I have no idea where to purchase gold or silver, I know I want it though. Any person you recommend?

 -From Brenda C.

Answer: I definitely recommend investing in gold and silver. My gold and silver person is Forest Hamilton. You can reach him at foresthamilton@universalcoin.com or call 800-822-4653. He’s an honest guy and the only person I deal with when it comes to gold and silver transactions.

 

I’ve read your books and love the information. But, how come you don’t talk about owning revolvers? What if a semi-auto happens to jam right at the moment of defense when needed the most?

-From Tony T.

Answer: I have nothing against revolvers and own several myself. I do think they are a better fit for some folks than semi-autos.

For many people with weak hands or arthritis, using a revolver is a better option since you don’t have to be able to manipulate a slide like you do on a semi-auto.

On the other hand, anyone who carries a semi-auto should regularly train to deal with any malfunctions so they can quickly clear the issue and deal with any threats.

As far as revolvers, the companies I would purchase one from are either Ruger or Smith & Wesson.

 

I noticed on your website that there was a home security section about door locks. I have just purchased a new home and want to replace the door locks. What should I purchase?

-From Mark B.

Answer: One of the first things I would do is install a security system and make sure you have quality door locks. I use either Schlage or Medeco brand locks. The more expensive brands have added security measures to make them more difficult to bypass.

The thing is, new home builders buy their supplies in large numbers. Therefore, they often go with cheap brands that can easily be picked, which is why you want to upgrade your locks in a new house.

 

I’m a new shooter. Which eye do you use as your dominant aiming eye when shooting normally?

-From Ron H.

Answer: About 80 percent of the world’s population is right-handed. However, many people are right-handed but are left-eye dominant.

I shoot right-handed, but I am left-eye dominant. So, I close my right eye when I shoot, whether I am shooting with my strong hand or weak hand. My point is, I would try shooting with both eyes open and then with closing each eye. See what is most comfortable for you and what eye it is most natural for you to remain open.

 

I’m retiring and will be moving closer to the ocean. I know water filters won’t work on salt water. But do you have any other ideas?

-From Tiffany B.

Answer: You are right, the majority of water filters won’t be able to remove salt from water and oftentimes, the salt would end up clogging the filter.

Unfortunately, during a survival situation, one of the only ways to desalinate water would be through distillation. There are survival distillation systems you can buy and they operate using a heat source such as a stove.

The problem with these is that the process is very slow and probably wouldn’t provide enough water for a family. For example, one survival distillation system produces about 1 quart of drinkable water each hour.

So, for a family of 4, you would need to distill water for about 16 hours each day to provide each family member with 1 gallon per a day. In other words, it wouldn’t be an easy process.

My best advice would be to have the 55-gallon barrels and have water stored at home. And then find the closest lake or river and have that be your source of emergency water.

 

Because of an old injury I have very weak hands. I went to a gun range the other day and had difficulty loading and holding the gun. I want to take shooting lessons with my own gun. Can you recommend a specific gun I should buy?

-From Geneva D.

Answer: One of the first things I would do is head back to the shooting range and rent different guns to make sure you find one you can easily manipulate. Now, depending on your hand strength, you may not be able to pull the slide back on a semi-auto, so I recommend renting revolvers as well.

If you do buy a revolver, stick to one made by Smith & Wesson or Ruger (as mentioned earlier in this mailbag). However, if you do want to try a semi-auto, I would start with a Glock 19. This is a medium size, 9mm gun, which is pretty easy to shoot, especially for beginners.