JFAnon

For @Elah_Elam Let me break down the basics and tell you a bit about myself. -------------- I'm a gun enthusiast as well as a student of physics. I'm also a former purchasing agent for a firearms dealer. I admin a FL-based gun rights page on Facebook, as well. In my 40 years of firearms experience, I've trained with multiple instructors, shot dozens to hundreds of guns and literally tons of ammunition. I do not know everything, and anyone who claims to, is probably full of crap! With that being said, here's what I recommend... -------------- First, understand that a firearm is nothing more than a tool. A handgun, which is what most people carry for self-defense is a trade-off of convenience. It's not the best tool for stopping an attack. But, in the right hands, it's effective enough, and isn't entirely cumbersome to carry around, when it isn't needed. -------------- Think of a firearm as a high-speed dispenser of metal (often lead) projectiles. The goal of a bullet you've fired, is to stop an imminent threat to your life, or from great bodily harm. There are two main ways to accomplish this. Incapacitate the attacker. Or, break their will/desire to continue the attack. A well-placed, high-speed, metal projectile can often accomplish both! -------------- But, here's the physics... Shooting a gun is not like it is on TV. And, shooting one accurately, when your adrenaline is surging, your heartrate is 120bpm+ and your mind is in condition red, is even less so! That's where training, familiarity with your weapon and knowing the limits of your abilities, comes in. -------------- A fair understanding of inertial force and kinetic energy is also highly recommended. Not to mention the physiological affects of a gunshot wound and the potential psychological effects of taking a life! -------------- Now, to the heart of the reason for the post... There is no magic round. All the talk of "stopping power" is a myth at best. And, can even be dangerous to new or novice shooters! The best bullet, is the one that accomplishes it's goal. To stop the attack! A .22 can do that. Heck, sometimes just displaying a gun is all it takes! But, the best way to be the most effective, is to possess as much training as you possibly can! It's far better to have that training and never need it, than it is to wish you trained more when it's too late! -------------- So, where do you start? I'd start at a big gun store. Preferably one that also has a gun range, and rents guns. Spend some time holding several different makes and models. Don't cut corners here. Your choice could one day save your life, or the life of someone you love! Settle on one from a reputable manufacturer, that has a proven track record for reliability. -------------- Caliber is less important than proficiency. Let me say that again. Caliber is less important than proficiency! -------------- Never expect a bigger diameter bullet to make up for a lack of training! If you can shoot a .45acp as well as a 9mm, that's great! But, big bullets often mean big recoil! And, reacquiring your target for follow-up shots may be the difference between life and... not life. So, take the time. Find the gun that fits your hand. It should aim naturally when you point it. Grip angles vary. And, believe it or not, if you've ever played with toy guns in your life, you've developed some muscle memory! You'll know it when you feel it! And, once you've settled on 'the one'... Train, Train, Train! And then, train some more! -------------- This is serious business and deserves a serious approach! If you have questions, I'll do my best to answer them. If I do not know the answer, I will find someone who does. I hope this helps. Good luck! -------------- (Disclaimer: I'm not an attorney. This is not legal advice. Every state has self-defense laws. They differ from state to state. Learn the ones that apply to you, where you live, work and frequently visit. And, learn them well!)