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Feeling better prepared

3K views 38 replies 23 participants last post by  SCmasterblaster 
#1 ·
For years I've kept a 357 revolver with a flashlight at the ready for home defense. Recently a Glock 17, with a Streamlights and loaded with 17+1 of 124gr +p hollow points took the place of the revolver. Makes me feel better prepared but I still hope I never have to use it. Just the sight of the 17, sitting at the ready though, warms my heart.
 
#8 ·
Although I am a bigger bore person my HD gun is a G17 loaded with 20 rounds of 124grn +p GD. If I am out with family that I may have to defend the G17 is with me. The capacity and barrel length milking the maximum fps from the +p 9mm makes me feel very warm and fuzzy.
 
#9 ·
I love 357 magnum revolvers but if I ever had to shoot it in my house at night, wow! Spooky. I'll stick with 9mm and my Glock 19 gen 3. You did a good choice on the Glock 17. Enjoy and be safe.

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#13 ·
At my age (almost 73), downsizing is often on my mind. I'm considering selling off a few more handguns, ones that I hardly ever shoot and/or don't like to shoot and getting down to six, a number I consider absolutely minimal and essential. Living in a two story house, I feel having two loaded and available guns, one on each level, is essential. (I used to keep only one in my bedroom, in a small GunVault, as my only home defense gun. One day while in my "work room", which is the furnace room as well on the lower level, I heard a noise which I mistakenly thought might be a break-in. It suddenly occurred to me that there was a large distance between me and my gun, and decided I needed to be better prepared for the future. Now I have a second secured GunVault with a loaded semi-auto in this location.) I also have two concealed carry guns, so if one ever needs repairs or is otherwise unavailable, I still have a gun that I can easily carry. Then there is my favorite target gun, a 10 round S&W 617 revolver in 22LR. And number six is the only gun I own that has sentimental value, a beautiful S&W Model 19, 4-inch, nickel, 357 Magnum revolver.

I'm not there yet, to my basic six. But I find that as I get older I do want to simplify my life, including not having to stock as many different calibers of handgun ammunition. I also would like to downsize my house, but right now my wife is still determined that we keep this large house as a gathering place for my entire family with five grown children, spouses, and soon to be 11th grandchild. So my downsizing is pretty much kept to my guns and my clothes (I've gotten rid of almost all my suits, and haven't worn a tie but twice, for weddings, in the almost three years since I retired!)
 
#15 ·
Same situation, down to (6) Glocks, and one Ruger Alaskan Snubby. I also have that two story house and basement, I also have them strategically placed to where I'm no where more than 15' from access.

Ps I have two Dillion 650s and reload for 9mm and 44 mag. I will get rid of the last 30s and will be down to (3) 26's and (2) 17's.....and Snubby.
 
#21 ·
I've made the switch to a PCC next to the bed with StreamLight TLR-4 mounted to it. I like being able to have the laser and flashlight in one unit and options in how I turn it on.

22 rounds of 40S&W better be able to get the job done. Make that 44 rounds as I keep a spare magazine on the nightstand.
 
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#22 ·
With the exception of using 147 gr hp rounds I have the same exact setup next to my bed.
 
#26 ·
I believe a well rounded inventory is needed from the pocket pistol up to the shotgun or rifle. I believe you should have them all as ready as you can at anytime. If you knew three armed men were coming through your door to do harm what would you want to defend your family with, a 9mm or a rifle with a 30 round mag?
 
#29 ·
Interesting, reading Vito and Rocky's posts I feel a certain kinship. At 65, retired now for about six years, I've given up hunting and sold the shotgun and rifles. The resulting cash has been a basis for thinning out the armory and I'm down to a Gen 4 G26 and a Ruger LCP. Still struggling with the idea of a larger Glock that can hold a tac light, perhaps a G19 with one of Streamlight's HL lights ... now rated at 800 LUMENS! It would be like a non-lethal weapon in its own right. But that purchase would seriously deplete the cash reserve and I'm thinking the money is better spent on ammo and IDPA match fees, competing with both guns in the BUG or CCP division.

We live in a slab-on-grade home in AZ, and I've never heard of a home invasion anywhere near our community, so my situational awareness level is fairly low and stashing extra guns in the kitchen nook or living room feels like overkill at this point in time. All of that can change, obviously, with one incident.
 
#31 ·
I am 60 this year and also thinned out what I the safe over the years but would never go as far as some in these times. I don't have the play toys I once had but I do have a good supply of Glocks and other service pistols along with shotguns and ARs.
Although I am not a 9mm fan if left with only one SD handgun it would be my G17. I can conceal it easily because I am not a small guy and having 18 rounds ready to go is very comforting. Pop another mag in and I have 20-30 more rounds.
 
#32 ·
Choosing a platform is about 20% of the equation. Training, practice, repeat. Your fight will likely be at night. How much training have you had with your gun & light @ night? How much practice with both? I have had training & help teach shooting @ night with hand held & weapon lights. I shoot 2-3 idpa style night matches annually. Unless you have actually run your rig at speed in total darkness, you have no idea & IMO, not ready for that possible fight, 6rds or 16rds.
 
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#33 ·
Choosing a platform is about 20% of the equation. Training, practice, repeat. Your fight will likely be at night. How much training have you had with your gun & light @ night? How much practice with both? I have had training & help teach shooting @ night with hand held & weapon lights. I shoot 2-3 idpa style night matches annually. Unless you have actually run your rig at speed in total darkness, you have no idea & IMO, not ready for that possible fight, 6rds or 16rds.
This is a problem with day or night situations. Sadly, the vast majority of gun owners, even many here on GT, don't really shoot. You see posts all the time about "I bought this gun last year, but haven't been to the range yet" or "I haven't shot in a few years because of....".
Too many people worry about what gun they will use or which new hollowpoint, but never actually learn to use the gun well. Just like in police and military encounters, you will see a drastic drop off in accuracy during a real, high stress event. If you are already lacking, that drop off could be deadly.
 
#35 ·
This is a problem with day or night situations. Sadly, the vast majority of gun owners, even many here on GT, don't really shoot. You see posts all the time about "I bought this gun last year, but haven't been to the range yet" or "I haven't shot in a few years because of....".
Too many people worry about what gun they will use or which new hollowpoint, but never actually learn to use the gun well. Just like in police and military encounters, you will see a drastic drop off in accuracy during a real, high stress event. If you are already lacking, that drop off could be deadly.
I believe this is a very good point. I spent some considerable time in discussion of the merits of fewer platforms in another thread.
Although I have competed and practiced, too few rounds down range has been devoted to night time shooting, myself not enough. A very good reminder that 15k rounds down range during daylight is not low light or no light training, appreciate the post.
 
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