Hey! It’s your favorite Frank J. – The Frank J. – the unquestioned overlord of the blogododecahedron, here to talk about firearms, so listen up.
Now, as you may have heard, a new bill has been signed in my state by Jeb Bush (we have our own Bush in Florida) that changes self-defense laws so that a citizen no longer has to attempt to flee from an attacker before using lethal force. Also, the castle doctrine has been expanded so that you can pretty much blow away any mo’fo’ who breaks into you house – no questions asked (info on bill here; will come into effect October 1st).
Now, the critics, of course, are saying this is going to turn Florida into the “Wild West” as they do about every self-defense. Since there are plenty of states that already have similar laws and don’t have any problems, the critics might as well be arguing the earth is flat. Still, they think that now, anytime someone feels threatened, he’s going to start shooting and we’ll get this:
POLICE OFFICER: So why did you shoot that man?
SHOOTER: I didn’t like the way he looked at me.
OFFICER: We’ll see if any witnesses can corroborate that… hey, they’ve all been shot too.
SHOOTER: After I shot that guy, I didn’t like the way they were looking at me either, so I shot them as well.
OFFICER: I guess we have nothing to hold you on, then. You’re free to go.
SHOOTER: Don’t look at me that way!
The thing about this law change, though, is that anyone with half a brain would already ignored the parts in the law about having to try and flee first and to make sure someone who broke into your home is threatening you before you fire. As the sheriff you taught the class for my conceal and carry permit said, “It’s better to be judged by twelve than carried by six.” In an intense situation, you don’t have time to try and consider all the ramifications – it’s shoot or don’t shoot. Self-defense is a visceral thing, and, if you try and take the time to think it out, there can be disastrous consequences (I was told the story of a man who didn’t shoot someone who broke into his house because the robber fled at the sight of the gun. The robber then ran upstairs, locked himself in the room with the man’s daughter and raped her.). The best idea when faced with a criminal is to shoot and worry about the justification later. All this new laws means is I don’t have to come up with some lame excuse if I end up in a self defense shooting.
OUTDOOR SHOOTING OF ATTACKER
OFFICER: Did you try to flee before shooting this man.
ME (FRANK J.): I did, but then I wasn’t able to run very fast because my gun was weighting me down. Thus I lightened the gun by getting some of the bullets out of it.
SHOOTING ROBBER IN HOME
OFFICER: If you felt threatened enough to fire on this man, why was he shot in the back while he apparently was running away?
ME: I figured he had a gun he was better at shooting with at longer ranges, so I needed to shoot him before he had a chance to use it. So, is my DVD player he had in his hands all right? If not, it was under warranty.
Anyway, the idea is there are plenty of time to come up with excuses after you’re safe, but, with this new law, I don’t have to waste time thinking of justifications and can instead spend the time waiting for the cops to arrive looking for the warranty card to my DVD player.
As the purpose of IMAO is to educate the public (see the IMAO’s Charter clause 173.24b), I’ll end this post with some self-defense tips cobbled together from what lots of grizzled looking characters have told me.
FRANK TIPS FOR SELF-DEFENSE
* First off, get yourself a gun, numb-nuts. Are you willing to bet your life on a condiment dispenser (i.e. pepper-spray)? And make it a good gun with some ammo with stopping power.
* When carrying concealed, be able to draw at a moments notice. While some deep carry holsters…
THERE IS A CRAZED ATTACKER COMING AT YOU RIGHT NOW!!!
If you were not able to draw and fire before you finished reading that sentence, you are not prepared. Many attacks only give you a second or two notice, so practice a quick draw and firing using snap-caps.
* Remember, a robber is more afraid of you than you are of him – or at least he should be. In situation where you have more notice, usually a display of your gun is enough to scare away a potential attacker. Even if you have to fire, it’s all a mind game, and you want the upper hand. Me, I like to be able to draw dual-.45s. Sure, I can aim better drawing one, but pulling out two should immediately let my victim attacker know he just stepped in it. Others might like laser sights to shine right into the attacker’s eyes (not my thing). You need to let the attacker know you’re the badass prepared for this situation and he ain’t. Even if he doesn’t flee, soiled pants will hinder his aim.
* At home, shoot as soon as you identify someone in your home who shouldn’t be there. I don’t care how expensive the amplifier is that he has in his arms. All you need to do is make sure the person in the dark isn’t one of your family members. This can be determined by asking, “Are you one of my family members?” before unleashing a hail of bullets.
* Also for home, have a pump action shotgun. If you hear someone in your home, you chamber a round as loudly as possible. Unless the guy is high on PCP, he’s going to be getting out of your place before you can even think of pulling a trigger. If he is high on PCP, then it’s time to fire the shotgun. I don’t care how whacked out on drugs someone is; you need a mid-section to be a threat.
* Don’t be overly callous when applying force, though, as there usually are laws dictating that you can’t respond to an attack with “excessive force.” So, once your attacker is dead, stop shooting him; that’s excessive. Firing into someone already dead wastes bullets, defiles a corpse, and is against the law.
If anyone has more tips or modifications to mine, put them in the comments. And, as a reminder to potential attackers: While you do not have a duty to flee if you see me on the streets, it’s probably a wise idea.
How about the “I had to shoot him a lot and first officer, otherwise he would have taken the gun away from me and shot ME with it.” Bats eyelashes and smiles in a helpless and apologetic sort of way.
This sounds best coming from girls and old grandma’s. Otherwise you just get sniggers and amused sideways glances.
here’s a tip: proof-read to weed out all the spelling/grammar mistakes. still very funny, though.
great post an idea for those whom may be gun illiterate
9mm’s are popular but weak
for female defense i suggest a .40 cal it has enough power to stop the attack but not too much as to break your arm
for males you need a .45 big and powerful, good when attacker is strung out on crack
dave,
Shut up.
From the parody of the Lord of the Rings (Bored of the Rings):
‘Dildo noticed an interesting-looking ring on his finger and pulled it off. He would have finished Goddam off then and there, but pity stayed his hand. “It’s a pity I’ve run out of bullets”, he thought …’
Using this cautionary tale as an example, always have ample ammo handy if things actually progress to the shooting stage.
Frank….Accuracy, bro, Accuracy..you don’t need dual .45’s….you just need a couple mags. Or a lot of mags….to deal with the raging horde of ninja monkeys. And I am a believer in the old addage “Get a gun that starts with a 4”. Kimber, remember Kimber.
Frank,
here’s how it works:
1 – one state unwisely makes it easier for improperly trained people to own and carry weapons for so-called self-defense. Dire predictions come true as the number of victims of society being Smith & Wessoned while trying to earn a living skyrockets.
2 – another nearby state with common-sense gun control sees its crime and off-the-books employment rates go up as the poor and oppressed think twice about which state offers a better chance to earn a living without being denied their constitutional right to a trial by those unwilling to give up their outdated notions about who the real victims of crime are.
3 – the sensible advocates of common-sense gun control and related moonbattery proclaim that so-called criminals get guns where they’re too easy to get and and are driven to commit crime by a uncaring society where they (the gun (control) nuts) live, so the only solution is a national ban on gun ownership.
See? All perfectly logical, especially to those who think Jimmy Carter should have been reelected. By a landslide, even.
Must run, my head is suddenly spinning…
I have always recommended a shotgun to the women in my life. Doesn’t require a steady hand or much practice to hit what your shooting at.
Allowing an intruder, or worse yet, a ninja-monkey intruder (or is it monkey- ninja intruder?), to invade your home appears to be a serious lack of home defense planning. I mean they are sneaky, but getting through the concertina wire, claymore mine booby traps, punji-stick pit traps, and motion detectors of a PROPER home defense seems a little far fetched. They are a pretty dedicated bunch, though. Better practice up on your king-fu just in case.
So are Ruger pistols any good?
I was looking at one of their .40s, but don’t know who to go with. So many choices…
Frankj: I happen to own many long guns, 30-30, 30-06, 45/70, .22 and AR-15; but my 870 12 ga. pump with 00 buck shot is my favorite home defence weapon. However I do have an unlicenced 1911 fer back up — and remember I do not have an illegal handgun — it is an undocumented handgun. BTW my May copy of Field & Stream has a Glock ad with R Lee Ermy in it. The tag line is, “This is my Glock, there ar many like it, but this one is mine!” Great line.
“Castle Doctrine?” As in, Frank Castle? Although I must say I thoroughly agree with it. Criminals should be shot dead, not hugged until their “reformed.”
And the thought of my 5′-tall 90-pound girlfriend with a shotgun is quite funny.
I don’t think anyone should have a gun. I think we should go back to killing with swords. Much more manly.
Lionstone,
If you are relatively unfamiliar with guns in general, a Ruger revolver (GP100) in 357 might make a good choice.
Jay, I used to have a 357, but I decided that if I were to shoot a bad guy in my house, I might also bag 5 or 6 of my neighbors.. So, a .45 with rapid disintegration bullets is my current choice.
I wouldn’t get all enamored with special fragmentation ammo crap. Go with a good .357, using 125 gr. JHP, and a solid body hit on the crook will generally slow the bullet enough that any neighbors downrange will only be wounded.
No, really, if you have a brick exterior, you should have no real worries toward hitting neighbors. If you live in an apartment, or trailer park, well, any gun with any ammo will present a problem. Even fragmentary ammo will go through sheetrock.
Also, specialty ammo sometimes jams in auto pistols. If you have a real concern, get a 12 ga. and use birdshot instead of buckshot. At 10 foot distance, a round of birdshot is just as deadly.
It’s not excessive force unless you reload.
A 12 Ga. with 00 buck sends a dozen 32 caliber bullets down range with each pull of the trigger. Five shots (no silly waterfowl plug in the house) roughly equals 4 mags from a 9mm. Most effective inside about 40 feet, but how big is your house.
1) There used to be a Jeff Cooper video on handgun handling and safety. I would highly recommend that or something equivalent.
2) PRACTICE. Practice shooting with anything you buy to defend yourself and/or family. If you’re not comfortable with exactly how it works, you’re asking for trouble when you’ll need it least.
3) Don’t go Magnum Force, especially if it’s a gun your wife may have to use. If she (or you) can’t hold it correctly to fire it or hold on to it after it’s been fired the first time, you stand a very good chance of joining the “killed with own gun club”.
Cincinnati_Bob:
“Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father: prepare to die. “
Dave, you had better watch your back. According to the “Castle Doctrine”, this blog is Franks castle, and he can defend it. You are the intruder, posting nasty comments, and possibly attempting to make the comments system crash again from comment grief. In the new system, he wouldnt even need that much, but in the current system, you are providing plenty evidence enough for Franks future court defence, and I would seriously hope he doesnt know where you live.
Too bad that Pantano didn’t read your thing about firing after they’re dead, he wouldn’t be on trial for murder now, stoopid JAGs.
Hey, Frank! Dailykos is “down for maintenance.”
I think they got all those reports about “comments being broken” and are trying to figure out what is wrong. 😉
This article was excellent…as were posts….but can’t they make a safari (tranqulizer) gun small and just as beautiful? Don’t mean to be a spoil sport here (ha)…
Yuppie Redneck suggests that “It’s not excessive force unless you reload”.
My USP .40S&W holds 16+1 rounds … I’m pretty sure that most jurisdictions will feel that I’ve used excessive force if I empty that into a single bad guy 🙂
There’s of course a rule #1: live in a state/nation where you CAN carry, concealed or not! Nice to know there’s a self-defense right in Florida, might consider that state should I want to move out of Italy (though Texas is still pretty high on the short list). Unless Berlusconi reinstates it in the coming years. Go right-wing dictatorships!
I’m still planning to get a 1911, for sportsmanship use of course. I’ll most certainly keep it dismantled when I’m one, occifer, just like I keep the ‘hunting’ shotgun far far away from its ammo. Haw.
Here’s a few comments. First, if you have firearms in your house, DON’T give house keys to anyone who doesn’t live there. If someone’s moving around in your house at night, you want to be sure he’s uninvited. You don’t need to take a shot at your daughter because she decided to surprise you by coming home from college early.
As far a caliber, I wouldn’t recommend a specific caliber for a specific person. A better guideline would be “pick a gun that you’re comfortable with, and will practice with until you are proficient, and will keep with you.” Remember, a .32 in the hand is a LOT more effective than a .45 in your dresser drawer.
And for the person who suggested a tranquilizer gun, it won’t work. The dosage that would kill a 130 lb thief wouldn’t even slow down a 300 lb rapist.
I am so sick of hearing the “wild wild west” argument. First off let’s throw out every piece of fiction that Hollywood has given us.
Now, what was the worst thing that ever happened in the “wild west”?
Ok, it’s the OK Corral. Now what was the OK Corral, it was 4 cops arresting 5 criminals, and the cops won. Well, if that is the worst thing that will happen, I say bring it on. Because that sounds a lot better than what we’re living with today.
BTW, Frank how do you operate the safety on your left hand .45? Or did you get it modified to be ambidextrous? Because I carry a 1911 now, and have thought about going to two.
Shoot to kill. Dead people make really poor witnesses, and they don’t file lawsuits. Also, damages for wrongful death are usually less than damages for disabling somebody.
Might I suggest some reading material for the newly-inundated concealed carriers/home defenders out there? Check out Massad Ayoob’s “In The Gravest Extreme”. It’s very short, and to the point. It’ll get you somewhat mentally prepared for the aftermath of a shooting if you’re ever involved in one.
Secondly, it’s not “shoot to kill” it’s “shoot to stop”. Small, but important difference. You always shoot to STOP the attacker’s aggressive action…if he lives or dies is inconsequential. Kind of like “Guns don’t kill people, large sucking chest wounds kill people.” 🙂
Oh yeah, and memorize the phrase “I was in fear for my life.”
Oh, that last comment reminded me of something.
Three Things Your Attacker Always Does:
1. Announces he’s going to kill you.
2. Announces he has a weapon.
3. Reaches into his clothing.
Remember, when the cops show up, your attacker did these three things before you shot him.
Ok, I’m reading along and everything is funny and all and making sense and then a red flag goes up…Frank has to take a class to get a permit to carry? What’s up with that? Talk about a nanny state or what? The govt. should shut the hell up, and give you the damn permit if you want one…period…no questions asked!
Well…at least as long as you aren’t a felon that is…
I’ve heard Liberal Politicians making statements about how Florida is rapidly and surely going to become a XXI Century version of Tombstone once these new laws kick in. I’ve been researching on the issue, since I’m a firm believer on the notion that you need to know something before talking about it. Here’s the task: What was exactly (or approximately) the number of deaths and injured by gunshot during the infamous days of lawlessness in Tombstone? Let’s change it a little bit. How about the number of gun-related deaths and injuries, ever since Tombstone was founded until, say, yesterday?
So far, seems like one month worth of gunshot dead and wounded in Washington DC, were there are no firearms (/sarcasm) beats Tombstone and the surrounding villages by far since their foundation around 1879.
Someone, please, correct me if I’m wrong. And if I’m right, let’s go and shove this information up the GFW Politician’s a$$.
“The Castle Doctrine” would be a great name for a spy movie.
Someone up there mentioned that 45ACP is better than 40S&W regarding stopping power or arm-breaking performance. I believe that’s not quite accurate. Both have pretty much the same recoil (it depends a lot on the pistol size) but the main difference is the velocity. The .45ACP is a slow round, which creates some issues like bouncing off windshields. .40S&W is as fast as the 9mm, which is a high velocity round. This adds the penetration and increased stopping power, even more than that of the 45ACP. You want arm-breaking (well, wrist busting) performance, get a .357 Magnum revolver and a couple hundred rounds and go to the range. Next time, when shooting your 40S&W it’s gonna feel like a .22LR.
I like to go with a little line from “The Good, the Badd and the Ugly”:
“When it’s time to shoot, shoot. Don’t talk.”
Mile66,
Ah, so.
It’s like in baseball where the batter on deck is swinging two bats (or one with a weight).
Ooo. Quick question for the collective wisdom of the readers of IMAO (and one other blog I regularly read; two points to whoever knows whichone):
Someone in the blog-o-sphere made this great visual presentation of how the two sides of the culture wars see the 1950’s vs the 1960’s, but I can’t remember where it was. It had like this steroetypical white-bread 1950’s family and then said how everything was just dandy and then showing how a bunch of bad stuff happened in the sixties and then to juxtapose it had a series of pictures showing how bad things had been in the 50’s and how the counter-culture revolution made everything better. Each piece written as if it’s proponents were angels and the other side were devils.
Anyone know what I’m talking about? Anyone know where it is?
Cheers,
Mike
357s are for the range, punching thru engine blocks and body armor. My uncle shot a guy in his house with a 357 (the 45 was on the far side of the sofa) it went right thru the guy because 357s are too fast for light targets. the guy was able to make it all the way to his gettway car (my uncle was 80 and bed ridden with cancer) and my uncle also managed to shoot and splatter blood on an expensive painting
so 10mm, .40cal and .45cal are best, they go half way thru the badguy and knock them over so you can either finish them off or move on to their buddies.
also for the dual .40s (or .45s for those of you who are compensating) use diferent colored lasers. seeing as how lasers only come in 4 main colors (red, infra-red, green, blue)and you can only see 3 with the naked eye, you should use green and blue. that way you dont confuse your lasers with the one on your buddy’s M4
870 w/00 buck, my favorite. I like Kimber, too, but sold my pistols and AK47 to start night trading.
But, even with my fading eyesight and wired-back-together trigger finger I figure if I get 3 shots off one of ’em is gonna hit, and .45 hollow points will make it difficult for the bad guy to not bleed to death.
“Don’t you f-ing look at me!” Blue Velvet.
Yep, Frank I’m glad you are from Florida. You guys lead the nation in sane gun control laws.
California just introduced a provision to serial number handgun bullets…
Lemmee see…
Florida = cocked and locked
Calif (SF?) = cocked and frocked.
Frank – go here:
http://haloscan.com/tb/cujoe56/111466312421077216
and enter this in the Carnival of Cordite if you haven’t already.
Crap! Wrong link:
http://www.conservativecat.com/Ferdy/Carnivals.htm
Yeah,
The libs here in Tejas had the same “wild wild west” comments when we won back our 2nd Amendment rights to carry (concealed). And guess what… there wasn’t the street shootouts and people weren’t drawing down on each other because of petty arguments as was predicted by the left. The criminals were already doing that kinda crap before the concealed carry laws, because they are criminals and don’t give a rat’s ass about laws… go figure huh? But atleast now when a crazed lunatic pulls out his gun/rifle to mow down a crowd of people, he doesn’t only have to worry about the police, but he has to worry about the common citizen.
Frank,
Any other state and I agreed with you. But this is Florida we are talking about.
Elian Gonzales.
Election 2000.
Hurricanes and straw houses.
Schiavo.
just to list a few of the top issues.
If there is a way to royally screw up a good thing Florida will find it.
Our conservative paper is planning on raffling off an AK-47 next term. We’re trying to put together a safety package with videos and the book “Guns In America.”
Frank J.,
You offer very sound advice about having the pump shotgun in your home. I have one and I’ve taught my wife how to find it and chamber a round. I told her, “If you hear someone, get the shotgun and chamber a round, if they run, keep the gun safely nearby while you call for help; if they don’t run, pull the trigger and repeat the process until they run or they aren’t a threat anymore, then call police.”
No way in hell that I’d leave my wife and children in our home alone without a means of defense and good pump action 12 guage fits the bill.
PS – the first round chambered is birdshot and the following rounds are 00 buckshot just in case the intruder didn’t get the idea the first and subsequent rounds!
Hey USS Jimmy Carter “Attack” Submarine,
Your comments are why I live in a “shall issue” state (GA). Unless you are unable to possess a CCP by law, you WILL be issued it after applying for it, no questions asked as you stated. They do a simple background check, take your $24 and hand you your new concealed carry permit.
Hey all,
Just FYI, I found this site while doing research for the best handgun for my wife. Take a look at it if you’re thinking of buying a handgun for your significant other.
http://www.womenshooters.com/
As for the leftists “wild wild west” comments, I can’t remember the movie but I remember the line, “Hell, even the wild, wild west wasn’t the wild, wild, west.” Just goes to show how little people know of history. (Thanks government indoctrination centers i.e. public schools.)
As a final note, for the doubters, do your homework. There has never been a documented case of anyone wrongfully committing a murder while in possession of a licensed handgun and/or a concealed weapons permit. Basically, those who follow the rules, follow the rules.
Scipio M., someone could use red and green for Christmas. That would be cool, unless he’s color-blind.
I’m surprised that we folks in KS aren’t allowed to conceal and carry. Oh well, that’s what we get for electing a Demoncrat to be governess. I didn’t vote for her (wasn’t old enough yet).
Having lived in both places, I can honestly say that Kansas is not as conservative as everyone thinks, and Oregon is not as liberal as everyone thinks.
I’m hoping I’ll get an M-1 Garand for a graduation present (I’m a WWII history nut), but I’ve also gotta get me a 1911 .45 ACP just cause they’re so awesome. That was actually the first handgun I ever shot and the recoil was WAY less than I thought it would be. I Guess that’s what happens when I’m used to test-firing customized deer-loads for my grandpa.
Simple rules I live by:
For a carry weapon, the tried and true 1911A1, .45 acp.
For home defense, a two fold strategy: a dog and a 12 gauge pump.
Did you know that alot of “shall issue” states are also Open Carry? I mean, how much more “wild wild west” can you get when it’s perfectly legal to walk down the street with your weapon in plain view, without any sort of permit? Yet it doesn’t actually happen… I wonder why… could it be that responsible citizens don’t necessarily do something just because they can, no matter what liberals think?
The only way I could see a restriction for open-carry, is for anti-depressant users….
(a little low on a dose that day…Bam! Bam!….heh.)
12 gauge pump? Nah. My preferred home defense weapon is a sweet little 20 gauge auto loaded with 6 rounds of #2 buckshot. Don’t have to think to chamber a second or third [or sixth] shot, and it’s plenty light enough for the wife and/or daughter.
Heh, Florida gun laws!
Floridians Against Guns
A little more concerning gun/laws/effects, and tips..ha
Found this from Michelle 4/29/05; at top-greetings.com:
“If you consider that there have been an average of 160,000 troops in the Iraqi theatre during the last 22 months, that gives a firearm death ratio of 60 per 100,000.
The firearm death ratio in DC is 80.6 per 100,000. That means that you are more likely to be shot and killed in our Nation’s Capitol, which has some of the strictest gun control laws in the nation, than you are in Iraq.
Conclusion: We should immediately pull out of WASHINGTON, DC!”