Home Defense

landry_p2000

Originally posted by dkg999
a Ruger Super Redhawk in .454 Casull

Now that's a hand cannon! I would love to shoot that badboy.

What are the gun laws in Iowa? My sister just moved to Des Moines a few months ago, and I want to let her know. Does Des Moines have a high crime rate? (Ex: rape, murder, robbery) She wants a gun, but she is not familiar with the state laws yet. She moved from Chicago, and knows a little about shooting and has no real fear of guns.

dkg999

landry - IA gun laws are pretty "normal"! You have to be a resident to purchase a handgun. You also have to go down to the Sheriff's office in the county you live in and have a background check and usually pay $10 to get a "permit to purchase handguns" which is renewed annually. This is only required to purchase, not to have a handgun in your posession. Concealed carry is issued on a county basis, and if you are friendly with the Sheriff and have a valid reason you can usually get a CCW permit. There is no waiting period for a handgun if you have your permit to purchase.

I would rate Des Moines as pretty safe, unless you live in the Drake University area or some portions of the north and east side. The meth epidemic is really causing havoc with theft and petty crimes on the rise. Gang activity is all over the city, but usually doesn't have the level of violence associated with larger metro areas. In the country, the meth lab operators are becoming very aggressive and hostile. They are usually addicts also and need the fix that they are cooking up. They used to run away when you confronted them, now they tend to fight back because they need the fix and the money. One of their main tactics is to throw anhydrous ammonia that they keep in foam cups at you. The stuff is nasty. I won't work in the fields at night without having a gun in the tractor or combine with me. If you see a campfire back in the woods at night, believe me it ain't the boy scouts!

Polkersince85

Originally posted by read-alot
Sign in Yard

"If found here at night you will be found here in the morning"

No Trespassing. Trespassers will be Shot, Survivors will be Shot Again

landry_p2000

Thanks for the info dkg999. I will let her know about staying out of the Drake University area. She has a clean record and should not have a problem getting a permit to buy at least. I hope that they grant her a CCW permit just in case.

Early B.

Anyone have any experience with the use of an ASP 26" tactical baton?

I bought one a few years ago to accompany my wife on her walks in the neighborhood. Never considered it for home defense, though. Hmmm.

steveinaz

There's a saying that goes "don't show up to a gun fight with a knife." Batons, baseball bats, pepper sprays, knives, mean dogs; only work in Hollywood. Buy the most power you can accurately and effectively employ, and get good formal training. Most people who are shot, don't even know they've been shot---and that's a fact.

Someone here already mentioned shotguns. They are arguably the best home defense gun (12awg pump). Forget intimidation tactics, they don't work with todays goons.

Demiurge

landry_p2000

Who is that dude with all the guns? Must be Demiurge.

jet2001

I would rate Des Moines as pretty safe, unless you live in the Drake University area or some portions of the north and east side.

I graduated from Grand View College back in '99 and am very familiar with the east side of Des Moines. It can get a little scary in some neighborhoods, but all in all I felt safe in Des Moines. Great city and growing fast...I don't miss those Iowa winters though.

Early B.

There's a saying that goes "don't show up to a gun fight with a knife." Batons, baseball bats, pepper sprays, knives, mean dogs; only work in Hollywood. Buy the most power you can accurately and effectively employ, and get good formal training.

The issue here is home defense. I'll bet if we did some research we'd probably find that most intruders were scared away moreso by alarm systems, dogs, bats, etc. than a homeowner pointing a gun at them. In fact, most intruders may not be carrying a gun. I'm not disagreeing with you because I have a .40 locked and loaded near my bedside, but just wondering what the stats say.

ledhed

I don't keep any loaded but, I have a SW .38 snubnose Marlin .22 Savage 20awg/.22 & a pellet gun lol. Then my dad has an Ithaca 20awg a few .22 etc. THe standards for Tennesseeans I guess...

steveinaz

Originally posted by Early B.
I'll bet if we did some research we'd probably find that most intruders were scared away moreso by alarm systems, dogs, bats, etc. than a homeowner pointing a gun at them.

Amen to the ALARM point (and dogs are a type of alarm), that IS your first line of defense. Weapons are used in worst case scenarios. As far as counting on these items to save you---forget it.

Skynut

Originally posted by Early B.
Sig 2340 and a Taurus .357 revolver. Sold the Mossberg a few months ago to buy audio gear.

I also have the Taurus .357 and the Mossberg 12g.
I had to lock them all up in the safe now because of the kids I married into.
I have a 100 lb. Rott that will hopefully hold off an intruder till I can retrieve them.
My family believes you should NEVER sell your guns. (unless you have totally worn them out). Guns are heirlooms meant to be handed down from generation to generation. Plus once handed down they are no longer registered.


Edit: I also have an alarm and the dog lives inside the house with us. I do not have anything in the yard as valuable as my family.

Early B.

I do not have anything in the yard as valuable as my family.

Huh?
You keep your family in the yard????
I suppose that's a good way of having the house all to yourself.

dkg999

demiurge - are you in Marshfield? That looks like the gun counter at Big Boy Toys?

Skynut

Originally posted by Early B.
Huh?
You keep your family in the yard????
I suppose that's a good way of having the house all to yourself.

Myself and the dog:D

Demiurge

That isn't a picture of me. I just found that guys shirt amusing.

landry_p2000

This is my gat.

Demiurge

This is one of my 'gats'. The 'Baby' Desert Eagle 9MM. My cat, Primus, is intruiged.

dkg999

When you care enough to send the very best .............:D

Early B.

Home defense, dk? Gee, I'd hate to see what you use as your carry weapon --

"Sir, is that a cannon in your pocket...?"

SCompRacer

Originally posted by Demiurge

Hi Demiurge,:cool:

Tell me about the Garand and Carbine behind your right arm.

Demiurge

That's not me...or I'd be glad to!

SCompRacer

Originally posted by Demiurge
That's not me...or I'd be glad to!

Can you go there and find out?:D

ct602

Funny, my first post on this forum is firearm related not A/V related.

Primary : Springfield XD Service 45ACP or Glock 20 10mm with surefire 200

1st back up: Winchester 1300 with surefire forend

2nd back up: RRA 9mm AR carbine with surefire m500 with Eotech 551 mounted in a LT mount.



ct602

GaryZ06

Glock,Baretta and Desert Eagle....oh yeah I'm ready.:D

F1nut

Funny, my first post on this forum is firearm related not A/V related.

Imagine that!?!

Bill Ayotte

I use a Glock 21 with a Baby Eagle 9mm back-up.

scottvamp

For me, a WALTHER P99c with lazer and a MOSS 12g Cruiser pistol grip with fold out stock and tac light. :cool:

MSALLA

Sold all of my guns but one when I moved 5 years back. I kept my colt defender and keep it loaded with black talons. My two dogs keep everyone away though.