Yikes, this is a scary post. By that I mean that it is frigtening that we even have contemplate the reality of it. You have to commit to whatever you decide So, as far as guns go I can only say that the police officer that I spoke with advised me a sawed off shot gun would do the trick. Shorter in barrel but with still the wide range. HOWEVER, a friend of mine who is not into guns gave me an idea. WASP spray. Put a can by your bed . You dont have to get close because of the shooting distance it has, it will deter them and buy you some time to either get away .....or shoot 'em . I just pray that none of us have to use either one.

If you are going for a gun, you have to be ready to use it and know what you are doing. The consequences are irreversible. A nervous person with a loaded gun is not good. Someone once told me that most people hesitate and the intruder then can take your gun and use it on you. That being said - a shotgun gives a wider span. You can just aim in the direction and shoot it. It isn't as deadly but will stop any intruder. I also hunted for years but I'm not going to keep a loaded gun in my house.

Me - I got a house dog. I also got an alarm that is battery operated so anyone that passes my porch sets it off. One of the ladies at my support group got 3 of them. A can of wasp spray and a baseball bat works well. Also - if you live near neighbors - take your car keys to bed with you. You can set off the horn with the remote control. There are a lot of other options to protect yourself other than a gun. Good luck.

Honey, get you a can of wasp spray.. Sprayed in the face, it will stop a bear in it's tracks. NO gun is the best type for a nervous, frightened woman. It will get you shot.

Get an alarm, with a panic button, in your bedroom. Stay away from guns, they kill people. Secure your home, and you will feel alot safer.
Paula

I guess I should have mentioned that I took a gun safety course years ago and was certified to carry a concealed weapon. My career was also in law enforcement (but I did not carry a gun, wasn't an officer). My husband had a pistol and several shotguns and rifles which I was with him many times when he shot. I have shot at a range. SO, I am not the nervous, timid, scared of guns type woman. I just wondered whether what I get should be a pistol or a shotgun. I gave my son all the weapons when Joe died. Now I want one for myself. I am very mature, age 65, and feel very capable of handling a gun. Sorry, was my fault I didn't give you guys enough background information. Thanks for the wasp/hornet spray idea. Probably more than one can, in case one malfunctions! Thanks, guys!

I like you have always shot guns and feel very comfortable with them. I have a 9mm glock and love it. I am not one to want to just maim someone in MY home I want them gone..so the wasp spray in my case would not fly. I am def with you on this one and gun will make sure the person doesn't get away or ever come back. Just make sure you are very comfortable with it and practice often. The more practice you get the better you will feel about having one
Hugs

By the way ..guns dont kill people ..people kill people and if they are in your house then ...

Friends tried to convince me to get a gun after Cliff died, but I didn't want anything in the house that might be a temptation to suicide. So when I said no to the gun idea, they got me pepper spray which I kept on my nightstand.

The wasp spray idea is a good one, too.

Even an experienced person with a gun runs the risk of having it taken from them and used against you. What if they get in without you waking up until they are right in your face? If you are half asleep will you be able to fend them off, grab the gun, make the shot, etc.? Plus, in some areas - like my home in Florida - if criminals know you have guns in the house, it is MORE reason to break in - they want to steal the guns to use in other crimes or sell on the street!

I am not anti-gun, I just know it wasn't the right answer for me, for the reasons above.

When Rodger Died my friend bought me a can of pepper spray. I carry it with me and at night I keep it on the night stand next to the bed. I have several guns and a FOID card but keep them locked up as I almost shot my cat once. Diane

RiverBends...thanks, a good point, wasp spray travels a long distance. I just moved mine to a lower shelf for easier access.

I have three guns: a 410 that makes a big bang - scares elk outta horse hay but not so big I can not handle it
A 22 rifle that can hurt easy to handle too- mostly use to shoot gophers in large acreage of land they are overtaking
And a small 38 revolver
I am more comfortable w/the rifles as I have not used the revolver that much
BUT in case of camping I am planning on taking a concealed weapons course to take it w/me as my husband did.
When getting a gun you have to take a gun safety course - I would recommend the longer courses gun shops give women they are great and w/other women fun....You can than go out and shot for fun
REMEMBER guns do not kill people it needs bad people to kill with them...I make sure mine are well hidden so no one can come in and find them. For protection I have the wasp spray near my bed & other room but my gun is near where I can also use if I have time...I want to make sure no one can take it away from me.

Ron always had pistols and rifles and he went shooting fairly frequently and we both belonged to an indoor range where we shot mainly the pistols. I took a very indepth course and passed. After Hurricane Katrina I carried a 38 in my pocket for probably 1-1/2 years and felt secure that I could use it if I needed to. Now that he's gone, it just sits on the shelf in the living room. Our house is completely enclosed in locked iron gates so there's not much chance of anyone breaking in (plus I have a dog who barks if the wind blows). I will carry the gun if I go out at night or work late.

I think it's a very personal choice and there are other safety measures one can take if you are not comfortable with a gun. Don't own one if you are afraid of it.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Deborah

I did take a course in using the gun I purchased.......got it before my husband died..........I like a revolver and I got a lazer on it so that would take care of the aiming thing.................am not in the least an expert but it seems to be easy to use and I do keep it loaded.
L

i have many guns in my house four hands gung different calipers two shot guns and two rifles what ever you get please get some training in guns ,gun safety and how to shot it . just shoting a gun into the ceiling will scare most people off but if that doesnt you may have to shot another human being be careful
scott

I have a 38 hand gun. I shudder at the thought of having to protect my kids with a can of wasp spray. This might be fine if you live in the city. The last time I had to call the police, it took half an hour for someone to show up.

Maggie