Need to buy my first Pistol

[selectivesloth]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post in this forum. I am based in Bombay and I am interested in purchasing a handgun. My decision is based on the increasing lawlessness around me and is a pre-emptive attempt by me to protect myself from the same. Considering the present situation in India, I can't imagine how it is possible for a person to live without compromising his dignity at least at some point of time if he doesn't have a gun.

I am a total newbie when it comes to knowledge and usage of guns. For my purpose of self-protection, I believe a pistol or a revolver should do just fine. However, I don't even know the difference between the two.

I have a few questions:

1) Which firearm would you suggest that I should buy considering that it will be my first firearm and also the fact that I would like to keep it to protect myself from goons?

2) How much will it cost me and what are the places in Bombay where I could get good deals?

3) What should be my approach to maximize my chances of getting a license?

4) What is the penalty for carrying a firearm without a license?

5) What does the law state if I shoot and injure someone on his extremities in self-defense? What does the law state if I shoot and kill someone to protect myself from being killed by that person?

Thank you.

[full_circle]

Hi SS, welcome to IFG, and do post an introduction in the introduction section.

1) Which firearm would you suggest that I should buy considering that it will be my first firearm and also the fact that I would like to keep it to protect myself from goons?

This may vary by particular requirements, but it is safe to recommend a handgun (revolver or pistol) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handgun) for concealed carry and short distance purposes. A shotgun (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shotgun) is a good option for home defence / short distance purposes without requirement of concealment. A rifle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rifle) is not generally a home defence recommendation. Keep in mind that the projectile shot from any of these has a lot of energy, which may even penetrate walls. I would suggest you take a firearms safety course at the Maharashtra Rifle Association (in Mumbai) to further your understanding.

2) How much will it cost me and what are the places in Bombay where I could get good deals?

Good deals can exist in a free market, no such luxury in the firearms environment in India. It is a seller's market. You can negotiate, but the variance should not be very high. You can buy firearms from dealers, directly from individual owners who want to sell, or for some IOF products, direct from the factory (after a waiting list).

3) What should be my approach to maximize my chances of getting a license?

http://www.indiansforguns.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=504 This will also give you more relevant information.

4) What is the penalty for carrying a firearm without a license?

While the frustration at the legal process may be understandable, you dont want to do this, and our forum will not support this attitude. The punishments can be quiet harsh - and given the security environment, justifiably so. Also, who will protect your family when you are behind bars?

5) What does the law state if I shoot and injure someone on his extremities in self-defense? What does the law state if I shoot and kill someone to protect myself from being killed by that person?

The Supreme Court of India has upheld your right to protect yourself, your near and dear ones, your property etc, including using lethal force to do so. If you can prove your action was in self defence, there shouldnt be a guilty verdict, so no punishment. But I hope you dont find yourself in a situation where you have to use your firearm in self defence. Again, I would suggest you take the MRA course, so you will be technically prepared to defend yourself if such a need may arise. It has been rightly pointed out many a times by very experienced members that if you carry a firearm for self defence, you should be mentally prepared to put it to its most effective use.

[dr.jayakumar]

welcome friend,i assume you have a licence.there has been lot of discussion on this forum about pistol or revolver,kindly go through it.though i own a pistol,revolver seems handy in emergencies.good luck.

[SYED833]

welcome to IFG,
Guns without licence WILL PUT YOU BEHIND BARS..
Right to self defence--check Indian penal code sections 96 to 106..

acquiring a licence--my man..best of luck.. {i am still trying from 1 year}

syed..

[grewal]

What is the penalty for carrying a firearm without a license?

You will be rewarded with a Red Carpet welcome to the nearest Police Station and a prolonged stay at the nearest central jail with complete Hospitality Package and that also at govt expenses . you will even get a three meals a day add-on with complete pack.

[ankur1011111]

Getting a licence is very typical process in india especially,
and even getting out from bars will cost you 200 times than you can bribe a local politician and get a licence.
I you are really worried about your security use your all resources to get a licence.

Arms act is one of the worst act, police declares you as gangster.

[goodboy_mentor]

you can bribe a local politician and get a licence.

I disagree that you bribe or beg your way to get a license. Getting arms license is your legal right, this has been clarified by courts. Right to Keep and Bear Arms is a Fundamental Right of citizens under Articles 19 and 21 of Constitution of India. Very few people know about this fact. I have tried to explain this at http://indiansforguns.com/viewtopic.php ... 15#p129992 I would request you to read it and understand.

Arms act is one of the worst act, police declares you as gangster.

I agree. I find it one of the most insulting and degrading laws. If you really want some change, I would request you to join NAGRI and send the word about NAGRI to maximum people around you so that they may also join. Politicians have to be sent a message that if they want our votes, they have to be sensitive to our problems.

[shooter]

dear selectivesloth,

i recommend you not be selective in sloth when it comes to researching your answers.

Please do take the trouble to read the one million posts answering your questions already present in this forum.

Some members here being gentlemen they are, are quite happy to answer your questions but please remember that they have used their valuable time to answer your queries.

I suggest you do the same and go through the posts. Since this query involves protecting your life and dignity, i am sure you can do that.

These gentlemen deserve at least that much from you.

Reminds me to start a thread to limit the content of first posts and classifieds. Thanks for the reminder.