Silvertip1
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 9, 2025
- Messages
- 59
Over the years I have been asked multiple times “What kind of gun (usually handgun) should I get for protection?” Others have asked that same question about hunting, metallic cartridge target shooting, and sporting clays/skeet/five stand, but those are topics which require a discussion separately, and should be addressed apart from this thread. The older I became I realized that I was being relied upon to give extremely serious advice, and what I would prefer for myself for protection may not be a good choice for others. I also realized that before jumping right into any recommendation, I had a responsibility to them and to myself to determine if this person is willing to learn how to shoot and become familiar with the selected firearm, has the correct mindset to use deadly force on another person multiple times; i.e., given a selection of firearms a handgun is the least likely to achieve a one shot incapacitating stop and will most likely be required to deliver repeated shots to center mass to stop a determined aggressor, and/or someone who they believe will render them great bodily harm, or who they believe, if they don’t stop them, is a threat to their life. I say this because probably the person asking this advice will not have the skill/ability to achieve a head, throat, or spine shot with a handgun, plus they must have the determination to repeatedly deliver deadly force while looking at the person/s they are firing upon and not to stop shooting to see if the first or second shot was effective. I also ask them if they are willing to practice with that weapon to become proficient with it. If I do not believe they are capable & willing to perform the above then I will tell them that they should not own a gun for protection, and discuss other means. I do so because “presentation to scare, warning/wounding shots” are not an option, and if they point a gun at someone and not be willing to use it to take down someone with deadly force, their gun is useless and could be used against them.
I encourage people who are willing to use deadly force to understand the laws in their state regarding Justifiable Homicide & Excusable Homicide, and understanding: Reasonable fear; Proportional response; Threat ended; Defense of others; and Defense of property. I have also found that most women who ask me advice want a “little,” gun not realizing that a handgun with a short barrel and/or very lightweight in a caliber considered effective for protection requires quite considerable practice which, more than likely, they are not willing to do. Most people do not understand the difference between shooting in daylight and low light conditions, and I encourage them to do both. I am sure we all have our own opinion of what type of firearm/caliber/gauge is the better choice for self-protection, but that may not be necessarily the best choice for another person or their circumstances. What is important is that the weapon they choose is comfortable for them to handle, has a reputation for reliability (not always the most expensive), not too complicated for them to operate, chambered for an adequate defense cartridge they can adequately manage to shoot, and understand what are the most likely places/circumstances in which they would need to use the weapon.
While the above is not meant to be comprehensive, it expresses the major areas of consideration I cover when giving advice about the question; “What kind of gun should I get for protection?” Your comments??? Respectfully submitted, Silvertip1
I encourage people who are willing to use deadly force to understand the laws in their state regarding Justifiable Homicide & Excusable Homicide, and understanding: Reasonable fear; Proportional response; Threat ended; Defense of others; and Defense of property. I have also found that most women who ask me advice want a “little,” gun not realizing that a handgun with a short barrel and/or very lightweight in a caliber considered effective for protection requires quite considerable practice which, more than likely, they are not willing to do. Most people do not understand the difference between shooting in daylight and low light conditions, and I encourage them to do both. I am sure we all have our own opinion of what type of firearm/caliber/gauge is the better choice for self-protection, but that may not be necessarily the best choice for another person or their circumstances. What is important is that the weapon they choose is comfortable for them to handle, has a reputation for reliability (not always the most expensive), not too complicated for them to operate, chambered for an adequate defense cartridge they can adequately manage to shoot, and understand what are the most likely places/circumstances in which they would need to use the weapon.
While the above is not meant to be comprehensive, it expresses the major areas of consideration I cover when giving advice about the question; “What kind of gun should I get for protection?” Your comments??? Respectfully submitted, Silvertip1
