So it finally came to this.

[dpson]

I bought my first handgun today. I've never been a big fan of handguns, but there have been several home break-ins when the residents were home in the area and the time finally came. Plus I do some hiking in the mountains of VT and there are occasional reports of confrontations with coyote's, bears and even reports of mountain lion sightings. There was a mountain lion killed by a car in CT recently that the DNA traced back to the Dakota's. It apparently traveled over 1500 miles to get there, so you never know what you'll encounter out there (I've also run into some questionable people in the backwoods). VT has some of the most liberal gun laws in the nation and carrying a concealed weapon without a permit is allowed and when I broached the subject with my coworkers I was surprised at how many people are armed outside of the workplace (It's prohibited at work, except for law enforcement, game wardens, etc.). Hopefully I'll never need to use it.

[DEEPNHOCK]

Do yourself a favor, and go take a personal protection/handgun safety class.
There is a learning curve with any quality tool.
Never live in fear of the machinery.
Learn how to use it, how not to use it, when to use it, and when not to use it.

The media and political hype is done for a purpose, and it is not being done for your protection.
Take the steps you need to take to protect yourself, and your family.

[Chris Pile]

Well said, Jeff.

[rockinhawk]

I got my first pistol when I was 17. A .22 cal 8 shot Iver Johnson target revolver.I still have it. I'll be 67 next month,so I have been armed with a side arm for nearly 50 years. I have taken some rabbits, squirrels, quail, and several rattlesnakes with it, but so far, I have not used it against a person. yet!


I too agree with Jeff. I believe in gun control. LEARN TO CONTROL YOUR GUN !!

[jclary]

Right after Christmas, I took a Concealed Weapons Course. Our state has the unconstitutional practice of requiring a permit to exercise the right to bear arms. For years, I had the attitude that it was better to be judged by 12, than carried by six. However, now that I'm older, I decided I didn't want the hassle of some Barney Fife wannabe, ruining my day by marching me in front of a magistrate. My instructor was a fellow veteran and a member of my Disabled American Veterans chapter. This past week, to my surprise, he passed away. A great guy. Two tours of duty in Vietnam, Army Aviation. (Helicopters) After retiring from the army, he moved back here and devoted himself to charitable causes.

Besides his charity work, he spent time as a local constable, weapons instructor, etc. All my time knowing him, conversations about our activities, our tours in Vietnam, he never focused on himself. He wouldn't accept any pay from me for my CWP class, and even explained how, being a combat veteran, certain requirements for a CWP are waived. As a member of his DAV chapter, Church Christian motorcycle ministry, and the Patriot Guard...it was my honor to provide escort for his funeral along with dozens of others. What surprised me, was how long it took to remove all his medals before the casket was closed. A true hero, who never drew attention to himself. Until then, I had no idea he was that decorated. His signature on my CWP paperwork will be cherished.

I can see good reasons for requiring the course. I feel better about being "legal," instead of risking a fine to make a point. With events of the past decade...I am now more armed than I was in combat. It's the sign of the times. I don't dwell on it, I have the equipment, and hope I never need them. Hope you don't either.

[Commander Eddie]

I concur with Jeff. We had small arms training on a regular basis when I was in the Navy and I became very aware of the value of proper training. To this day I do not own a gun and am unlikely to buy one. However, if I ever felt the need as you did, I would take training again even though I might think I don't need it.

[Gunslinger]

I agree with what Jeff said completely. A firearm is a tool...learn to use it responsibly. Shooting is also a discipline...it takes training and practice to become proficient. What you do not want to do is learn from tv shows and movies...irresponsibility and downright impossibility and fantasy are what is found there.

I was a law enforcement officer, firearms instructor and competitive shooter for some time. Once you gain proficiency you may find it's enjoyable for its own sake.

Be safe and enjoy.

[63t-cab]

Dan, I respect Your decision to acquire a Hand Gun. I bought My first Hand Gun and immediately got a permit 32 Years ago "and wouldn't be with out it".

I bought my first handgun today. I've never been a big fan of handguns, but there have been several home break-ins when the residents were home in the area and the time finally came. Plus I do some hiking in the mountains of VT and there are occasional reports of confrontations with coyote's, bears and even reports of mountain lion sightings. There was a mountain lion killed by a car in CT recently that the DNA traced back to the Dakota's. It apparently traveled over 1500 miles to get there, so you never know what you'll encounter out there (I've also run into some questionable people in the backwoods). VT has some of the most liberal gun laws in the nation and carrying a concealed weapon without a permit is allowed and when I broached the subject with my coworkers I was surprised at how many people are armed outside of the workplace (It's prohibited at work, except for law enforcement, game wardens, etc.). Hopefully I'll never need to use it.

[paintim613]

Great to see the above speak the truth and not parrot politically correct hogwash. The right to bear arms is one of the bedrocks of our country's foundation.

[sweetolbob]

I agree with the folks above. But if you just put the weapon in a drawer and don't practice with it, do your family and neighbors a favor and sell it. I shoot regularly and if you don't have a familiarity with the weapon and it's over a .38 cal or possibly a 9mm you can't hit the broad side of a barn with it. You are bigger danger to the ones you love than the perps or wild game.

Go to your local gun club or weapons dealer with a range and take some lessons. Then occasionally go back and practice.

My son has had his wife and daughters at the range on several occasions and they are familiar with the weapons in his home.

If you only want protection, buy a 20 ga pump shotgun. Easier to aim and nothing gets someone attention faster than racking a shell into the chamber.

Am I anti-gun, Hell no I have rifles and hand guns all over the place, locked up to be sure. I shoot on a regular basis and have shot and hunted since I was a kid.

Lastly, get your mind around pulling the trigger. That's not an animal you are aiming at but another person. Be sure you can do it because if you can't they will use the weapon on you. In my mind, the important people in my life are worth pulling the trigger and I'll handle it because My family is that important.

If you keep the pistol and do what you should to handle it, buy a biometric pistol safe to keep it in at home. I have a couple Liberty Biometric safes and they are dependable. Why the biometric safe, try to think about recalling the combination under pressure, the biometric only requires your finger in the reader. Don't go cheap on these, they need to work when you need them.

Be safe, Bob

[bob40]

Recently took the required 5 hours of classes and got my permit to carry. I have been hunting with long guns since I was 12,never into handguns.
I signed my wife up for introductory handgun classes so she had knowledge on safety and how to properly use a gun.She was apprehensive at first until we went to the range.Now she suggests heading to indoor range for a hour.Emphasis is on safety as well as becoming comfortable with our guns.
I got my permit for the reasons dpson posted.Add into the mix that I travel around buying stuff you never know these days who you will meet. I hope I never have to draw on anything other than a target.

[Gunslinger]

Anyone else in your home should also receive safety training and learn to handle the handgun even if they never want to follow up with it. Take the mystery out of it and let them learn the responsibility that goes along with it.

Everything we do in life has a risk attached to it...driving a car means taking the risk you could be in a collision...even riding in a vehicle has that risk. Taking an airline flight has risk...everything in life. Owning a firearm is no different...you accept the risks involved and training and practice can reduce those risks.

I can recommend an excellent book on the subject..."In the Gravest Extreme" by Masood Ayoob. It is a seminal work on the subject and, while it was written some years back, it's still one of the best on the subject. It's easy reading and not very long. You won't regret reading it.

Good luck with it...I'm betting you'll enjoy learning how to shoot it and will enjoy range practice and the target will clearly show your improvement with time.

[rockne10]

I prefer canines to guns. They add much more than the ability to put a hole in someone or something. The gun is seldom where you need it when you need it but, if you are a good master, the dog is always by your side.

[dpson]

Thanks everyone, great advice. My dad's family were avid hunters and I've been around rifles and shotguns for years, but never hand guns, so I've lots to learn about them.

[swvalcon]

Word of advise. If you ever get pulled over for any reason by a police officer hand him your permit to carry along with your drivers license.