: Also excellent choice.
- .22LR: Very much underrated and very effective given the right handgun, which would be a Ruger autoloader. It can put out a lot of lead in a very short period of time and do so very accurately.
- .45ACP: Exceptional self defense for home.
A short shotgun or rifle is fine, but by the time they become useful for home defense, they also become illegal. Also, as one ages, wielding a shotgun or rifle becomes increasingly difficult.
Hungry Seagull
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If OUR shotguns become illegal for home defense, we move to Idaho.
The powers that be may determine the laws, but it's our feet that makes the choice where to live that best supports our lifestyle choices.
The powers that be may determine the laws, but it's our feet that makes the choice where to live that best supports our lifestyle choices.
larry_minn
Member
If OUR shotguns become illegal for home defense, we move to Idaho.
The powers that be may determine the laws, but it's our feet that makes the choice where to live that best supports our lifestyle choices.
NUTS. I was here first. I have played by the rules/tried to obey the law (of God and man) not always successfully. I am NOT moving.
The powers that be may determine the laws, but it's our feet that makes the choice where to live that best supports our lifestyle choices.
NUTS. I was here first. I have played by the rules/tried to obey the law (of God and man) not always successfully. I am NOT moving.
Hungry Seagull
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Hear hear.
gmh1013
Member
If you think TX is gun friendly state, try Arizona.
You can walk around with a pistol in a holster as long as its in view...
Use to have my .45 on my belt all the time.
same with in a car/truck.
If you want to get a CWP you can.
TX seems less pistol friendly than AZ
You can walk around with a pistol in a holster as long as its in view...
Use to have my .45 on my belt all the time.
same with in a car/truck.
If you want to get a CWP you can.
TX seems less pistol friendly than AZ
RustyShackelford
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1st handgun, choices...
Hi
Depending on your budget and skill level, I'd say just get a simple .357mag/.38spl revolver and practice practice practice...
If you want to carry concealed a good bet would be a Ruger DA(double action only) .357magnum SP-101. It is stainless steel, holds 5 rounds and is easy to wear/carry. You can buy a CrimsonTrace lasergrip for it too,.
A basic 125gr JHP +P .38spl or 158gr lead SWC-HP +P load will work for protection.
As your gun skills improve you can move on to a 9mmNATO or even better a .357sig pistol like the HK LEM model or a SIG Sauer DAK model.
Pistols may be harder for you to hold, shoot or carry so check them out or shoot a rental model before you spend a lot of $$$.
Keep your firearms clean, check them often and read training books/guides. Some macho a-holes may fill you with a lot of BS about power or size but in reality all you need is a basic simple .38spl or .357mag to protect you.
Rusty
Hi
Depending on your budget and skill level, I'd say just get a simple .357mag/.38spl revolver and practice practice practice...
If you want to carry concealed a good bet would be a Ruger DA(double action only) .357magnum SP-101. It is stainless steel, holds 5 rounds and is easy to wear/carry. You can buy a CrimsonTrace lasergrip for it too,
.A basic 125gr JHP +P .38spl or 158gr lead SWC-HP +P load will work for protection.
As your gun skills improve you can move on to a 9mmNATO or even better a .357sig pistol like the HK LEM model or a SIG Sauer DAK model.
Pistols may be harder for you to hold, shoot or carry so check them out or shoot a rental model before you spend a lot of $$$.
Keep your firearms clean, check them often and read training books/guides. Some macho a-holes may fill you with a lot of BS about power or size but in reality all you need is a basic simple .38spl or .357mag to protect you.
Rusty
HammerheadSSN663
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get a 357 short barrelled revolver and load 38's in it.
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