Home Defense

[landry_p2000]

What type of weapon do you guys keep for home/personal defense on a daily basis?

[landry_p2000]

Glock 23 (.40 S&W) for me.:cool:

[dcarlson]

None. Don't need one.

[PolkThug]

Taurus 9mm within reach and a Moss in the closet for backup.

[jdhdiggs]

Don't really need one here but these are hanging out around here (or will be shortly):

Browning 9mm High power (AKA: king of nines)
Winchester 30/30 lever action
12 Ga semi auto (from a former sheriff)
16 Ga of somewhat unknown origins
.357 Magnum Revolver
.22LR rimfire for soda cans
22-250 Varmit rifle

For home defense, king of nines until the .00 buck is loaded into the 12 Ga then it's hole punching time.

[Ron-P]

Beretta 92F (Italian made) loaded with Glazer Safty rounds.

[landry_p2000]

Hey Ron-p. Are those safety slugs pretty good. I heard that they cut down on accidental death because they shatter on impact.

I live in a nice area also, but you never know. Better safe than sorry.

[landry_p2000]

Originally posted by Ron-P
Beretta 92F (Italian made) loaded with Glazer Safty rounds.

Sweeeeet. Looks like the one Mel Gibson carried In the Lethal Weapon series.

[shack]

No guns..... Very loud outdoor dogs.

[landry_p2000]

OOPS! Sorry guys. I spelled Berretta wrong.:rolleyes:

[unc2701]

Sock fulla pennies.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

I bought one of these (http://www.betterhomesecurity.com/_Stun_Master_500,000_Volt_Stun_Baton.php?ref=stglp g) a while back, and have luckily never had to use it. I did have a friend use it on me once so I'd know what I was dealing with. He just barely tapped me for a second and it was hell!!!

I don't really do guns, not on principle or anything, just don't have any...

[Polkersince85]

The best thing to say about defense is nothing.

That said, I rolled a 150 lb buck from standing postion at 90 yards with my Ruger Security Six .357 mag.

[Spawndn72]

Colt 1911 is the only gun I have at the moment. Not really for home protection, but it would ruin someone's day if they got in it's way.

[Willow]

a 15lb miniature american eskimo.

[steveinaz]

I have a Glock 17, but my Steyr M40 40 cal is my primary.

[Ron-P]

Hey Ron-p. Are those safety slugs pretty good. I heard that they cut down on accidental death because they shatter on impact.
Yep, I don't have too worry about killing several neighbors if I shoot someone in my house. I fired off a few in the desert and they pretty much shatter into nothing upon impact.



Sweeeeet. Looks like the one Mel Gibson carried In the Lethal Weapon series.
It is that exact same pistol.

[marker]

SKS assault rifle with two 50 round clips.

[madmax]

Socks on a stick. Shotgun for backup. 12 guage.
madmax

[dragon1952]

I got three words for you......Chi-hua-hua.
Over 8 lbs of sheer terror ;)

[unc2701]

How 'bout one of these? (yes, it's a working bass guitar...)

[marker]

Cool! you can bust a cap in somebody's @$$ while you're also burning down a bass solo at the same time!

[landry_p2000]

Originally posted by marker
SKS assault rifle with two 50 round clips.

Daaaamn!

Note to self: Do not piss off Marker.;)

[Ron-P]

SKS assault rifle with two 50 round clips.
I've got one of those as well. :) Bought it off a friend, brand new, for $75. I have several 30 round mags for it.

[landry_p2000]

Originally posted by steveinaz
I have a Glock 17, but my Steyr M40 40 cal is my primary.

Steve. How do you like the G17? Some feel that a 9mm doesn't have good enough stoppping power. I beg to differ. That may be my next gun. Hell, with 17 rounds that will be plenty of stopping power. I love my G23. It is a very reliable and accurate pistol. I will most likely stick with the Glock family on my next few purchases.( 9mm, .45ACP, and .45GAP)

[Shizelbs]

My fists of fury.

[Early B.]

Sig 2340 and a Taurus .357 revolver. Sold the Mossberg a few months ago to buy audio gear.

[billbillw]

If they aren't scared off by the wailing of my Brinks security system, I've got an Easton 777 softball bat under the bed.

[drakan]

baseball bat,two samurai swords,two glock 17c's,12 ga.shotgun,22 win mag & a piece of shit on a stick,the ultimate deterent:D

[heiney9]

Two fully charged Adcom 565 Mono-blocks; ready to short across anyones genitals that try's to 'eff w/ me or my stuff.

:eek: :p

H9

[landry_p2000]

Originally posted by drakan
baseball bat,two samurai swords,two glock 17c's,12 ga.shotgun,22 win mag & a piece of shit on a stick,the ultimate deterent:D

LOL:D

[MacLeod]

I prefer the low tech approach.

I was a big martail arts junkie when I was a teenager and thru Akido got very interested in swords and have collected a few over the years. No $200,000 katanas thatll slice thru an engine block but good enough to ruin somebody's whole day.

The big MacLeod "Highlander" sword is my favorite. Although its not real and dull as a stone, its a $200 replica of the Highlander family sword from the TV show. The black one to the left is also a replica of a Highlander sword but only ran me $50.

However the black one to the right is a $200 sword that while it wont slice a bullet in half would do some damage.

The red one on the far right is my personal favorite. I got it for $350 in Texas. Again, its not a super sword thatll cut thru steel but is light, well balanced and would likely take off an arm.

But the main one I keep by the bed at night is the survival knife in the middle.

[MacLeod]

Dammit! meant to attatch the picture. :mad:

[ND13]

Guns for show, knives for pros.

[Ron-P]

Sheet, I gots me a sword too...

http://home.earthlink.net/~peregrinefalcon/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/andurilsword.jpg

Watch out, don't make me break out my Aragorn moves all over your ass.

[MacLeod]

Originally posted by ND13
Guns for show, knives for pros.

Dont bring a knife to a gun fight!

:D

[ND13]

Originally posted by MacLeod
Dont bring a knife to a gun fight!

:D

You need not worry about that my friend.

[RobXant]

The AA12 Assault Automatic Shotgun.
360 rnds/minute of 12 gauge.
It's made out of stainless steel.
No recoil.
It makes bad things disappear.

http://www.defensereview.com/1_31_2004/AA12%20Shotgun_1.jpg

[ND13]

Originally posted by RobXant
The AA12 Assault Automatic Shotgun.
360 rnds/minute of 12 gauge.
It's made out of stainless steel.
No recoil.
It makes bad things disappear.

http://www.robcurtis.com/hostimg/aa12.jpg

Damn, and I thought my Benelli Super 90 Defense was badass!!

[marker]

Originally posted by shack
No guns..... Very loud outdoor dogs.

I saw where they went into prison and interviewed cons who were in for B&E what they looked for as far as which homes to target, which to avoid, etc, and percentage wise, far and away the biggest deterrant was a big dog in the yard or house, something like 80-some %.

Makes you want to go out and find a pit-bull with aids!

[marker]

Originally posted by Ron-P
Yep, I don't have too worry about killing several neighbors if I shoot someone in my house. I fired off a few in the desert and they pretty much shatter into nothing upon impact.




It is that exact same pistol.

One of my neighbors has an over/under combination .22 rifle/16 guage shotgun. He said that if someone came in on him in the house, the 16 guage would be a lot less likely go through interior walls to hit someone in his family, and that if they make it out in the yard, then the .22 rifle would be perfect to shot 'em in the @$$!

[marker]

Originally posted by Ron-P
I've got one of those as well. :) Bought it off a friend, brand new, for $75. I have several 30 round mags for it.

Yeah Ron, they are cheap. I think my dual 50 round banana clips cost more than the actual SKS rifle did new. This was back in '94 or '95 at the height of the big Clinton gun legislation going on then.

[George Grand]

A 6 foot long, Panamanian blow gun, and a U.S. made flamethrower.

George Grand (of the Jersey Grands)

[gshisme]

Has worked so far.

[TheReaper]

A vintage 1970 Husky™ ½" breaker bar. It is only 14" long and has just enough heft to break skulls.

[Willow]

Originally posted by ND13
Guns for show, knives for pros.


Great let me get my plastic butter knives out don't even think of messing with me!:D

[Tide]

No gun, but if I saw burglers in the house, I'd just tell the wife "Honey, these men are here to deliver the new speakers."

That would get rid of them real quick.

[landry_p2000]

It is good to know that you can defend your family from intruders. I guess I am a little cautious about this because I have had several associates homes to be invaded. I don't know of anyone that had to face this problem in my new neighborhood. My next door neighbor has lived in the sub since 1994, and has had no problems at all. I have been there for about 9 months now and no problems.
There were home invasions in certain parts of Memphis where the father was gagged and hog tied while 3 or 4 bastards robbed the house and raped the wife and daughters. I don't ever ever want to shoot another human being for any reason whatsoever, but if it comes down to my family, OFF WITH HIS HEAD. No remorse, no guilt, no problem.
I have actually had a Shelby County Sheriff to tell me (QUOTE) " If someone breaks into your house, shoot to kill. Because if you hurt them bad, and don't kill them, according to circumstance, you could be sued." (UNQUOTE) I was like; WTF? Okay that seals it for me. If they enter walking, they will get rolled out with the body bag zipped up, or I will die trying. If that happens to my family I won't know about it because I will be dead.
I thought about a Pit Bull or German Shepard in the yard to ward off would be burglars. Those shepards are real a$$ eaters.

[petrym]

I had a neighbor's house get broken into -- they were out of town -- but they bought a gun after that. The cop said if it ever happened again, shoot them twice in the chest and wait five minutes before you call 911.

I myself have a Walther PPKS in a gun safe so the kids cannot get to it.

[Willow]

Questions why all the guns? why not an alarm?

if Willow doesn't wake us up and deter them they will have to face the alarm blasting and cops showing up.

[wodom1]

I don't have anything yet, but grew up in a house full of guns. I'm hoping to get a pistol within the year, but need to research my local handgun laws regarding ownership/transportation. I've got four pistols that I'm considering right now:

HK .45
Sig .40 or 10mm
Glock .40

Anyone have any advice on the above choices?

[ND13]

Originally posted by wodom1
I don't have anything yet, but grew up in a house full of guns. I'm hoping to get a pistol within the year, but need to research my local handgun laws regarding ownership/transportation. I've got four pistols that I'm considering right now:

HK .45
Sig .40 or 10mm
Glock .40

Anyone have any advice on the above choices?

Get the Sig 40. Every cop, trooper, and deputy I know carries a 40 now. They have the knock down power of a 45 and the speed and round capacity of the 9s. Best of both worlds. Also you might want to consider a Ruger 40.

[marker]

Originally posted by landry_p2000
Those shepards are real a$$ eaters.

Yes they are! I have one who is VERY protective, especially towards my signifigant other.

[landry_p2000]

Originally posted by Willow
Questions why all the guns? why not an alarm?

if Willow doesn't wake us up and deter them they will have to face the alarm blasting and cops showing up.

Okay. The reason I don't rely only on my brinks system is from a personal encounter. I lived in an apartment across town from my mom. She worked a weekend shift every other Sunday. (She is a nurse) While she was at work, burglars cut her phone line, removed the power meter globe from the side of the house, and it was 5 a.m. The alarm system had a back up battery, which once inside the house the burglars snatched the siren and keypad off the wall.

Problem: No phone connection to the police dept., no power for the alarm to sound off, no siren for noise, and no one at home.

They cleaned her out. So having a gun or alarm system is no good if you are not there anyway. If she were at home, she still had a better chance of putting a cap in the a$$es of the bad guys.
Me personally, I am glad she was not home. I would rather them take all 4 TVs, a dvd player, jewelry she had since I was little, and $500 in cash rather than hurt my mom.
My dad retired from American Airlines (Chicago) and moved here over the 4th of July weekend to stay for good. He has about 4 pistols and a shotgun, so she should be pretty safe now. The house still has the same crappy ADT alarm system though.

[landry_p2000]

Originally posted by ND13
Get the Sig 40. Every cop, trooper, and deputy I know carries a 40 now. They have the knock down power of a 45 and the speed and round capacity of the 9s. Best of both worlds. Also you might want to consider a Ruger 40.

I own the Glock .40 (Model 23) and you can't beat it for reliability. Mine has never jammed up, even after being dirty for months at a time. I have ran about 1,200 rounds of ammo through it so far; hollow points and slugs both with flawless function. I owned a Ruger P-944 .40 cal and I encountered a feed problem with hollow point bullets, which caused stove pipe jams. Slugs fed flawlessly through Ruger though. I don't know much about a Sig .40, but I heard that it is just as good as a Glock .40.

The Glock .40 is the sidearm of the FBI, the NYPD carries the Glock 19 9mm, Nato officers carry the Glock 17 9mm, and the Mississippi state troopers have went to the Glock .40s as well.
Just my 2 cents on the matter, hope it helped you ND13.

Landry

[Zero]

Break into my house, and watch what corners you take..I'll smack ya with mah' T()T3M.. bizotch..

[steveinaz]

Originally posted by landry_p2000
Steve. How do you like the G17? Some feel that a 9mm doesn't have good enough stoppping power. I beg to differ. That may be my next gun. Hell, with 17 rounds that will be plenty of stopping power. I love my G23. It is a very reliable and accurate pistol. I will most likely stick with the Glock family on my next few purchases.( 9mm, .45ACP, and .45GAP)

9mm is good, I just prefer 40 cal ballastics. In 9mm stick with 115gr jhp at as high a velocity as possible---I use Corbon myself in the Glock, which is now 13yrs old.

[Mjr7531]

I figure if you have a gun in the house, it could be used against you.

My godfather lives in the West side of Cleveland, which can get somewhat dangerous. And yes he house was broken and entered, but they slept through it, the guy stole some loot, made a sandwich, and left. Nobody got hurt, and while they lost some stuff, they kept what really matters.

I think most house burgulars are cowards and if you can avoid a confrontation, they'll avoid you, and you can spare your life which is far more important in the long run which could be risked in a confrontation.

I figure if somebody wants to break in your house, they'll do it, and sometimes it just can't be helped

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
-Benjamin Franklin

Not trying to start a pissing contest, just providing another point of view.

[landry_p2000]

It is good that they left without hurting anyone. He must not have a security alarm on the house? I don't know of anyone that could sleep through a loud siren going off.
A gun can be used against you true enough, but if the bad guy has one and you don't....oh boy, that could turn out ugly. I had a friend in Memphis who's home was invaded while they were sleeping. The folks cooperated fully with these turds and they still raped this guys wife and daughter while he watched with a pair of plastic strips cuffs on his wrists and ankles. If he had a gun this could have been avoided possibly. Without one, he was helpless. If you are not strong or smart enough to get to a gun in your house, then you are right, you don't need one. Not pissing either just stating my opinion.

[marker]

^What he said. Laws obviously are not going to keep them from getting and having guns.

[markmarc]

Maxfli 60 degree sandwedge, far more accurate than any bullet for me, and a shepard mix.

[ND13]

Originally posted by markmarc
Maxfli 60 degree sandwedge, far more accurate than any bullet for me, and a shepard mix.

Ouch, that'll leave a mark.

[exalted512]

a tippmann A5 and a deadly assassin monkey hiding in the closet...
-Cody

[munk]

We're talking home defense from an intruder, right? Not a fanatic line of Terrorists showing up on the limestone cliffs above my house shouting, "death to the running dogs."

I have small children so I keep my beloved revolvers locked up. The little guys can't rack the slide on either the Colt Delta Elite 10 mm or the Springfield 1911, and I normally have the Colt at bedside.

Also by the bed is a Cherokee Rose by Himalayan Imports. This 25 oz and 19.5" Bowie of differentially hardened steel will take care of most bumps in the night. It alternates in the spot with a Himalayan Imports 18" Villager Khukuri, 28 oz and 18" long. What I like about a khukuri is I don't have to be an Expert Anything: a single strike anywhere on an opponents body will end most engagments, as easily as it ends ownership of a limb.

There is also a khukuri by the computer desk at all times.

I actually don't think about these things. I use the khuks for chopping wood with my sons. They run around in the woods and I get some exercise.


munk

[Demiurge]

Shotgun is the best home defense bar none. Also protects you from potential lawsuits if you're in a densely populated area.

If you own a handgun and that's all you have...you best be training with is bi-monthly or you might as well not have it in your house.

You won't rise to the occasion, you'll default to your level of training.

[munk]

The shotgun is a wonderful self defense tool, and for that matter, sporting arm, meat getter, and all around companion.

One of the most common myths about the handgun says it is an involved tool that requires either an expert's hand or constant diligence. This is not precisely correct. The reality is the handgun, like any tool, is best when you are knowledgeable and experienced, but after basic safety and handling education it is a competant choice for many people.
Come to think of it though, if it was one of the modern, 'decock', lock, safe, double action/ single action machines I'd reccomend something simpler like a revolver.


munk

[phuz]

SIG P229R in the home, P239 for normal carry. Both .40

[BobMcG]

Everyday carry: Firestorm Mini-Firestorm 40S&W w/Fed 155gr HYDRA-SHOKs

Just for home defense: 12ga w/00 buck and 9mm carbine with flashhider/muzzle brake, LED flashlight, laser sight, Rem 124gr GS+P ammo and spare mag holder.

For a defense of more than just home? I've got it covered too.

[Demiurge]

Originally posted by munk
The shotgun is a wonderful self defense tool, and for that matter, sporting arm, meat getter, and all around companion.

One of the most common myths about the handgun says it is an involved tool that requires either an expert's hand or constant diligence. This is not precisely correct. The reality is the handgun, like any tool, is best when you are knowledgeable and experienced, but after basic safety and handling education it is a competant choice for many people.
Come to think of it though, if it was one of the modern, 'decock', lock, safe, double action/ single action machines I'd reccomend something simpler like a revolver.


munk

Fumbling around in the dark for a hand-gun with adrenaline racing in the middle of the night can cause humungous problems for someone who isn't adequately trained. Training is constant and just going through the motions of learning how to use it and being 'safe' with it isn't enough. You have to practice, practice, practice so that you won't ever have to really use it and so that if you do need to you will no how. Bullets from a 9mm, .40, .45, etc...will travel through walls. Thus potentially causing you a lot more problems than being robbed ever would. Not just the fact you could have children and other family members in adjacent rooms, but neighbors, etc. that can become innocent victims of wild gunfire.

Not to mention taking down a man hopped up on meth with a handgun can always be a real treat.

Using a shotgun with buck or bird shot is the best route. I've got an FN police Tac shotgun with the flashlight, etc. Fortunately I've never needed it, but I'm not in the best neighboorhood. I'm an avid hunter and I just like shooting at the range for sport as it is.

I'm not against handguns for home defense, but I've heard a lot of stories of people with handguns who fell back on their level of training and ended up having the weapon used on them and have had collateral damage done to others around them.

[munk]

One year a bogus study determined a handgun in the home was 43 times more likely to be used against the home's occupants than bad guys. The New England Journel of Medicine printed this material without peer review. Needless to say, it was wrong.

In my experience the 'handgun left for experts or constant trainings' is a chestnut promoted by various anti gun groups.

Over penetration with any cartridge is solved by selecting the appropriate round and load for your environment. There are highly expanding self defense loads for handgun or rifle, and shotgun for that matter.

familiarity with any weapon is highly desirable. A firearm is not, as hollywood movies promote, something to pick up and point at people. There is no logical reason a handgun is harder to master than a long gun, for self defense, at typical self defense ranges in home. In fact, for many short statured people, a handgun may be the better choice. Remember, we are not discussing Olympic Bullseye shooting, but hitting a large target at close quarters.

In many cases, women are actually better handgun shots than men from the get go.

munk

[Early B.]

I used to have a shotgun for home defense, but switched to a handgun because I wanted to have one hand free to open doors, dial a phone, etc. Plus, I wanted something smaller when going around tight corners in my home. Seems to me that it would be easier for an intruder to catch you by surprise and wrestle a shotgun away from you than a handgun. Just my opinion, though, but any comments are appreciated.

[shack]

Originally posted by munk
One year a bogus study determined a handgun in the home was 43 times more likely to be used against the home's occupants than bad guys. The New England Journel of Medicine printed this material without peer review. Needless to say, it was wrong.

In my experience the 'handgun left for experts or constant trainings' is a chestnut promoted by various anti gun groups.
My experience is more "1st person" than anyone on this forum (I guarantee it!) and I would concur with that study.

[dylan]

1) Mossberg short barrel (ex-Marshall's gun)
2) 125 lb great dane + lab
3) Ask questions later

The Groene family murders/ kidnapping were about 8 miles from my house. Makes you think pretty hard about protecting your family that close to your back yard. Looks like it may be a random pick by the killer, but no one really knows right now.

Another sick item: my wife's friend has a husband in Iraq, with signs about supporting the troops in her front yard. Some loser broke in to her house in the middle of the night, only to find her awake. She locked her daughter in her room, and was chased down the hallway to her own room, where she was also able to lock the door. Only something different happened: she used to be in the Army and came barging back out of her room locked and loaded. Was able to clip the burglar before he ran out of the house, leaving a large blood trail.

The police told her to take down her flags and support the troops signs, as they have had a rash of burglaries aimed at houses where they thought the husband would be gone.

Every time you think people can't get more sick...

[steveinaz]

As a handgun marksmanship trainer for 12 years in the US Army with the M1911A1 and M9, and an avid competition handgun shooter myself for over 25 years, anyone who gets "disarmed" by an intruder lacked the proper training and practice. You've got to have a plan, and practice it regularly. I constantly drill my wife on what to do, how to react and where to seek cover and defend herself if necessary. I will never leave my wife unarmed and unable to defend herself, period. The problem is, probably 70% of gun owners have no formal training.

Times have changed, gouls are no longer satisfied with stealing your stuff, now thay want to get their gun off too.

Better to judged by 12 than carried by 6.

[landry_p2000]

Originally posted by phuz
SIG P229R in the home, P239 for normal carry. Both .40

I see that the .40S&W is a very popular cartridge around the country. I like it for the size and velocity. It is quick as a 9mm, and almost expands like .45ACP. The best of both worlds.

As far as a shotgun for home defense, it could work out fine, and I don't have any personal experience with home invasion but, a long gun would SEEM to be easier for the bad guy to get up on you and wrestle with you to take it. A pistol seems to be easier to hold onto and plus leaves a free hand to help fight them off. The thing about the bullet hitting other people through walls; there are bullets that fragment on impact with a hard object which will minimize the possibility of a hitting a family member or neighbor. Glaser, Bee-Safe, and several other are on the market today. The Shelby County Deputy I talked to also suggest that I used hollow point ammo over slugs. Slugs will go through walls much easier than JHP ammo. JHP ammo will also, but the chances of that happening are a lot less than a slug will give you.

Landry

[landry_p2000]

Originally posted by steveinaz
As a handgun marksmanship trainer for 12 years in the US Army with the M1911A1 and M9, and an avid competition handgun shooter myself for over 25 years, anyone who gets "disarmed" by an intruder lacked the proper training and practice. You've got to have a plan, and practice it regularly. I constantly drill my wife on what to do, how to react and where to seek cover and defend herself if necessary. I will never leave my wife unarmed and unable to defend herself, period. The problem is, probably 70% of gun owners have no formal training.

Times have changed, gouls are no longer satisfied with stealing your stuff, now thay want to get their gun off too.

Better to judged by 12 than carried by 6.

That is good that your wife will cooperate like that. My fiance is afraid of guns. I am only gone from home during the day, and so is she which is not a problem so far but, It would be nice to know that if I am not there she would shoot if she had to.
I had a .38 snub nose revolver which she fired a few times, and would probably be her best bet. I plan on getting her one soon, and sending her through the gun permit training class as well. She is afraid now, but if I keep working with her, she will get over her fear hopefully. Atleast she will try now.:rolleyes:

Landry

[steveinaz]

Don't buy her a snub-nosed revolver. These are one of the most difficult guns to shoot well. Get at least a 3 inch barreled revolver or automatic; minimum .38 special revolver; 9mm in auto pistol. 4 inch is better still---less muzzle flip and more sight radius (which equals accuracy).

[landry_p2000]

Originally posted by steveinaz
Don't buy her a snub-nosed revolver. These are one of the most difficult guns to shoot well. Get at least a 3 inch barreled revolver or automatic; minimum .38 special revolver; 9mm in auto pistol. 4 inch is better still---less muzzle flip and more sight radius (which equals accuracy).

Thanks Steve. I have been looking at the Ruger SP101. It comes in a longer barrel as well. Will a .357 magnum with a 4 inch barrel be too much for her? The automatic is more complicated for some women. She did not grow up around guns, so simplicity is the key for her I guess. Just point and shoot. :) No action to pinch a hand.

[steveinaz]

Ruger's are great, I would NOT get her a .357 magnum until she is a seasoned shooter---they are very potent in a smaller revolver. One of the biggest mistakes us guys make is buying too much gun for our girls. Shooting is not enjoyable if your hand hurts, and turns most women off quickly to the sport. Start her off with a .22 auto pistol or revolver, get her interested and learning the basics, then upgrade. Shooting handguns well is NOT an easy task. It requires way more concentration than long guns.

Do they still make the SP101 in 9mm? That would be a good choice in the 3" or longer length. 9mm falls ballistically somewhere in between .38 special and .357 magnum...

[ND13]

Originally posted by steveinaz
Ruger's are great, I would NOT get her a .357 magnum until she is a seasoned shooter---they are very potent in a smaller revolver. One of the biggets mistakes us guys make, is buying too much gun for our girls. Shooting is not enjoyable if your hand hurts, and turns most women off quickly to the sport. Start her off with a .22 auto pistol or revolver, get her interested, then upgrade.

Do they still make the SP101 in 9mm? That would be a good choice in the 3" or longer length. 9mm falls ballistically somewhere in between .38 special and .357 magnum...

Steve,

I've always been under the impression that a 380 is a great handgun for women. Is that, for the most part, correct?

[steveinaz]

No. .380's are just not powerful enough to get the job done. .38 special is the BARE minimum, and I personally don't recommend .38's. You get much more performance out of 9mm, with a very minimal increase in recoil; in other words, more bang for the buck. In fact 9mm automatics usually recoil less than a .38 special in a revolver because the action of an auto pistol absorbs alot of the recoil.

[steveinaz]

My wife never had a problem with my love for guns, but didn't care for them herself. I finally talked her into shooting with me one day, and she had a ball.

The secret? Start your girl out small. A .22 and a brown paper grocery bag at 7 yards. It's no fun if you miss, right? Explain to her and demonstrate with a "cleared" pistol how the gun works. Show her all the steps; loading, chambering, locking, firing, extracting, ejecting, locking, etc. And of course all of the safety features on the weapon and the BIG 3 safety rules. (hearing protection is a must).

Must of all.....BE PATIENT. I can't believe how many pissed off husbands I see at the range because their wife can't hit the target within the first 5 minutes of ever shooting a handgun---IGNORANT. Take your time, and let her know to take her time. It's not a contest.

If she gains an interest, get her a gun of her own. Before you know it, she'll be bugging you to take her to the range...

If YOU want to learn, put your ego on hold and hit the range. Most "gun people" love new comers to the hobby, and will almost always offer help and tips---and usually insist you shoot their guns, They are by and large great people that love to shoot. Also, nothing beats formal training---but like evrything, everyone has their own ideas about how to shoot well, so do your research.

[Polkersince85]

Don't underestimate what a cheap disposable camera with a flash can do at night, in a dark house or car door. Then dude is "blind" for 2-3 mins. You get his picture. too.

[ND13]

Originally posted by steveinaz
My wife never had a problem with my love for guns, but didn't care for them herself. I finally talked her into shooting with me one day, and she had a ball.

The secret? Start your girl out small. A .22 and a brown paper grocery bag at 7 yards. It's no fun if you miss, right? Explain to her and demonstrate with a "cleared" pistol how the gun works. Show her all the steps; loading, chambering, locking, firing, extracting, ejecting, locking, etc. And of course all of the safety features on the weapon and the BIG 3 safety rules. (hearing protection is a must).

Must of all.....BE PATIENT. I can't believe how many pissed off husbands I see at the range because their wife can't hit the target within the first 5 minutes of ever shooting a handgun---IGNORANT. Take your time, and let her know to take her time. It's not a contest.

If she gains an interest, get her a gun of her own. Before you know it, she'll be bugging you to take her to the range...

If YOU want to learn, put your ego on hold and hit the range. Most "gun people" love new comers to the hobby, and will almost always offer help and tips---and usually insist you shoot their guns, They are by and large great people that love to shoot. Also, nothing beats formal training---but like evrything, everyone has their own ideas about how to shoot well, so do your research.

It's like teaching you wife how to drive a manual tranny.

[Demiurge]

Originally posted by Polkersince85
Don't underestimate what a cheap disposable camera with a flash can do at night, in a dark house or car door. Then dude is "blind" for 2-3 mins. You get his picture. too.

And he's still alive to know where to come back to after his slap on the wrist. :rolleyes:

[marker]

Take 'em out to the pen at gunpoint and sic the dogs on their ass!

[gshisme]

Originally posted by munk
The shotgun is a wonderful self defense tool
munk

That ominous sound of a cartridge being pumped into the chamber is enough to scare the living shite out of an intruder. Remington 870 with eight shot mag....

[marker]

The sound of a big revolver like a 45, 44 or 357 being cocked will also do this!

[LiquidSound]

First off, a rechargeable flashlight so strong you can literally touch the bottom of low flying aircraft. After their sight is gone, there are several hand held weapons I have to choose from. From a few, very vicious self made weapons, to different blades, to a golf club. Not to mention the 11 pound, solid steel prototype nunchaku I designed. They're slow, yes..but whatever they connect with is crushed. I plan on marketing the design once I can get the 6 to 12 grand it takes to patent the moving part. Yes I'll make lighter, more functional pairs.
A handgun is on the shopping list for sure. Sure they can run, but I'll have lots of little friends that can run faster than they can.:D

[landry_p2000]

Originally posted by steveinaz
My wife never had a problem with my love for guns, but didn't care for them herself. I finally talked her into shooting with me one day, and she had a ball.

The secret? Start your girl out small. A .22 and a brown paper grocery bag at 7 yards. It's no fun if you miss, right? Explain to her and demonstrate with a "cleared" pistol how the gun works. Show her all the steps; loading, chambering, locking, firing, extracting, ejecting, locking, etc. And of course all of the safety features on the weapon and the BIG 3 safety rules. (hearing protection is a must).

Must of all.....BE PATIENT. I can't believe how many pissed off husbands I see at the range because their wife can't hit the target within the first 5 minutes of ever shooting a handgun---IGNORANT. Take your time, and let her know to take her time. It's not a contest.

If she gains an interest, get her a gun of her own. Before you know it, she'll be bugging you to take her to the range...

If YOU want to learn, put your ego on hold and hit the range. Most "gun people" love new comers to the hobby, and will almost always offer help and tips---and usually insist you shoot their guns, They are by and large great people that love to shoot. Also, nothing beats formal training---but like evrything, everyone has their own ideas about how to shoot well, so do your research.

Thanks Steve. That is a great plan if I ever heard one. I talked to her about it last night and she agreed to go to the range with me. I think I will stick with a revolver for her because of the simplicity of operation. I am going to look up a good 22LR revolver to start her out with.

[read-alot]

"32 gun in my pocket for fun got a razor in my shoe"

She keeps a P228 20 rd clip on her nightstand.
I keep a Smith 357 wheel and a 3 inch pump magnum.

Sign in Yard

"If found here at night you will be found here in the morning"

Oh BTW: She is highly trained and shoots her Sig often.

[dkg999]

For defense of the apt. in the Republic of Little Dickie Daley - SIG P220 with Hornaday TAP rounds and a Surefire flashlight.

For defense of the home in IA - H&K USP in .45 ACP and a bigger Surefire flashlight.

Defending the farm from Meth Lab's - DPMS LR308 (.308 cal, like an AR10) loaded with Hornaday TAP ammo and a Ruger Super Redhawk in .454 Casull, a 4 cell Maglite, and a Yamaha Grizzly 660 ATV with a million candle power spotlite.

I've found, from personal experience on two occasions, that the best defense comes in the form of a slide being racked on a .45 auto, or in being on the wrong end of a large revolver with a 7.5" barrel with a large hole in the end of it. Any sane non-drugged crazed person will back down at that point if you provide them an exit opportunity. If not, bring on the twelve of my peers that will judge me, and in the words of the immortal Mr. Zevon, send lawyers, guns, and money!

f'em all but six, save those for pall bearers

[landry_p2000]

Originally posted by dkg999
a Ruger Super Redhawk in .454 Casull

Now that's a hand cannon! I would love to shoot that badboy.

What are the gun laws in Iowa? My sister just moved to Des Moines a few months ago, and I want to let her know. Does Des Moines have a high crime rate? (Ex: rape, murder, robbery) She wants a gun, but she is not familiar with the state laws yet. She moved from Chicago, and knows a little about shooting and has no real fear of guns.

[dkg999]

landry - IA gun laws are pretty "normal"! You have to be a resident to purchase a handgun. You also have to go down to the Sheriff's office in the county you live in and have a background check and usually pay $10 to get a "permit to purchase handguns" which is renewed annually. This is only required to purchase, not to have a handgun in your posession. Concealed carry is issued on a county basis, and if you are friendly with the Sheriff and have a valid reason you can usually get a CCW permit. There is no waiting period for a handgun if you have your permit to purchase.

I would rate Des Moines as pretty safe, unless you live in the Drake University area or some portions of the north and east side. The meth epidemic is really causing havoc with theft and petty crimes on the rise. Gang activity is all over the city, but usually doesn't have the level of violence associated with larger metro areas. In the country, the meth lab operators are becoming very aggressive and hostile. They are usually addicts also and need the fix that they are cooking up. They used to run away when you confronted them, now they tend to fight back because they need the fix and the money. One of their main tactics is to throw anhydrous ammonia that they keep in foam cups at you. The stuff is nasty. I won't work in the fields at night without having a gun in the tractor or combine with me. If you see a campfire back in the woods at night, believe me it ain't the boy scouts!

[Polkersince85]

Originally posted by read-alot
Sign in Yard

"If found here at night you will be found here in the morning"




No Trespassing. Trespassers will be Shot, Survivors will be Shot Again

[landry_p2000]

Thanks for the info dkg999. I will let her know about staying out of the Drake University area. She has a clean record and should not have a problem getting a permit to buy at least. I hope that they grant her a CCW permit just in case.

[Early B.]

Anyone have any experience with the use of an ASP 26" tactical baton?

I bought one a few years ago to accompany my wife on her walks in the neighborhood. Never considered it for home defense, though. Hmmm.

[steveinaz]

There's a saying that goes "don't show up to a gun fight with a knife." Batons, baseball bats, pepper sprays, knives, mean dogs; only work in Hollywood. Buy the most power you can accurately and effectively employ, and get good formal training. Most people who are shot, don't even know they've been shot---and that's a fact.

Someone here already mentioned shotguns. They are arguably the best home defense gun (12awg pump). Forget intimidation tactics, they don't work with todays goons.

[Demiurge]

http://www.vivasandson.com/lj-worksafe1.jpg

[landry_p2000]

Who is that dude with all the guns? Must be Demiurge.

[jet2001]

I would rate Des Moines as pretty safe, unless you live in the Drake University area or some portions of the north and east side.

I graduated from Grand View College back in '99 and am very familiar with the east side of Des Moines. It can get a little scary in some neighborhoods, but all in all I felt safe in Des Moines. Great city and growing fast...I don't miss those Iowa winters though.

[Early B.]

There's a saying that goes "don't show up to a gun fight with a knife." Batons, baseball bats, pepper sprays, knives, mean dogs; only work in Hollywood. Buy the most power you can accurately and effectively employ, and get good formal training.
The issue here is home defense. I'll bet if we did some research we'd probably find that most intruders were scared away moreso by alarm systems, dogs, bats, etc. than a homeowner pointing a gun at them. In fact, most intruders may not be carrying a gun. I'm not disagreeing with you because I have a .40 locked and loaded near my bedside, but just wondering what the stats say.

[ledhed]

I don't keep any loaded but, I have a SW .38 snubnose Marlin .22 Savage 20awg/.22 & a pellet gun lol. Then my dad has an Ithaca 20awg a few .22 etc. THe standards for Tennesseeans I guess...

[steveinaz]

Originally posted by Early B.
I'll bet if we did some research we'd probably find that most intruders were scared away moreso by alarm systems, dogs, bats, etc. than a homeowner pointing a gun at them.

Amen to the ALARM point (and dogs are a type of alarm), that IS your first line of defense. Weapons are used in worst case scenarios. As far as counting on these items to save you---forget it.

[Skynut]

Originally posted by Early B.
Sig 2340 and a Taurus .357 revolver. Sold the Mossberg a few months ago to buy audio gear.

I also have the Taurus .357 and the Mossberg 12g.
I had to lock them all up in the safe now because of the kids I married into.
I have a 100 lb. Rott that will hopefully hold off an intruder till I can retrieve them.
My family believes you should NEVER sell your guns. (unless you have totally worn them out). Guns are heirlooms meant to be handed down from generation to generation. Plus once handed down they are no longer registered.
:D

Edit: I also have an alarm and the dog lives inside the house with us. I do not have anything in the yard as valuable as my family.

[Early B.]

I do not have anything in the yard as valuable as my family.
Huh?
You keep your family in the yard????
I suppose that's a good way of having the house all to yourself. :D :D :D

[dkg999]

demiurge - are you in Marshfield? That looks like the gun counter at Big Boy Toys?

[Skynut]

Originally posted by Early B.
Huh?
You keep your family in the yard????
I suppose that's a good way of having the house all to yourself. :D :D :D

Myself and the dog:D

[Demiurge]

That isn't a picture of me. I just found that guys shirt amusing. :)

[landry_p2000]

This is my gat.

[Demiurge]

This is one of my 'gats'. The 'Baby' Desert Eagle 9MM. My cat, Primus, is intruiged. :)

[dkg999]

When you care enough to send the very best .............:D

[Early B.]

Home defense, dk? Gee, I'd hate to see what you use as your carry weapon --

"Sir, is that a cannon in your pocket...?"

[SCompRacer]

Originally posted by Demiurge
http://www.vivasandson.com/lj-worksafe1.jpg


Hi Demiurge,:cool:

Tell me about the Garand and Carbine behind your right arm.

[Demiurge]

That's not me...or I'd be glad to!

[SCompRacer]

Originally posted by Demiurge
That's not me...or I'd be glad to!

Can you go there and find out?:D

[ct602]

Funny, my first post on this forum is firearm related not A/V related.

Primary : Springfield XD Service 45ACP or Glock 20 10mm with surefire 200

1st back up: Winchester 1300 with surefire forend

2nd back up: RRA 9mm AR carbine with surefire m500 with Eotech 551 mounted in a LT mount.



ct602

[GaryZ06]

Glock,Baretta and Desert Eagle....oh yeah I'm ready.:D

[F1nut]

Funny, my first post on this forum is firearm related not A/V related.


Imagine that!?!

[Bill Ayotte]

I use a Glock 21 with a Baby Eagle 9mm back-up.

[scottvamp]

For me, a WALTHER P99c with lazer and a MOSS 12g Cruiser pistol grip with fold out stock and tac light. :cool:

[MSALLA]

Sold all of my guns but one when I moved 5 years back. I kept my colt defender and keep it loaded with black talons. My two dogs keep everyone away though.

[Ricardo]

.......................................

[McLoki]

My wife is there - scares the hell out of me.... :D :D

Michael

[ninerbj]

My wife!

Sincerly,
Wipped

[disneyjoe7]

Funny, my first post on this forum is firearm related not A/V related.



ct602


So are you done now? :rolleyes:

[ben62670]

Just in case there are 3 or 4 lined up in a row one bullet will do. If you run out of ammo you can beat them with it! Double action revolvers are safer than autos. In the heat of the moment you don't want your hands sliding on the slide. Its way safer to unload a revolver than an auto when hyped up. The best advice I can give is stay where you are if you can. Let them come to you. If you are being superman walking around with your gun then you are vulnerable. If situation allows stay in an oposing location from a point of entry, and dial 911.

[Ricardo]

Double action revolvers are safer than autos.


This can be a discussion as interesting as the "wires/cables change sound"....

[dkg999]

Revolvers vs semi-auto's, now that's something worthwhile to debate :cool:

Once you disable them with a Surefire tactical light, either one will work to beat the living piss out of them :D

[beardog03]

If I told ya , I`d have to kill ya...

[BaggedLancer]

I took the NRA safety class today in MA. This week I will be applying for my LTC.

Shot a variety of .22 S&W revolver and semi-autos, was a blast......look foward to getting my license and going shooting on a weekly basis.

[Rivrrat]

It used to be my Ruger p-94 .40, but I'm switching to my Kimber Custom Classic with factory night sights.

[Holydoc]

Beretta 92FS 9mm with Cherrywood grips. It is always loaded with 15 Corbon hollow points in the clip and 1 in the chamber. Carry holsters are IWB Milt Sparks for casual wear (well trained and well practiced) and Smartcarry for shorts. Licensed to carry concealed in 30 states (got to love the Florida CCL).

[mrbigbluelight]

Main line of defense is excessive cursing and swearing. Quite effective at any range.

If that doesn't work, 911.

If that doesn't work, a Johnny Bench 35 inch bat (70's version).

If that doesn't work, Mossberg 500 pump. Rabbit load for the first group of shells, Winchester solid sabot slugs for the last 2. If it gets to that point, I'm not worrying about the neighbors.

[bobman1235]

I took the NRA safety class today in MA. This week I will be applying for my LTC.

Shot a variety of .22 S&W revolver and semi-autos, was a blast......look foward to getting my license and going shooting on a weekly basis.

Hope you know someone in the police department. They don't give out LTCs very easily, especially to someone as young as you (no offense).

[steveinaz]

My "new" primary is my Remington 870 12 gauge, Glock 19 is my secondary.

[tonyb]

You guys must live in some rough neighborhoods to justify some of that firepower.Me...just 2 dogs that tell me when someone or something is by the house long before any handgun can.And that system works good when I am not home.....your handguns can't do that.:p :)

[audiobliss]

Since I'm 19 I obviously don't own any handguns...

But Dad carries a Glock in his work truck (don't ask me what kind....45 is all I remember), a Colt Mustang in his Suburban, and frequently carries a Smith & Wesson Airweight in his back pocket. That or a small little Berretta...the one where the end of the barrel pops up. Don't know what that one's called, either.

As for home defense...I don't know. All the rifles and shotgun are locked up in the safe...in the garage. Those aren't doing any good for home defense. I guess the S&W Airweight, Berretta, or Mom's small snub-nosed Colt revolver would have to do the trick.

[Demiurge]

Gotta love it when people talk about the precise location and the complete contents of their arsenal on the internet. :p

[BaggedLancer]

Hope you know someone in the police department. They don't give out LTCs very easily, especially to someone as young as you (no offense).


Yep, I know plenty. Should have no problem. ;) But you're right though, I am VERY young for an class A LTC and even the people I know might not be able to help me.

[Demiurge]

Mass has age discrimination on CCW for adults? :confused: :confused:

[BaggedLancer]

Mass has age discrimination on CCW for adults? :confused: :confused:

Pretty much. The first thing the NRA instructor said to us, "Be advised, despite it being your right to own a firearm, Massachusetts does not want you to have one."

State is about as liberal as they come....from what I hear MA and CA are the two hardest states to get firearms licenses in.

[bobman1235]

Well, an FID is technically a "shall issue." So you can get a license to own a small capacity rifle as long as you aren't a criminal and are over 18. Beyond that, licenses for high capacity rifles and any handguns are at the discretion of the chief of police. He doesn't even need to give a reason for denying you.

The whole classification system is so stupid anyways. Plus, a Class A, which is "high capacity handguns", has different classifications, including things like "hunting", "competition", and the coveted "all lawful purposes" tha tis essentially the LTC. Usually even if they approve you to have a class A, you're limited in what you're allowed to use it for.

[audiobliss]

Just what does LTC stand for? I've only ever heard of a CCW.

[bobman1235]

LTC = License to Carry.

I'm pretty sure it's the same as CCW in spirit.... but Massachusetts doesn't do anything the same as everyone else! Remember, we're a COMMONWEALTH, not a state! :rolleyes:

[jdhdiggs]

Funny, my first post on this forum is firearm related not A/V related.
ct602

And yet you found an 18 month old thread, thanks...

[audiobliss]

LTC = License to Carry.

I'm pretty sure it's the same as CCW in spirit.... but Massachusetts doesn't do anything the same as everyone else! Remember, we're a COMMONWEALTH, not a state! :rolleyes:
I gotcha, thanks.

[Demiurge]

Well, an FID is technically a "shall issue." So you can get a license to own a small capacity rifle as long as you aren't a criminal and are over 18. Beyond that, licenses for high capacity rifles and any handguns are at the discretion of the chief of police. He doesn't even need to give a reason for denying you.

The whole classification system is so stupid anyways. Plus, a Class A, which is "high capacity handguns", has different classifications, including things like "hunting", "competition", and the coveted "all lawful purposes" tha tis essentially the LTC. Usually even if they approve you to have a class A, you're limited in what you're allowed to use it for.

So wait, you need a license to own a handgun in Massivejewshits? Wow, am I reading that right? I thought it was bad here where we couldn't even get CCW, despite it being directly in conflict with our state Constitution.

There's no such thing as a high-cap rifle or handgun. It's all about the magazine or clip, depending on the weapon. Hi-Cap mags are banned in many states, but I didn't know they were classifying certain guns as hi-cap on their own..... :confused:

My new Springfield Armory XD .45 ACP 5" Tactical Bi-Tone factory mags hold 13+1 in the chamber. They also sell Lo-Cap mags, though.

[BaggedLancer]

So wait, you need a license to own a handgun in Massivejewshits? Wow, am I reading that right? I thought it was bad here where we couldn't even get CCW, despite it being directly in conflict with our state Constitution.

There's no such thing as a high-cap rifle or handgun. It's all about the magazine or clip, depending on the weapon. Hi-Cap mags are banned in many states, but I didn't know they were classifying certain guns as hi-cap on their own..... :confused:

My new Springfield Armory XD .45 ACP 5" Tactical Bi-Tone factory mags hold 13+1 in the chamber. They also sell Lo-Cap mags, though.


Handguns in MA are only allowed max 10 rounds(9 in the clip, 1 in the chamber)

Basically you need a license to walk down the street in MA. Well not really, but you get the idea.

go to www.mass.gov and read the firearm license stuff. I think you will be QUITE suprised.

[dkg999]

The SA XD platform is very nice! Now which gun safe in what location do you keep that :D

[bobman1235]

So wait, you need a license to own a handgun in Massivejewshits? Wow, am I reading that right? I thought it was bad here where we couldn't even get CCW, despite it being directly in conflict with our state Constitution.

There's no such thing as a high-cap rifle or handgun. It's all about the magazine or clip, depending on the weapon. Hi-Cap mags are banned in many states, but I didn't know they were classifying certain guns as hi-cap on their own..... :confused:

My new Springfield Armory XD .45 ACP 5" Tactical Bi-Tone factory mags hold 13+1 in the chamber. They also sell Lo-Cap mags, though.

You need a license to own ANY FIREARM, not just a handgun. "Anyone" can get a license to own a rifle or shotgun, but to own anything else you need to go through the chief of Police for your town, and to be allowed CARRY is far less likely.

I'm pretty sure there's minimum JAIL sentences of like 2 years for anyoen who even owns any kind of firearm without a license.

Or, you could drive one hour north, to the land of "Live Free or Die," where you can own any firearm your little heart desires, and it's simple paperwork to be allowed to CCW... yet there's so much less crime up in NH. But... that doesn't make any sense! They are allowed to have GUNS! Guns CAUSE crime!!

MA politicians are still scratching their boozed-up heads on that one, I'm sure.

[Demiurge]

This isn't meant as a put down on your state, because ours is shit too, in that regard, but why on earth do you live there? If it didn't mean upheaving a crapload of jobs and trying to move an entire business I wouldn't be here.

It's really scary when the government is telling you that you can't own a weapon to protect yourself. How does MA get around the right to keep and bear arms? It's like they're making you criminals before you commit a crime.

Frustrating...

[Demiurge]

The SA XD platform is very nice! Now which gun safe in what location do you keep that :D

In my cold dead hands. haha :p

[BaggedLancer]

This isn't meant as a put down on your state, because ours is shit too, in that regard, but why on earth do you live there? If it didn't mean upheaving a crapload of jobs and trying to move an entire business I wouldn't be here.

It's really scary when the government is telling you that you can't own a weapon to protect yourself. How does MA get around the right to keep and bear arms? It's like they're making you criminals before you commit a crime.

Frustrating...

Unfortunately in MA criminals have more rights than citizens. In this state the ONLY time you are allowed to shoot someone in self defense is if they are within 6 feet, have a weapon and are definately going to inflict bodily harm.

[bobman1235]

I'm workin real hard to get outta this state, Demi, and move on up to New Hampshire, which would be the same commute to work. Just a matter of time and money.

And I'm not the only one. Massachusetts I believe is the only state in the COUNTRY with a declining population the past few years. I don't think ANYONE wonders why.

[BaggedLancer]

I'm workin real hard to get outta this state, Demi, and move on up to New Hampshire, which would be the same commute to work. Just a matter of time and money.

And I'm not the only one. Massachusetts I believe is the only state in the COUNTRY with a declining population the past few years. I don't think ANYONE wonders why.


Soon as I finish college I'm outta here as well.

[Bill Ayotte]

I guess I am lucky to live in TN, all I took was a four hour class and I have my CCW. In MN it is a weekend class. The part that sucks is that I have to do the MN class all over again. If ou are military in TN all you have to do is produce a memorandum that you qualified with a pistol and you don't need to do the shooting part of the class. (the military standards are MUCH lower than wha the state requires by the way) Scary huh?

[ben62670]

If you live in Ct and drive through Ma your are supposed to call them to let them know if you are going hunting in Vt. If you get pulled over in Ma without a permit to transport firearms you get screwed big time, as in felony. I don't remember how it is worded, but it doesn't sound nice on your record. In Ct we call them Massholes.