Firearms as Self Defense for Women

Most people do not want to hurt another person or even an animal in the majority of situation, but we all realize that we as individuals deserve to live and do not deserve to be hurt or killed ourselves. If it becomes necessary, we must protect ourselves from all predators, and if it becomes a decision between our life or the predator's life and the predator dies, we will be sad, but we will also still be alive.

Self defense from a woman's perspective means many different things. Protections of her family and off spring, protection of her physical self, protection of her home, and protection of anything she holds dear and values. It is difficult for some women to grasp the fact that they need protection from two legged varmints as well as the four legged ones. Society and the media have somehow conveyed the notion that a knight in shining armor will always arrive in the nick of time to her defense or that somehow nothing injurious, dangerous, or deadly will ever happen to her.

The truth is, violent crimes against women are reaching epidemic proportion in today's society and with many more women living self-reliant lifestyles these days, naturally the responsibility for self defense becomes solely theirs. They must handle it themselves when and if it arises. Many women remain of the mindset; they are helpless and unable to handle such a responsibility. That is not true. You can, and you should prepare yourself to be able to do so if the need arises.

An appropriate firearm and the necessary training may be all that you need to prepare you for any unfortunate circumstances. Licensed gun dealers are available in every community to aid the physically (as in frail size) and mentally (as in attitude) challenged females get an appropriate firearm for their defense. There is a firearm suitable for you, if you elect to opt for this method of self defense.

Before venturing forth down the path of a firearm as self defense, you should become familiar with your local and state laws concerning firearm ownership. What is the legal age, what identification requirements are necessary, is safety training necessary, what residency requirements are there, will a background check be performed, and is registration necessary before or after the firearm purchase? After this information is obtained a membership with the National Rifle Association (NRA) would be an appropriate next step. Association with the NRA provides great benefits and information that will assist you in becoming a well informed and responsible firearm owner.

After the appropriate firearm has been determined, secured and registered, enroll in a gun safety and personal protection program. Learn how to use and maintain your tool responsibly. Visit a firing range and practice shooting until you become comfortable with the handling of the gun and are able to use it correctly. It is a tool, not a weapon. Just as you learn to use all of the other tools in your life so that you could obtain the maximum benefit from them whenever you used them, so it should also be with your firearm. You do not possess it solely for the purpose of injuring another, you have it for protection. It is your self defense tool for when and if you need it.

Resource: Using Guns As Tools - Backwoods Home Magazine - August,1992