Do the Poor have a Right to Self-Defense? :: 09/04/2015

Biloxi, Mississippi (Ammoland) It was not long ago that I stood in a gun shop listening to the local “experts” discussing the merits of this handgun versus the other. One of the more boisterous of the crowd pointed to the glass display case and said with disgust, “I’d rather not own a gun than own a Hi-Point.”

The gun culture is much like a religion. People cling to brands and calibers, not based so much from practical experience but due to the emotional attachment they have to the hardware. Hell, this is America and, unless you live in a slave state, you are free to purchase most any tool or toy you desire. Some folks will drop $3000 on a custom Wilson Combat and others are satisfied to spend $500 and the latest Glock model.

But what about the person who has perhaps $200 total to invest in a gun and ammunition? To listen to many gun shop “experts”, rather than spend $200 today, the person in question should save their money up until they can afford a “good” gun. Of course, the term “good gun” is rather subjective. What is a good gun? I suppose a sound definition of a “good gun” is one that chambers a practical/reliable cartridge and will consistently cycle those cartridges one after the other.

In Detroit, Michigan, a mother of three faced a nightmare that is all too real in that city; violent home invasion. Three armed thugs kicked open the door to her house and invaded the threshold. Fortunately, the woman in this case did not take the advice of the gun shop “experts” to wait and save her money for a “good” gun. This mother had a Hi-Point 9mm carbine in her hands and she exchanged rounds with the vermin sending them fleeing for their lives. The Detroit PD was able to apprehend them. However, based upon history, we know that these societal leaches will not stay gone for long.

Police Chief, James Craig, Detroit’s top cop, knows the score. In a public statement, Craig advised the remaining good people of the Motor City to arm themselves. Chief Craig and his officers not only recognize that an armed citizenry is the key to fighting crime, they are openly supporting that idea.

Can every one who truly needs a firearm for self-protection afford a Kimber stuffed full of Hydrshoks? Of course, the answer to that question is “no”. The reality of our world is that many of those most in need for a firearm for personal defense are also those with the lowest level of disposable income. Do the poor of the nation have the right to self-defense? Or, is self-protection with arms a privilege reserved for those who can afford more expensive tools?

Far too often member of the gun culture climb up on their high horse and begin to pontificate about their favorite blaster in their favorite caliber. Any who would dare question their “expert” advice are viewed as unworthy plebs. Sometimes people need an inexpensive gun.

The firearms produced by Hi-Point are not pretty. They do not have hardwood grip panels or polished stainless finishes. They use a lot of polymer and the basic models are black (newer models have camo patterns). The guns use single column magazines and though that reduces the round count it also helps ensure reliability in these low cost guns.

Yes, most of those in this audience likely have a decent amount of disposable income and can therefore afford a more pricey gun. Nonetheless, just because you can shell out the cash for the newest SIG pistol, does not mean everyone else can. Before you join in the chorus of “save your money and buy a good gun” take moment and pause. You might consider that when it comes to genuine self-protection, even the poor should have a right to self-defense and it that right manifests itself in a Hi-Point pistol or carbine, then so be it.

About Paul Markel and Student of the Gun

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