I am unable to arm myself with a pistol in Chicago. It is currently under review, and I hope it works out. Why?

I live in a high rise and have neighbors. My load hear would be a .38 Special Glazer round out of my 4″ Colt Python. I used this gun on rare occasion for competion. I shoot my Gold Cup .45 more commonly in IPSC and shoot much better.

I have grown up with pistol shooting.

I have practiced with shot guns a good deal, but I know pistols.

I am now forced into a .12 gauge by world. I live in a high rise Chicago, Chicago law say I can not have a pistol or hand gun and as such left them all in Texas with family.

I am much better with pistols, but have been made to live with a weapon that is not my best shot. My neighbors are the one that might suffer the price. I admit the chance of home intrusion is low where I live, but I have to sacrifice my capability and the saftey of those around me for what? Look at crime stats in Chicago.

All that said, it’s about what you know how to shoot. For me, I will never miss shot with a .45, or a .357. These are the best 1st shot stoppers. (Outside of really large rounds). Time and time again they have proven as the best (one round) man stoppers.

These are what I shoot best, and I can’t. I am greatful that that hand-band of Chicago is before the supreme court.

As to the topic..

I would never fire a rifle in my own house, but that has a lot to do with the fact that I have never effectively used one in competion or for survival.

As former Marine, I would trust you know that weapons. For home use, I am not sold on a combat rifle outside those with such expertise. I trust myself with a pistol more than any other weapon because of my exp. This is not to disregard rifles. I own many.

Experience is the word. Learn to shoot. Take classes. Learn proper handling. Know your weapon well. Take proper care of your weapon. Safety, safety, then, practice, practice, practice.

I’m back from the past and can tell you’re living in some sort of Time Warp. Even the European Media admits that Europe is more dangerous than America in terms of violent crime. Violent Crime and Murder in America has steadily declined for decades. Violent crime in the UK rose – unironically after stricter gun control laws. Take a look here:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1196941/The-violent-country-Europe-Britain-worse-South-Africa-U-S.html

Britain is the most violent country in Europe. London is the 10th Most Dangerous City in the world. America doesn’t even rank in the top 10 Western countries for violence anymore. Statistically, per 100,000, Britain, France, Canada, and Finland are all more dangerous than America – and America counts reported crimes, not just cases that result in conviction. So while we may seem paranoid, at least we’re safer.

And for BB,

In terms of religion being there for you, I’ll simply say this: God created all men equal, Samuel Colt made them all the same size.
Doc Brown´s last blog ..Uncovering The Secret of Kells: This Year’s Surprise Oscar Nominee

In a crime situation, since time is of the essence, a faster repulsion of the perpetrators, either by scaring them away or blowing them away, seems the better option than waiting for someone to call 911 (if they can. I couldn’t in my cases) and then waiting for a possible appropriate response from law enforcement (or not). Being armed and ready is, in my estimation, not ‘mad’, but rather, a prudent and responsible way to provide security and preserve one’s own life and property.

In the case of an isolated situation of home defense, as above, or more widespread anarchy or tyranny, where law enforcement would either be overtaxed or otherwise unavailable to defend someone, the U.S. Constitution, fortunately, recognizes the right of U.S. citizens to defend themselves with ‘arms’. One of the main reasons this right to bear arms was originally instituted was as a check to avoid tyranny, wherein a power-mad government might forget that government in America is of the people, by the people, and for the people. One could even call the second amendment a sort of 4th branch of the government (the people) because of this defensive check against possible tyranny. In my opinion, this amendment to the Constitution was not only not ‘crazy’, but a sound and solid preventative measure – a very good thing. If the unfortunate circumstances ever occur wherein we need to exercise resistance against tyranny, it’s easy to see that if we were not armed, we would just be mowed down. If armed, we could defend ourselves and defend freedom. But, no matter where a possible threat may originate, be it rouge government, criminals, civil unrest, dangerous animals, or foreign invasion, it shows healthy responsiblilty, to just be prepared for it – in case. This is a good thing and there’s everything right with it and nothing wrong with it. To me, it is self-evident.
BB

On another note to anyone,
That some people are paranoid so they own a gun and others are paranoid so they are afraid of guns, just shows that some people are paranoid and has nothing to do with the separate argument that it’s better to be prepared for emergencies than not to be prepared.
BB

Jeff,
Another ‘weapon’ for home defense, not related to firearms, but certainly worth mentioning, is Heaven’s help. In the 2 instances where I was victimized (above), the intervention of God in my defense was what brought me through. I know that God is there for me to call upon for help. And it’s the best kind of help I’ve yet experienced.
BB

Reading this as a European this reads like it was written by a psycho. The comments are even more scary.

Why the hell do Americans persist in believing that guns make you safer? Your crime rates (and particularly violent crime rates) are orders of magnitude greater than ours – almost certainly because of your crazy constitutional right to bear arms.

Charlton Heston’s “cold dead hands” comment really epitomises the collective madness that you have all gotten into.

Jeff