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To Paul Gallant,

I suspect that you have learned the TRUTH in the old saying that, “Many a liberal has become an instant conservative, when he was also victimized.”

As a retired LEO, I suggest that your FIRST firearm for defense (and for any number of other uses) is either a DOUBLE-BARREL 12 or 20 gauge shotgun OR a PUMP-GUN in either gauge.
(Do NOT be afraid to buy a GOOD/”name brand”/used shotgun of either sort, as pump & double-barrel shotguns last for GENERATIONS with little more than an occasional cleaning & wipe-down with an oily rag.)

I would also strongly advise you to take a few hours of PROFESSIONAL lessons from a qualified shooting coach.
(Most NEW shooters will be fully competent to handle/load/unload/maintain/fire SAFELY with either sort of shotgun with 2-3 hours of professional coaching.)

Expect to pay 20-50 dollars per hour for the time of a GOOD shooting coach & just accept that it was worth every penny that you spent for being properly trained.

Yours, TMN78247
USAMPR, Retired

I know you weren’t referring to me...but...

I learned to shoot at age 5. Along with strict firearm safety and it was my job to clean and oil everything every time we came in from hunting. Winchester mod 12 pump, 410 single shot, Remington 512 single shot 22.

I got a 16 ga Winchester mod 1200 about 30 years ago. Almost sold it to get a 12, but 16 ga buckshot started to show up again. It has been within easy reach beside my bed EVERY night since the day I got it. I can probably clean, oil and reassemble it blindfolded...oil would be tricky...I did do the Llama 22 I had once, just to see if I could. Worked perfect.

Now I also have a Taurus 9mm that is within reach too, which one I grab depends on how dire the situation is.

As a kid, I was not allowed in the woods to hunt until I could hit a 22 cartridge box 10 shots out of 10 with that old Remington. Long time family rule...you DO NOT miss...period...I started hunting when I was 9. I can still hold a 4 inch group at agd 64 with glasses and I’m not steady as I once was.

Everyone should ways have a goal like that. Do not depend on your gun for self defense until you can hold a 4 inch group at 15 yards every time. EVRRY TIME...without exception.

I agree with all your advice, I prefer a 12 gauge pump, but a twicd barrel is hood too. Never a semi auto shotgun, I saw my uncles use them many moons ago, way too many jams. Get the wrong ammo and it won’t eject reliably, and you do not want a hung up shell when a group of thugs coming at you...

I wish I could find rock salt and bean bag loads for 16 gauge. It would be worth it to try one non lethal round, and see if they would leave. Practice, and you can shoot a pump as fast as a semi auto. I got that technique down 40 years ago. Thinking about adding a 12 gauge for that reason.

Also, 1st time buyers, see if you can borrow one, with the owner present to show you jow yo use it, and fire it a half dozen shots, to see if the recoil is something you can live with. A large 380 will have lower recoil than a small 9mm. Thst said, 9mm or 40 cal is a lot better for stopping power than 380. Then again, if you can consistently hold a 4 inch group, a well placed 22 will do the job. My 22 rifle will put 8 shots in a group you can cover with a quarter at 30 yards...7 shot mag, 1 in chamber.

Also, a revolver is usually more consistently accurate than semi auto, but a little bulkier, and a lot more expensive in general.

Whatever you end up with, learn to use it proficiently, SAFELY, and know how to clean and oil it. You do not need 3 tablespoons of oil...generally, one drop on any moving part is plenty. A little oil is good. A lot IS NOT GREAT...it’s like the old Brylcream ad, a little dab’ll do ya...daub up any excess with a cloth or q-tip. I put a dozen drops on an old rag and wipe down the whole thing last before I put it away. Just a light film on the outside, stops rust in its tracks. Get an old toothbrush and small paint brush and some q-tips for the cleaning kit. I cut up worn out t-shirts for gun cleaning rags. And barrel patches.

It’s getting ugly out there folks, be ready to defend yourself and your family and property.

If you live in the boonies like me, and have a shallow water well, it WILL be a target. Water will be a huge problem. Do not tell your neighbors you stock up on ammo. Guess where they’ll go with their last 6 rounds...Try to have at least 500 rounds when it all goes south...

Learn to skin game and fish. Getting my fishing gear back in shape is my next project...and some practice with bow and arrows...

And get away from liberal run cities. At least 50 miles...

I’m probably forgetting something but mother nature calls...