Hand Guns

There are some really nutty animals out there (some on 2 legs, some on 4) and it's good to have something just in case. Ultimately, each of us is responsible for our own safety. Suppose you're out for a walk and a rabid skunk shows up? Unlikely, but strange things happen every day.

Definitely go to a gun range and rent something to see if you're comfortable with it, though, before spending money. It might save you from backtracking and buying something different later on, for example, if you decide you want a smaller caliber or a firearm that operates differently.

If for some reason you decide not to get a firearm, one alternative is to carry a can of hornet spray that shoots a thin stream a long way. Better than nothing, for sure.

If you survived living in Chicago, anyplace else you go (with maybe the exception of NY or LA) it's going to be safer........

Bill

A gun is not a magical amulet against Bad JuJu. And as pointed out, carries some heavy responsibilities. Unless you are going to get training, and spend a lot of time (and money -- ammo isn't cheap) at the range getting and staying proficient in the use of that gun, don't do it. Having a gun but lacking the training to keep and use it safely and effectively, as well as the practice to keep those skills sharp, that gun is more of a hazard to you than to any bad guy. Better you should learn to pay attention to your surroundings and do your camping in safe places. Actually, you have to do that even more so if you have a gun

I took the NRA's concealed carry class just a month ago, and one of the things the instructor said at the end of the class is important to your situation. Pointing out that most states, including this one, the law is very clear: if you shoot someone, you better be able to prove they presented you with a clear and present threat to your own life, lest you be charged with felony assault (at least) or murder. He said when he was carrying, he has to make sure that he's thinking at all times about the possibilities. And he pointed out that if he and his wife were strolling across the parking lot and somebody grabbed her purse and took off, his response would depend on whether he was carrying; if he was, he had to let the perp go, because the grab and run presented no threat to his life, and if he chased the guy down, a fist fight would surely ensue, at which point the gun would be a liability and most likely used against him instead of the other way around. If he wasn't carrying, he'd be after the guy in a flash.

It's only cowboys who wave a gun around and expect bad guys to be repelled, and nobody in their right mind wants to be anywhere around a cowboy with a gun. If you have a gun, you must be prepared to use it. Merely having it is not a good idea.

@Bird Freak is right, when seconds count, the police are indeed only minutes away. Stay alert and away from dangerous places regardless of whether you have a gun or not, but if you get one, do not shirk your duties to train in its use.

As my police officer cousin always told me when I had my Snap-On tool route. When seconds count, the police are only Minutes away.

Old-Biscuit wrote:
You aren't gun people......

You didn't need it when living in your S&B Home.

Why now that you are going full time?

Taking a safety class and training is a great idea BEFORE purchasing.

BUT are you going to go to gun ranges and maintain/improve your gun skills?
IF not.....why get the gun?

I grew up with guns, competed in shooting competitions, go to a range routinely and I would still caution folks on getting a gun.
Having one is a big responsibility.

Should you get one????????

This is the most responsible post regarding guns I have ever read on this forum. THANK YOU!

Did you consider a shotgun instead of a hand gun?
It may be more practical if you're planning to leave it in the RV and not carry it when you go out.
Just a thought.

Having a gun is not the same as using it for security or protection. If you have no experience, I would highly suggest both you and your wife go to a gun range and get comfortable pulling the trigger before even contemplating buying and carrying one. Having a gun may make you 'feel' safer but it doesn't necessarily make you safer. You have to not only be able to use it but be willing to use it.

In 7 yrs of fulltiming I've never felt the need for one. There will be some places that prohibit bringing in any type of firearm. I also agree with halmfamily - if you can't take a life, then don't carry a gun. Just the sight of a gun may not scare everyone away.

Three things I take with me when I leave the house. Wallet, car keys and my sub compact 9mm. You must not only be trained to shoot your weapon but be mentally prepared to use your weapon. It is much different pulling a weapon on a person and knowing you may have to pull the trigger to end whatever situation your in than shooting at paper targets at the range. If you don't feel you can take a life, if and when needed, you do not need to carry a firearm. Also, consider what states your license will reciprocate in and if you plan on going to Canada you cannot take your weapon over the border. Lots to think about. Good luck, be safe and only you can make this decision. As the old saying goes it's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Travel on.

Never hurts to be proficient with a pistol. Practice and training is a good insurance policy. Guess you know this Chiefs response.