mini.ben
New member
Hello everyone... I'm new to USA Carry, and also soon to be a CCW permit holder in Norfolk, Virginia. (I completely my application just recently) I've been reading just as much as my brain can absorb online in figuring out what gun to buy, which holster style and/or brand to purchase, and more than anything, how to be a safe and effective CW carrier.
My reasons for deciding to carry stem mostly from my job, and the floundering economy. I manage low income rental property in Norfolk, so at least 2-3 x per week I spend a portion of my day checking on my various properties, most of which are located in crime-laden neighborhoods where anyones screams would go completely ignored. On top of that, being that most tenants pay their rent in cash means we're at a very increased risk of robbery in the work place. For awhile now I've kept a S&W K frame .357 on hand in the office, but with more and more desperate people out there, I'd like to be prepared no matter what.
There sure are a million choices out there with what to carry. I think it's important to me that whatever I choose, it's light and comfortable, so I won't think twice about having my gun with me when it's appropriate (anytime I'm somewhere it's legal to do so), but balanced with something with enough power and capacity to get the job done. The simplicity of a lightweight wheelgun has it's appeals, because I'm pretty sure if the SHTF, I really don't want to get hung up with remembering various switches and safeties. That said, with enough training, a thumb safety 1911 style should be second nature eventually. Glock's have a bit of appeal because they are pretty much point and shoot as well, and capacity is greatly increased over some models. Again, it's down to that balance of size vs. capacity vs. caliber.
I did shoot the Glock 26 the other day... it worked really well, although the trigger pull on that first round was more than I expected, which I kind of like actually... it makes sure you're really committed that first round before the fireworks begin. I'm hoping to fire the Springfield XD subcompacts this weekend, as they seem to be equally highly regarded. The Ruger LCP and the Kel-tec P3-AT both appeal for their size...just amazing how tiny they are, and will probably be my choice for hot weather summer carry. Finish on the Kel-tec was horrible in the model I looked at, so I may put myself on a wait for the LCP or hope to find one at a gun show. They both seem to have some small issues reliability wise, so I'll see how that pans out first I think. My final choice to consider is one of the smaller Kimber 1911's, Para-Ord Warthogs, or Springfield compact 1911's. I want to shoot these and see what feels the most comfortable in the end, for carry, as well as accuracy. The Glock pretty much placed the bullets where I aimed, and I'm sure with a slight sight adjustment, would have been spot on, however when I shot my buddies full size Kimber, I had 2" groupings at 15 yards with ease... pretty amazing considering my limited exposure to handguns.
On a side note, I love skeet shooting, and recently bought my first shotgun for the purpose. I chose a Franchi I-12 Upland hunter 12 gauge. It's light, absorbs recoil very well, and so far, has been a joy to shoot. My final project is to convert my New Haven (Mossberg) 600AT (essentially a 500) with a 30" barrel to a home defense weapon with 18"-20" barrel and pistol grips. Hopefully I can get the wife down to the range soon to get some comfort herself with these weapons, as I really want her to be equally safe when we're apart.
Thanks in advance to what each of you offer to this site, I look forward to learning as much as I can on this fascinating and important subject in American Society.
Benjamin
My reasons for deciding to carry stem mostly from my job, and the floundering economy. I manage low income rental property in Norfolk, so at least 2-3 x per week I spend a portion of my day checking on my various properties, most of which are located in crime-laden neighborhoods where anyones screams would go completely ignored. On top of that, being that most tenants pay their rent in cash means we're at a very increased risk of robbery in the work place. For awhile now I've kept a S&W K frame .357 on hand in the office, but with more and more desperate people out there, I'd like to be prepared no matter what.
There sure are a million choices out there with what to carry. I think it's important to me that whatever I choose, it's light and comfortable, so I won't think twice about having my gun with me when it's appropriate (anytime I'm somewhere it's legal to do so), but balanced with something with enough power and capacity to get the job done. The simplicity of a lightweight wheelgun has it's appeals, because I'm pretty sure if the SHTF, I really don't want to get hung up with remembering various switches and safeties. That said, with enough training, a thumb safety 1911 style should be second nature eventually. Glock's have a bit of appeal because they are pretty much point and shoot as well, and capacity is greatly increased over some models. Again, it's down to that balance of size vs. capacity vs. caliber.
I did shoot the Glock 26 the other day... it worked really well, although the trigger pull on that first round was more than I expected, which I kind of like actually... it makes sure you're really committed that first round before the fireworks begin. I'm hoping to fire the Springfield XD subcompacts this weekend, as they seem to be equally highly regarded. The Ruger LCP and the Kel-tec P3-AT both appeal for their size...just amazing how tiny they are, and will probably be my choice for hot weather summer carry. Finish on the Kel-tec was horrible in the model I looked at, so I may put myself on a wait for the LCP or hope to find one at a gun show. They both seem to have some small issues reliability wise, so I'll see how that pans out first I think. My final choice to consider is one of the smaller Kimber 1911's, Para-Ord Warthogs, or Springfield compact 1911's. I want to shoot these and see what feels the most comfortable in the end, for carry, as well as accuracy. The Glock pretty much placed the bullets where I aimed, and I'm sure with a slight sight adjustment, would have been spot on, however when I shot my buddies full size Kimber, I had 2" groupings at 15 yards with ease... pretty amazing considering my limited exposure to handguns.
On a side note, I love skeet shooting, and recently bought my first shotgun for the purpose. I chose a Franchi I-12 Upland hunter 12 gauge. It's light, absorbs recoil very well, and so far, has been a joy to shoot. My final project is to convert my New Haven (Mossberg) 600AT (essentially a 500) with a 30" barrel to a home defense weapon with 18"-20" barrel and pistol grips. Hopefully I can get the wife down to the range soon to get some comfort herself with these weapons, as I really want her to be equally safe when we're apart.
Thanks in advance to what each of you offer to this site, I look forward to learning as much as I can on this fascinating and important subject in American Society.
Benjamin
