I found this Forum yesterday and had to register. I'm a long time shooter and gun nut but only recently received my carry permit (like one week ago today).
I'm recently retired/disabled due to severe back trouble (surgery, fusion, nerve damage, etc.) so I knew it was time to get my carry permit: I'm too old to fist fight and too broken down to run, that didn't leave many options other than get my carry permit or prepare to be a victim. Our neighborhood has also recently declined and, like everywhere else, crime is on the rise.
Someone tried to break into our apartment with a crowbar at 12:30 in the morning last July. I woke up when I heard the noise but since I thought it was the cat, I'd really only gotten up to have a cigarette - I was
lucky , simple as that. When I heard prying at the door again I grabbed my Mossberg and prepared for something ugly. I managed to run them off by banging on the door but, since the odds are against facing a home invasion in the first place, I chose not to push my luck any further and began working toward my carry permit. After all, aren't we "suppose" to be safer when we're at home then when we're out in public with unknown variables? Not very encouraging to say the least.
BTW, while I kept the door covered I had my wife call 911 from our bedroom (the furthest room from the door), .357 S&W close at hand. It turned out okay I guess but it took 30 minutes for the Police (one officer) to arrive and nobody has yet been arrested, doubt they ever will be. Since our incident there have been four or five other break ins in our complex ... oh yeah, management is
really concerned.
While I prefer 1911s, I'm currently carrying a S&W 642 (.38spl. +P) in an Alessi Hard Shell Talon - not the most effective weapon by any means but until finances improve it beats going unarmed. If nothing else I'll probably switch to my S&W M66 (2-1/2" .357mag) when weather allows more appropriate covering garments.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to spending lots of time here. I can already tell there's tons of experience I can learn from and some really good people contributing.
Jack