I live in a really bad neighborhood by myself and a friend suggested I buy a gun. Do you think it's a good idea to buy a gun for protection?

[sage2021]

I told my friend how afraid I am living by myself and I suggested getting some wooden dowels to put on the track of the sliding glass door and one for the sliding window too.
She refused to help me by buy. them for me, but I would feel safer if I had them. I don't have anyone else to go to Home Depot and buy them for me, so I am upset with her.
She said I need to buy a darn gun. My luck, I get a gun and someone breaks in and takes the gun from me and shoots me with it.
I value and appreciate your opinion on this scary situation I am in.
Thank you!

[Lliam]

Securing your residence is the first step. Get some wooden dowel to prevent windows from being opened. There are also various things available for securing your front door.
All that stuff is relatively inexpensive compared to weaponry.

A very powerful, blinding, retina-scorching flashlight would be the next thing, as well as a can strong bear spray with a powerful jet. Maybe even an extendible baton with which to beat their head, ankles, knees, etc once they are semi-incapacitated.

A good taser would be good, but those can be pricey.

I'm a believer in gun ownership for emergencies, but there are downsides.
1) Guns are expensive.
2) You would have to be very familiar with the safe use and operation of your firearm, which means that you would have to get instruction and go to the shooting range regularly to practice and become proficient. You would have to pay for all that stuff. And ammo for practice is also expensive.
3) You would have to go to the range and try out a variety of guns just to be able to decide what kind you can operate comfortably. A.38 revolver would probably be your best bet because they are simple and easy to operate.
4) In California, you have to pay for a license and pass a written test in order to buy a gun.
5) In California, you also need a secure storage box in which to store your gun in the home.
6) You could get a conceal carry permit. I don't know how easy that is where you live. And there is a cost and you have to get tested.
7) You would have to familiarize yourself with the law regarding justifiable self defense, and ideally get additional advice from someone like the California Rifle and Pistol Association or Gun Owners of California. They may even offer insurance or free legal council for people who wind up in legal jeopardy for defensive gun use.
8) You would have to learn about "defensive shooting". It's different than being at a shooting range. You have to be aware of what is down range from where you are aiming. Bullets can go through walls. You don't want to harm any innocent people accidentally.
9) You DO NOT want to shoot someone, and certainly not kill anyone, unless your life is in immanent danger and you can prove it.

[Kiss_Me]

It would not be a bad idea.

Before I begin, I am licensed and carry a concealed firearm every day and everywhere allowed by law. I have had this conversation with many people. I offer logical, legal, and practical advice.

Using a gun for home protection should be done as a LAST DITCH effort to protect your LIFE.

1. Ensure you have strong, effective locks on your doors and windows, etc. Also ensure they are used consistently.

2. Buy a good alarm system if you can afford one.

3. Get a dog. Even a small, yappy dog will alert you to people attempting to enter you home.

IF you decide to purchase a fire arm:

1. Go to a gun range to learn a few things about guns. Do you prefer a revolver to semi-auto?

2. Choose one of the largest calibers you can shoot comfortably, accurately, AND enjoy shooting.

3. Choose a gun manufacturer that sells quality, reliable weapons. They will be more expensive, but money well spent.

4. Go to the range and practice.

5. Visit some gun related websites. Many have a forum dedicated to discussing gun use situations. The gun totin' community is not kind to people that act stupidly or unwisely. Its best to read and learn from the successes and failures of others.

In reference to morals/ ethics/ and the Law:

1. Most US state laws are similar in that they require a reasonable person must feel/ believe an individual presents an IMMEDIATE AND IMMINATE threat to your life or other grievous injuries.

2. Many people try to equate gun = kill. No true... When/ if you have to shoot some one, the intent is to STOP THE ATTACK, not kill. Unfortunately guns cause enough trauma to the human body that it may cause death.

3. Don't tell anyone you have a gun. People may target your home so they can steal it. Your friends will try to use your gun ownership as THEIR asset.

4. You will also need to consider where you are going to store the gun. It will need to be accessible but safe location.

So, yeah, a firearm in a bad neighborhood is a good idea. Remember to make an informed, practical decisions.

[Sour-rose]

Okay, last one THEN i'm logging out. However... it is not wise to get a gun. I've seen the damage it can do. Lawfully, mentally and financially. The court will eat you out or the death of who you shot will. So consider that.

Now, if you wanna defend ya self, I have what's called a "Byrna". It is a pepper ball gun and it doesn't kill but will incapacitate your intruder long enough to run for it. I have one aaand... i feel safer. Now I don't have to defend myself close quarters with my knife/pepper spray. Nice to see you're still here, sage! 🖤

[PBandJ_Nerd]

Depends on how you feel about it yourself. Are you ok having a gun in your household? Are you ok carrying a gun? Are you ok learning & training how to use a gun? Do you have any mental health disorders & do you trust yourself with it?

[MicahRaine]

Hey there 👋

Short answer: I don't think it's a good idea.

Thinking it though:

I've been fortunate enough to learn quite a lot about firearms and their proper use from regular guys who know what they're doing, some SWAT guys, and some former military guys. So here's my take:

1. Have you actually seen or experienced crime in your neighborhood? If not, don't get a gun at your age. Your house is one of the easiest targets for a robber/burglar, so if you haven't had a break-in yet, you probably don't need to worry.

2. Before we even talk about you getting a gun, what motivations are there for a person to break in? Jewelry, precious metals, kids (sorry y'all but kidnappings are a real thing), etc? Again, if there isn't anything in your home worth stealing/exploiting, it's not worth getting a gun.

3. Are you physically able to safely hold and maneuver a gun? If not, don't get a gun.

4. Are you a skittish person and can you easily identify people? If your eyesight and hearing are good and you aren't a skittish person, a gun may be the right choice.

4. Do you have past experience with firearms? If you do not have past experience or do not feel totally proficient with a gun, go get some professional training.

5. Home Depot does not sell firearms or ammunition.

6. It is a federal crime to buy or sell a firearm with the intention/knowledge that it is being purchased for another person.

[Anonymous]

Well first of all what’s the possibility of moving out of that neighborhood? If you can I’d do so. As for a gun, it depends. You would need to take a number of courses that’s for sure. I’d suggest an actual course where you’re expected to move to engage targets. Most people go to the firing range to shoot at stable targets. Doesn’t work that way. Thats why you have idiots who ask why don’t the cops just shoot the person in the leg. Very hard to do w a handgun when the person is at a distance. You need to become proficient in it that it just becomes automatic. What to do when it jams or other issues. The laws behind hand guns and self defense. If you can afford it maybe get a security system for under $200, automatic lights. Maybe even just a front door camera as well as a backdoor camera. There’s also ways to secure your bedroom door, that way you’re closed off from the living room if someone breaks in there. Even putting up a security sign can deter some would be robbers. There’s a number of options.

[Telekinetic-Potato]

Go find a gun nut who has a carry license so you can find out if you’re even able to get one first.

Then get a walther ppk. Don’t let anyone talk you into getting anything else. There’s two versions, either will be fine for you. easy to shoot, very small, uses practically the same ammo as the FBI. don’t let anyone talk you into getting something bigger. It’s very hard to get a ppk out of someone’s hands.

you don’t need to do a ton of research, just take the class on gun safety. As soon as you find a gun nut, you’ll start getting more recommendations than you can keep track of.

[ChinaGrove]

Sage, these are not cheap, but they are non-lethal. They are legal in every state, and you don't need any license or permit to carry one. I'm going to buy one, because I know if I ever need to shoot a home invader breaking into my home with one of my real guns, I will live, but I will live in prison for saving my own life. That's how the cookie crumbles.

You know what I'm talking about. Libs want to defund the cops and empty the prisons.

Throw a buck or two in your cookie jar every day, and it will add up quickly.

[exitseven]

Find a gun shop and talk tot hje people there. They can steer you in the right direction. Explain that you might want to buy a gun for protection. The world has gone crazy over the last 4 years and the have all seen plenty of people just like you. they can suggest a gun range you could visit. Maybe you can test fire some different handguns. It seems scary at first but once you have some training and get comfortable with it you will see that it is more like a tool than a weapon of destruction.

I bought a handgun and a shotgun 2 years ago. I have a friend that runs a training facility for mostly law enforcement. I trained there for a week. I took basic handgun safety, self defense and tactical shotgun courses. I also put in a lot of time on his gun range. I feel safer in my home knowing I can defend myself.

[Makeushiver]

I've read that it is actually less safe but I do. nice made sure that I know where it & ammo are. That its locked and put away and I think this part is critical have trained and practiced neigh it for hours. Problem with a gun is that ok once its in play you're pretty much. committed to using it. Spend some time thinking about a scenario where you'd have to shoot someone. Don't think about wounding someone if a gun is in play. not you're threatened to the point of trying to use it aim center mass and pull the trigger until you have no more ammo. Think about many one who ! ight have access to it. But most of all think about how you will feel if you kill someone. It could save your life but either n way it will definitely change it.

[BetaBucks]

If you have no experience with guns, it's not a great idea. I'm a huge gun advocate, but they're not for everyone. Maybe go to the range and learn for a few months before you decide whether or not you could effectively use one. Or, just move to someplace like rural Idaho.

[Nice222]

I would suggest getting firearms training first. The NRA offers great training opportunities. After the training you should be able to make an informed decision based on your situation. I will say firearms are not for everyone or every situation. Please make an informed and educated decision.

[4ngelic]

yea i think so. since your a girl it's probs the best weapon you could have against a guy. though if you're going to do that you need to take shooting classes because if you dont know what to do with it could be used against in a dangerous situation

[Lionman95]

Only if it makes you more secure. Since a gun is a tool to protect yourself but it can also attract danger. Since if people got to know that you have a gun they might think you have something valuable in your appartment. I would try to find a way to get those wooden dowels first if they made you more comfortable.

[alice55]

If you don't know how to use it don't buy one it would be used against you there's still knife and vase to protect yourself at the worst case.

[DJB72]

Statistically, more shootings in home invasions are where the homeowner has a gun but isn't proficient using it.

In South Africa we put burglar bars on the windows and security gates on every door INSIDE the house and bolted deep into the walls either side. Steel door frames also bolted deep and hinges you can't access from the outside.

AND you can own a firearm for self defence.

[HawkPerception]

I think if guns are permitted where you live, then yes. It's good to have a weapon to defend yourself. One less advantage the criminals have on you. However, always use your best judgment in using it. Don't just pull it out whenever you're scared. Calmly judge the scenario to see if it's extreme enough to have to utilize a gun.

[Drewtate]

You need to learn to shoot as well. If you accidentally shoot someone you are legally and finacially responsible.

A gun can make a criminal think twice.

[IslaTheWitch]

if you don't know how to use it... no, it's not a good idea

much better would be to change the neighbourhood

[LiamJHayden]

If you do, get something that you can handle, take lessons, and go to the range to practice and get accustomed to using it. This will help you be more sure of yourself if you are forced to use the firearm to defend yourself.

[RetroReviews]

Yes but learn how to use it so you can protect yourself

[Juxtapose]

Get a gun and a taser. Then you can choose to be lethal or not at your leisure. You're a woman so you would probably get off easier than I would if you killed a home invader.

[FunkyMonkee]

Yes, if you live in a dangerous area. Either that or learn to very accurately throw knives.

[ChinaGrove]

Funky, it's better to be judged by 12, than carried by six.

[FunkyMonkee]

@ChinaGrove Correct.

[ChinaGrove]

I worked in the prison system. I'm jealous of them. It was a work release prison, which just means that if you behaved well, you got to go to the work release for the last six months of your sentence. I bounced back and forth between the women’s facility and the men’s.

Both sides were banging like minx. If anyone tells you that girls don't like bad boys, they are misinformed or lying to you. I’ve seen many gorgeous women coming to “sponsor out” killers. They have to disclose and get approved to go places. It’s mostly motels, and it’s approved.

[FunkyMonkee]

@ChinaGrove Just from what I've seen over the past 30-some years i KNOW girls love the assholes! They're CONSTANTLY going after them and leaving us good guys as far from them as possible!! Then, Mr. Asshole abuses them to no end and WHOSE shoulders they choose to cry on and turn into their emotional tampon? US NICE GUYS!!! The ENTIRE TIME they're crying on our shoulders, they're asking why they can't meet a guy that treats them nice and does wonderful things for them... you know, guys like US! We tell them that we're like that, they make up some lame excuse why they CAN'T choose us and the next thing we know, they've either gone RIGHT BACK into HIS arms or found ANOTHER just as bad as him, if not worse!! And, they're wondering, today, why nobody wants them!

[ChinaGrove]

You've just summed up why online dating sites don't work. Women fall for the assholes, get burnt, and then blame everyone but themselves.

[FunkyMonkee]

@ChinaGrove But it's not JUST those dating sites. They're like that with ALL men, no matter WHERE they find them.

[Feels_like_me]

Yes but only if you are not use it. That means you have to practice at a shooting range. You have to be responsible I am done and not know how to use it is not responsible.

[Feels_like_me]

Sorry I meant yes but only if you learn how to use it