The Point of the Gun

If you are reading this firearm self defense primer, you have made the decision to arm yourself for personal and home defense and you want practical guidance on just which gun to choose. You are ready to buy a gun for everyday carry (EDC) and you want to learn how to use it correctly, safely, and responsibly. Where do you start? How do you sift through the volumes of information and opinions on guns and calibers to make the right decision for you personally? Guns are not one-size-fit-all and choosing the right one for you is a decision that demands careful consideration. How this book will help you If you want a gun for self defense, or if you simply want a practical, fresh perspective on modern self defense firearms, the information in this book is for you. We intend to simplify the decision-making process without skipping important details specific to your needs. We will break down the key elements of your decision-making to help you arrive at The Point of the Gun. How this book is different than other firearm self defense books The philosophy behind The Point of the Gun (TPOTG) stipulates that the best gun and caliber combo for self defense is the one you shoot accurately, consistently and with confidence- and the one you have with you when you need it. You don’t need a classic 5 or 6 shot .44 Magnum revolver hand cannon to defend yourself against 2-legged threats (no offense, Inspector Callahan). Neither must you have a high capacity semi-auto, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t have either one. Both are excellent options. We don’t believe a self defense firearm should be complicated or unnecessarily accessorized. We view firearms as self defense tools, designed for a specific, crucial task. While we enjoy and promote sport shooting, this book is focused on practical self defense firearms so we provide information and recommendations to help you select the right firearm to protect yourself. We encourage you to always have a gun with you whenever possible-this means concealed or open carry, in a purse or hip pack, or at least with you in your vehicle, even when you are just running errands. In spite of the understandable but often irrational fear of a loaded gun in today’s society, there are very few things more useless than an unloaded gun, the exception being a loaded gun at home when you are a targeted victim elsewhere. If you don’t have your gun with you when you most need it, what is the point of your gun? In the pages that follow, we’ll go through the gun selection process with you, offering tips and suggestions for your consideration. We’ll provide detailed descriptions of the types of handguns from which you will choose-revolvers and semi-autos. We’ll go over the anatomy of each gun, the basic mechanics of how they work, the advantages and perceived disadvantages of both. We will provide a basic overview of ammunition calibers but we won’t engage in a “ best caliber” discussion because caliber selection is dependent upon numerous subjective factors personal to each shooter. We’ll discuss firearms for home defense. Whichever gun you choose for everyday carry (EDC) will also be an excellent choice for home defense but we’ll also explore the advantages of long guns-shotguns and the AR carbine. Since the point of the gun is to have it with you when you need it, we’ll discuss methods of carry-holsters, purses or anything else that will keep your firearm close at hand at all times. A quality holster will be comfortable to wear, distribute the weight and size of your firearm, and thus encourage you to carry your firearm daily until you feel naked without it. We’ll provide tips on shooting stance, grip ergonomics, operation and the ever-important maintenance of your firearm. Whichever gun you choose, it’s important to note that it is a tool-nothing more, nothing less. Yes, guns can be romanticized as easily as vilified, but they are inanimate objects made animate only by the person pulling the trigger. Like all tools, guns require basic maintenance to ensure they are in reliable, working, safe condition. The best firearm for self defense is a.) the one you have with you when you need it b.) the platform (revolver or semi-auto) you carry comfortably and thus consistently and c.) a size, weight, and caliber with which you can quickly, repeatedly and confidently hit your target- both in practice and under duress. We will frequently reiterate one important Point of the Gun truism; simplicity. For self defense purposes, when the use of a firearm could literally mean the difference between your life and death, you cannot have any complications. Ease and proficiency of use will be facilitated by proper training, but also through the use of an unmodified firearm. Jeff Cooper famously said “Owning a handgun doesn't make you armed any more than owning a guitar makes you a musician.” His point is that one must prepare both physically and mentally, learning and shooting at the range as well as preparing your mind for the circumstances that might require you to use your weapon and lethal force in your own defense. The mental preparation is more important than the physical act of shooting, and there are no limitations preventing you from diligent mental preparation and awareness. This book is for you, the law abiding citizen ready to make an informed decision in choosing a gun for self defense. You’ve made the commitment to learn how to use a gun for your protection and that of your loved ones. Or, you may be an experienced shooter and you are ready to reevaluate your current Every Day Carry firearm. You will walk into your local gun shop armed with practical knowledge that will help you make the right choice for you. Thank you for reading and sharing The Point of the Gun!