Beretta BB airgun - opinions?

[caseyc]

<p>My BB gun is at home, along with my real stuff.&nbsp; I would never recommend anyone to carry around&nbsp;loaded arms. As you can tell by my posts, I'm actually a pretty careful guy to the point of being anal careful. Just the other day, I showed my GF my new toy, told her it's not loaded, and for fun she still pointed the thing at me! Seriously! I then grabbed my piece back, told her how STUPID that was to point it at me even if in jest. Because of that asinine thing she did, I no longer want to take her to the gun range for paper target practice with my real stuff,&nbsp;as I don't know if she might do anything else equally stupid.&nbsp; I was really peeved at her about that. Plus she's one of those types that has an attitude that she knows better when I try to teach her things, when in fact she knows jack sh!t!.&nbsp; Sorry, had to vent there about what happened the other day. Feel better now.</p>

 

[Mac J]

I don't like guns and have never fired one. I'm wondering how a BB Gun can be useful as protection for van dwellers if it's not loaded.

 

[Van-Tramp]

As stated in previous posts in this thread; Not only will a BB gun be ineffective in protection (loaded or not) it is likely illegal to use a BB gun in self defense anyway, and almost certainly illegal to carry it either in your vehicle or on your person if the intended use is self-defense.<br><br>It was pretty unanimous that a BB gun for protection is not a smart idea.<br><br>If we are ever nearby in the states, I will take you out shooting Mac J. Decide then if you still don't like guns. They are actually quite fun and very safe when following some basic guidelines.

 

[caseyc]

<p>People who own and/or have fired guns are not afraid of them. Heck, I'm probably more intimidated by someone with a bow and arrow versus a gun! <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/eek.gif"></p>

 

[Mac J]

Thank you for the invite sir.<br><br>Where I got confused in this thread is:&nbsp;&nbsp;Entry 1...&nbsp;casey wondered, to the forum, if this particular BB Gun could be used as a less lethal form of self defence for "van-dwellers"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Entry 38...casey says he hasn't got a permit to travel with a fully loaded gun so he doesn't. <br><br>I do know enough about guns to know that they need to be loaded to operate the way they were intended.<br><br>I'm not sure where his rant about home made bombs etc came from.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 

[caseyc]

forget it <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[twokniveskatie]

Casey- this topic got sidetracked a bit. I am gonna sort it out into the answers to your original question, and a seperate topic for the other stuff. There is a good question here about gun permits that deserves it's own thread. I don't remember it being brought up before...

 

[caseyc]

Hi Katie,<br><br>Thanks. No worries. You can do whatever you want with this thread, as I don't mind at all. You can either alter it in any way, or even remove it entirely. Again, doesn't matter to me.&nbsp; I was just curious, as I've never owned a BB gun before.&nbsp; <br><br>BTW: Keep up the good work <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>Casey

 

[Van-Tramp]

If you wish to separate out the gun-permit and travel-with-guns stuff to it's own topic(s), let me know and I can re-write some of it to make more sense out of the context of this thread.<br><br>BTW - Nice to have a conversation about guns without it turning into a punching match

 

[twokniveskatie]

Caseyc- thanks, will get it moved Fter the sun goes down here.

Van-tramp- thank you, I would appreciate it.

 

[MK7]

The problem with BB guns is that you may get charged the same or close that of having a real gun. I'm not sure. One of my air rifle, a break barrel pellet one, shoots over 1000 fps, which is stronger than a subsonic .22LR so it can certainly kill someone.<br><br>And I don't buy the commonly taught line of "never point a gun at something you're not willing to kill". The truth is, no matter how much training nor experience one have, they really never know as each case is different. This is why cops, even with all of their superior training compared to average citizens, also get shot and killed because they hesitated. <br><br>Sometimes, showing a gun is good enough to end the altercation and sometimes, it's not. I've had guns pointed&nbsp; at me or just brandished (8 times) by cops and citizens (when I was young and doing stupid things) and I didn't have my own gun...and that was all it took for me to either run or give up. Then there are the many times where I just show that I have a gun and the few times that I had to point it and yell and curse at dumb-dumbs messing with my family's convenient store (in a bad neighborhood). Been in only one firefight at that store. It's not even scary and happened so quickly and before I knew it, I emptied the whole mag and it was over.&nbsp; The guy just held his gun up and I&nbsp; just drew mine and started shooting. I had no special training, and at that time, didn't go to the range much. Whether he intended to shoot me in the first place, he just started shooting also when I did.&nbsp; My fighting in the ring and cage with my fists is much more scary.<br><br>So yes, I do believe that brandishing a fake gun will usually stop an attacker in their tracks. You may have to make sure you become very authorative, like a cop and start yelling and cussing a lot. With a real gun, you can just be calm and cool because you know it's real.<br><br>While shooting someone with a BB gun, that's certainly better than NOTHING, but I would definitely have a nice can of Bear Spray also. And you're better off with a PELLET rifle as those will reach the bone with nice pointy pellets. <br><br><br>

 

[Ziggy Moon]

<span id="post_message_1278734265">I do believe that brandishing a fake gun will usually stop an attacker in their tracks. You may have to make sure you become very authorative, like a cop and start yelling and cussing a lot. With a real gun, you can just be calm and cool because you know it's real.</span>

<br><br>@ MK7 - excluding being on your own property (home, commercial property, etc.) and using common sense to do so.... I do believe brandishing of a weapon by an ordinary citizen for the purposes of thwarting, deescalating, threatening, etc., only to control or gain the upper-hand in an already bad situation, is illegal. <br><br>I have my concealed weapons permit, and would never draw it just to gain an upper-hand in a bad situation - I am not an officer of the law, and this is not my job. <br><br>But I am a citizen, and I do have the right to defend myself with deadly force, if and only when necessary. The purpose for me carrying a gun is to defend myself against any illegal act that would more than likely cause death to myself or another. Drawing a gun is, should be ones last resort/option. At least this is my own belief and this is how I understand the law here in Florida at least.<br><br>And, I suppose that this is what is meant by the <span id="post_message_1278734265">commonly taught line you mentioned in your post; "never point a gun at something you're not willing to kill".</span>

 

[Ziggy Moon]

For more information on the subject, Van-Tramp has graciously put together a thread titled "<strong>Traveling with firearms for security</strong>". It has a lot of great info that you may find interesting.<br><br>See the thread here: <a rel="nofollow" href="/post/Traveling-with-firearms-for-security-6420652?trail=50#46" target="_blank">https://vanlivingforum.com/post/Traveling-with-firearms-for-security-6420652?trail=50#46</a><strong><br></strong>

 

[MK7]

<span id="post_message_1278735182">@ MK7 - excluding being on your own property (home, commercial property, etc.) and using common sense to do so.... I do believe brandishing of a weapon by an ordinary citizen for the purposes of thwarting, deescalating, threatening, etc., only to control or gain the upper-hand in an already bad situation, is illegal.

<br><br>Depends on the State and most of the time it's Self Defense if I'm in fear for my life or actually being attacked.<br><br>

I have my concealed weapons permit, and would never draw it just to gain an upper-hand in a bad situation - I am not an officer of the law, and this is not my job.

<br><br>I certainly didn't mean to draw your gun if someone looked at you funny or stole your parking spot, etc. and similar situations.<br><br></span><span id="post_message_1278735182"><span id="post_message_1278735182">

</span>But I am a citizen, and I do have the right to defend myself with deadly force, if and only when necessary. The purpose for me carrying a gun is to defend myself against any illegal act that would more than likely cause death to myself or another. Drawing a gun is, should be ones last resort/option. At least this is my own belief and this is how I understand the law here in Florida at least. </span><br><span id="post_message_1278735182"><span id="post_message_1278735182">

<br><br>Well Florida allows you to Stand Your Ground and not having to retreat. Retreating is an option, and therefore it doesn't have to be a last resort to shoot someone robbing or attacking you in your own home/business. Shooting them is your legal option based on this law. <br><br></span></span><span id="post_message_1278735182"><span id="post_message_1278735182">

</span>And, I suppose that this is what is meant by the <span id="post_message_1278734265">commonly taught line you mentioned in your post; "never point a gun at something you're not willing to kill".</span></span>A <span id="post_message_1278735182">

<br><br>And my point being, this line taught is merely a slogan as there are many variables. A lot of people will point the gun without really wanting to shoot anyone and just hoping that having the upper hand is enough to end the situation. <br></span>

 

[Big]

Shoot me with a BB gun you are going to be in real trouble. Unless you shoot me in the eye. If you are worried you might have to shoot someone then you need to have a real gun, and be real sure you know how and when to use it. They are not made for wounding they are made for one purpose and one purpose only. Don't pull it out to scare someone (brandishing) don't shoot to just wound someone, if you have the time to AIM to WOUND then you have the time to figure out a better way to handle the situation.
Get proper training and lots of training and lots more training. Shooting cans is not training, you need to know how to keep someone from taking your gun from you and you need to know how to take a gun from someone if need be. Oh and get lots of training!!!!!

 

[caseyc]

Thank you for your reply. By the way, I do have *real* guns also. I recently had to buy after market 10 round magazines for my real stuff because the stock mags came as 13 rounds some 25 years ago. Due to some stup!d new laws in my state that I must conform to, I got the 10 round mags just to keep out of any potential trouble. I will only use the BBs for plinking out in the woods.

 

[Unchained]

I recently had to buy after market 10 round magazines for my real stuff because the stock mags came as 13 rounds some 25 years ago. Due to some stup!d new laws in my state that I must conform to, I got the 10 round mags just to keep out of any potential trouble.

Can you give me a link, Casey? I have 15 round mags for my Beretta 9mm, all owned before 2000, and can't find any new law prohibiting them. Googling SB-396, which is the proposed law removing the grandfather clause, just leads to a mess.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

I heard that Calif has a law restricting lead bullets and pellets. Haven't looked it up, just heard.

 

[caseyc]

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/Sear...ts&num=15&q=sig+sauer+10+round+magazine&fgb=t

Hi Unchained,

Yeah, here ya go, see link above for Cheaper Than Dirt's website. That's where I bought a couple 10 round mags for my Sig Sauer. I had done online research and found at least several sites that sell 10 round mags for my Sig. I ended up ordering from the above site because it has the words "Sig Sauer" stamped on the side of the magazine. Does it really mean that Sig Sauer company produced it or another company? I don't know. I do know the mags I receive appear to be high quality and fits my piece perfectly. However, that said, I haven't had a chance to test fire it yet at a range, so I don't know how well it works in practice. For now, I can only say I'm satisfied that it appears to be quality made and fits my Sig very well. I've owned my piece(s) for some 25 years long before the banning of "high capacity" mags. Heck, I even own a couple 20 round mags that stick out a couple inches below the handle, haha! I recently read an update that law enforcement is proposing new law to help enforce the banning of mags greater than 10 rounds. Whether this is true or not, I don't want to take a chance, so I went ahead and got the 10 round mags just in case. Anyway, I'm sure you can find 10 round mags that will be compatible for your particular piece. All the websites I checked out seem to be selling mags for somewhere between $40 to $45 each, which is what I paid for mine. I would make sure though that your particular magazine will have the brand name of your piece stamped on the side, as opposed to having no name whatsoever.

Casey

I recently had to buy after market 10 round magazines for my real stuff because the stock mags came as 13 rounds some 25 years ago. Due to some stup!d new laws in my state that I must conform to, I got the 10 round mags just to keep out of any potential trouble.

Can you give me a link, Casey? I have 15 round mags for my Beretta 9mm, all owned before 2000, and can't find any new law prohibiting them. Googling SB-396, which is the proposed law removing the grandfather clause, just leads to a mess.

---

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/Sear...ucts&num=15&q=beretta+10+round+magazine&fgb=t

EDIT: Here's a link for your particular Beretta brand. All mags listed are 10 rounds.

 

[Unchained]

Yes, it's illegal to buy, trade, give or loan mags over 10 rounds in Cali, but unless SB-396 passes and is signed, you can still have them if you owned them before 2000. I asked at the indoor range I go to, and that was the answer they gave. All of my magazines are 15s, so I was concerned.

I'll probably pick up a couple of 10 round mags at the next gun show just in case. Cheaper than online and I like to see the quality before I buy.