Spondylitis Association of America Forums General Discussion Men Only Message Board Defense of self and family

The "safety" of using a weapon in self defense largely rests on your state laws. Here in Alaska a person does not have to take the traditional "escape" which means if you have a chance to leave the violent situation you do. Here if someone threatens one has a right to fire. That said, police everywhere will judge the situation by what they see. A perp lying on the carpet of your bedroom may be judged differently than you firing in a mall to defend your purchases. Either way, most states require a course to learn how to use a weapon. In Alaska most people are armed. That is a reality as we share the top predator place with larger bears and they live in and around where we have our homes. The training courses are a very good idea. But keep in mind, lethal violence from another human (or bear) always happens very fast. Target on the door idea....Word.

Wow. I join a forum that isn't gun related and what do I find but, a gun related thread. Awesome. (Even if it is a necro-resurrection of a thread)

My recommendation, if you feel comfortable carrying a firearm for self-defense, please do so but, do so responsibly. Know the rules, know your firearm, know the law. If you're not comfortable with firearms, there are many other excellent methods of self defense. They are, however, limited. Firearms are very good equalizers when there is a disparity of force (e.g., more bad guys than you, bad buys are stronger than you or when medical issues restrict physical capabilities.)

I was a believer in carrying a firearm for self defense long before I was "blessed" with my spondylo-pain-in-the-butt. I feel fortunate that living in a "shall issue" state allows me to continue to protect myself and my family despite my waning physical capabilities.

For anyone interested in issues related to firearms, check out the Pennylvania Firearm Owners Association at www.pafoa.org some time. It is to firearms what this place is to AS/USpA/etc.

You'll find me there by the same name.

And @ the lady upthread worried about firearms and kids (albeit from a year or two ago) the only children that are in danger from firearms are those who are not properly educated. My two girls would embarass most adults w/ their discipline while handling guns. Since they are allowed to see them whenever they ask, w/ my supervision of course, there is no reason to sneak or play with them in my absence. Therefore, no problem.