Whaddy think? gun thoughts

[solo1]

My dad gave me a .22 rifle 80 years ago. I went squirrel hunting solo at 12.  I've taught hunter safety and gun safety for over 55 years.  I'm a Endowment Life member of the NRA.  I shot competitition for quite some years. When I was drafted for Korea, my training in infantry basic (boot camp) was totally inadequate, especially in the M! Garand and the M1 carbine. I discount that because I knew enough to know that it wasn't enough.

Now, at almost 91,  I'm slowed down considerably physically. It is a real pita to go shooting at my club, an outdoor rough range. Walking over rough terrain. shooting outside, etc.

As a result, i'm not practicing near as much as I should with pistol.  I have two guns right now that I've not even shot yet.  In addition, I'm finding it hard to rack the slide on many semiautos.  However, thanks to Uhala (sp) I can still reload mags ok.  My carry weapon is now a Kimber 9mm Micro Raptor, my car gun is an 9mm LCR.  My home defense pistols are a 320 Sig in .40 and a .44 Bulldog.  Those are my choices and they are the right ones for me.  However, I have three things going for me.

One is called "disparity of force"  .  The Law allows, in most cases. to give the benefit of doubt to a senior who obviously cannot defend or run away (me).  

The second is OODA. That is needed to try to keep out of trouble. lots easier to do than using deadly force. Discretion is the better part of valor except when I must act.

The third provides for the last resort.  If involved in a righteous shoot, I belong to the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network.   They will furnish a very large fee to retain a lawyer.  You know we can pontificate all that we want about defending ourselves but, when we do, looklout! Even a righteous shoot will involve much $$$$$$ legal fees, IMO, blame the pols and the lawyers.

There it is. Right now, I do not have enough practice in shooting accurately.  I do not have the proper training in muscle memory. THAT is what will somewhat assure the proper reaction, under stress.

I'm no longer a person who thinks that a big cannon (or even a little one) will be the answer.  There is much more involved.  I'm not looking for answers here, just making comments.  I'm already convinced that my thinking is right on, for me.

[Jess from VA]

I've not been practicing at all either Wayne, because I became unhappy with my one local range because of high cost and gun slobs on the firing line.  Also the indoor range (as opposed to the connected store) is frigid in winter, and a steam bath in the summer.  This is the only place I ever lived where I couldn't easily find some vacant, safe land close-by to do my own shooting.  There is no place legal or safe close by.  And my eyes aren't what they used to be, and trifocals and rear sight-front sight-target focus isn't getting any easier. (thus optics, red dots, laser dots)

I'm certain my ability to shoot tight groups at distance has suffered.  But I am very confidant that my ability to defend myself at self defense ranges remains lethal and effective.  And maybe even more importantly, my judgement about when I can safely, lawfully shoot in self defense, and cannot, is as good and as fast as ever.  

And the TV commercials are providing all the targets of opportunity for at-home dry firing that any man could ever want.  But safety first, check your weapon EVERY TIME.  TVs are expensive.

BTW, speaking of difficulty racking autos (and loading mags), that new Smith and Wesson M & P EZ380 looks like an interesting firearm.  It is pretty full size with good sights, and supposedly can be easily racked by an infant.  380 may be a marginal stopper, but at close defensive ranges I think it can get the job done.  https://www.usacarry.com/smith-wesson-mp-380-shield-ez-review/

Thread drift:  Speaking of TV commercials, has anyone else ever wondered why there are 1000 drug commercials on TV (every hour), when nearly all of them are for prescription drugs that no one can just go down to the pharmacy and buy.  Do they really expect people to go to their doctor and say.... Doc, I've been seeing this TV commercial, and I really want this one drug, will you prescribe it for me?  Are all these commercials aimed at doctors?  Are TV commercials how doctors decide what to prescribe people?  Inquiring minds want to know.  

[..]

Thread drift:  Speaking of TV commercials, has anyone else ever wondered why there are 1000 drug commercials on TV (every hour), when nearly all of them are for prescription drugs that no one can just go down to the pharmacy and buy.  Do they really expect people to go to their doctor and say.... Doc, I've been seeing this TV commercial, and I really want this one drug, will you prescribe it for me?  Are all these commercials aimed at doctors?  Are TV commercials how doctors decide what to prescribe people?  Inquiring minds want to know.   

Place an idea in a willing mind and they will accept it and want to adopt it.

I believe Americans take more drugs than any other country.

The ads must work otherwise .........................

[Jess from VA]

otherwise .........................

Otherwise, I think pharmaceuticals just have so much money their tax lawyers have decided it's better to spend millions on TV commercials as a cost of doing business, simply to reduce taxable income to the G. 

[9Ball]

Maybe a nice SP-101 or Kimber revolver (38 spl defense loads or wadcutters) would serve you well until you get to practice with your semi-autos.

The Taurus Judge could be another option.  Really tight patterns at arms length, but open up a bit at 7 and 15 yards...

I wish I could afford guns, but after the boating accident a few years back they’re all gone now.

Good luck with your dilemma.

[MarkT]

Thanks for this post, Wayne.  I've been meaning for some time to get legal insurance against the cost of defending an armed incident.  Just signed up for ACLDN.  BTW there's a coupon to save $25 on signup - the code is SSGT.

As for arms, most of the time I carry two J-frame Smith .357's both with green Crimson Trace lasers.  They are quite small for discrete carry, lightweight 5-shooters with plenty of accuracy and hitting power.  Carry the Model 60 strong-side IWB and the 649 (shrouded hammer) in a CCW vest in the shoulder-holster position.  Both back up the other and the positions allow for easy draw no matter the situation.  Good triggers on both.  Of course in self-defense, it's best to fire them dbl-action so as to prevent inadvertent fire.

[f6john]

Am I the only guy on this board that doesn’t own a handgun?

[da prez]

 Wayne , I am setting up to do air pistol shooting again. Your garage is big enough to set up a target and retrain the muscle memory. The ammo is cheap and the pistols weigh about the same.
  I have a Crossman that resembles my 9 Smith. It is a lot cheaper and it will keep you in practice. In the pistol magazines or online , you can find the target info. Bounce back is the big concern.

                                            da prez

[Skinhead]

Am I the only guy on this board that doesn’t own a handgun?

I don't think so.  I used to own several but lost them in the infamous VRCC boating accident.

[Sorcerer]

Wayne I’m 28 years behind you. Some days my body tries to tell me I’m much older. I believe Spring Field has come out with XD model that is touted to be easier to rack. I to have an LCR 9. It took some getting used to and a Pakmyer grip to shoot that nast little gun. My go to EDC is a CW9 or K9 khar. I still on occasion have to remind myself to grip the slide with the week hand and push with my strong hand. Keep on keeping.

[John Schmidt]

Am I the only guy on this board that doesn’t own a handgun?

Nope!

[scooperhsd]

Am I the only guy on this board that doesn’t own a handgun?

I don't think so.  I used to own several but lost them in the infamous VRCC boating accident.

Have never owned a gun of any kind.

[Rams]

Am I the only guy on this board that doesn’t own a handgun?

I'm in the same boat with you.   Sold my last 9mm S&W because a gent wanted it way more than I did.
Haven't had a pistol in at least three years.   Spent that money on bling for my (now gone) Valkyrie.

Will there be another in my future?  Depends on what I come across and how much I have in my wallet at the time.  Whatever it is, it will most likely have laser sights.   Don't get to practice much and can't afford expensive ammo.

Rams  

[MarkT]

I used to have a lot more guns but when my brother's boat flipped on Lake Michigan they went to Davy Jones' Locker.  Now I have slow-reloading revolvers - a bad choice for active shooters but pretty good for defense - they almost never jam, dead reliable.  Then there's my slow-cycling Weatherby bolt deer rifle replacing all the fast AR's...

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

Am I the only guy on this board that doesn’t own a handgun?

I don't think so.  I used to own several but lost them in the infamous VRCC boating accident.

Yeah, that was a rough one. Thank God that only all of our firearms were lost, but we survived it. A pity really. I really enjoyed being on a government list of gun owners. 

[TTG53#1717]

umarexusa.com offers a wide selection of CO2 powered air pistols and revolvers. I own three that closely resemble firearms that I like to remain proficient with.
Right now I’m 4 weeks down from a quadruple bypass and still shouldn’t lift more than a gallon of milk. The bones in my chest still crunch when I move a little past my limit switches.
I can watch TV, surf the web, walk around my big back yard and and plink pellets into a little steel trap to keep me entertained and tuned up for when I’m back out on the streets.

Fiber optic sights are what I’ve found help my aging eyes when sighting a handgun these days
Here’s some pics of some machining I did on my Walther P1 to put in fiber optics because nobody makes them for that pistol.

https://postimg.cc/gallery/j0ba1w04/

Solo1, I wish you all the best.

[solo1]

Ross, I have an airsoft, looks and works just like the Glock. Powered by propane. Slide even works. Mag is pressurized storage for propane. Just too lazy to dig it out.  Cardboard box and two towels stop the air soft plastic pellets but it's accurate.  Stinky though when using propane gas grill cylinders to charge.

My Kimber 9mm Raptor has scales on the slide, makes it easier to work and the main spring isn't too bad.  A worthwhile step above the .380, just slightly bigger, AND much cheaper to shoot. My 9mm LCR takes full moon clips, easier to load and eject and the double action is lighter than my Smith 442 was. Also the right choice but damn hard on the trigger finger as it recoils. I'll use some padding next time.

[Pappy!]

My .02 worth here is that the debate about the .380/9mm USED to be a lot more true than it is now.
Advances in self defense ammo has narrowed that gap significantly. If you haven't checked the ballistics and testing on this then you may be pleasantly surprised.
Most of the time I carry a Sig 938 if I am cramped for clothing space, A  CZ 75D Compact if not, but on occasion I am perfectly comfortable carrying a Beretta 84F double stack .380. Less recoil and a very accurate and fun pistol to shoot. Haven't seen anyone willing to stand in front of it yet that will poo poo the .380 round!

[solo1]

Nothing wrong with the .380. I had a Bersa .380 and was well satisfied with it.  Interesting though, right now, the 9mm ammo is cheaper.  In fact 9mm ammo is cheaper than just about any ammo except the .22 LR.

Since I don't reload any more ,that's good.

[..]

Wayne , I am setting up to do air pistol shooting again. Your garage is big enough to set up a target and retrain the muscle memory. The ammo is cheap and the pistols weigh about the same.
  I have a Crossman that resembles my 9 Smith. It is a lot cheaper and it will keep you in practice. In the pistol magazines or online , you can find the target info. Bounce back is the big concern.

                                            da prez

I have a Crosman F4 air rifle. It's both accurate and powerful.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Crosman-Exclusive-F4-Classic-NP-Break-Barrel-Air-Rifle-with-Scope-177-Caliber/53968155

[Black Pearl's Captain]

 I'm not looking for answers here, just making comments.  I'm already convinced that my thinking is right on, for me.

No answers for you just a reply. I like the way you roll! Don't worry about a bunch of practice, I think you can rely on years of experience if you need to send some lead downrange. I also think even small pieces of lead will go a long way at discouraging a wrong doer. My EDC is a Keltec P32 as it fits in pocket nicely and likes to ride with me everywhere I go. multiple 9mm or .38 would flow better, more accurately out of your hand than .44 minicannon I think.

[DirtyDan]

Smith and Wesson.357 (.38+Ps) J frame back pocket concealed ?

Possibly a K frame open carry

Nice shoulder holster on order for the .44 629 classic

The Taurus judge is in the trunk if needed

a couple of speed strips n ear muffs

That’s my rig anyway

Dan

[solo1]

My 'trunk' gun is a .40 Hi Point carbine with red dot scope.  Totally reliable with three mags, one in the grip and two on stock clips. No, I won't get in an argument about Hi Point. Ugly, heavy, hard to clean, much bigger than KelTec 2000 and others, but reliable, and accurate for a pistol carbine. Cheap too.

[Wewaman]

I believe that Glock has an assist ring option to attach to their slides,  imagine a key ring on the back end that you can put your fingers thru to hold the slide while you push the gun forward.

Wewa

[Black Pearl's Captain]

Thread steal, Wewa you live out by Dead Lakes? I like to camp out there, nice area. I rode by a few weeks ago and was glad to see most of Wewahitchka still standing.

From my last visit to the Tiki bar:

[solo1]

I no longer own any Glocks. However, one company is on the right track for weak handed gun owners.  The H&K VP9 has two 'bumps' on the rear of the slide that would go a long way toward making it easier.

No worry about hijacking.  Communication is good.

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

Most of my firearms are stock, except for some polished feed ramps and minor mods. That said, a good gunsmith can help make almost any handgun more user-friendly. Machining deeper grooves in the slide, fitting or polishing trigger components, proper grip fitting, better sights, etc. I know most gun owners know all of this, but many don't think of it when it comes to their own stuff. I often think of a new pistol as the "fix" for something I don't like about one that I have, but I think that's just an excuse to buy more hardware.

I love the term "trunk gun" that many of you have said, and employ. Here in Massachusetts, that's a huge no-no. And they're perfectly happy to prosecute licensed gun owners for violations, while giving career criminals a slap on the wrist for illegal firearms and ammunition, drugs, etc. Again, why do I live here?

[Jess from VA]

To further expand on the trunk gun concept:

First, you must distinguish whether you have a concealed carry permit or not.  And understand these permits vary by state, and the rules and laws are NOT all the same.  

Most of these permits are for handguns, not loaded rifles.  Next, these permits allow concealed carry on the person, but you must be careful of concealed carry in your vehicle, somewhere. I think most CCW state laws allow you to carry loaded handguns within reach in your vehicle, or maybe anywhere in your vehicle, but maybe not.

And a concealed handgun permit is not going to allow you a loaded rifle in your trunk.  With rifles (and without a permit), you are back to regular laws allowing you to lawfully transport firearms (in your trunk, or equivalent) following the two-container rule.  Unloaded firearm in a container, bullets in another container, and both in another (2d) container, like your truck.  And to be accorded Federal protection between states, the firearm must be going from and to legal places to possess that firearm (but stay out of New Jersey and a few other places anyway).

Further complicating this is the current crop of firearms pushing the limits of traditional definitions of handgun vs rifle.  

The new shotguns by Remington and Mossberg, with 14" barrels and long birdshead grips come under ATF rules on "other" firearms, and thus are not short barreled shotguns for ATF tax stamp purposes (like for automatic weapons and short barreled rifles), and they are not handguns either, so they are no good with your handgun permit. (and no good loaded in your front seat or your trunk, unless your state allows loaded firearms in plain view in your car).

On the other hand, no-stock AR15s with shorter barrels (with or without arm braces) are called ATF pistols, so they presumptively should be OK with your pistol permit, but you still better check your state laws (like the states that only give you a permit for specified firearms, up front, and nothing else)

Not only must you know and study your own state laws, but if you will travel with a firearm(s), it is incumbent on you to be sure you will be in compliance with every state you will visit during your travel.

It was just this research, that led me to discover that OH considers loaded (semiauto) magazines, even not in the unloaded firearm, and otherwise following the two container rule (in your truck), to be unlawful carry of a loaded firearm.  While my reciprocal VA permit is recognized in OH, if I had no permit, and used the truck, a loaded (even though separate) magazine would place me in legal jeopardy.  (And I'm not sure if revolver speed loaders are treated the same as loaded semiauto mags in OH).