You’re absolutely correct. I need to be very careful about this, and I intend to. I don’t plan to buy anything anytime soon. I have a lot to learn. So far my experience consists of gun safety training in the Boy Scouts (20 years ago or so) and a few times out with friends “plinking”. I think it would be a good skill to have in one toolbox, shooting that is. I also think it would be better to learn how to shoot before the “need” arises. The advice I’ve received from gun stores is “Go bigger” always. With the potential for accidents I intend to get only as much fire power as I need. I’m not interested in collecting an arsenal, just having the appropreate tool.
I hope to one day to buy a boat and sail around the world, also, I hope to canoe up through Canada to Hudson Bay. I’ve been told that for both excursions a gun (and the skill to use it is advisable. This is all some time away. What brought my interest to front burner was a recent crime in my neighborhood. A retired widow was home along during the day and a guy broke through her locked screen door, beat her up and robbed her. Now I’m not a 76 year old and I’m usually not home during the day. Also, we keep our doors locked. A few days later another neighbor’s window was broken while she was sleeping, her scream scared away whomever it was. We’ve formed a neighborhood watch but since then several cars and garages have been broken into. I live in Minneapolis Minnesota.
Thanks.