Some one tried to break in last night!!!!!

[JAAY]

I know that we are all having fun with this thread, the truth is the past 2 nights I still can not sleep, my girlie is still checking the windows and doors non stop and she doesn't want a gun in the house but I think I might. If so, do I keep it in a safe next to my head? Do I keep it locked up in another part of the house, handgun? shotgun? Remember I am not trained and have no military backround.
how about a bazooka

[Grizzly]

I'll give you my opinion for what it's worth:

First, let it settle a bit. The incident is still very fresh. You'll calm down and so will your significant other. Then you can make a rational decision as to whether you really want a gun or not.

Assuming you decide you do, and assuming you want it solely for home protection, I'd recommend a .357 revolver with a 4" barrel. A revolver is basically foolproof. It won't jam like an automatic; there is no safety to remember; it's just point and shoot. The .357 is more powerful than a .38, but not ridiculous. I recommended a 4" because it will be a little more accurate than a 2" and will emit less muzzle flash. Muzzle flash will ruin your night vision putting you at an extreme disadvantage.

It's been a long time since I've carried a revolver, but I used to carry 158 grain jacketed hollow point ammunition. The hollow point part is the important part. When you hit an attacker with a hollow point round, it flattens out and expands to transfer the maximum amount of energy. The expansion causes it to stay in the attacker's body, meaning it won't come out the back, across the street and wing the paperboy.

As far as where to keep it, I guess it depends on your circumstances. I've made a few enemies in my life, (I know you guys find that hard to believe) so I have a few safely stashed in strategic locations. The most important thing is that you keep it out of the hands of children. I think you said you don't have any, but give careful consideration to the ones who may visit you. Kids have gun radar. No matter where you hide it, they will find it. I had an acquaintance who's little girl got her hands on his service weapon. Unfortunately, a child's thumb is it's strongest finger. She needed to use her thumb to be able to pull the trigger. To do that she had to point the weapon at her face. Her death was absolutely unbearable, so please, keep that foremost in your mind. I'm not familiar with your laws, but in Maryland all handguns sold must be sold with a trigger-lock. Get yourself one and use it, but also become intimately familiar with its operation so you can get the damn thing off should you need to. A safe is a good option, but you have to be able to get the gun out expediently should you need it.

I, unfortunately, have a weapon with me at all times (messes up the sleek lines of my Speedo). At night, I have a holster mounted to the back of my headboard. Should I need the weapon, I know right where it is and I can deploy it quickly. Should anyone else try to get it, they'd have to reach over me to do it. I'm not saying that's the best option, it just works for me.

The last thing is practice. If you buy a gun, practice with it often. Identify a range and become a regular. Find a good instructor and work with him/her. Shooting is very basic, but you need regular practice to become, and remain, proficient. Remember to practice retrieving your gun and also rendering it safe. That's just as important as learning to shoot it.

[AUDIOGUY]

Good advice Griz. I am an avid shooter and keep about 5 guns in the house. Really, on saftey, you are right. If someone is going to look for a gun, they will probably find it. I keep all but one of my guns in a safe. The other is my home protection weapon that is next to the bed and loaded. I keep a Sig 229 with home protection ammo within reach. When we leave the home and know that it is possible for someone to come in, I use a locked trigger guard just to be safe.

If I had to recommend a gun for a home weapon only, I suppose a 12 gauge with some sort of bird round would be ok. This way, you can just point and click and not worry about sending bullets through your next door neighbors living room. Of course a revolver is dependable and easy to operate. I also keep a small mag-lite with the handgun so that I can see what I am aiming at in the dark!

Scary thought that I live in a super low crime area and still worry about someone breaking in. My wifes parents in Upstate NY dont even lock their doors at night...

[Brucelee]

Great advice Grizz, thanks for all your time on this one!

Personally, I would go with the sawed off due to my laziness and because I might panic and all. I THINK I could hold the trigger and pump the gun, pointing it in the general direction of the perp.

After 8 rounds, I think I might actually have hit him/her/them.

Who knows?

[JAAY]

Grizz.. I love annapolis.. My sister lives there. I was there maybe 3 weeks back. As for practice, I would love it.. I have many friends that go to the range on a regular basis. I too live in a really low crime rate area. But still have this ish going on.. Thanks for the 70 something replies.. It gave us alot to think about. On a lighter note.. I want the imagine auto Super Charger

[Grizzly]

JAAY,

Next time you're down this way, give me a heads up. OhioBoxster is here this weekend. We were supposed to hook up for lunch today, but I got called in to work for an emergency that never materialized. I sat around the command post all day reading the 986forum.

[70Sixter]

Just finished reviewing the entire thread. Amazingly civil postings. Struck me that we are more alike than I suspected. If there are anti-gun people out there they are polite. Saw no flames. But a lot of good advice.

Also surprised with the long, interesting life of the thread.

Second thought was to reiterate an important principle: If you are not 100 % willing to use a gun, don't make one available to an intruder.