Suggest a smaller weapon to wound but not kill

[houstonscott]

You never shoot to wound or kill someone. You only shoot to stop the behavior (threat) to you, someone else, or your property. Never shoot to wound someone you will get killed doing that or go to jail. If you want to stop someone's threatening behavior I recommend a 1911 .45.

HS

 

[Markcuda]

If you want to stop someone's threatening behavior I recommend a 1911 .45.

Like this one:thumbsup:

 

[houstonscott]

You got the right idea....nice

HS

 

[Big Joe]

Based on your comments, your Mom has no business owing a gun. She would be more likely to injure herself or make someone mad enough to harm her even if it wasn't their original intent. I feel that having a good inside or outside dog (that would bark) along with a motion-sensor outside security light system would be a better alternative. She should also consider a good monitored home security system. That's not cheap, but it's safer and a lot cheaper than paying an attorney's bills.

 

[RoyJackson]

I've read the phrase "shoot to kill" on this thread.
Well, that'll get you in a jam, legally. You "shoot to stop" any attack. If the result is lethal, so be it.
But to beppington's question. I'd go with a small revolver if she can pull the trigger in double-action. A .32 or .38 would be the minimum calber.
Ruger SP101 is available in both calibers. However, take your Mom to the gun shop and let her see what fits. I'd also suggest a DAO revolver.

 

[Harry Palmer]

I think everyone has contributed a lot for us to consider if we were in this type of position. I think every person needs to consider their specific conditions and then determine what you will do to prevent any escalation of the problem. Many people, even men, freeze up if a firearm is involved. The military and police spend thousands of hours in training so the person can avoid the "flight" part of our basic conditioning. Firearms may be used to defend oneself or their family -BUT, the person must be willing to actually use the weapon and then be ready for the following "challenges". At one time, everyone knew how and when to use a firearm; it meant survival. Today, we have opted to have someone else provide for our protection. Each person who expressed themselves on this thread had something of importance to say. If we don't think about it, we have not mentally prepared ourselves for "what we would do". Each situation will differ, but we need to ponder how to stop the intruder (hot pot of coffee in the face has worked). I've enjoyed this discussion and learned a few more things to consider about our lives.

 

[DAY]

All these suggestions require Mom to take an active part in a high stress situation. I recommend a couple of Claymores in the yard. If she is the type to forget where she left the Clacker, then rig trip wires. (Ohoes she have any friends who come to visit?)

 

[Soundguy]

I'd never shoot to wound.

I shoot to stop a threat.


soundguy

 

[Diamondpilot]

I carry a guy every day. I could kill you with a .22 if I wanted to, it all comes down to shot placement.

I have never pulled my weapon on anyone in20 years of carrying but came close once. The guy told me to take my gun out. I told him that if it came out he was getting shot. He backed down when he realized I was serious. If it comes out you are getting shot, plain and simple.

For a little old lady I would recommend a revolver. Something like a .38.

Another good mace like spray is Wasp and Hornet spray. It shoots 20' and I have seen it used in a demo and it will stop anyone or at least piss them off real good.

Chris

 

[RoMad]

I agree with the dog, lights, security suggestions, but also have another.
Get your mom a smallish 20 double barrel guage shotgun and teach her to shoot it with shells with no powder in them. She will be used to handeling the gun and the noise from the primers won't scare her.
Nothing is scarier to an intruder than a double barrel shotgun.
After she learns to shoot it load it with 00 buckshot and if she ever does have to shoot someone you can apologize to her later for putting the "wrong" shells in it.