The Sock, this thread was started by a man asking for advice about the firearm and accesories he plans to use for self-defense. Legalities are always a concern and were not meant to be eliminated or disregarded in my post. I understand England has a different view than America on protection of self and I suppose that's allright. No firearm should ever be used to "wound" (exceptions for snipers in authorative situations). Wounding is not the purpose of a firearm nor is it a sane alternative when your life is in imminent danger (note the use of the word "life"..... not limb, or car, or bicycle). If we can "wound" a person to save our (or loved one's) lives, then we didn;t need a firearm, generally speaking.

Those squeamish with the end result of a firearm's projectile should not purchase one and should leave their self-defense up to the police or other persons not afraid to save a life. I suspect the OP is not of that personality and, if I'm right, should go ahead with the purchase and understand the full, ugly, and sometimes legally liable consequence of its use. Somehow I suspect he does and understands what I'm trying to say.

Also, shooting burglars is merely a perception of yours and possibly others. I hope (and trust) the OP isn't buying a self-defense weapon for shooting burglars (or con-men, or drug dealers, or shoplifters). While some States authorize the use of deadly force in protection of property, it's certainly not what I consider a situation for the use of a firearm (deadly weapon). Each post I've written in this thread is consistent: my opinion is the firearm is to be used for self-defense (not necessarily shootin' up burglars, for example).... self-defense when a person's life is in imminent danger.

There is one more thing, if it's allright:


True, the cops won;t smile and congratulate you, BUT they certainly will when out of your earshot! That is, IF the burglar was armed and, when confronted, threatened your life. Of course, just running around the house in your skivvies shootin' up burglars, as previously stated, is frowned upon by even the most congratulatory policeman.