If you want a gun for security the first thing you need to come to grips with is that it may become necessary to use it and if you have to use it, for
self/family defense, you must be willing to kill. If you are not willing to kill don't bother with a gun for self defense it will only wind up being
used against you.
As posted there are a wide range of guns available. For self defense in a home situation a shotgun with bird shot is best imo. The pellets cover a
wide area after leaving the barrel and will hit anything in the general area without the need for careful aim...just point in the general direction of
trouble and you will most likely hit those that desire to hurt you or yours. Additionally the pellets will not penetrate a wall, like some bullets
will easily, so no danger of missing your intended and hitting an innocent in another room. Another thing is the "oh crap" factor. There is a much
bigger fear factor looking down the barrel of a 12 guage shotgun compared to a pistol.
If a pistol is a consideration definately the .38 cal double action revolver. It is easy to use, small but with a decent punch and easy to care
for.
A rifle is for hunting and unless you are prepared to practice and begin hunting for food I would suggest leaving this out for the time being.
Be leery of the general self defense course. Better to check with your local dojo's or the YMCA to see if they offer self defense courses for women.
These are generally focused on a few key defensive moves to protect yourself while inflicting injury to the attacker. They are easily learned and
practiced. The instructors usually also teach how to use items commonly carried by women as a weapon.
In general urban survival skills are going to be more necessary than woodland survival skills. There are all sorts of survival books, etc. available
but stay away from the ones that tout teaching you Ninja, etc. skills. There are also lists available for emergency supplies we should all have in our
home. Water, food stuffs and especially first aid/medical supplies and water purification are top on most lists.
It may be a good idea to start talking to your neighbors. Perhaps becoming involved in your areas local emergency planning as a volunteer. If there is
any sort of emergency like minded people working together is the strongest defensive weapon and survival skill of all.
Where I live, in Northern NY on the Canadian border...Fort Drum area, most of us have many rifles as hunting for food is very big out here but we also
have things like gas powered electrical generators, spare gasoline, etc. because the winters can be rough and if another ice storm hits like the last
one we could be without power for a couple of weeks. Last time neighbors shared their generators with neighbors that didn't have one and we shared
food and companionship. It made a big difference.
PS: A book I would not be without is the simple "Boy Scout Handbook". It is designed to be easily understood, has very good pictures or drawings and
covers nearly every subject, excepting violence of course lol, that is useful for basic survival skills easily learned by all.
[edit on 9-11-2007 by Kai Winters]
I don't know what I don't know.I need help., page 2
privacy
reply posted on 21-1-2008 @ 10:37 AM by LLoyd45
reply to post by seejanerun
Jane:
My advice to you would be to first assemble a cache of food, water, medical supplies. A 3 month supply should be a good starting place. Buy foods which you normally eat. Many people will say to buy wheat, corn, etc., but if you won't eat it, or effects you adversely it will be of little use to you in an emergency. These items also require considerable storage space and are not very mobile.
As for water, put back about 2 gallons per person, per day. One gallon for drinking, and one for sanitation. If you live in an apartment though, storage might pose a problem.
In an emergency you can always fill your tub and sinks up for an expedient, temporary drinking water supply.
Medical supplies shouldn't be an issue for you, since your husband is an RN. A good first aid kit, and 1-3 months of all precription meds should do you well. a year's supply of vitamins and mineral would also be a good idea.
You'll also need supplies such as candles, lanterns, flash lights, spare batteries, waterproof matches, and warm blankets in case the power grid goes down for an extended period of time. All these items can be kept in a big platic rubbermaid storage box.
In the event you must bugout (leave), you need a sturdy back pack for you and your husband to carry needed supplies in. A miltary surplus ALICE pack is one inexpensive option.
You need to have at leat three means of starting a fire (waterproof matches, lighters, magnesium match, etc.), water purification tabs (potable Aqua is one brand), canteens, a Good hunting knife, a multitool like a gerber leatherman, a Swiss army knife, a light source (cyalume sticks, flashlights, headlamps, etc.), a compass for navigation (learn to use it ahead of time), a portable, wind up radio to keep abreast of what's happening, a good first aid kit, warm clothing, a good pair of shoes, space blankets and/or sleeping bags, sanitary supplies (tissue paper, tampons, etc.), some type of mess kit and utensils for eating, a portable stove (esbit or alcohol burner) for meal preparation, a poncho for rainy weather, a tarp or tube tent for an expedient shelter, about 50' of #550 paracord for shelter construction, tieing things up, etc., and maps of your planned route and bugout location. Scout an area out first before deciding on it.
Most of the items listed above will require you to familiarize yourself with them. Don't wait to the last minute.
Food is a given, but keep weight in mind. Stripped down MRE's (meals read to eat) are a good choice, or smoked sausages, peanut butter, trail mix, chocolate, teas, etc.. The choices are endless depending upon your dietary requirements and preferences. Most people will need between 2-3 thousand calories/ day if they're on the move and exerting themselves as in a bugout situation. You can get by on less if you plan on being sedentary.
Read all you can on basic survival skills, and purchase a DVD or two on the subject. The Hoods Woods survival series is an excellent resource for learning survival skills. They even have a dvd on urban survival.
Last but not least, you need some type of firearm for protection and food procurement. A medium calibre revolver (.38 or 9mm) and a .22 rifle like the Ruger 10/22 or Henry Survival Rifle will fit most any bill. A firearm requires practice though in it's safe use, so a range membership would be a great idea. There are plenty of people at such places that will gladly help you learn the basics.
I'm sure I've left things out, but I'm sure others can help fill in the gaps.
Sorry for being so long winded.
Jane:
My advice to you would be to first assemble a cache of food, water, medical supplies. A 3 month supply should be a good starting place. Buy foods which you normally eat. Many people will say to buy wheat, corn, etc., but if you won't eat it, or effects you adversely it will be of little use to you in an emergency. These items also require considerable storage space and are not very mobile.
As for water, put back about 2 gallons per person, per day. One gallon for drinking, and one for sanitation. If you live in an apartment though, storage might pose a problem.
In an emergency you can always fill your tub and sinks up for an expedient, temporary drinking water supply.
Medical supplies shouldn't be an issue for you, since your husband is an RN. A good first aid kit, and 1-3 months of all precription meds should do you well. a year's supply of vitamins and mineral would also be a good idea.
You'll also need supplies such as candles, lanterns, flash lights, spare batteries, waterproof matches, and warm blankets in case the power grid goes down for an extended period of time. All these items can be kept in a big platic rubbermaid storage box.
In the event you must bugout (leave), you need a sturdy back pack for you and your husband to carry needed supplies in. A miltary surplus ALICE pack is one inexpensive option.
You need to have at leat three means of starting a fire (waterproof matches, lighters, magnesium match, etc.), water purification tabs (potable Aqua is one brand), canteens, a Good hunting knife, a multitool like a gerber leatherman, a Swiss army knife, a light source (cyalume sticks, flashlights, headlamps, etc.), a compass for navigation (learn to use it ahead of time), a portable, wind up radio to keep abreast of what's happening, a good first aid kit, warm clothing, a good pair of shoes, space blankets and/or sleeping bags, sanitary supplies (tissue paper, tampons, etc.), some type of mess kit and utensils for eating, a portable stove (esbit or alcohol burner) for meal preparation, a poncho for rainy weather, a tarp or tube tent for an expedient shelter, about 50' of #550 paracord for shelter construction, tieing things up, etc., and maps of your planned route and bugout location. Scout an area out first before deciding on it.
Most of the items listed above will require you to familiarize yourself with them. Don't wait to the last minute.
Food is a given, but keep weight in mind. Stripped down MRE's (meals read to eat) are a good choice, or smoked sausages, peanut butter, trail mix, chocolate, teas, etc.. The choices are endless depending upon your dietary requirements and preferences. Most people will need between 2-3 thousand calories/ day if they're on the move and exerting themselves as in a bugout situation. You can get by on less if you plan on being sedentary.
Read all you can on basic survival skills, and purchase a DVD or two on the subject. The Hoods Woods survival series is an excellent resource for learning survival skills. They even have a dvd on urban survival.
Last but not least, you need some type of firearm for protection and food procurement. A medium calibre revolver (.38 or 9mm) and a .22 rifle like the Ruger 10/22 or Henry Survival Rifle will fit most any bill. A firearm requires practice though in it's safe use, so a range membership would be a great idea. There are plenty of people at such places that will gladly help you learn the basics.
I'm sure I've left things out, but I'm sure others can help fill in the gaps.
Sorry for being so long winded.
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