Many people have many different opinions on personal defense. Some rely on the police to protect them their families and their property. Some rely on personal physical skills and others rely on firearms.

Gun control and the second amendment are an integral part of all this and as such belong in this thread. This is a personal preference thread. Everyone has very personal reasons for their choice. In keeping with listening to both sides of an issue it would be nice to get some opinions on what people choose and why.

Some people choose to depend on the police because they have no other choice or because they do not believe in guns or that private citizens should own them, that only the police and military should have guns. Others who live in rural areas may feel differently and were raised to depend on guns as a means of personal defense. There are those who do not wish to eliminate anyone's right to make the choice but still have strong opinions one way or the other. And there are those who feel the federal government will protect them.

This is an issue in the up coming election so some discussion on the subject is in order.

What do you rely on and if possible why?

my 250 lb husband, his father and his brothers.

i do not allow guns in my house, as we have kids, and one of those kids has had problems with being violent in the past.

then again, i live in sharpsburg.

i grew up in pittsburgh. never needed to have a gun in our house then either.

to each his own i suppose. i'm not against RESPONSIBLE gun ownership, but people need to quit letting kids shoot each other. if you are going to own a gun. spring for a gun safe. sheesh.

don't hide yo' piece under yo' bed, foo'.

I have several handguns, safely available throughout the house. I'm professionally trained in their use, and trained as to when they can be used.

I'm also one of the "lucky" individuals who can carry a concealed weapon legally--which I do.

I can understand why someone would not want to keep a firearm in their house, unfamiliarity with it, children, or just don't like firearms.

At the very least, several readily available canisters of pepper spray should be considered by those that don't want firearms in their house.

Without criticizing the various police departments, sometimes they just can not respond quickly.

I have personally had guns in every home I've ever had, and no 'incidents' occurred. There is no way to rely upon laws and police forces when someone is threatening you. The police cannot protect every citizen in their home any more than they can catch every drunk driver--it is a question of manpower..unless every other citizen was an officer, there are just logistically not enough of them to go around.

I am a firm believer in the Constitution of the United States of America.

we do have pepper spray. and i have a mini steel cored baseball bat.

So you are not going to be a victim, good...BTW--many things can be 'weapons' in the right hands..I used a guitar once on someone to get away...it worked..

like i said, we do not have a gun in our home because we have an 11 year old that has violence issues. but my father-in-law lives right next door, and he has one. or two. and the neighbor on the other side is a retired cop. he has an arsenal. i dont rely on them, though.

i rely on my own whoop ass skills.

i fought off a deranged neighbor in hagerstown with a fire extinguisher. sucked to be him.

I'm glad to see such a discussion but I suspect the mods may see it as being in the wrong forum... Anyway, I am professionally trained in firearms as well as a certified instructor. Firearms are an integral part of my everyday life. I grew up in a family where guns were no more thought about than chainsaws. Both equally dangerous when misused! My wife is equally proficient and careful with firearms of every sort as are my children, save the youngest. We have more than the average household. Just the same, when I'm not at home (and even when I am) my first line of defense is a very boisterous large dog!

As mentioned in another thread though. Having and knowing how to use a firearm or knife, ball bat or chainsaw for that matter, is not the same as being able to use it effectively if called on to do so. Some people simply stand a greater chance of having their weapon of choice taken from them by an assailant than of deterring the same assailant.

My personal philosophy is that the second amendment grants the right to the best means to defend one's self to every citizen. It is then left to that citizen's best judgment as to what his/her best course of action is. I personally recall a frail old grandmother-type who used a big old .45 cal. M1917 revolver to protect herself and property as well as some big men who I wouldn't trust not to fold if threatened with nothing more than an open hand. It should be up to the individual to decide AND to live with the consequences for his/her decision! That my friends is called "personal responsibility!"

I rely on my brain. I know, I know... it's a wonder I'm not dead yet.

I have guns but I don't think of them as for protection.

my dad was military, and my husband and brother-in-law signed all of us ladies up for several self-defense classes. very useful. i recommend them for everyone.

1st line of defense - we don't LOOK or ACT like VICTIMS, shrubbery neatly trimmed back, dusk-to-dawn light, BIG dogs visible from road.

2nd line of defense - BIG dogs and little dogs - five of them, all of which bite and bark.

3rd line of defense - BIG husband who also bites and barks.

4th line of defense - guns, bunches of them, and five inhabitants (3 of which are 16, 16 and 22 years old) who know how to use said guns in a responsible, and accurate manner (target shooting & hunting CAN be a family-bonding event!)

5th line of defense - red-neck, kick-ass inhabitants who are NOT afraid to defend our persons and property.

6th and final line of defense - LOTS of prayer (maybe this should be 1st line).

We don't "count on the cops", we live too far out in the boonies for that.

i hear ya!

SKS assualt rifle, shot guns, hand guns, and a large dog.

Big mouthy dog, who, if needed, will lick a hole in your leg so you can't escape.
She has been known to attack if my sons and I are horsing around, always attacking me, even if I am playing the helpless victim.
I rely on my skills that I honed while working in the DOC and at the Council table. LOL
Actually, in all seriousness, a 9 iron by the front door in the umbrella basket is a handy weapon. We have alarms on all the entrances into the first floor of the house.
Good neighbors round out our line of defense. I have weapons, but I keep them locked up. Useless actually if needed in a hurry, but I feel better about them being inaccessible. After all, I do have a laid back 16 year old.
The dog, Maya, actually knows when a squirrel is in the yard that doesn't belong there. She is great at letting us know when something isn't quite right.

Well hello RB! Haven't talked to you in a while. Keep up the good work!
CWB

92f

I'll use anything handy in a pinch, but if I have the time my 9mm with 15 hollow-points at the ready is usually handy to me at home. No kids/non family members can reach it -- or even see it -- it is secured but quickly accesible.

Not too many people are going to know what that means... lol

its a beretta. the military spec'd it into the m9 in the 80's.

Good job CD!
CWD

yeah, one of mine is a 92FS, 3-15 round mags loaded with federal agency issued hydroshoks.

note to self... don't TP yoss' domicile.

This is one of my favorites

holy cow. where can i purrrrrrchizzzzz thisssss???

Careful what you ask for!!

Yoss--too funny! What next condom slingshots?

Hey, not funny! They work!

Well I never gave much thought on the personal defense issue.
I feel pretty safe most of the time, until I get out in public.

I did have a alarm system install, steel doors and double pane windows.
Two full grown German Shephard's, that will let me know if someone is around.
That's good enough for me. Forgot the nice old lady that live's next door.
She always seems to know what's going on in the neighborhood.

Now as far as going out in public, that's a different story.
If someone ever try to rob me, they sure won't get much.
I don't carry cash or a purse haven't for over 15 years.

If someone wants to own a gun, I could careless. Each to their own.

One of these days, as a backup to my handgun, I will probably buy an 870 or similar pump, remove the plug, cut it to a 18.5 inch barrel, and stoke it with about seven loads of #4 buck. Maybe keep it on the other floor from where the P89 is...

I'm strange when it comes to this topic. I am legally allowed to carry, but rarely, if ever, do. I'm just not that interested in being armed or guns in general.

I've always wondered about people that complain they are not allowed to carry a gun for protection. If these people are truly in fear for their safety, why wouldn't they just break the law and carry anyway? Certainly the risk of a possible criminal violation is worth it to have the means to protect themselves and their loved ones? Or maybe they aren't really that fearful and just want to be strapped?

Consider a woman with a young child, threatened or stalked by a former lover/hubby. She may want to carry concealed, but if she got caught she'd probably go to jail, lose custody of the kid. So she chances it with either decision she can make...

Hmm. Fight it out in court or be dead? Seems like a no-brainer to me.

You should not need to risk jail to defend yourself, SMan!

There is no good reason not to have shall-issue concealed carry laws in every state. Over half the states have it now, and there is no "wild west" mentality that follows. The libs in MD don't let the facts get in their way, however.

The castle Doctrine!!!!

We need to get this passed in this state! Here is a link for you to refresh the memory:
http://mlis.state.md.us/2006rs/fnotes/bil_0000/sb0870.pdf

At first I took this thread solely as a reference to "home defense" as a result of the recent hostage incident following the bank robbery. Obviously it was meant as more.

Carrying a firearm on one's person is a heavy burden. Not only in the philosophical sense of judgment, common sense and safety but in the literal sense as well. Even the smallest, lightest pistol is a lot heavier than none at all. Be careful what you wish for because once you have the option of carrying a firearm you'll face the never ending dilemma of "what if I don't take it and need it..." There's a woman in TX who lost both her parents in a robbery while her licensed handgun was somewhere else. Then again, how many times have you faced such a situation. The gambler's demon - deciphering the odds!

I'm all for defending your home. Stock up on so many legal guns in your home that it would make David Koresh jealous. If somebody breaks in, you should have no duty to retreat in your own home.

On the other hand, I'm not buying into the reasoning that everybody is so fearful they need to be CCW walking the streets. Whoever posted earlier that your best personal defense is using your brain is right on. Don't put yourself in a situation to become a victim and the chance of needing a gun on your person to fend off an attacker becomes statistically improbable.

here here! there is no need to be packin' heat in teh food lionz.

My big concern is the private citizen within their home in this state not being covered under such a law.

What do we have now?

Yeah... and no need on college campuses, dunkin' donuts, high schools, airplanes or banks.

Your fiirst reaction on the street should be to avoid getting in the situation to begin with. Be aware of what is going on around you and be prepared to beat a hasty retreat. I've seen too many rambos who get carry permits and then proceed to go out and look for trouble. It's almost like they are daring people to start something.

These are the ones that don't need them. But as I said I am an advocate for the home defense, CCW is a whole nother ball of wax.

I use self-defense, on the street.

Many things to choose from in my house including a cross bow. and cross bow pistle. Very quiet wepons.

If you have a car or truck with a automatic opening button. Use the alarm button on it to make the horn blow. That will make alot of noise and bring attention if someone brakes into your house late at night. I`m not an alarm professional but I did stay at a Holiday once.

I'd take my chances with that over any handgun any day.

While we are on the subject, check it out....

Todays, well now Yesterdays, (Thursday) Herald Mail page B3 Middle of the left hand column!

HOME INVASION-STYLE BURGLARIES REOPORTED IN BERKELEY COUNTY

Gladly none of either of the homes residents were harmed but it could have been very bad.
Too bad they didn't get a description. Home invasion type crimes are usually the work of asian gangs but I suppose now with MS13 in the area we have that to worry about also.

Ok, so the people were asleep and someone try to rob them.

If the robber's had a gun standing over the home owner bed.
Wouldn't of did much good if the home owners had a gun.

Best defense would be,

Get a better door's, Alarms System, Have alarms on the windows as well.

Not sure why so many people feel the need to have a handgun.
Is your belongings so priceless, it's worth your life.
Homeowners, guns have been know to be used against the home owners.

There is a lot that could come into play here. How did they get in? We don't know. Did they forget to lock their door or leave a window open? I am still surprised at the number of folks who never check doors and windows before they go to bed. Did they have an alarm system and didn't arm it or don't know how to use it? I've seen that frequently also. Someone moves into a new home with an alarm system and either forgets how to operate it or doesn't want to be bothered.

I have seen home owners who have completely disarmed their system because neighbors have complained due to false alarms or accidental activations. Or if they are tied into local law enforcement monitoring they have received notice about false alarms and don't want to be billed and or just can't afford a monthly service charge.

In this situation a dog may have eliminated the intrusion or maybe not. Did they have any exterior lighting? Just didn't turn it on? Easy access from the outside to second story windows? Didn't check or lock those windows? There are a number of things that play into this but personal responsibility and preparedness top that list. If you are content to go to sleep and not check your doors and windows, not turn on exterior lighting, not have or not activate your alarm, no dog, no ball bat, no nine iron or anything else mentioned and sleep that soundly, well, I guess your a victim waiting to happen.

Who's responsibility is it to protect you and your family? Lets say in this case everything did not turn out as it did and it went very badly for the home owner who is at fault?
Here is a question for those who are opponets to anyone having or owning a gun. Where were the police? Are you confident that you can sleep as soundly as these home owners did and your police will prevent you from waking to find an intruder in your home?

I don't think I would want to bet my life on that! Preparedness and personal responsibility. Do a security survey of your home. Do you leave a key under a mat or over the door frame? One of those fake rocks in the flower bed with a key in it? Don't do it! The bad guys look there too! Check for vulnerabilities, look for ways someone could gain easy access to your home. An exterior flood light or a better deadbolt on the door are cheap fixes. Don't make it easy for someone to take ad vantage of you. Look at it as a life support system because it very well could be. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Be safe, it's a jungle out there!

So, Yoss is irrationally paranoid, else he would not concealed carry?

Who said "everybody" anyway? You. Obviously it is not for everyone.

It is probably statistically improbable you will have a fire in your house where you will need an alarm to notify you. How many smoke detectors do you have? Are you paranoid, or what?

IMO, I feel better with Yoss and other CCW folks out there.

Calm down, cowboy. Give me a reason for CCW other than personal protection? Feeling the need for protection goes along with some level of fear for personal safety. "Everybody" was used because that is the reason I've always seen cited as the need for CCW. Do you really want to compare the statistics between home fires and armed intruders breaking into homes and a gun being needed? Do you really want to compare somebody like Yos, with decades of LE experience handling weapons and training to know when to use them, with somebody who passed a background check and a couple hour class on CCW? These are the best you can come up with???

As always, I'm willing to listen to other reasons for CCW. My feeble mind just can't come up with any ones other than personal safety. Enlighten me, oh guru of guns.

Guru of Guns.


It's my experience that people who like to talk about the need for guns for protection usually create their own level of fear.

I do not see an issue. We are all going to do what we are going to do. If someone says they do not have a hankering for guns it should not bother anyone, it is called choice. Just like if you own a gun I am not going to wig out. I would hope all gun owners here are educated, responsible, and mentally balanced.

I have my choice and you have your choice. We all have our individual life experiences that shape our preference and comfort levels. My life experiences and comfort zone shape my decision not to have a gun in my house. My decision will not impact you and I certainly hope the gun in your house does not impact me. To each his own...........

Since the topic mentioned personal defense we try to use our heads and stay one step ahead. For us it is planning, education, communication, and vigilance for our kids. We feel pretty comfortable and are not fearful. Careful & proactive yes, but not scared. Our decisions have worked for us as our young ones have gone to college and into the big world. We continue to communicate, re-evaluate, and learn as new challenges arise.

To each his own...Variety and choice makes the world go round. Enjoy your choice.

Well, if personal safety isn't good enough for you, nothing else probably would be either.

Where is this citation you see that says "everybody" wants or needs CCW???

One does not need decades of LE experience to handle a gun safely, nor should those folks and the "connected" be the only ones permitted the right to CCW. In places where CCW is allowed the crime rate for all citizens – carriers and non carriers, goes down. A win for all. I don’t know if I would carry regularly if MD allowed it – probably not. But sometimes – in certain circumstances – I might. But I know there are many folks out there in MD who would, and should, and are no danger to anyone who doesn’t accost them.

But your attitude on this shines through -- hence the word "cowboy" and "guru of guns" applied to someone who defends CCW. Nice.