Yep..we're on the same page. My point was only that if you're going to arm yourself, but not train properly, you may want to choose the biggest thing you can carry. That way, if you do have to fire...and you manage to hit something you will at least have the additional energy on your side. It's a poor option, but at least it's something.

 

Ahh....gotcha! I agree with that too. Though not ideal, a .45 round to any flesh or bone is going to be much more devastating than a .25 .

 

Thought I'd try to answer the non-enthusiast's questions. People get so caught up in their point of view in an argument that they sometimes miss the bystander... yet another firearm safety point can be made from that statement

Guns are not a cheap hobby but as with anything, you get to decide how expensive it is for you. If you just want the bare essentials, you could pick up a .38 revolver used from a private collection for a couple hundred bucks, and it would be all the gun you would ever need. a couple hundred more in ammo and range time to get familiar with it... and you're effectively armed. Consider that the '78 F150 of guns. Keep it maintained and use it only when necessary... and you have a truck for life.

For most of us, we hope this *never* happens. Some consider themselves a little bit more "Dirty Harry" than others but when it comes down to it, a responsible gun owner trains for the possibility, not the eventuality. Then there are those of us who need/use guns on a daily basis. LEOs of course, but also anyone who owns and/or maintains rural land. I don't hunt, but I've killed a LOT of snakes in my years. A revolver loaded with snakeshot is a great tool.

I think the two go hand-in-hand. Many people will get into the hobby because they experience a life event that makes them decide to arm themselves. They then realize that target shooting is fun! They also might find things they like about different guns and before you know it, they have a collection. It's more common than you might think. Seems like every time I go to the range, there is a newbie in there who is falling in love with the hobby right before my eyes

Agreed!

 

I'll take a shot at this. (Pun intended)
1) firearms range from the low $100's to as high as you can imagine. Really no maintenance. There is no insurance credit, more like a penalty.

2)No.

3)Most are a little of both.

 

I and a lot of people that I grew up with grew up in the rural environment. In the ranch trucks we always had a weapon for snakes, predators, and hogs. Also most hunted whether for food or fun.
Also in the rural areas the only 911 that can help you in a realistic timeframe is what you carry.
One place that I go to regular is 14 miles north of the Mexico border (which recently has become a bigger issue) but it takes 2 hours to get to the closest town (Law Enforcement). So while I'm not looking for trouble - we kind of have to take care of ourselves - if something bad was to happen..
I generally think that quite a few of the people in rural areas, the south, the SW US grew up in the same manner.
I will say that while I have my CCL - I don't walk around it the city (most the time) with a pistol strapped on - although I had to come to the office in downtown city last night at 9PM - and I did have a "Friend" tucked into my belt in the alley that I park in.
On the topic of firearm preference.. I pretty much stay with my two principals (both Colt 1911's) mainly because of my 30 years relationship & familiarity with them & like other kinds of relationships - they might not be new & shiney, but in a pinch, I know how they will react & I know which buttons to push - to get the results that I am looking for....

 

Cool guys - thanks for providing me some insight. Being in a country where we don't have a constitutional right to own firearms (hence very restrictive gun laws) there has always been a part of me that has wanted to experience actually firing a handgun - at a target shoot only of course!

Here is another question - are there shooting ranges/centers in the US where one can go and "rent" a hangun for target shooting? Do they allow tourists to participate or would it only be available to citizens?

 

Yea, There are places that you can "rent" - I wouldn't think that you'd need to be a citizen - but don't know for sure..

 

rdenis - just come to TX and look any of us up. I know it's far... but if you ever make it down this way I'd be happy to take you to the range and let you shoot any of my guns. With a few minutes of proper instruction first, of course

 

Rdenis

You would not have to go to Texas but those boys have some neat stuff to play with. Michiganders got the right to carry several years ago when the gun board rules changed. When I got my CCW it required unanimous approval by the 3 member board. The State Police policy at the time was deny all applicants for a General Permit. The rules changed and the SP can not stop it with just one vote.

We are a lot closer than Texas

Where in Ontario do you live?

Regards

 

If anyone is still interested, I settled on an older Taurus Model 83 .38 Special revolver for my truck gun. I've ordered a stick-on holster that will help secure the gun in the map pocket. Until that arrives, I'm just using a sleeve from one of my range bags. Fits in the map pocket so well, I almost canceled the holster order

Rick is right... Michiganers can carry, too... but I guarantee we have more guns in TX

 

...and a lot more room to shoot them

 

Hell yeah, I walk out the back door, whip it out and take a leak, then squeeze one out. A round out of the piece..... Get your mind outta da gutter.

 

Come on down! It is pretty ironic that Canada, which, IMO has some of the best hunting around, has such restrictive ownership laws. I chalk it up to your British upbringing.

In my state, the state runs a range for the citizens. The rates are really reasonable ($2.50 per half hour of range time). Granted, they don't have all those automated target retrievers like the privately owned ranges, but I am not paying $15/hour either. Most of the private ranges will rent a gun for $10 per hour + ammo.

Gun control has and will always be a hot topic in the United States. It is one of the basic rights our forefathers bestowed upon us and yet it is continously challenged. Much of these debates caused by a few whackos and inner city violence.

 

Proud holder of Minnesota Conceal or Open Carry permit, and waiting for my Utah permit to come in the mail anyday.
I carry a Glock 23 .40 cal or my Springfield XDM 9mm with a Factory 19 round mag both guns are in a Blackhawk Serpa Holsters when not in my holster they are in my tray in my center console. Both guns hold Federal ammo.

Brian

 

I'm a Scorpio.

SIG P229. The S&W 500 and 50AE Desert Eagle are too hard to conceal.

Joe