Question on use of handgun (non us citizen)

[Robert&Liliya 31]

Well before I get told that it is not the true meaning of No Bill, it really means that the evidence does not support an indictment by the Grand Jury. The Grand Jury finds that the person acted within his rights to protect his family, property or property in which he feels he was asked to protect.

[stu redman 4]

hi i found this .

US state and federal gun laws for non-citizens

Notes:

The purpose of this page is to inform non-citizens in the United States of the laws which may impact their right to possess firearms.

I am not a lawyer, and this page is not legal advice. I will provide links to actual laws where possible, and I encourage you to verify for yourself the information provided here before you act on it.

I don't have the resources to keep up to date on all the laws across the country. If you know something that I don't have listed here, then please email me at guns@vrolyk.org with your information, and I will add it to this page.

Federal Issues:

In general, non-immigrant aliens are forbidden to possess any firearms or ammunition. But there is a big exception for a legal alien who:

...is in possession of a hunting license or permit lawfully issued in the United States

(See Title 18, USC Chapter 44, Section 922, part (y)(2) for details.)

Green-card holders and immigrant aliens who do not yet have their green card are both okay under federal law, although many people (including gun dealers, law enforcement officers, etc.) are not aware of the distinction or the hunting license exception, and erroneously think that either you have a green card, or you can't have guns.

Also, non-citizen cannot purchase a firearm from a federally licensed firerams dealer unless they have been a resident of their state for 90 days. So, no, tourists on short visits cannot walk into guns stores to get "protection" during their trip. Sorry. (I've been asked that multiple times.)

also south Carolina is a castle doctrine state and a alter ego state never heard of that before now. also its up to the prosecutor if you will be charged so it does matter what the state law says it just makes it more easy for you to get off. That being said i would rather go to jail than take a dirt nap

[justashooter 430]

ignore just bob. he is from a guilt ridden culture of self flagellation and does not understand American law.

this is USA, one of the few countries in the world left in which you can protect your personal safety with use of deadly force. this is not UK.

i would strongly suggest that you and your wife go to the county sherriff's office for the real truth about gun laws in your jurisdiction. local police are often ill informed. if you will PM me i will provide you with links to your state and jurisdictions statutes online with regard to firearms, in general, and use in self defense, in specific. i am a liscensed gun dealer and have this stuff on hand.

in general, in states like georgia and pennsylvania, if you are in your home and shoot someone with your wife's handgun (or a friend's handgun, or your brother's handgun) you will be questioned on the spot and it is highly unlikely that you will be arrested if you can demonstrate a reasonable fear of "heinous crimes against the body" in the moment of shooting. in general, it is good to be able to demonstrate that you tried to retreat (unless that would separate you from other potential victims), and that the perpetrators had either significant weapons or significant differential in numbers, and had voiced or evidenced ill intent (display of a weapon, verbal threat).

you must be able to articulate the threat in your interview, and demonstrate that you fired only to stop the immediate threat, ceasing action when the threat was averted. you should also be aware that you may not be forced to give testimony on the spot, reserving such until after you have sought legal counsel, and that your wife may not be forced to testify, nor may your children, without the parent's consent.

you are within your rights to be in possession of a gun in your home, whether it is in your name, or your wife's, unless someone in the home has a felony or involuntary mental health commitment (court ordered), or is a habitual drunkard or drug user. you may accompany your wife to a gun dealer and assist her in buying a firearm, but she may not say that she is buying it for your use because you are not qualified to by lack of residence. the dealer must see her as the buyer, or you as a couple buying. she may thereafter gift the gun to you, in most states without any record of gift (similar to record of sale).

i would suggest that your wife purchase a good quality 38 special revolver of intermediate weight and with a 4" barrel. smith and wesson, taurus, and colt are all good names for such product. taurus will be cost conscious and is a quality brazilian made direct copy of S&W, but if you run into a decent used S&W such as model 10, 15, 13, 67 for under $250-300, you are doing fine. rubber grips are a bonus and will make the gun more manageable. if you have small children or undisciplined teenagers consider buying a small keypad safe that can be bolted to your bedframe (about 50 bux). avoid autoloaders until you have more experience.

buy some standard velocity 158 grain service ammo, or low velocity 148 grain "wadcutter" target rounds to practice with. try a box of high velocity 125 grain hollow point after you get comfortable. if you have absolutely no experience ask for reference to a supervised indoor range in your area, or for reference to a qualified shooting instructor. if you would like, i can refer you to a reputable shooters internet discussion board with chapter in your area. such groups are full of knowledgeable and friendly people, if you can get past the know-it-alls. gun owners are by definition law abiding, and generally trustworthy (over the age of 30 is better).

practice shooting and then practice handling (without ammo) until you are comfortable and can put the gun into service in the dark of night, then teach your wife. she might grow to love it and declare the gun hers, requiring you to buy another...then you will have to get your concealed carry lisence...then, for about $100 i can show you how to make your own ammo for $4.00 a box, rather than paying $12-15...

anything else i can do for you, don't hesitate to PM me. it's what i do.

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

ignore just bob. he is from a guilt ridden culture of self flagellation and does not understand American law.

this is USA, one of the few countries in the world left in which you can protect your personal safety with use of deadly force. this is not UK.

i would strongly suggest that you and your wife go to the county sherriff's office for the real truth about gun laws in your jurisdiction. local police are often ill informed. if you will PM me i will provide you with links to your state and jurisdictions statutes online with regard to firearms, in general, and use in self defense, in specific. i am a liscensed gun dealer and have this stuff on hand.

in general, in states like georgia and pennsylvania, if you are in your home and shoot someone with your wife's handgun (or a friend's handgun, or your brother's handgun) you will be questioned on the spot and it is highly unlikely that you will be arrested if you can demonstrate a reasonable fear of "heinous crimes against the body" in the moment of shooting. in general, it is good to be able to demonstrate that you tried to retreat (unless that would separate you from other potential victims), and that the perpetrators had either significant weapons or significant differential in numbers, and had voiced or evidenced ill intent (display of a weapon, verbal threat).

you must be able to articulate the threat in your interview, and demonstrate that you fired only to stop the immediate threat, ceasing action when the threat was averted. you should also be aware that you may not be forced to give testimony on the spot, reserving such until after you have sought legal counsel, and that your wife may not be forced to testify, nor may your children, without the parent's consent.

you are within your rights to be in possession of a gun in your home, whether it is in your name, or your wife's, unless someone in the home has a felony or involuntary mental health commitment (court ordered), or is a habitual drunkard or drug user. you may accompany your wife to a gun dealer and assist her in buying a firearm, but she may not say that she is buying it for your use because you are not qualified to by lack of residence. the dealer must see her as the buyer, or you as a couple buying. she may thereafter gift the gun to you, in most states without any record of gift (similar to record of sale).

i would suggest that your wife purchase a good quality 38 special revolver of intermediate weight and with a 4" barrel. smith and wesson, taurus, and colt are all good names for such product. taurus will be cost conscious and is a quality brazilian made direct copy of S&W, but if you run into a decent used S&W such as model 10, 15, 13, 67 for under $250-300, you are doing fine. rubber grips are a bonus and will make the gun more manageable. if you have small children or undisciplined teenagers consider buying a small keypad safe that can be bolted to your bedframe (about 50 bux). avoid autoloaders until you have more experience.

buy some standard velocity 158 grain service ammo, or low velocity 148 grain "wadcutter" target rounds to practice with. try a box of high velocity 125 grain hollow point after you get comfortable. if you have absolutely no experience ask for reference to a supervised indoor range in your area, or for reference to a qualified shooting instructor. if you would like, i can refer you to a reputable shooters internet discussion board with chapter in your area. such groups are full of knowledgeable and friendly people, if you can get past the know-it-alls. gun owners are by definition law abiding, and generally trustworthy (over the age of 30 is better).

practice shooting and then practice handling (without ammo) until you are comfortable and can put the gun into service in the dark of night, then teach your wife. she might grow to love it and declare the gun hers, requiring you to buy another...then you will have to get your concealed carry lisence...then, for about $100 i can show you how to make your own ammo for $4.00 a box, rather than paying $12-15...

anything else i can do for you, don't hesitate to PM me. it's what i do.

I would follow Shooter's advice when it comes to guns. He knows his stuff, he is a licensed gun dealer. Shooter, you didn't mention the Hi-point 9mm, it's cheap, it's made in the USA, it works and women seem to like it. Your recommendations are great, as usual, do you think that one of the "lady" models would be advisable? I like Ruger, I noticed that you didn't mention it, are you not fond of the brand? 99.99% of gun owners are law-abiding citizens, if they weren't then their actions would be so commonplace that it wouldn't be newsworthy. The difference between a tragedy and a heroic act is TRAINING. Practice, practice and practice with that handgun until you know how to use it under all situations. Better to have a gun and never need to use one than the opposite.

Edited May 23, 2011 by IR5FORMUMSIE

[sara..... 371]

I carry a 357 Magnum Revolver my hands are small so it is the best fit i have found so far.... easy to use....easy to conceal

I have tried others on the shooting range but have never been as comfortable as this one.

just my opinion

sara

[Robert&Liliya 31]

Savage makes a NICE 338 Lapua. If you need to get them before they get into your house or your neighborhood. I think the Berrett 50 is just overkill.

Edited May 23, 2011 by Robert&Liliya

[luckytxn 2,264]

If as you say that the wife could never use the handgun to protect her home then it ill advised to purchase one as any intruders will just take it from her and use it against her and any kids in the house. Since there are more than just you then it is now a family decision so both of you must be on the same sheet here.

[justashooter 430]

If as you say that the wife could never use the handgun to protect her home then it ill advised to purchase one as any intruders will just take it from her and use it against her and any kids in the house. Since there are more than just you then it is now a family decision so both of you must be on the same sheet here.

another straw man thrown out by the brady bunch from time to time.

chances are lady of the house will become proficient once she sees her husband develop a comfort level (domino effect). if not, the advice was given to purchase a keypad safe, and to get a concealed carry permit (georgia is a right to carry shall issue state).

as for hi-point, autos are not for new shooters, and while they are cheap and somewhat reliable, i have never owned one and would not advise to do so.

as for ruger, they make wonderful revolvers in the same size class as the S&W K frame guns . the security six is a prime example. the 5 shot speed six is also a great gun. you just don't see rugers on the used gun shelf very often because total number manufactured is so much lower, and they tend to be priced between colt and S&W. the ruger single action cowboy style guns are also great for target shooting and hunting, but i strongly believe that a novice shooter is best served by a mid frame double action 38 special revolver in defensive situations.

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

another straw man thrown out by the brady bunch from time to time.

chances are lady of the house will become proficient once she sees her husband develop a comfort level (domino effect). if not, the advice was given to purchase a keypad safe, and to get a concealed carry permit (georgia is a right to carry shall issue state).

as for hi-point, autos are not for new shooters, and while they are cheap and somewhat reliable, i have never owned one and would not advise to do so.

as for ruger, they make wonderful revolvers in the same size class as the S&W K frame guns . the security six is a prime example. the 5 shot speed six is also a great gun. you just don't see rugers on the used gun shelf very often because total number manufactured is so much lower, and they tend to be priced between colt and S&W. the ruger single action cowboy style guns are also great for target shooting and hunting, but i strongly believe that a novice shooter is best served by a mid frame double action 38 special revolver in defensive situations.

Shooter, I do hear what lucky is saying. There is no need to get upset with his point, training and understanding is the key. Some people will never be comfortable with owning a firearm and that's what it is all about. It takes time to make a decision one way or the other.