Ramblin' man says-
I only have a .22lr revolver-High Standard model "Double Nine". I don't have my CCW yet, and I don't like to open carry. I always have Sabre Red pepper spray in my pocket, but that's all for now as far as weapons go. I'm not much of a knife fan.
I think for me and my family members buying Tasers first would be the best route at this time. I'm the only gun person right now in my immediate family. My mother would never carry a gun, but I might get her to carry a Taser with a little persuasion. (I've already passed pepper spray out to everyone) I advise all readers to give pepper spray as a gift to all of their family members.
My sister realizes that it would be a good idea to learn the basics of gun handling, safety and self defense, but didn't yet wish to borrow my revolver. I'm trying to get her and some friends to go out to the range with me sometime. I like going alone, but I'd like more of our responsible citizens to arm themselves.
I tend to get interested in various subjects and then try to nicely persuade others to have the same interests. If I had the money I would set everyone up with exactly what I wish to carry. No better way to help someone develop that self defense mindset than to have them already own the equipment. I'll be giving Streamlight Scorpion flashlights as gifts next.
Having some nicer equipment, gets one thinking about just how lacking they were before. I've had some martial arts training in my high school days, and that was nice for some extra confidence(from other high schoolers), but even the black belts I knew would be wise to have some self defense "tools" or weapons in their hands if confronted by some of the maniacs roaming the streets today. False confidence is a pretty dangerous confidence to have. I don't want to go back to Karate classes anymore, though I respect it highly. My defensive reactions from Kenpo have stuck with me over 20years which is nice. I'm 36 now and I'm forcing myself to exercise (for free) by getting back on my mountain bike. It's important to stay in shape for your health and self defense abilities.
For me, I've found that taking that first step of merely carrying some pepper spray is a good way to move on to a gun for defensive purposes. Pepper spray gives you a little peace of mind, but then you realize that's it's not enough if the situation is REALLY dangerous. You'll then start to think of other options. For a private citizen, the ultimate is a firearm.
It's not HUGELY expensive, but my SP101 will have to wait. The Taser package that I'm thinking about will be about the same price in the end as the revolver. I figure I might as well get the laser sight and a couple of practice cartridges for myself and loved ones to try out.
