Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

Sgt. Slaughter has a J-frame inbound. The S&W 642 Pro is a .38+p with the cylinder cut for moon clips.

It'll be loaded with Federal Hydra-Shok 129gr. +P.

Can a brutha get admittance to the cool-guy club?

LOL, very good Sgt!


Safety Steve has bought two wheel guns! One for the wife and one for the daughter! Will that qualify me for the club?



Be Safe.

I still have my old Colt Detective Special, nickel plated .38 spl, 6 shot. It was made pre-1967 so it's all steel, no alloy. That gun is older than most people on this site!

Yeah, RDS, I have a S&W 36 that my grandpa gave me. It is almost as old as yours (and still older than me). :) I actually shot our BUG course to carry it several years. However, I found myself carrying it very rarely, as it is really close to the same size as my baby Glock and it carries half the rounds. It still sits in my safe, in pristine condition.

Yeah, RDS, I have a S&W 36 that my grandpa gave me. It is almost as old as yours (and still older than me). :) I actually shot our BUG course to carry it several years. However, I found myself carrying it very rarely, as it is really close to the same size as my baby Glock and it carries half the rounds. It still sits in my safe, in pristine condition.

When I came on, you could buy a S&W Model 10 and 36 through the city and avoid the federal taxes. We could only carry .38 spl. then and it had to be a S&W or Colt. I opted for a S&W 19 because of the heavier frame and adjustable sights and the Colt because it was a 6 shot instead of 5. I had to buy them on the market and pay the taxes, but itwas worth it. Later on, the guys with the 36's couldn't shoot the +P ammo, but I could in my Colt.

I carried it for a while as a detective until they added a 50 yard segment to our qualification. Hitting much of anything at 50 yards with a 2" barrel is beyond my capability..... About that time they allowed Glocks so I carried either a Glock 19 or my 21, depending on what I intended to do when I left the office.

And it is as heavy and bulky as my Taurus .45 that has a 10 round magazine. The Colt sits in my closet, I'll eventually give it to one of my grandkids.

LOL, very good Sgt!


Safety Steve has bought two wheel guns! One for the wife and one for the daughter! Will that qualify me for the club?

Norm is the gatekeeper. Are you the keymaster?

I'm actually looking to buy a revolver now... something concealable enough, but not one of the 2inch lightweight things. Maybe a ruger sp101, but the process is long enough I might as well just wait until my background and mental health checks come back :confused5:

I'm actually looking to buy a revolver now... something concealable enough, but not one of the 2inch lightweight things. Maybe a ruger sp101, but the process is long enough I might as well just wait until my background and mental health checks come back :confused5:

How long do you have to wait to purchase a pistol in your state? I just bought my youngest daughter a pistol. She picked it out with my help, I paid for it and we walked out!




Be Safe.

Same here. The Arizona CCW lets you skip the NICS check. Fill out the 4473, pay the man and walk out - gun in hand.

Same here. The Arizona CCW lets you skip the NICS check. Fill out the 4473, pay the man and walk out - gun in hand.

In Oregon, they must do the check electronically. We used to have 15 day waiting period, but the last gun I bought I put the money down and left with it. I never used my retired police ID or anything other than my DL.

How long do you have to wait to purchase a pistol in your state? I just bought my youngest daughter a pistol. She picked it out with my help, I paid for it and we walked out!
Be Safe.

Yeah I wish I lived in a state like that. Here you need a permit to buy a handgun (much less carry concealed). That means fingerprinting, references, mental health and background check, and interview with a judge. 2 months for the mental health check alone, apparently, so about 3 months. They said they'd do what they can with me to help things along, but it's still onerous.

yeah i wish i lived in a state like that. Here you need a permit to buy a handgun (much less carry concealed). That means fingerprinting, references, mental health and background check, and interview with a judge. 2 months for the mental health check alone, apparently, so about 3 months. They said they'd do what they can with me to help things along, but it's still onerous.

yuk!!!!! :ack2:




Be Safe.

Good choice. I carry a 442 most every day. Never felt undergunned.


Here you need a permit to buy a handgun (much less carry concealed). That means fingerprinting, references, mental health and background check, and interview with a judge. 2 months for the mental health check alone, apparently, so about 3 months.

Move. Become a free person. Seriously.

Picked it up today. I was less than 10 minutes in the shop. ;)

First duty gun was a Ruger Service Six in stainless with a 4 inch barrel. Great gun. Shot very well with it , better than either of my Glocks.

Now I have a Taurus M85 in .38.

Good choice. I carry a 442 most every day. Never felt undergunned.



Move. Become a free person. Seriously.

Isn't it better to vote to change, rather than run? Actually I would probably move to PA, but there are more important things right now.

Good choice. I carry a 442 most every day. Never felt undergunned.



Move. Become a free person. Seriously.

Agreed. Even in Florida without a CCW permit I just have to pass the criminal history check and wait three days (don't agree with that). Then I can walk out with my handgun. With a CCW permit, the 3 day hold is waived.

I was really surprised when I was able to walk out with my last gun. The Glocks I had, I bought from the the city so it was no problem, this was the first I'd bought from a gun dealer in a long time.

We used to have a 3 day waiting period, but it was damn near impossible for a private citizen to get a CCW permit in some counties. It was entirely up to the sheriff if he wanted to issue you one or not. The liberals in the legislature made a deal around 1988 with conservatives that forced the sheriff to issue them to qualified people, but raised the waiting period to 15 days.

When I bought this last one around 2000, the woman took my DL, ran my name at some little computer terminal, took my money and handed me back my license and the gun. I was kinda shocked and ask her if I could take it and she just said, "Yep" and that was it. I never mentioned I was retired LE so it's obvious that anyone can do it. Bear in mind that Oregon is about as liberal a state as there is in the union.

When I bought this last one around 2000, the woman took my DL, ran my name at some little computer terminal, took my money and handed me back my license and the gun. I was kinda shocked and ask her if I could take it and she just said, "Yep" and that was it. I never mentioned I was retired LE so it's obvious that anyone can do it. Bear in mind that Oregon is about as liberal a state as there is in the union.

In Florida, it's pretty weird IMO. I can walk into a shop in full LE uniform, purchase a weapon, and if I don't have a CCW license, I will be told to return in 3 days, even though I have a gun strapped to my hip! Hello???? And then the Chief of my first agency asked me WHY I went ahead and got my CCW (which, by the way, was at a seriously reduced charge over a civilian - because I was a current LEO), so I told her because I wanted to buy a gun and not just pay for it, but also walk out with my purchase.

Doesn't make much sense to me...

Yeah I wish I lived in a state like that. Here you need a permit to buy a handgun (much less carry concealed). That means fingerprinting, references, mental health and background check, and interview with a judge. 2 months for the mental health check alone, apparently, so about 3 months. They said they'd do what they can with me to help things along, but it's still onerous.

You must live in an area with a lot of gun violence. It's a victim rich environment.

I bought my first pistol about 20 years ago, brand new in the box 92FS from a friend (probably should have asked where he got it). I don't recall if it had any proof firing brass but it came with 2 high cap mags. Oh, and my friend wasn't in to waiting periods, didn't really care if I was a prohibited possessor or had mental issues. That would have been my problem, not his. After that pistol, I got a CCW and everything since the has been through the store. No waiting period unless it wasn't in stock.

I did try to buy a suppressor once and the problem was the demand at the time wa so high, they didn't come into stock. Even though they are all identical, the approval paperwork needed the serial number so even after they got it in stock, I would have had to wait. So I cancelled after waiting for 6 months.

The last thing I did was I got my house a special zoning permit to do light gunsmithing and sales in anticipation of doing light gunsmithing and sales to LEO's. It would have been more of a fun hobby to try things rather than a profitable business. I basically wanted to e able to transfer pistols and rifles for certain individuals that wanted personal firearms or had to supply their own for work. My wife thought it would be a good business but I didn't see how it grow so I never applied for ATF license. I think I met all their requirements technically (zoning, business license, safe for firearms, etc) but never had the make the visit.

Now even though that's a federal license, somehow I can't imagine this happening back east ("yeah, the city just rezoned my home-based based business to gunsmithing and sales/transfers. Now I'm just waiting for ATF to rubber stamp it." lol.

And just FYI, other than being glock armorer certified (glorified cleaning and parts replacement) and the proud owner of a universal sight pusher, I'm not qualified to even clean most firearms. I put tritium night sites on glock 23 and 27 and the front site kept falling off after 20 rounds or so until real armorer kindly introduced me to s substance called "loc-tite." And the aluminum site pusher did quite number on glocks hardest "tenifer finish."

In Florida, it's pretty weird IMO. I can walk into a shop in full LE uniform, purchase a weapon, and if I don't have a CCW license, I will be told to return in 3 days, even though I have a gun strapped to my hip! Hello???? And then the Chief of my first agency asked me WHY I went ahead and got my CCW (which, by the way, was at a seriously reduced charge over a civilian - because I was a current LEO), so I told her because I wanted to buy a gun and not just pay for it, but also walk out with my purchase.

Doesn't make much sense to me...

It was that way here too. As I've mentioned before, the city can sell us duty weapons, no federal tax and we get them right away, but we've always had to wait the regular time like everyone else if we bought one from a private gun dealer.

The tax thing is funny too, for a while in the late 70's, we could get a letter from the chief, take it to a gun dealer and buy the gun w/o paying the federal tax. (the tax is huge, BTW) We still had to go through the waiting period though. That only lasted for a while because when I got promoted to detective I asked about it and was told that was no longer in effect.

I never understood either why there wasn't an exception for LE when it came to waiting period.

It was that way here too. As I've mentioned before, the city can sell us duty weapons, no federal tax and we get them right away, but we've always had to wait the regular time like everyone else if we bought one from a private gun dealer.

The tax thing is funny too, for a while in the late 70's, we could get a letter from the chief, take it to a gun dealer and buy the gun w/o paying the federal tax. (the tax is huge, BTW) We still had to go through the waiting period though. That only lasted for a while because when I got promoted to detective I asked about it and was told that was no longer in effect.

What's even weirder is that a department I am familiar with was allowing officer to purchase a commemorative Gen 4 Glock 22 with engraving through the department. It was actually cheaper than the public safety discounted glock 22 price list that officers can get at the gun store. While officers could purchase the pistol, the department could not transfer it directly to the officer so they still needed to go to gun store to buy it. I don't have enough detail to know why it was cheaper (tax or voume discount?) but I thought it was silly that they could issue them the pistol but not transfer it. Teh already know that the person is an employed and sworn LEO already entrusted with a weapon owned by the government that they can carry 24/7



I never understood either why there wasn't an exception for LE when it came to waiting period.
The people that want waiting periods also want to disarm the police. They start small but try to ensnare as many as possible. Until the active shooters on campus, they were trying to disarm campus police and transit police and anyone else they thought the public would be sympathetic to disarming

While officers could purchase the pistol, the department could not transfer it directly to the officer so they still needed to go to gun store to buy it.


From the day I started, we could buy a gun directly from the city. We go to the fiscal division, give them the money and they hand you the gun. No gun dealer is involved. I don't know hardly anything about gun laws, but we've always and can still do that. I bought my Glock 21 for about 300 bucks when they were about $500 on the market. You can only buy one of course, unless you can prove your first one was broken beyond repair or stolen.

In Florida, it's pretty weird IMO. I can walk into a shop in full LE uniform, purchase a weapon, and if I don't have a CCW license, I will be told to return in 3 days, even though I have a gun strapped to my hip! Hello???? And then the Chief of my first agency asked me WHY I went ahead and got my CCW (which, by the way, was at a seriously reduced charge over a civilian - because I was a current LEO), so I told her because I wanted to buy a gun and not just pay for it, but also walk out with my purchase.

Doesn't make much sense to me...

Got one for you..

When I started as a Deputy Sheriff in just 2006, I was 20 years old. I had my credentials, etc, and could carry anywhere in the U.S. concealed (I think the Federal Law allowing that was in force at the time, if not, I could at least CCW on my credentials to states that had reciprocity), and of course carry on duty. But due to my age, I could not walk into a store and buy practice ammo for my handgun. I had to have my dad buy it for me. Had to do that until I was 21. I could carry on my credentials, but could not buy ammo for it if I wanted to take it somewhere other than work to shoot. I also could not buy another handgun. Odd huh?

I've also considered buying a CCW just so I don't have to wait the 3 days.

Yeah, those are some weird laws. I mean, seriously? We have to wait when we are entrusted to carry weapons 24/7 by the state? Some things just can't be explained...

Takes me about 5 minutes to buy a gun. No background check, no waiting period, none of that commie crap.

In PA , they do an instant check. You can be in and out in about 10 minutes with the paperwork. :)

PA handles it a reasonable way the way I look at it. As to a posters statement before, no, I live in a safe area. I don't think strict gun laws are a huge deal to crime on the statistical scale, though there are enough studies in each direction that I just don't know. I do know that gun laws matter to the one person getting assaulted at the moment, though.

New York is bad, but its not as bad as New Jersey. At least in New York (state) it is reasonably possible to get a carry permit.

CT isn't so bad, but it's not so fun either. We still have that silly AWB to abide by, and the pistol permit really is kind of a hassle. If you have your hunting license or pistol permit, you walk out with your new toy in about 15min. :)

I'm not against the permit process in CT; honestly there does need to be some control over who is allowed to carry. But to be brutally honest... why 21? What have I done to not deserve the right to own or carry a handgun?

I'm not against the permit process in CT; honestly there does need to be some control over who is allowed to carry. But to be brutally honest... why 21? What have I done to not deserve the right to own or carry a handgun?

Ummm - that's the "control" part.

Move to AZ. I haven't checked lately but I recall that the 21 y/o limit was related to purchase, not ownership. 18 y/o can receive a pistol as a gift. They can carry too but it may be limited to open carry.

Personally I think the controls on carrying should be aggravating factors in other crimes. Trespassing, burglary, shoplifting and other non-violent crimes should have extra penalties if the person is armed. Violent felonies even more so.

I also disagree that misdemeanors committed without a gun should be prohibitive to future gun ownership. Misdemeanor domestic violence where the person was not in possession of a firearm when it happened should not lose their right to own/carry one.

Misdemeanor domestic violence where the person was not in possession of a firearm when it happened should not lose their right to own/carry one.

If Misdemeanor Domestic Violence charges were a bit harder to arrest and convict on, I'd prefer those that beat on their spouses not be granted access to a firearm. While there are plenty of cases of "emotional" situations that just get out of hand, there are plenty of others where "smacking the misses around" was just the beginning of the violence, and deep emotional/psychological issues were at play. A spousal beater is a coward who will do it again. They don't need access to a firearm.

Now, since in my jurisdiction, it takes nothing more than an accusation to get you arrested for domestic violence crimes, I can see plenty of logic in not automatically taking someone's right to a firearm away.

If Misdemeanor Domestic Violence charges were a bit harder to arrest and convict on, I'd prefer those that beat on their spouses not be granted access to a firearm. While there are plenty of cases of "emotional" situations that just get out of hand, there are plenty of others where "smacking the misses around" was just the beginning of the violence, and deep emotional/psychological issues were at play. A spousal beater is a coward who will do it again. They don't need access to a firearm.

Now, since in my jurisdiction, it takes nothing more than an accusation to get you arrested for domestic violence crimes, I can see plenty of logic in not automatically taking someone's right to a firearm away.

I agree. I've seen a lot of murders of spouses/ ex lovers that didn't start out with firearms being involved. I do have a problem with the way they use restraining orders to get the same result though. A restraining order can be obtained with no evidence whatsoever and the subject of it is presumed guilty. That's a huge fear of cops in Oregon going through a divorce, their former true loves will go to a judge with some vindictive BS and get their guns taken away.

On the other hand, we had a cop kill his wife, baby and commit suicide.:confused5:

I've only bought guns in two states: Virginia and Colorado. Neither have any waiting period. I go in, plop the money down, get a background check in 15 minutes, walk out with my gun.

And I'm most certainly a member in the wheelgun club. I only own one semi auto, a S&W M&P compact. My wheelguns are as follow: Colt- Detective Special, Lawman 4", Diamondback 4", Army Special that turns 100 this year, and a 105 year old Police Positive. S&W 619. Ruger SP101. Cimarron model P (Colt SAA clone).

I also have a derringer style 2 shot, a LC Smith 12 gauge that is 107 years young, and a Marlin 30-30 lever-gun.

For being under 30, I'm not interested in Glocks, or black rifles. My next purchase, when money allows, will be a replica of an 1873 Springfield Trapdoor, or another replica Colt SAA complete with the military markings. I really want a "cavalry set"

If Misdemeanor Domestic Violence charges were a bit harder to arrest and convict on, I'd prefer those that beat on their spouses not be granted access to a firearm. While there are plenty of cases of "emotional" situations that just get out of hand, there are plenty of others where "smacking the misses around" was just the beginning of the violence, and deep emotional/psychological issues were at play. A spousal beater is a coward who will do it again. They don't need access to a firearm.

Now, since in my jurisdiction, it takes nothing more than an accusation to get you arrested for domestic violence crimes, I can see plenty of logic in not automatically taking someone's right to a firearm away.


I agree. I've seen a lot of murders of spouses/ ex lovers that didn't start out with firearms being involved. I do have a problem with the way they use restraining orders to get the same result though. A restraining order can be obtained with no evidence whatsoever and the subject of it is presumed guilty. That's a huge fear of cops in Oregon going through a divorce, their former true loves will go to a judge with some vindictive BS and get their guns taken away.

On the other hand, we had a cop kill his wife, baby and commit suicide.:confused5:

I can see it for people who are out of control violent but I think it should be uniform for all types of assaults or violence against people. Here, criminal damage can be "domestic violence". Punch a wall because your angry at your SO and it's DV. Punch the wall because you are remodeling the kitchen and it's fine. I understand the infliction of distress on the SO is the prime factor but if the same person takes the anger out on a punching bag, it's okay too. I don't have any experience with DV but I think watching someone punch a wall with anger and also punch the heavy bag with the same mindset would be just as intimidating. There was recent story of a guy that had given his ex-wife a necklace that she kept wearing after they broke up. He asked her not to wear it when she came over to swap kids as it upset him. No DV history. The third time she wore it over, he yanked it off and handed it to her. Chain was too tiny to leave a mark but the damage was enough for DV arrest. In my mind there is a difference between someone that takes their rage out at a gym or against inanimate objects vs. someone that beats and preys on weaker victims. I can see taking firearms away from people that have history of escalating and uncontrolled violence against people. Not so much when it involves acts that weren't violent against people. I'm not a LEO and maybe you guys have seen it, but I'd suspect wall punchers turn into face punchers before they become trigger pullers.

Restraining orders that restrict firearms also seem silly on their face. It's not going to stop the determined killer. The spacing requirements should be what keeps down the "heat of the moment" actions. If the piece of paper isn't respected for spacing, and the person is violent, nothing is going to work. And if they are going to restrict firearms they should at least have exemption for carrying on-duty. They have exemptions for repeat DUIs so they can drive back and forth to work. It only makes sense to allow police to carry at work even if there is active restraining order.

As for the once-in-million nutjobs that kill their spouse and family, I don't think it's limited to cops.

I can see it for people who are out of control violent but I think it should be uniform for all types of assaults or violence against people. Here, criminal damage can be "domestic violence". Punch a wall because your angry at your SO and it's DV. Punch the wall because you are remodeling the kitchen and it's fine. I understand the infliction of distress on the SO is the prime factor but if the same person takes the anger out on a punching bag, it's okay too. I don't have any experience with DV but I think watching someone punch a wall with anger and also punch the heavy bag with the same mindset would be just as intimidating. There was recent story of a guy that had given his ex-wife a necklace that she kept wearing after they broke up. He asked her not to wear it when she came over to swap kids as it upset him. No DV history. The third time she wore it over, he yanked it off and handed it to her. Chain was too tiny to leave a mark but the damage was enough for DV arrest. In my mind there is a difference between someone that takes their rage out at a gym or against inanimate objects vs. someone that beats and preys on weaker victims. I can see taking firearms away from people that have history of escalating and uncontrolled violence against people. Not so much when it involves acts that weren't violent against people. I'm not a LEO and maybe you guys have seen it, but I'd suspect wall punchers turn into face punchers before they become trigger pullers.

Restraining orders that restrict firearms also seem silly on their face. It's not going to stop the determined killer. The spacing requirements should be what keeps down the "heat of the moment" actions. If the piece of paper isn't respected for spacing, and the person is violent, nothing is going to work. And if they are going to restrict firearms they should at least have exemption for carrying on-duty. They have exemptions for repeat DUIs so they can drive back and forth to work. It only makes sense to allow police to carry at work even if there is active restraining order.

As for the once-in-million nutjobs that kill their spouse and family, I don't think it's limited to cops.

Part of that comes from differences in states. Here in Florida, punch your own wall in an argument? No crime. Punch someone else's wall? Crime. Here, neither of those situations would be domestic violence. With the exception of the low threshold of evidence needed for an arrest, conviction, and restraining order, I'm really ok with someone being denied their right to a firearm if they have a documented history of spousal violence. While DV is emotional in nature, a lot of the crap that goes on in someone's head before being abusive towards a spouse is pretty phsycologicall twisted.

Part of that comes from differences in states. Here in Florida, punch your own wall in an argument? No crime. Punch someone else's wall? Crime. Here, neither of those situations would be domestic violence.

Same in Oregon. You can tear down your own house in anger and as long as you don't injure your spouse in the process, who cares? With the possible exception of your neighbors.

Arizona's version of domestic violence law is insanely strict. Too much so. I disagree with several parts of the statute, but since it's on the books it has to be enforced as written.

Now...

Back to the guns!!!

Arizona's version of domestic violence law is insanely strict. Too much so. I disagree with several parts of the statute, but since it's on the books it has to be enforced as written.



With some people, anything worth doing is worth doing to excess...

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w87/buckyboy85/wheelguns.jpg

My old shootin' iron.....

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll268/jimbellah/100_0472.jpg

Obviously not the original grips. I have them somewhere, they're little tiny wooden ones. I needed the big rubber ones to fit my hand.

My old shootin' iron.....

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll268/jimbellah/100_0472.jpg

Obviously not the original grips. I have them somewhere, they're little tiny wooden ones. I needed the big rubber ones to fit my hand.

Where do you put the CO2 cartridge?

Where do you put the CO2 cartridge?

I don't think CO2 was discovered yet in those days...

Where do you put the CO2 cartridge?

You must crack yourself up....

Where do you put the CO2 cartridge?


You must crack yourself up....

If not himself, he definitely cracked ME up!! :smilielol5:

You must crack yourself up....

I really do. It's healthy.

I still have a Chief's Special snub. If I was standing at the back door and shot it outside I swear the round would turn left to travel through our dining room, turn right and go upstairs and after opening and closing two doors it would pass through the master bath and if the second level hall window was open it might penetrate the screen then fall harmlessly in the flowerbed beside our front door's Welcome mat. If there's no wind, of course.

Definitely a member of the club. Carry a S&W 640 as a back-up and/off duty gun. Looked in to the S&W 340 (scandium), but just couldn't bring myself to spend $800+ for a gun that was just a little lighter than I already have.
Have a S&W 500 that I just couldn't pass up, though it's a brute to shoot.

Ruger SP101 and a S&W 629.

Also to add to Florida's quirky laws - Broward and Miami-Dade county have 5 day waits (not the 3 day waits like rest of Florida) and includes rifles, even for Law Enforcement.

Have a S&W 500 that I just couldn't pass up, though it's a brute to shoot.



You never know. Drug dealers could change from using pit-bull dogs to bull elephants and you'd hate be underarmed. :) And if the grizzly bear population keeps growing in florida everyone is going to need one of these. lol.

I'm thinking about purchasing a Glock-feedback?

I'm thinking about purchasing a Glock-feedback?


Do it!!!! Actually buy what fits you.

I handled a Springfield XD the other day and it seemed more comfortable than a Glock. I may convert.

Do it!!!! Actually buy what fits you.

I handled a Springfield XD the other day and it seemed more comfortable than a Glock. I may convert.

I have small hands, so I need one that is not so big. I've done skeet shooting, and can handle myself with big guns yet I prefer a 9mm or 45 for those special Friday nights-lol

I have small hands, so I need one that is not so big. I've done skeet shooting, and can handle myself with big guns yet I prefer a 9mm or 45 for those special Friday nights-lol

I prefer something with a "4" somewhere in the caliber. I've been to enough autopsies and seen the damage done by those vs. other calibers. If I'm going to be sued, I want to be sued by the estate of the former person I shot, not the person. If I get scared enough to shoot somebody, I'm scared enough to want the threat stopped now.

Definitely get something that fits your hand, there are all sorts of shapes and sizes of .45 and .40 caliber pistols out there.

I prefer something with a "4" somewhere in the caliber. I've been to enough autopsies and seen the damage done by those vs. other calibers. If I'm going to be sued, I want to be sued by the estate of the former person I shot, not the person. If I get scared enough to shoot somebody, I'm scared enough to want the threat stopped now.

Definitely get something that fits your hand, there are all sorts of shapes and sizes of .45 and .40 caliber pistols out there.

So, Retdet, if you were me which gun would you choose? Even though I've been around law enforcement my whole life, I truthfully know nothing about guns. Absurd, but I never thought to actually have one of my own in all that time.

So, Retdet, if you were me which gun would you choose? Even though I've been around law enforcement my whole life, I truthfully know nothing about guns. Absurd, but I never thought to actually have one of my own in all that time.

Other than the caliber, I have no idea, Suzanne. Trying to advise someone on what gun to carry is like trying to tell them what kind of car to buy, everyone's preference and needs are so different. Go to a gun store and just see which ones are comfortable in your hand. Perhaps check out some gun ranges in the area and see if any rent guns. Possibly they can help you decide and you can try some out, I don't know if they have those type of ranges in S. Cal or not though. But a reputable gun dealer will probably be more than glad to help you select something you would like.

Bear in mind that if you get a semi automatic, it requires more care than a revolver. Wheel guns can take a lot of neglect and abuse and still work. Semi's are more delicate machines and have to be kept clean and oiled or they can malfunction. Caring for them isn't all that hard, but it's something that has to be done periodically and it entails some dis-assembly along with messy cleaning and re-oiling.

Other than the caliber, I have no idea, Suzanne. Trying to advise someone on what gun to carry is like trying to tell them what kind of car to buy, everyone's preference and needs are so different. Go to a gun store and just see which ones are comfortable in your hand. Perhaps check out some gun ranges in the area and see if any rent guns. Possibly they can help you decide and you can try some out, I don't know if they have those type of ranges in S. Cal or not though. But a reputable gun dealer will probably be more than glad to help you select something you would like.

Bear in mind that if you get a semi automatic, it requires more care than a revolver. Wheel guns can take a lot of neglect and abuse and still work. Semi's are more delicate machines and have to be kept clean and oiled or they can malfunction. Caring for them isn't all that hard, but it's something that has to be done periodically and it entails some dis-assembly along with messy cleaning and re-oiling.

I think you have been more than gracious giving me weapon advice, Retdet, thank you very much! I will do my research, and hopefully I will come up with a pretty little pistol that fits my needs. :)
You are a rock star! Ha! lol...Hugs!

I have small hands, so I need one that is not so big.

I've waited my whole life to hear a woman say that.

I've waited my whole life to hear a woman say that.

ROTFLOL...One would think I'd screen my thoughts more closely with you to retort in such a fashion.
I give you rep points, oh sharp gent! lol

Tried to rep you, yet must spread rep love around before coming back to you, Sir Blackgoat. :)
Thus the reason for editing - :smilielol5:

ROTFLOL...One would think I'd screen my thoughts more closely with you to retort in such a fashion.
I give you rep points, oh sharp gent! lol

Tried to rep you, yet must spread rep love around before coming back to you, Sir Blackgoat. :)
Thus the reason for editing - :smilielol5:

It's OK you havent been around much. I'm just trying to keep you on your toes :)

Thanks for the rep attempt though