When it comes to owning a firearm I’m one of those people who is… on the fence.
We didn’t have firearms in my home when I was growing up. I think my Dad was probably worried about a possible accident involving a gun.
But I know responsible people who have guns, readily accessible at home or on their person. Every member of their family is trained in gun safety and I have no worries about a possible accident.
So lots of people have asked me, why don’t I own a firearm? Wouldn’t I be sorry not to have one if I were attacked late at night? Or someone broke into my home?
But I couldn’t forgive myself if, for instance, a child were accidentally killed or injured with my gun. And what about folks who say you are more likely to be killed with your own gun than to kill a perpetrator?
Should I get a gun? Honestly, I don’t know the answer to the question. But as I think about it, I’d like to know your thoughts on gun ownership. Smart…or too risky?
Please let me know what you think in the comments below. I hope you’ll follow this story as I decide whether to purchase a gun, or not. Thank you, 
I have been thinking a lot lately myself about getting one. I think I would like a small one to keep by my bed or in my purse. Now days, their are just too many crazy people out there. And it is only going to get worst. It is a very hard decision. Azle school officials are now allowed to carry one.
I’m going to weight the pros and cons on Real Jane so I appreciate your input, thanks!
I understand Pam. It is a tough one. Thanks for commenting.
Jane,
Have you looked into blow darts? It’s an out-of-the-box idea – I know. They are relatively safer than guns and they quietly efficient with a minimal amount of training. I do NOT recommend using poison tip darts because they have a tendency to kill when you only want to maim.
Thanks Pat, I will. Not sure what I’ll do but I’m going to be looking at the pros and cons here. Thanks for commenting.
If you decide to carry, please get the proper training in handling. Take a safety course. become very efficient at using. The training will help you make a decision. to answer your question, you should carry if it makes you feel more secure.
That’s what I’m looking at doing Greg, thanks!
I recently went through the same process you are. I did decide to purchase and this month I’m going through a CHL training class. At home, I keep the gun in a gun safe by the bed. I don’t have small children at home any more, but I feel more comfortable having it in a safe. It will also be good later for when grandkids are around. In an emergency, if needed, I can easily get to it by entering a code that pops the door to the safe open. With all the craziness in the world, I fell safer having it.
Interesting perspective John, thanks.
I would agree with Greg. Before you buy your own gun, there are many good quality gun ranges that offer instruction on proper gun handling and training to shoot properly. Many of them also rent different guns so that you can decide what feels better to handle. That is where I would start this journey.
Thanks Bert, I’m going to look at gun ranges. And thanks for commenting!
Winchester gallery of Fort Worth rents guns and has about fifty to choose from when you are ready to select a gun. The most important advise I can offer is to get trained in safety and comfort with the gun before you make a final decision.
Jane,
I will trade you a slightly used .9mm Walther PPQ for one of your used (unwashed) Bikram Yoga mats.
Lol gotta love that! Thanks Rob:)
Hey, Jane. If you want to carry a gun or have one at the ready, I recommend a small single action revolver. They are very easy to load, simple to use, and can be carried in a hand bag or kept in a convenient place at home.
Thanks Nancy, it’s all new to me:)
I think you mean double action. You would never want to carry a single action revolver for self defense.
Thanks Michele, I’m trying to learn all this.
Statistically your backyard pool is more dangerous than your firearm. What I would do is research it with an open mind, understanding you can make any point you want using whatever statistics you want. If a firearm makes you feel safer in the long run, it’s a good investment. If you’re constantly worried or nervous, don’t do it. In my opinion, it is the equalizer for women when it comes to self defense. Even a football linebacker is at a disadvantage against an armed and well-trained woman.
Interesting Michele, thanks.
I think responsible law biding citizens should have the proper training and own and carry some sort of handgun.. The law enforcement community is not going to show up in time to save your life or someone who’s life is in imminent danger… They’ll be there in time to do the report, make statements and clean up the mess
Thank you for your thoughts Henry.
The is an organization in Dallas, divawow.org, for women who would like to be educated in the outdoor world. The have programs with NRA instructors and shooting get togethers. They always seem to have a good time. I would contact them for shooting ranges etc that are geared towards women.
Did not know that Donald, thank you.
We have one at home, but I have been trying to decide whether to get a CHL. I work at home a good portion of the time and I was definitely glad to have the one in the house the day someone tried to come in the front door. Luckily, they were not able to get in, especially since it took the police 15 minutes to get to my house after I called 911. It did make me feel better to have it next to me the next few days. Most gun ranges have courses targeted for women only so you can get comfortable with firearms.
Yes the gun ranges will help you with your decision on 2nd amendment.
Jane,
I have held my CHL for 10 years, possibly longer. Owning a gun, and carrying concealed, both come with great responsibility. I have yet to pull my sidearm to use, but it is very assuring to know it is there should the need present itself. You can take the CHL training before purchasing a gun. The class is very enlightening. I encourage you to go to a reputable gun range and check out/try several different firearms, before making your decision.
One last note, and a different discussion of similar topic: once you take the CHL class, you may change your opinion on open carry. Again, that will be a different discussion.
Looking forward to learning of your final decision.
I wish every woman would carry a gun .
On the news this morning a 52 year old was found beaten and naked in a park.
Have to wonder if this would have happened if she was armed!
When choosing whether or not to carry a gun, the first question you must ask is are you willing to shoot and kill another human being. If the answer is no, then you shouldn’t go any farther in the thought process. An armed individual who will not kill when faced with the situation then only becomes an armed victim and the weapon then is accessed by the criminal. If you believe that you can take the life of another should it become necessary, then you must choose the correct weapon.
While many look for semi-auto pistols of larger calibers, they fail to understand the goals and risks. The goal is to be absolutely comfortable and confident with your ability to fire the weapon under a variety of circumstances and know that you can strike your intended target. Possessing a gun that you are afraid of due to a strong kick or to the complexity of the actions necessary to fire the weapon will effect your ability to use the weapon when necessary. Complexity and fear can cause the user to become so panicked that they are unable to hit their intended target and then miss and possibly strike a bystander causing an accidental injury or death.
For individuals with little or limited experience with handguns, I suggest a revolver. It has a strong initial trigger pull that prevents an accidental firing due to a light touch of the trigger that is sometimes an issue with semi-automatics. Because of the stronger trigger pull, there are no additional safeties necessary to fumble with and that would prevent the weapon from being fired when needed when the user may be under stress for a potential assault. Many smaller revolvers are produced that fit smaller hands such and the Smith & Wesson J-frame models and are easily concealed in either a purse or holster. These guns are available in a variety of styles and calibers. One of the most common calibers is the .38 Special. This round is not too strong for younger and female users to use comfortably and ammunition is plentiful and fairly inexpensive so that the shooter can practice frequently in order to gain solid skills and to maintain those skills.
Regardless of the weapon, the shooter has a responsibility to remain familiar with the weapon’s functions and to maintain a skill level that would allow the user to operate the weapon skillfully when firing.
Personally, while I’ve shot guns before (trap shooting, gun range), I have absolutely no interest whatsoever in owning guns or having them anywhere around. I really feel that they are much more likely to end up causing more problems than they are worth as possible “protection” for something that is extremely unlikely to happen. Why take the chance? We humans are emotional beings who often make poor and/or irrational decisions based on anger, depression, fear, etc. Even a fleeting belief that a gun can offer a solution can end up giving us no chance to re-think that supposed solution. There are no do-overs. The solution, as such, is permanent. I’d rather not put myself or my family in that situation. Guns used for protection (as opposed to hunting), in my view, amount to our caving in to fear. Probability says that it’s extremely unlikely that such a weapon will ever be needed. And even in the rare instance in which an incident occurs, having a gun may just put more of a target on your back and/or allow an opportunity for that weapon to be used against you. I know others may feel differently, but I just don’t think it’s worth it. Not even close.
Jane….. Everyone should exercise their 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms….
I exercise my right daily and I own several firearms…. for personal protection and hunting purposes
I recommend anyone considering a weapon take a CHL class. It will be any eye opener and you don’t haave to buy a gun unless you really want to, but you’ll have the option if the need ever comes up.
Jane,
You are a beautiful, prominent, woman , and this world is getting more dangerous I would highly recommend taking a concealed handgun class. My son and husband are licensed and carry and I intend to do the same very soon. God forbid I’d ever have to use deadly force, but I’d certainly rather not be a victim.
Thanks so much for your perspective Angie.
Take a class. Buy a gun. Lock it up at home. Decide to carry after all that.
Right down the road from us in Kennesaw, GA it’s illegal NOT to have a gun!
I think it is foolhardy to believe that you will never face a situation in which a gun would make you feel safer. Everyone should own a gun and be prepared to use it. Society is getting more and more violent everyday. Be prepared to protect yourself. It is much better to have a gun and not need it than to need it and not have it.
I’m reading all your comments and taking it all in. Lots of good information. Thanks so much, Jane
Jane, If you kill yourself accidently with your own weapon, don’t worry about forgiving yourself.
Keep the weapon out of a childs reach.
IMO… Yes, you need a gun.
.38 specials are perfect in purses.
Better safe than sorry!
Please remember;
no one is charged with justifiable homicide.
Never say you shot to kill, hence, you shoot to stop.
Two bullets in the heart, and one in the head, if your being shot at!
Beer thirty, cheers.
Jane, take the course and then decide on the gun. You have been in news long enough to now both sides of the issue.
THat is exactly what I intend to do David.
Jane, you have many admirers and followers here.
If anything, please purchase a gun for their sake as well as for your immediate family’s sake.
You might need to defend them one day.
Could this be one of the best decisions you ever made?
Don’t know but I’m sure thinking about it Mike.
Before you decide to buy one or not go to a shooting range, ask an instructor to help you and learn how the gun feels in your hand and get some experience shooting one. Get instruction and shoot as many different guns as you can. Big guns, small guns, every gun they have in order to decide which one you like best. Then, after you have familiarized yourself with several different ones make your decision.
Once you have made the decision to buy and you take it home, DO NOT LOCK IT UP!!!! If you are planning on using it for home security a locked gun is worthless, unless you plan on throwing it at the intruder. Seconds count and the time wasted trying to unlock a safe or take the trigger lock off a weapon can cost you your life. Remember, you will be excited and nervous and what you can do in the privacy of your home without pressure from an intruder is almost impossible to do under the stress of an intruder coming through your door or window. If you are worried about small children finding your gun, then put it in a closet out of reach of little hands, only when they are there.
I really hope you decide to get one, get trained with it and take a CHL class. In today’s society it’s imperative to be able to protect yourself. Even under the best circumstances you’ll have to wait for the police to arrive. If you have to wait 5, 10, 15 minutes for the police do you think you’ll get the criminal to wait also? It’s all about personal safety and protection. I know lots of people who have a CHL and you’d never know it. They are all responsible citizens. Arm yourself and protect yourself and those around you.
Great and extensive advice Rod, thank you so much.
Jane you have to ask yourself the question, “could I shoot someone if they were attacking me”. If the answer is, I don’t know or maybe, I would say no don’t buy a gun but if the answer is “yes” I would encourage you to buy a gun. I think all women should carry a firearm if 1) they are willing to use it if necessary and 2) if they are trained to use it. There are way to many nuts out here today to not be prepared. I always tell people I would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Jane I hope this helps you in making your decision.
That’s a really good things to remember Steve. I’m not sure I know the answer.
Jane,
Please think about this:
Guns are tools. They are only tools. Yes they are a tool that is used to kill. Most people with little to no experience with these tools have a whole host of misconceptions, and have been influenced by all of the negative press that these tools get. Other tools kill as well. Knifes, axes, automobiles, hammers, swords , baseball bats, etc. are all used daily to kill. The common denominator here is the word “used”. People kill people with their bare hands too. If one assumes that guns are dangerous in and of themselves, then by that logic allot of tools should be as well. The real question is wether or not you think (not feel) that you need a tool that will help you protect and defend yourself and your property. Should you take the step to purchase a gun, you will need to avail yourself of some professional instruction/advise. Practice, practice, and practice some more, so that you get good with and comfortable with your weapon. Research how different guns and ammo actually perform. Learn what terminology like recoil and velocity etc. actually mean. Learn their history. Learn the difference in calibers, types, and what guns are actually legal to own in your home. Take the time to become informed. You will not regret it no matter what you decide, as knowledge is power.
Good Luck!
Wise advice, thank you Stephen.
Excellent, well thought out advice
Stephen. You make some sensible points. Other considerations for Jane to consider are: do you frequently go out at night unaccompanied? What your living circumstances? Do you live alone or do you have family members living with you? Does your home have a fully functional, up to date security system? Do you have a designated “safe room”
in your home? Your answers to these questions should help you reach a decision. Good luck Jane. Remember knowledge is Power. And we, your fans, want you to stay safe!!!
Thanks for taking the time to reply with such well thought out comments Bonnie.
I am 65 years old and live in a major metropolitan area supposedly high in crime, yet I have never once in my life been in any situation where a gun would have been useful. Have you? In fact, most police officers never have the need to use a firearm. So the question is, what are you afraid of that would make it worth the trouble and risk to carry a gun? And even if you owned a gun, would you really be likely to have it sufficiently ready to actually use it? As others have said, if it’s locked up, it’s useless. How would you carry it? Do you want to go jogging with a gun belt? If it’s not in a holster on your hip, you aren’t going to be able to get to it fast enough. If a mugger or attacker assaults you, will they give you time to dig through your handbag for it? Will you really answer the doorbell with gun in hand? And do you want to live your life in such fear, suspicion and paranoia? If you want to be proficient at using it, it requires a lot of time in practice, care, cleaning, and care. You can’t take it to a lot of places, so what do you do with it when you take it off? The risks of accident are real. Will you never be around children? How will you keep it safe from them if it is not locked up? When balancing real risk of having the gun against mostly imaginary protection it might offer, is it really worth the trouble and risk? I can’t imagine how it could be.
Appreciate your thoughts John!
I have been a law enforcement officer for 43 years and have carried a gun for so long that it has become part of me. When I first started working I didn’t carry off duty. But it so happened that when I needed one I didn’t have it so I have carried one ever since. I never thought I would need one to protect my self, I always worried that I would need one to protect some one else. I recently saw a post on here that said that Police don’t carry a pistol to protect others ,they only carry to protect themselves. I found that to be offensive. The policemen I know care a lot more for the public than they do for them selves. On the other hand my wife is afraid of them and I don’t insist she carry . But the best post I’ve ever seen on here was I don’t carry a gun because I’m scared, I carry to keep from getting scared. So think , can I be comfortable carrying and am I responsible enough and do I understand and accept the responsibility of carrying and using deadly force. you decide.
Thank you Don, appreciate your thoughts.
Jane,
With the work that you do, and being very well known in the DFW metroplex, I highly recommend getting familiar with both leathal and non-leathal weapons. Get your firearm training, from a certified instructor, and get your CHL. No one expects trouble in their daily routines, but the times are changing. It’s sort of like having a fire extinguisher in your home, you hope you never have use it, but, if needed, it’s there. Get a handgun (or two) that you will feel comfortable with, get properly trained, and be prepared!
Jane, the best advice I can give you is to go and talk to the local 3-Gun ladies around the DFW area. My wife, Holly, is active in the sport. These women can talk with you on all aspects of training, type, caliber, what have you. Maybe visit “A Girl and A Gun”club. There are two in Fort Worth – North and South. The instructors are NRA trained and certified. The AGAG my wife joined is using “Shoot Smart” indoor range in north Fort Worth. I’m not promoting the organization what-so-ever. I’m just giving you leads so you can make a more informed decision. Good luck!
Thanks Andy, not sure I’m going to do it. It’s a big responsibility!