chances R

Tactical Advantage in Knoxville has had a Virtual Trainer for over a year.  Hundreds of different targets, head to head games, etc.  The real life training scenarios are super and an eye opener.  It is interactive as well. 

Yep me too..  But trust me, there are a lot more bigger WHOOPS with 44 mags. :yuck:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ND81tMeggdM   This is somewhat relevant but with 9mm which is known for its 'shoot-throughs'

Exactly.  Take the Zimmerman case.  If there had been any pistol modifications ( trigger job with a 2# pull) or the use of the 'souped-up nuclear tipped' Zombied proof reload, the Defense would have  exploited that to no end.  I have to trust those who have been expert witnesses, such as Ayoob, and simply take his word and advise when it comes to these matters.  He says use what local LEO use and that's good enough for me.

The LEO around here use Golden Sabre, so using Massad's recommendations, that's what I use.  But I sure make some pretty Hornady 185gr. XTP over 5.7gr. Bullseye.  Use nickel-plated case just to class things up a bit

As I have said in the past, the LAST thing I want to do is have to shoot someone.  If there is a easy way out.....take it.  Don't go outside looking for trouble, and if you do, go back inside.  It is simply not worth the time, hassle, questions, prison, and regret.

If you are new to a caliber, I would stick to one type bullet until very comfortable with the results.  Take good notes to reference in the future as well.  You will get a lot of variations for even one specific load with different manuals as well.  I load very few 'hot' loads as I depend on factory rounds for SD/EDC.  So anything else will be more than adequate to punch a hole in paper as long as it cycles your gun.  The lighter load beats you and the gun up less.

Very good discussion.  I mirror prag's journey; thought I knew what I was doing and could shoot a pistol.  As said, you don't know what you don't know.  I have invested quite a bit in over 200 hrs of training with a number of different instructors.  It is important to realize that one must master basic shooting skills as well as safe gun handling skills before moving on to more advanced tactical maneuvers.  Suarez and Cruel Hand Luke have several levels of programs to do just that.  Too many people think the HCP course is a suitable training course and they are sadly mistaken.  Tactical Advantage Corp. in Knoxville is now offering multiple level courses at very reasonable prices.  I would hope that anyone who is willing to assume the responsibility of every day carry would understand the need for additional training and discover some of what they don't know.  There is a whole lot more to it than simply strapping a gun on because you have a permit.

would be I interesting to see how it performs after a good cleaning.  One should always clean a new firearm. What kind of ammo?

don't let the word 'progressive' scare you away from such a press.  I use the Hornady Lock and Load, and if you want, you can load one case, on station at a time.  Trust me, if you shoot a lot, you will want a progressive press.  Dozens of videos on You Tube, plus helpful forums like this one will get you going.  It is not that hard, just pay attention to detail.

Ah heck, what's wrong with blue jeans and tennis shoes?  All I had when I started.  However, I would have jumped in to a nice pair of 5mm neoprene and 1200gm. of thinsulate boots in a heart beat if they were available back then.  Especially fishing the Clinch.

This and contact Randy @ Suarez as previously stated.

Hiring someone to work is a lot different from hiring someone to work and let them carry a gun.  Especially if the qualifications is a simple HCP class.  I can only imagine the worse case situations where an employ, trying to defend company property (which is insured) shoots two or three customers. It is not a simple situation when dealing with the public in a retail situation such as GM.

Don't know the specifics to this range, but some ranges are still having to deal with the shortage.  They want people to shoot at their range and try to have enough ammo on site for shooters that are actually using the range.  I think this is more of a 'use it here it is cheaper' policy.....not a 'brass' charge.  It sounds like they have very little markup to encourage use of their range.

Well since I have started using the Lee FCD my feeding problems have virtually disappeared.  This is especially true with cast bullets.  I use it in 45 and 9 s.   My bullet seating die (Reddings Pro) come no where near eliminating all of the bell for my cast bullets.  The FCD finishes off the case at .468 for me. 

Remember, on a school grounds or campus, a visible handgun will get you a lot of attention, and more.

They breed and possibly vote :rant:

Nearly 150 shooters; made for a long day, but fun and for a worthy cause.  Shot over 200 rounds and some interesting COF.  Food by Buddy's BBQ and there was plenty.  Lots of good prizes given away.

I have taken both TAC 1 & 2.  Different courses, both fun, but 1 doesn't really imply a stepping stone to 2.  For the cost I think you will find both well worth the money.  In fact, my plan is to repeat them once a year.

Tactical Advantage (former Coal Creek) in Knoxville has TAC 1 and TAC 2 offerings in NOV.  Eric Matson is instructor. 

finally got one myself.  Great pointing gun.  Definitely one of the best quality and best shooting carry pistols I have.

So JohnC, back to your OP.........YES.   :surrender:

Selling your gun, or even trading at a gun store is usually a losing proposition.  No different than trading cars at a dealer.  Private sell is the way to go.

As I understand the Castle Doctrine as well as Stand your Ground, the situations you described should and were ruled justifiable.  However, each one will be judged on any possible unique situation and as always the devil is in the details.  That is why situational awareness and avoidance if possible would always be the best option....if it is indeed safely an option.

  And I think this sums up what the carry class is about.  It is not a self-defense course, it is an explanation/instruction on the laws of carrying and using a handgun in TN.  It is also a test for the basic understanding of the law in this regard and a test to be sure you possess a minimum of knowledge to load, shoot and handle a handgun safely.  What concerns me the most is that a lot of people consider this self defense training, and now are 'trained' to handle such a situation.  To me, the HCP is analogous to a Hunter's Safety course or your Driver's Learning Permit......it should be just the start.