Gun Appreciation and Advice Thread

[MichiGator2002]

Well, I got to visit a store today since I was asking about their basic instruction (waiting list out to June? There has to be a more efficient way to get shown my way around a gun), got to handle a few. A compact Smith & Wesson, not sure which model, the grip stopped a good half inch above the side of my hand. Just felt unwieldy. Glock 19 felt much more comfortable. I wanted to hold the Springfield XDM, but since I was just window shopping I didn't want to take them from possible buyers. On a funny note, the impractical sounding Taurus Judge that I thought looked cool in pictures looked completely ridiculous in the display case.

I think the next step is to find available lessons. Might window shop a bit more to handle some more for the comfort check. If I can't find something I think I could conceal comfortably, I will just find something that is comfortable that would keep me coming to the range and be suitable for home/car.

EDIT: didn't get to handle any revolvers, but held my hand up for scale. The ones I think would fit well in my hand, like a 686 for example, again seem like they would be more home/car than carry. It is still 66.66% more coverage than I have now from a defense standpoint, and a notable upgrade from the billy club I have kept in the car for years.

[The_Graygator]

Originally Posted by TnCamoGator

I own a S&W .32 revolver that's about 50-60 years old and still operates just fine. I recommend revolvers simply because they are very easy to clean and maintain, easy to shoot for anyone especially good in case you are in a bad situation. They also fail a lot less than semi-autos and don't jam like some semi's do.

The drawbacks of revolvers are not being as fast as semi-autos, and not having a complete safety. If you don't feel comfortable letting down the hammer manually in a situation you can't shoot then don't get one because you need to be confident in yourself to not let it slip and accidentally fire.

It's all about what your capable of handling.

Got one that is over 90 years old. Belonged to my gandfather. Just last year, I took it over to a gunsmith in Tally to have it fixed and cleaned for only $30.

[The_Graygator]

Originally Posted by orangeblueorangeblue

There is absolutely no way I'm giving a verbal warning if someone is in my house. Legal fees would be the absolute least of my concerns.

I tend to agree with this, althought there are certain variables involved for me. If it's a couple of these little punk kids in my neighborhood who enjoy just breaking in and stealing and trshing peoples' houses, I'd probably issue a "stand down" order after I've acquired a safe shooting position.

If it was an adult, they're going down right then and there; no warning.

[The_Graygator]

Originally Posted by MichiGator2002

Well, I got to visit a store today since I was asking about their basic instruction (waiting list out to June? There has to be a more efficient way to get shown my way around a gun), got to handle a few. A compact Smith & Wesson, not sure which model, the grip stopped a good half inch above the side of my hand. Just felt unwieldy. Glock 19 felt much more comfortable. I wanted to hold the Springfield XDM, but since I was just window shopping I didn't want to take them from possible buyers. On a funny note, the impractical sounding Taurus Judge that I thought looked cool in pictures looked completely ridiculous in the display case.

I think the next step is to find available lessons. Might window shop a bit more to handle some more for the comfort check. If I can't find something I think I could conceal comfortably, I will just find something that is comfortable that would keep me coming to the range and be suitable for home/car.

EDIT: didn't get to handle any revolvers, but held my hand up for scale. The ones I think would fit well in my hand, like a 686 for example, again seem like they would be more home/car than carry. It is still 66.66% more coverage than I have now from a defense standpoint, and a notable upgrade from the billy club I have kept in the car for years.

In all honesty, Judges and Governors are best for campers when dealing with snakes and other animal pests from my experience. They're also good for shooting foul close range for food too.

And if you go revolver, get a rubber grip with a thumb stop.

[MichaelJoeWilliamson]

Originally Posted by Minister_of_Information

False, odds are you've just demonstrated that the intruder is seriously outgunned. And by giving him the opportunity to flee, you've probably just saved yourself several thousand dollars in attorneys fees, and that's assuming that you aren't charged. DGUs rarely involve the discharge of a firearm, and you can rack the gun as a deterrent (and as a preparation to fire, since no shotgun should be kept cocked and locked) before a confrontation occurs. Let it also be said that the racking sound accompanied by shouted orders for the intruder to leave the house immediately should be the only warning. After that shoot to kill. Do not use less lethal ammo either.

Completely agree. Plus if it is a friendly in the house, doing so can avoid a tragic accident.

I travel some, so my wife spends some time alone. She locks the bedroom door when I am away. If someone comes into the house and tries to break in the bedroom, she knows to shout, "I am armed and will use the weapon!" Seems like a good way to avoid shooting one of the kids or me if we unexpectedly come home. Or shoot a police officer with a no knock warrant served on the wrong house. Or any number of things.

I would do the same thing.