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From: ganns@hound.UUCP (R.GANNS)
Newsgroups: net.flame,net.misc
Subject: re: home defense
Message-ID: <1178@hound.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 24-May-85 09:56:44 EDT
Article-I.D.: hound.1178
Posted: Fri May 24 09:56:44 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 25-May-85 08:49:21 EDT
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Holmdel NJ
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Xref: watmath net.flame:10089 net.misc:8002


At the risk of sounding like I'm taking any of this seriously, I'll
say that the .45 ACP and the .44 Mag were designed for very different
purposes; the ACP was designed for self defense against human assailants
while the .44 Mag was developed for big game hunting (for very experienced
pistoleros only) by a Montana cowboy named Elmer Keith, who actually used
it to bring down an elephant, several bears, and even a pronghorn antelope
on the run at the incredible distance of over 400 yards; Elmer was a good
shot.

The 44 mag is not a good self-defense weapon; the muzzle blast and recoil
make it hard to handle, and the penetration of the bullet makes it too
dangerous for use in urban situations; even Dirty Harry knew that, and
used watered-down handloads in his S&W M29.

The .45 ACP is probably the most reliable man-stopping handgun ever
designed, but it requires much regular practice to maintain proficiency,
and in the dark, a frightened home-owner may not be able to use it
well, even if (s)he is a good shot at the practice range.

The best home defense firearm is the 12 Ga. pump shotgun, with the shortest
barrel you can legally get. The deterrent value of just the sight of this
gun will make any sane assailant think twice before attacking. If you do
have to use it, it will be far easier to hit a moving target with the
shotgun than with the pistol, especially in the dark. The sound that
the pump slide makes is also very distinctive, and will quickly convince
any hiding prowler that his life is in mortal danger.

Finally, if you confront a prowler in your house, and he (how likely is
it to be a "she" ??) has a gun, then you must shoot first, and shoot
to kill. You'll be doing yourself and society a big favor.

                            -- Rich Ganns ihnp4!hou2a!hound!ganns