I know nothing about guns

[Wisdom3_1-9]

I'm thinking of acquiring one just as backup, in case SN doesn't work. (I've always thought partial hanging would be my backup, but I'm reconsidering.)

I honestly know nothing about guns and have always hated them. Now I find myself in the uncomfortable position of researching them and trying to find one.

Does the choice of gun matter much in a suicide? If I fire into my mouth with the proper technique, does it really matter what kind of firearm I use?

I'm looking at a Ruger EC9s 9mm Luger handgun. It's cheap and relatively accessible to me. Anyone know enough about guns to weigh in on whether it'll be okay for my purposes? I really am blind here, and I trust this community more than online reviews or discussing with people I know. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks SS.

Addendum: I have been looking through the Firearms megathread and most of it is gibberish to me. I might be out of my league here.

 

[FTL.Wanderer]

I'm thinking of acquiring one just as backup, in case SN doesn't work.

Sorry life has brought you here. I'm like you. A (shot)gun is my first choice, but I don't know very much about guns. I've thought of taking a personal gun-licensing course before buying so I can feel more confident about what I'm dealing with. Have you ever thought of taking a course locally?

 

[Wisdom3_1-9]

Have you ever thought of taking a course locally?

The issue is I don't really have much privacy in my life. My husband is nosy. I feel like I could hide a weapon, but I definitely couldn't take a class without him knowing. He knows I hate guns and he knows I've tried to ctb in the past. If he ever found out I had a gun and/or was taking classes, he'd know exactly why I was doing it.

 

[FTL.Wanderer]

The issue is I don't really have much privacy in my life. My husband is nosy. I feel like I could hide a weapon, but I definitely couldn't take a class without him knowing. He knows I hate guns and he knows I've tried to ctb in the past. If he ever found out I had a gun and/or was taking classes, he'd know exactly why I was doing it.

Oh, wow. Well, yes, I understand your concern. Living with others is a definite strike against privacy. :( Have you checked out any online sites for general knowledge--like YouTube? That's actually where I found out about the gun and technique I plan to use. Hope things look up for you in a big way soon.

 

[summers]

The issue is I don't really have much privacy in my life. My husband is nosy. I feel like I could hide a weapon, but I definitely couldn't take a class without him knowing. He knows I hate guns and he knows I've tried to ctb in the past. If he ever found out I had a gun and/or was taking classes, he'd know exactly why I was doing it.

Please PM me if you want specific advice. I know quite a bit about guns, and I own a bunch. Given your situation, I don't think firearms would be the way to go, even as a backup. To even consider using a firearm, you should be completely comfortable around them. This means you don't flinch at the sound of a shot, you are intimately familiar with the trigger on whatever you are considering using. Think being able to hold a conversation standing next to someone who is shooting, and the same while you are using the firearm.

The issue using a firearm when you are uncomfortable around them is you may flinch, or move the barrel and miss the sweet spot. While firearms can be quick and painless, if you mess up, you will be MUCH worse off than you are now.

 

[callme]

Isn't it a little rusty, this WW2 pistol though? Oh wait, Ruger, not a Luger.. I thought you'd go by a 80-year old weapon for a second..

 

[lifeisbutadream]

Please PM me if you want specific advice. I know quite a bit about guns, and I own a bunch. Given your situation, I don't think firearms would be the way to go, even as a backup. To even consider using a firearm, you should be completely comfortable around them. This means you don't flinch at the sound of a shot, you are intimately familiar with the trigger on whatever you are considering using. Think being able to hold a conversation standing next to someone who is shooting, and the same while you are using the firearm.

The issue using a firearm when you are uncomfortable around them is you may flinch, or move the barrel and miss the sweet spot. While firearms can be quick and painless, if you mess up, you wre is a long thread on guns which should be read through by a novice.

There is a long thread on firearms here which a novice interested in the subject should read through from the beginning.

 

[summers]

Does the choice of gun matter much in a suicide? If I fire into my mouth with the proper technique, does it really matter what kind of firearm I use?

I'm looking at a Ruger EC9s 9mm Luger handgun. It's cheap and relatively accessible to me. Anyone know enough about guns to weigh in on whether it'll be okay for my purposes? I really am blind here, and I trust this community more than online reviews or discussing with people I know. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks SS.

Sorry, didn't see this before. Yes, the caliber of the firearm you use makes a HUGE difference on the chance of success. Read the mega thread, but basically the bigger the bullet and the faster it moves, the better.

Rifle rounds can cause an effect called hydrostatic shock. Basically, the bullets move so fast they create a wave in soft tissue that damages surrounding tissue. Not 100% proven, but you can watch some videos on Youtube to see the effect of a rifle round fired into ballistics gel.

While a 9mm can be fatal, it is really the absolute smallest bullet you should even consider. With a 9mm the quality of the bullet will be paramount. You would want a high quality, hot loaded hp, preferably a +p. Especially in a ec9s, having a hot load is even more important, as the barrel is very short (about 3"). The longer the barrel, the faster the bullet would be traveling when it leaves the barrel.

 

[Wisdom3_1-9]

The issue using a firearm when you are uncomfortable around them is you may flinch, or move the barrel and miss the sweet spot. While firearms can be quick and painless, if you mess up, you will be MUCH worse off than you are now.

Hmm, this is very good information to consider. *sigh* The movies make it look so easy.

While a 9mm can be fatal, it is really the absolute smallest bullet you should even consider. With a 9mm the quality of the bullet will be paramount. You would want a high quality, hot loaded hp, preferably a +p. Especially in a ec9s, having a hot load is even more important, as the barrel is very short (about 3"). The longer the barrel, the faster the bullet would be traveling when it leaves the barrel.

I definitely couldn't own a rifle or any long conspicuous gun, so that's out. The info is helpful, though. Helps me with a decision at the very least. Thanks so much.

 

[FTL.Wanderer]

The issue using a firearm when you are uncomfortable around them is you may flinch, or move the barrel and miss the sweet spot. While firearms can be quick and painless, if you mess up, you will be MUCH worse off than you are now.

True. :(

 

[xaea13]

Please PM me if you want specific advice. I know quite a bit about guns, and I own a bunch. Given your situation, I don't think firearms would be the way to go, even as a backup. To even consider using a firearm, you should be completely comfortable around them. This means you don't flinch at the sound of a shot, you are intimately familiar with the trigger on whatever you are considering using. Think being able to hold a conversation standing next to someone who is shooting, and the same while you are using the firearm.

The issue using a firearm when you are uncomfortable around them is you may flinch, or move the barrel and miss the sweet spot. While firearms can be quick and painless, if you mess up, you will be MUCH worse off than you are now.

What about a shotgun w/ buckshot ammo? If I'm aiming into the mouth, would I still be able to sever the brain stem if I miss slightly?