Wake Up Call

[tessa]

There is no "safe" place anymore.

The beauty of our mountains sometimes makes me forget that evil people are everywhere. From now on, I will be more vigilant and lock my house and my car. I will continue to not answer the door when a stranger knocks. Also, I'm going to make sure that I can do better with a gun than hitting the broadside of a barn!

This whole thing with Meredith is a wake up call for me. I am not going to be paranoid about my safety just more alert than I used to be.

[bb]

Hunny just commented... "There are places that are more likely, and there are places that are less likely... but they are all likely." That pretty well sums it up.

[summerose]

I've always been careful and observant of my surroundings and will continue to be! Keep doors and windows locked, ears and eyes open.

[taylor]

Most of the people that know me can tell you I am a big advocate of firearm ownership and training. I had been around long guns (rifles & shotguns) since childhood due to going hunting with my father. It was after I became an adult that I became more familiar with handguns. When I started working in a pawn shop, I became even more so simply from handling them everyday.

When I first started there, many men would not even talk with me because it was assumed that since I was female, I would have no knowledge of firearms. When they discovered that they were wrong, it opened so many new doors for me as far as customer service and the respect level I gained with my customers. For any of the female who may read this, do not let a male salesperson be condescending towards you. Don't feel intimidated and never let them talk you into one of the "pretty little pink handled .25 semi-automatics" because they say it's a womans gun. I've seen this happen too many times just so they could sell the piece of junk.

When you are looking into buying a firearm, first off it has to be comfortable. It shouldn't be so heavy that it is difficult to hold. The reach to the trigger should not be so far that it makes you have to stretch your finger to reach it. The grips should fit nicely into your hand. If the gun feels uncomfortable, you will never gain proficiency with it.

As for caliber, personally, I like the semi-automatic .380 for general personal protection. Most .380's are much smaller and lighter than your typical 9mm's and .45's. They are often much easier to carry in your purse or on your person in a concealed holster. It has the same size bullet (lead) as the 9mm, but slightly less powder which may reduce the distance, but it also reduces the recoil. Many woman are turned off from shooting due to the recoil.

For a beginner, a revolver is often a better bet than a semi-automatic. In this case, I like the standard .38. Again, they are usually small enough for concealed carry with no problem, easy to load and unload, and are not prone to jamming as with some semi-autos.

There may be some of you that would be able to handle a larger caliber such as the .45 ACP (semi-automatic) or a .357 (revolver).

To give you an idea, I am going to use some of you as examples. I am NOT saying these people would carry or use a firearm, but, they are for example only. I have met some of you in person, just as many of you have met in person, so you will know what I am saying. I think Coosa, Twyla or Cubby could handle either a .38 or a .380 with no problem. On the other hand, I think either Ruby or Babe could probably handle the larger calibers. I have no problem with either of the above calibers. The main thing is what is comfortable to the person. If they are not comfortable with it, they won't use it. Kind of like owning a really nice pair of dress heels - they may look good, but if they're not comfortable, you just won't wear them.

Here is another piece of advice. I know it may sound strange, but when you decide on a firearm and you make the purchase, for a few days take it home before you ever take it out shooting. Handle the gun. Take it with you when you're walking around the house (unloaded of course). Take it with you when you go to the kitchen for a drink, hold it when you're talking on the phone. It may sound odd, but it causes something called "muscle memory" It will become familiar in your hand, therefore becoming familiar to your brain. The feel of it, the balance, and the weight of it will become a sub-conscious memory.

None of us ever want to find ourselves in a position that would require the use of such force, but just in case you ever do, the "muscle memory" of the firearm will kick in and it will not feel foreign in your hand, thereby increasing your chances of being able to hit where you are aiming while in a bad, fearful situation. It may just save your life, or the life of one of your loved ones.

For home defense, I prefer a pump shotgun.

Now, take out your firearm and practice, practice, practice. Follow all safety rules for the area in which you are shooting. Different shooting ranges may have different rules. You can usually ask the DNR in your area where a public range is located. Also, take a firearm safety course. Always wear good ear protection. Learn how to disassemble and clean your firearm, and keep it clean.

Even with the ownership of a firearm, even if you practice enough to became a great shot, even if you are comfortable and confident, none of this will matter unless you keep yourself aware of your surroundings and the people within them. Just the fact that we are women makes us a target. Always stay aware, walk with your head up and always scan the area you are in. If you feel a bad vibe, turn around and go the other way. Learn to listen to your sixth sense and gut feelings. Don't load your arms down with packages, books or purses. Don't let your kids keep you so distracted that you can't also focus on your surroundings.
Go in groups while out hiking or in such places as shopping malls, more especially after dark. If you are at a larger store area, such as Wal*Mart or one of the malls, don't be ashamed to ask security to walk you to your vehicle.

If you are approached and you feel uncomfortable, simply turn and run. If you feel you need to scream to get someones attention, then do so - but do so LOUDLY! If you are attacked, NEVER EVER allow yourself to be taken from the scene. As bad as it sounds, even if you are killed, you will be at the scene of the crime where the evidence will be. The evidence may be able to convict the criminal. If you are carried somewhere else, neither you or any evidence may ever be found, and the criminal will be free to strike again.

If you are not comfortable with a firearm, then perhaps pepper spray or a taser. If you don't have a weapon, use your shoe heel, your purse, your keys, an ink pen, the leg off of your glasses or shades, anything to cause pain and/or damage to the criminal. Get away from them as quickly as possible, even if they give chase.

I know this is a difficult topic. This is the kind of stuff nightmares are made of. Like Tessa said, evil people are everywhere. The best advice I can give is to be aware and be prepared.

[bb]

There are places to go to take a fire arm safety course... if someone that has never handled a firearm is considering getting one, find out where it is offered and sign up for one... Just because you have one, does not give you authority to carry it with you, though. You have to have a special permit. I am all for gun ownership if you know how to use it safely. One problem with some gun owners, though: they practice target shooting but could not pull the trigger if it was aimed at someone. If you have one, you have to be prepared to use it or it could be taken away and used against you instead.

[maddy]

I'm more aware of my surroundings & I'm also making my children more aware of what's beyond them, around them, etc. But, it's not going to stop me from my freedom of adventure or theirs. For example, my oldest is going camping and hiking this weekend on the AT and she'll be just fine. She's excited about it & she also know's what happened to Meredith. She's probabaly safer right now than at any other time.

[mac]

Well, We are getting Deb a CC permit and a lady smith, sad its come to this.

[maddy]

Mac, do they have a range or somewhere that you can go to do target practice & be taught how to use guns??

[mac]

Chatuge Gun Club (just down from Brasstown Bald) has had several classes for women.
Then there's the one in my back yard............................. its only a 15' range but you rarely get further than that in an encounter.

[queenbee]

MAC what's the law on carrying in public, out in front of everyone or hid?
What about in your vehicle???

[mac]

Go over to the probate judge's office and get you a permit, well the paper work. Will need to go up to the jail and get finger printed and it takes maybe two weeks. You can carry it in your purse then. An thats where it will be the most good to you.

[queenbee]

I had one previously and it expired, time to renew it I guess.

[mac]

Yeah, what did you carry?

[nikita04]

How much is renewal of a gun permit? Almost time to renew..

[nataliewood]

My license has expired too. I had this very cool over the shoulder purse with a side pocket for the gun. It velcroed shut and you could just shoot through the purse if it came to that. I have a Walther PP and a little Barretta but haven't practiced for years. Mac, lets start up a pistol packin momma's group and you can be our instructor.