SaSu Firearms Megathread
Firearms are very powerful. Movies sometimes portray headshots, etc, as being one-and-done situations where there is no exit wound, or the bullet just kind of loses all power. The reality is, if a gun is fired point-blank at a skull, the round (bullet) may come out the other end with enough power to still do some damage. Guns shot in a shared building like an apartment or duplex could harm someone else. Any time someone is firing, in
any context, they should be aware of what is past their target and around it, since the round can also change trajectory before it exits a body.
High enough caliber: I personally waffle about my .380 caliber handgun not being powerful enough, even though I know it is. However, if one doesn't have a firearm yet, whether for personal defense or for something else, I will recommend a 9 millimeter any day, especially to a beginner. The ammo is easier to find, so good-quality ammo is also easier to find, and cheaper usually. My .380 also has what is called a grip safety. This makes it difficult to fire on accident, especially by someone that doesn't know what they are doing (like a kid thinking it's a toy). This also makes it difficult to potentially fire on accident if drawing quickly for self defense. It also limits the grip variations available to you. If someone wanted to aim the firearm with one hand in the opposite direction guns are usually pointed, it also makes it kind of difficult to do that. So I wouldn't recommend a grip safety to many people. Larger calibers are even more lethal.
Noise: they are loud as shit. Movies also portray mufflers as being quiet as shit. This is a misrepresentation of what mufflers are capable of. It will still be loud as shit, and indeed, even in places mufflers are legal or able to be acquired, all they do is make the muzzle longer and harder to aim with. I wouldn't bother with a muffler. Don't ever fire a gun near people (other than for self defense or at a firing range where everyone has hearing protection on). Just keep in mind that guns are really really loud, and people will recognize it is a gunshot.
Positioning/aim: This is probably the main thing. see link.
Proximity to head: Look up youtube videos about anatomy of a headshot. Muzzles being against the skin/skull means the hot gasses from the shot enter with the bullet, meaning massive destruction, meaning wayy more lethality.
IF you have never shot a firearm before, do that at a range. Either you make sure that you know what you are doing and don't turn yourself into a vegetable, or you discover it isn't the method for you. It's the right move to get some practice in either way.
For people with a history of being hospitalized, this may prevent them from purchasing a weapon. Same deal with criminal history.
Depending on one's country/state, there may be a waiting period.
People should know how to handle a gun before going in to purchase one. When the sellers hand you a firearm, make sure you do not "flag" (point it at) them or anyone else. Passing a firearm from person to person is similar to passing someone a sharp knife. There's etiquette to it. Very easy to get the run-down on this, just look up how to handle a gun, how to pass someone a firearm, etc. Another rule is to check that it's unloaded any time you pick up or are handed a gun. This also tells the seller that you know what you are doing.
Do not ctb in a range or in the parking lot please.
Consider travel to your chosen location. Many places do not allow firearms inside or near them, including public transport. They may ensure this with metal detectors.
Consider type of ammo. Hollow point is more destructive. It fragments inside the target and does massive damage, as opposed to a straight hole through.
No matter what, it is a very destructive method. It does not leave a pretty scene. This is an issue for some folks, and not a concern for others.
