Hello,
Brand new member here and I don't have a CCW permit. It is something that I have considered over the past several years, however. In WV, you have to take a NRA certified handgun safety course which I have done and still have my certificate. So, really all I need to do is fill out the application and pay the fees.
The weapon I have on hand to carry is a S&W 4013TSW. It isn't one of these new micro-sized pistols that I see a lot of my friends with these days but it isn't a full sized auto either. I would like some advice on this gun and the ability for it to be successfully concealed. I'm not a little guy, 6' and about 230lbs. What little reading I've done on the 4013 is that those are single stack, however, the 4013tsw is double stack so it is a little fatter in the grip.
Now, on to the second part of my post. I want to preface this by saying I am not a confrontational person and will do anything to avoid it when possible. I live in a neighborhood that isn't the greatest and so far I've been able to keep the peace by just keeping to myself and being careful who I do associate with. However, inside my home or vehicle where my wife and kids are concerned it's a whole different story and I'll do whatever it takes to defend them. Saying that, I had a very strange situation happen to me today while on my way to the barber. I was by myself in the car which does change how I react to people and incidents. A black truck appeared behind me as I was traveling down an exit ramp towards a traffic signal. I thought they were sounding their horn but I couldn't be sure, so I just kept my eye on them until we came to a stop. Upon stopping, there was little doubt. Horn blaring, arms waving there were two young guys in the truck who were out of control. The driver opened his door, stood outside his truck and pointed at me and was yelling something while the passenger laughed. I know for a fact that I could have done nothing to upset the driver because I had not seen the truck prior to being on the ramp. When the driver got back into his truck he then through out a beer bottle which was either unopened or still had some in it because when it hit the pavement it exploded and the beer foamed all over. I just sat there keeping a close eye on them and when the light turned green I proceded on as if I hadn't seen any of it. They entered the intersection sideways of course, squealing tires and all. I had to make a quick trip to the bank ATM so they followed me there. We both were sitting in the turning lane waiting to cross, him sounding his horn randomly, and an opportunity to go came so I went. They had to wait and I saw the driver beating his steering wheel. He wasn't happy. As I was sitting in line for the ATM, here the truck came. It parked and I saw both doors open. I thought to myself, 'Here we go.' Instead, they got right back in and pulled in behind me. It crossed my mind that these two idiots are actually going to follow me from the bank. However, they didn't. As I pulled away they stayed, aparently getting some money as well. I'm glad I didn't have to tangle with a couple drunk rednecks this morning, however, it made me realize that if I had my family with me I would've considered the threat on a whole different level. Definitely not with a firearm, of course, unless warranted to protect them.
Any thoughts on my weapon and how you would handle an unprovoked aggressive individual who, for instance, didn't get back in their vehicle and was a real problem to you. What options should someone carrying take? I know the responsibility falls on you once you choose to carry, but at any time can you use your weapon as a deterrant?
Thanks
Brand new member here and I don't have a CCW permit. It is something that I have considered over the past several years, however. In WV, you have to take a NRA certified handgun safety course which I have done and still have my certificate. So, really all I need to do is fill out the application and pay the fees.
The weapon I have on hand to carry is a S&W 4013TSW. It isn't one of these new micro-sized pistols that I see a lot of my friends with these days but it isn't a full sized auto either. I would like some advice on this gun and the ability for it to be successfully concealed. I'm not a little guy, 6' and about 230lbs. What little reading I've done on the 4013 is that those are single stack, however, the 4013tsw is double stack so it is a little fatter in the grip.
Now, on to the second part of my post. I want to preface this by saying I am not a confrontational person and will do anything to avoid it when possible. I live in a neighborhood that isn't the greatest and so far I've been able to keep the peace by just keeping to myself and being careful who I do associate with. However, inside my home or vehicle where my wife and kids are concerned it's a whole different story and I'll do whatever it takes to defend them. Saying that, I had a very strange situation happen to me today while on my way to the barber. I was by myself in the car which does change how I react to people and incidents. A black truck appeared behind me as I was traveling down an exit ramp towards a traffic signal. I thought they were sounding their horn but I couldn't be sure, so I just kept my eye on them until we came to a stop. Upon stopping, there was little doubt. Horn blaring, arms waving there were two young guys in the truck who were out of control. The driver opened his door, stood outside his truck and pointed at me and was yelling something while the passenger laughed. I know for a fact that I could have done nothing to upset the driver because I had not seen the truck prior to being on the ramp. When the driver got back into his truck he then through out a beer bottle which was either unopened or still had some in it because when it hit the pavement it exploded and the beer foamed all over. I just sat there keeping a close eye on them and when the light turned green I proceded on as if I hadn't seen any of it. They entered the intersection sideways of course, squealing tires and all. I had to make a quick trip to the bank ATM so they followed me there. We both were sitting in the turning lane waiting to cross, him sounding his horn randomly, and an opportunity to go came so I went. They had to wait and I saw the driver beating his steering wheel. He wasn't happy. As I was sitting in line for the ATM, here the truck came. It parked and I saw both doors open. I thought to myself, 'Here we go.' Instead, they got right back in and pulled in behind me. It crossed my mind that these two idiots are actually going to follow me from the bank. However, they didn't. As I pulled away they stayed, aparently getting some money as well. I'm glad I didn't have to tangle with a couple drunk rednecks this morning, however, it made me realize that if I had my family with me I would've considered the threat on a whole different level. Definitely not with a firearm, of course, unless warranted to protect them.
Any thoughts on my weapon and how you would handle an unprovoked aggressive individual who, for instance, didn't get back in their vehicle and was a real problem to you. What options should someone carrying take? I know the responsibility falls on you once you choose to carry, but at any time can you use your weapon as a deterrant?
Thanks
but wouldn't 1600 work just as well as 0400? 
