Self defense - what is your weapon of choice?

[Goin camping]

Originally Posted by DanielB

In my personal experience, self defense is a mindset, and requires practice.

That is a basic many people gloss over. They get too wrapped up in caliber, capacity and shot placement.

I've done lots of firearms training. Usually Training Deputy Sheriffs to shoot well enough to get a salary bonus and newbies in home defense pistol tactics.

A pistol is not the answer in every situation. Can you bluff, talk, escape? Are they on the other side of your door or inside. Earlier someone talked about someone pounding on their door and breaking their window. No property you own is worth an evildoers life. In that case you yell for them to go away. Don't even contemplate shooting until they have ignored your yells and are inside.

The only time lethal force should be used is if someone's life is in danger. If thats the case. You better know how to use your pistol and the only way you learn that is with training and practice.

The purpose when you HAVE to use your pistol is to stop someone from what they are doing. It's not about "blowing someone away" or killing them. It's to stop their attack on you or someone else. Aim for center body mass. Also go with an easy to use pistol. Preferably one that is intuitive like a .38 revolver, HK P7 or a Glock 17,19. Also pick a caliber that is easy to shoot with good stopping ability. Lower recoil faster back on target times. Like a .38 or 9mm.

The purpose of defense is to get someone or somebody's to stop what they are doing and go away. Layer it and do everything you can to avoid shooting someone. There are no winners in a shooting. So dogs, lights, your awarness
Your confidence in telling a possible bad guy to go away. Use of a firearm is your last gasp but if thats what you got to do them be trained and do it right.

Off my soapbox.

[Boondocker]

But I am fond of platypuses, neither of which is really relevant. It seems to me that the rate of acts of violence against RVers is probably pretty low. I say this because when they do happen, regardless of where, it is the talk of the forums for some time. Perhaps someone can provide actual statistics rather than imagined scenarios regarding this.
At the end of the day, I suspect the chances of being put in the position of using a firearm for self defense when camping is about zero.

[bertro]

Nice thread;
Most of the time a M&P .357 wheel gun in the pocket, Or if in a bad area for work a 1911 .45 w/IWB milt sparks holster. Or mabey both for the New York reload option. Great to be an American and thanks to all Vets and current Military for keeping us safe and Free.
Robert

[64_safari]

First choice: bad fiddle music

Second choice: its a surprise

[howco]

Weapons are like carrying a spare tire........
When you need it, it's real nice to have it........
I take precautions like always having great tires on my rig......
I rarely even need my spare.......
But when I do, S&W, M&P, 40., head shot......
Any questions?
IDF Combat close range trained......

[HOG-I]

XD40 and TCP380 in the TV and trailer - 24/7 with CCW. Merry Christmas!!!

[howco]

Nuvite F
might want to read Luke 22:35-38, your Messiah talking....

[mojo]

I agree with howco...

When you're out in the desert, 100 miles from nowhere and out of cell phone range, it's nice to know you have a spare tire and all the right tools!

[rock60]

just another one of the things that man should of not invented.

[Lifestreamer]

Glock 9mm, night sight, 2 extra clips loaded with hollow points. I carry mine with me on any trip with or without the Airstream. Whatever weapon you decide to choose, take a gun safety course and also spend time at a gun range getting familiar with your firearm. Check with your state and the states you'll be traveling through regarding firearm laws.

"Here's my credo. There are no good guns, There are no bad guns. A gun in the hands of a bad man is a bad thing. Any gun in the hands of a good man is no threat to anyone, except bad people." Charlton Heston

[masseyfarm]

Just a reminder -- If you are leaving home and heading for CANADA -- leave the guns at home, as you will not get through Customs with the hardware.
If they do find guns or ammunition, you rig will be torn apart at your expense with no recourse.
There is little need for a gun anytime, or few places you will be hasseled, especially once you leave the cities.
In this day of instant communication and video and camera, you should be OK.
Paying more attention to the road, and safety on the water and other toys, will pay more dividends.
Dave

[rock60]

Originally Posted by Lifestreamer

Glock 9mm, night sight, 2 extra clips loaded with hollow points. I carry mine with me on any trip with or without the Airstream. Whatever weapon you decide to choose, take a gun safety course and also spend time at a gun range getting familiar with your firearm. Check with your state and the states you'll be traveling through regarding firearm laws.

"Here's my credo. There are no good guns, There are no bad guns. A gun in the hands of a bad man is a bad thing. Any gun in the hands of a good man is no threat to anyone, except bad people." Charlton Heston

put up the $$$$$ and people will say anything.

[StingrayL82]

I guess one thing that both sides can agree on is that anti-gun folks will never change the mind of pro-gun folks and vice versa, until an horrific experience changes that point of view. While I'm not crazy about bumper stickers with slogans, I've always liked the one that says, "When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will own guns". Law-abiding citizens are just that; criminals could give two spits about the law.

[blmitch5]

Enough with the guns! It's Christmas! Don't irritate me! (line from the Ref, the best Christmas movie ever)!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th9Yh...e_gdata_player

[Lifestreamer]

Originally Posted by rock60

put up the $$$$$ and people will say anything.

Has nothing to do with $$$$$$

[Ag&Au]

If one feels like it is a good idea to talk about whatever method of protection they use, I think it is being used for some reason other than protection.

Ken

[StingrayL82]

Originally Posted by w7ts

If one feels like it is a good idea to talk about whatever method of protection they use, I think it is being used for some reason other than protection.

Ken

How's that?

[Lifestreamer]

Originally Posted by w7ts

If one feels like it is a good idea to talk about whatever method of protection they use, I think it is being used for some reason other than protection.

Ken

There are two good reasons........1st and 2nd Amendments, our rights as Americans. Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year to all!

[blmitch5]

This clip is better.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_26RO...e_gdata_player

[Lumatic]

Catron County NM was a law on the books every male over 18 must own a firearm.

By the way, I support the right to arm bears.