| During the turbulent birth of our country, | | | | |
| our forefathers gave us the right to bear | | | | All those living under my roof, have received |
| arms via the 2nd Amendment of the | | | | training in the use of firearms and are quite |
| Constitution. There are many ongoing debates, | | | | proficient in their use. Having firearms in |
| pro & con on this topic. | | | | the home also requires extensive precautions |
| | | | in terms of safety. All my weapons are kept |
| I for one, am grateful for the 2nd Amendment. | | | | in either my large gun safe or in handgun |
| Having worked in the law enforcement field | | | | safe boxes, out of reach from little fingers |
| for several years, I fully understand that | | | | as well as out of sight. Only at bed time |
| most often, police respond to a call well | | | | will I have handguns/shotgun out by our bed, |
| after the crime has been committed. Crime | | | | a charged cell phone is also next to our bed |
| prevention is relinquished to the individual. | | | | during that time. |
| | | | |
| In those States that offers the privilege of | | | | Protection of one's family is a very |
| offering conceal carry licenses, the crime | | | | important decision which should involve all |
| rates have shown to be substantially less | | | | adults in the home. Firearms are not the |
| than those States with stringent gun control. | | | | answer for everyone. Many people feel that |
| New York & Washington D.C. Are prime example | | | | they will never become victims in their own |
| of States with strict anti-gun laws, yet | | | | home & that if need arises, their local |
| their crime rates are well above average. | | | | police agency will be there to protect them. |
| Would you dare to stroll Central Park in the | | | | |
| dark hours? One thing is for certain, | | | | My reality does not follow that line of |
| Criminals will never have shortage of guns, | | | | thinking, therefore I am prepared should |
| no matter what State they happen to be in, | | | | problems arise. I hope and pray that the day |
| and very often their firepower exceed those | | | | for the use of my training never materialize. |
| of our law enforcement agencies, we are | | | | |
| however making great progress in that aspect. | | | | These are the weapons that we would use and |
| | | | are proficient with should trouble comes |
| Long ago, I made the decision that my home | | | | knocking on our door. |
| and family would be protected via firearms. | | | | |
| This is a decision that may not be viable for | | | | HK USP45 = full size pistol in .45acp |
| all. Believing that brandishing a weapon | | | | |
| toward an intruder will be all that is needed | | | | Glock 23 = compact .40SW (wife's) |
| to safeguard your family, could be a fatal | | | | |
| error! Protecting with a firearm requires a | | | | Mossberg 500 Defender model = 12gauge loaded |
| mind set of being able to use that firearm, | | | | with #4 buckshot |
| to pull the trigger if the situation requires | | | | |
| it, and continue to do so until the threat | | | | Ruger Mini 30 = 7.62x39 (20rds mags) in |
| has been dealt with. This may sound harsh, | | | | unlikely case where shots would be needed |
| but seasoned criminals will often be able to | | | | past 30/40 yards. |
| tell if home owner is using his weapon for | | | | |
| show or is actually serious about using it. | | | | My conceal carry favorite pistol is the |
| | | | Kel-Tec P11 in 9mm, followed closely by a |
| There have been many instances where a home | | | | Walther PPKS in .380. |
| owner did not have the mind set to actually | | | | |
| use his/her weapon, only to have it snatched | | | | When fishing or hiking in areas where |
| by the intruder and get injured or killed by | | | | dangerous predators reside, a SW Mountain Gun |
| their own gun. | | | | in .44mag is always carried in my shoulder |
| | | | holster. |
| In my case, should an intruder invade my home | | | | |
| and poses a threat to myself or loved ones, I | | | | I suggest that home protection be a subject |
| will not hesitate to shoot him/her until the | | | | discussed at home among adults, that a plan |
| threat has been dealt with. My aim will be | | | | be decided upon should trouble find you, if |
| for center of mass, a double tap will be | | | | it involves firearms make sure that SAFETY is |
| fired (2 shots), then I will evaluate the | | | | your first objective and followed by |
| situation and if the threat persists will | | | | proficiency with whatever weapon you choose. |
| again fire until there is no more threats and | | | | Do not get weapons that are too much for you, |
| the intruder if able follows my instructions. | | | | it is much better to be able to hit your |
| If a member of my family has not called 911 | | | | target with a smaller caliber than to just |
| by that time, a call will be made for police | | | | miss and make loud noises. |
| help & medical services for the intruder. | | | | |