I have practiced some. I did well with a 30-06 but that is just for hunting. I do plan to get good at it. If the need arises I want to make sure I do it right the first time.

I've had my permit since 97' I like the HK USP compact 40S&W. It has great stopping power and conceals very well. Nice weight too. There is a lot of responsibility when you bring a fire arm into a public situation. Study your local regulations and follow them to a "T" I have never had to pull my weapon since I've had the permit. It won't clear leather unless I plan t use it. I even left it locked in my car while running down a bank robber because I knew he wasn't armed and it may only make the situation more dangerous.

Some firearm safety rules.
#1 never point your weapon at something you don't intend to destroy
#2 treat all weapons as loaded weapons
#3 Be sure of your target and what surrounds it
#4 keep your finger straight and off the trigger until ready to fire

definition of deadly force
That force, which a person uses, with the purpose of causing, or which he knows or should know, will create a substantial risk of causing, death or serious bodily harm. To be used only under conditions of extreme necessity, only as a last resort. when all lesser means have failed or can not be reasonably employed.

I would take this VERY seriously. Before I even considered carrying, I would want to be VERY confident in my skill with the weapon, and my confidence level, not to mention knowledge of all the laws and places I cannot carry it. It would not be something I would take lightly.

I have had a CCW for 28 years, in California there is a back ground check you're finger printed (just like a criminal) and you have to take a eight hour class. After all that you have to go to the range and prove you can use your weapon safely and accurately. We have to hit a target at 7yards, 10 yards, 15 yards and 20 yards 12 shots at each position. My permit is good for 2 years then to renew it we have to set though a 4 hour class then back to the range. In the 28 years I have carried I have never had to draw my weapon but it is nice to know it is there if needed.

You're a unique case. California isn't a 'Shall issue" State. Several states say that if you qualify, they MUST give you a permit, but not CA. There are usually special circumstances necessary to get one down there.

I'm not going to pry, just stating what I understand (I'm a native of CA....grew up not too far from you, and my Dad was a Federal Probation/Parole Officer for 26 years there). You're one of the lucky few CA residents to be able to get one.

Reciprocity is another interesting part of the law. Some states honor other state permits, some don't. For instance, in Idaho, my Oregon permit is good, but in WA, it'* not. However, I can go to WA, show my OR permit, and they'll issue me a WA permit.

I've been shooting for years, including in the Marines. For this reason, I was exempt from the class/training for the permit, but went through it anyway. You need to understand the laws surrounding concealed carry VERY well. We're held to a higher level of responsibility in the eyes of the authorities because of our permits.

I agree. When that lunatic was chasing my son and I down the highway on Christmas day I wish I would have had a weapon, even just a shotgun. Perhaps we wouldn't have had to outrun him at 107 mph for 20+ miles to keep from getting harmed. I swear I would have stood up through the sunroof and taken aim and watched him stop. Calling 911 sure didn't help.

how bout simply-

twoways_s.jpg

stories of people who protected themselves-
http://www.keepandbeararms.com/infor...e.asp?CatID=43

One of the things we were taught in the CCW class was to try to avoid using deadly force until there was no other way. I remember the interview that I had to go through when I first applied. The interviewer asked what would I do if someone pulled a knife and demanded all my money? I told him that I would give it to him, because all the money in the world wasn't worth my life or his. In the same breath I told him if they tried to mess with my family he would be dead before he hit the ground. That'* what the permit is all about the protection of your self and your family.
your family is all that matters.

I remember taking my CCW class here in Florida. I remember a lot, but the funniest thing, and this was actually in the brouchre, was "flogging with a garden hose does not warrant the use of deadly force" however, if the hose has a sprinkler on the end that can be used as a blunt instrument you are authorized to use deadly force. Kind of silly, but hey this is Florida, EVERYTHING needs to be addressed.

I have two guns that I rotated between for concealed carry. The first is a larger frame 9mm:
http://www.taurususa.com/products/pr...ategory=Pistol


It is a bigger gun, but has an "on gun" lock. With a turn of a key the gun becomes disabled: no loading, cocking, unloading, trigger pulling, nada. But it is a larger gun. I have a smaller one that I carry if I am doing anything althetic or physical:
http://www.taurususa.com/products/pr...ategory=Pistol


I like Taurus, what can I say?

If your state permits you to get a permit...I say get one, you NEVER know....

I personally don't like the whole works. I fail too see why any non-Military/Law Enforcememnt person show own a handgun. It is so much harder to concela a rifle/shotgun and rob a liquor store or shoot up a mall..

But, since the box has been opened, and they are out there, it'* too late to outlaw them. Then, as they say, only outlaws would have them.

So, while I don't agree, I can only hope those that do have them use them wisely, and don't end hurting/killing themselves or others.

(I guess 15 years in the Army kind of cured me of my gun lust)