I don't have one now, but I'm pissed off to get one.

[Rusty914s]

Nah, you sound like a reasonable guy. How about a bazooka?

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by strupgolf

Ok everyone, I've come down off of my soapbox. Enough said. After reading through all the comments, it sounds like a bad stupid idea. I'm not out on any vigilante crusade, just wanted to have a small gun for protection. I don't live in, nor do I visit any high crime /dangerous areas. It just seems that the lowlife are getting bolder in areas that seemed safe. Now where's that issue of Guns & Ammo.
.

Things are not getting worse... statistical things are getting better... but social media and the press are creating a $hitstorm of negativity.
I live in a pretty decent little suburb of Los Angeles (San Pedro), lived here most of my 57 years and of course there are the occasional robberies and violence but for the most part it is a nice little town (I have never been assaulted or robed in my life). Come along facebook... being such a tight knit town a bunch of FB San Pedro pages open up... cool...post about farmers market, art walks, music happenings... then, ACK! my car got broken into! ACK! auto accident at 13th and Pacific!!! ACK! Someone stole my bicycle! SAN PEDRO HAS BECOME A GOD FORSAKEN HELL HOLE!!!
However the statistics show that crime is down in San Pedro.
YMMV

[DonDavis]

Originally Posted by strupgolf

...After reading through all the comments, it sounds like a bad stupid idea. I'm not out on any vigilante crusade, just wanted to have a small gun for protection...

Understood. But I still stand by the education recommendations. Dip your toes in and see how you feel. Visit the range, seriously. Get some proper knowledge on use and go from there. You don't have to carry it all the time. Just having one ( in a safe, btw! ) and staying familiar with ownership and associated responsibility is always a good thing. Smart, safe and calm handling is key.

Best,
Don

[HardDrive]

Violent crime is at historic lows.

The decision to simply display a weapon is extremely serious. It dramatically increases the chances of violence. In the eyes of a grand jury, your actions better be clearly taken to stop an immediate threat to your safety.

[J P Stein]

I talked to a county sheriff years ago...late 70s. At midnight, there were 2 cops on patrol in the whole county...one was a State Patrol.The deputy said at that time of night, response time to a 911 call would be up to a half hour.....you're much better off reporting a fire.....that's when I armed up.

The population in the county has increased from 125K back then to 450k now. There seems to be a larger increase in the percentage of scum bags.

The bottom line is you'd better take of yourself cause no one else is gonna......but if you blast someone kicking in your door, you'll find LOTS of "authorities" concerned about the "misguided yute."....even if he's 40.

[J P Stein]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

Violent crime is at historic lows.

The decision to simply display a weapon is extremely serious. It dramatically increases the chances of violence. In the eyes of a grand jury, your actions better be clearly taken to stop an immediate threat to your safety.

That reminds me of Michael Herr's famous line on low percentages of those killed in Nam.
"Put your self in my place"

[targa911S]

you sound too pissed to go buy a gun to me...no offense..