This is from
Suz:
Hi David,
I'm here to ask advice on guns and ammo. I read a handful of gun blogs, and I think most of their authors read your blog, so if you publish this, I can ask them all at once, along with others.
Next spring I'll be moving to the east coast and I'd like to make a habit of open carrying, both for personal protection and as a public statement. If I end up working in a potentially dangerous place, I will apply for a concealed carry permit, but that is farther down the road. (I don't currently carry because I'm well known in my town as the Bookmobile Driver, and I'm pretty sure "certain parties" would disapprove. That's a battle I'd rather not fight for the next few months.)
I'm looking for expertise on the pros and cons of what gun to carry. My husband and I are willing to buy a new gun eventually, but if it's manageable, I'd as soon carry one that I already have. We own two revolvers and one pistol. The pistol is a S&W .22; I enjoy shooting it and I'm fairly accurate with it. On the plus side, it's light and has a slim profile. My concerns are: I prefer revolvers for their simplicity, but more importantly, it doesn't have much oomph. If I need to shoot in self- defense, I can't afford to bet my life on the accuracy of my aim. If I shoot a thug, but miss the head or heart, he may have time to wreak plenty of havoc before he collapses. I don't even keep it readily accessible in the house. I've pretty much ruled out that gun, but I'm open to broader insights.
One revolver is a S&W .38 police service revolver, probably as old as I am. I love that gun. I like the weight, the balance, the mild kick, everything about it. My aim is extremely accurate with it. Shooting it is just plain fun. But...The other is a Ruger .357 Magnum, and it Makes. A. Statement. (which is part of my reason for carrying in the first place.) Because it's heavier and has more kick, my aim is slightly off, but only by a few inches. With a stationary target.
My husband is ex-army and my son is a small arms tech in the USMC. They both agree that the .22 is not the right gun for me. Between the revolvers, my son recommends the Ruger. Of course he's a young Marine, and rather fond of firepower. My husband (who's about the most sensible person I know) isn't exactly pleased about the open carry idea at all. He thinks it might be "asking for trouble." 10 years ago I would have agreed with him, but now I find myself appalled by the alarmed response of so many ordinary people, when they see a gun. Then again, I do spend more time around women than he does. My perception is that far too many people now associate guns only with cops, criminals and hunters. I don't like it.
So. Should I get the chip off my shoulder and only carry concealed? Concealed or open, which gun should I carry? What other (reasonably priced) guns should I consider? New or used? What kind of ammo is best for self defense? I'm looking for some wisdom born of experience.
As for my shooting habits, I will take an approved class to qualify for a permit, but my only real training is in safe handling. I'm essentially a plinker (except with the Magnum because it doesn't "plink" at all) - I occasionally blast a few twigs and paper targets in a ravine on my property. I haven't been to a range in over two decades.
With gratitude,
Suz
I don't do a lot of gun and self defense stuff on this blog because I'm in this for the ideological fight. Besides, plenty of you know a lot more than I do, so I don't pretend to be an authority on best guns, carry techniques, etc.
I support open carry on principle if that's what you want to do, but am not comfortable doing it myself. In terms of the best gun, caliber, etc., that's the stuff debates are made of. I never have been a "one size fits all for all situations" kind of person anyway, and always figured the best weapon was the one at hand, and that the most important factors in an insane situation are presence of mind and will, not meaning to minimize skill and trained reflexes.
Please feel free to weigh in and share your insights and advice by posting a comment.