Wisdom on gun purchase please?

MossRoad · Jun 25, 2004

Yankee, I agree with you and am glad you are an instructor. And I know the term is used correctly by you and people with training. It's just that most folks I know that own firearms, pistols in particular, have not and never will get training. And they use terms like they have been trained even though their training consists of shooting beer cans at a gravel pit once or twice a year.

I encourage all gun owners to get trained, and practice, practice, practice. And of course, I meant no disrespect to any responsible gun owner here on TBN. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

MossRoad · Jun 25, 2004

mundamanu,

That's great! Thanks. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Just goes to show you what can happen to some folks.

My point is, in making these very long winded posts, is that I was fortunate enough to have this experience and it made me realize how easily something could go wrong if I choose to pick up a gun in a panic situation from a deep sleep. That is just me. All people are different. And I am definately not telling people what they should do. Just sharing what it is like to be me. Kinda scary, ain't it? /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Bird · Jun 25, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Bird, do you remember my tornado story? )</font>

Yep, I remember, and it was hilarious. Maybe when you get to be my age, though, that will all change. Now, no matter what awakens me, I don't even move for several seconds, until I take stock, wonder whether I actually heard something or was dreaming, etc. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

TWINKLE_TOES · Jun 25, 2004

David, bringing drive by wisdom one post at a time, good job.

gsganzer · Jun 25, 2004

I think you're right on the law change in MA. I believe MA (most states) also requires you to retreat if the assailant has a lesser weapon (assailant has a knife, you have a gun).

I believe that Texas may be one of the only states that does not have a retreat clause. Texas also allows the use of deadly force to prevent rape and arson (possibly burglary).

In my view, retreat is always the first option if you're life isn't in danger.

RanchMan · Jun 25, 2004

Due to the complexities in the law and the legal definitions involved, this subject can not easily be summarized.

For the specifics of the Texas law with regard to this subject, I point folks to this booklet. (PDF Document) It is produced by the Texas Department of Public Safety for use in CHL classes and is given to anyone applying for a CHL. It not only talks about carry laws, but also about the use of deadly force.

Chapter 1 is entitled, "Laws Relating to the Carrying of a Concealed Handgun in Texas."
It starts on Acrobat page 3 (booklet page 1).

Chapter 2 is entitled, "Selected Deadly Force Statutes."
It starts on Acrobat page 47 (booklet page 45).

Even if someone has no desire to carry concealed or refuses use deadly force under any circumstance, it is good to have familiarity with the law under both of these circumstances. I would encourage folks to read it (or their State’s equivalent).

JimR · Jun 25, 2004

In Ma. you have the right to defend yourself if threathened, period. There is no clause for retreat anymore. I would not leave my house for some creep to do whatever he would like to either. He would need a body bag when the police arrived if I had my way depending on the situation.