History

• Firearms have been used as personal safety weapons since they were invented over five hundred years ago. People have carried guns and used them to hunt and as protection from wild animals and other humans for centuries. Humans have a history of taking things they want from others either voluntarily or by force, and the invention of guns made self defense from these type of attacks much more effective. Structured self defense courses have been taught for many years and encourage people to only use guns in defense when their own lives are in danger. Self defense laws have been passed in numerous states, making it legal for legal gun owners to defend themselves and their property without the fear of criminal prosecution.
  
  

Significance

• Self defense with firearms in an extremely important topic. Every day, people in a number of countries will use a gun in self defense because they fear that their life is in danger. Learning what the governing laws are and how to properly use and handle a gun in self defense should be a priority for anyone planning to own a firearm. A gun used in self defense should only be fired if a person's life is in imminent danger. Every other option, such as running, avoiding the situation, and non-lethal combat should be attempted before pulling the trigger. If a gun must be used to defend a life, it should be done in a manner to stop the situation and not necessarily kill the offender. A gun should be fired to stop the situation and prevent it from escalating if at all possible.
  
  

Function

• Gun self defense is used to prevent an attacker from killing the subject. Whether the offender is animal or human, the gun should be as an aid to stop serious bodily injury or death from occurring. Self defense can be used at any time when a person thinks his life is in danger. It should not be used on a whim or without serious forethought, and only when all other options for stopping the situation have been exhausted. A gun can be used anywhere that a person is allowed to take it. Many states restrict the carrying of firearms, so be aware of the laws governing your particular state before carrying your gun. A self defense weapon is used by pointing the muzzle of the gun at the desired target and gently squeezing the trigger. The gun should only be pointed towards whatever it is you intend to shoot, and your finger should never be on the trigger unless you intend to fire the weapon. Guns are used in self defense because they are one of the best deterrents available. Guns are extremely loud, powerful and can cause extensive damage when fired. The mere thought of being shot is often enough to scare off even the most determined attacker, and if the gun does have to be used, will prevent a recurrent attack in most cases.
  
  

Benefits

• Guns as self defense weapons have the distinct advantage of being heard and seen. A gun is frightening to see and causes an extremely loud noise when fired, which is helpful in alerting surrounding people to trouble. A human attacker normally understands that getting shot with a gun is life-threatening and will often decide against a fight. An animal predator may not understand the idea of a gunshot wound but can often be frightened off by the sound of a warning shot.
  
  

Warning

• A gun should never be used as a self defense weapon unless a person fears for her life. All other means of escape should be attempted before pulling the trigger. Guns can quickly end a life, and extreme care must be used in handling and carrying a gun. A firearm should never be transported loaded and should not be pointed towards anything other than the ground unless the handler intends to fire at a specific target. Guns are extremely powerful tools and should never be treated as toys. They have the power to end a life in the blink of an eye and must always be handled with care and respect.