Moped

If you are going to use it as a primary, then by all means get a long barrel (6 to 8 inch) and scope it, but if it is going to be a backup, then the scope is going to slow you down.  I am assuming that as a backup, you would want something you could get into battery, fast and accurate.  A long barrel and scope are not what you are looking for. I think the 3.3/4 inch or the 4 5/8 inch is what you want.   Really, I think you are looking at 2 different pistols.  But if you must split hairs, I would go with a 5.5 inch barrel and no scope and get use to shooting accurately with the iron sights.

Dang! After reading the comments here, I'm glad I could wasn't able to view vid, due to an error on Youtube.

I kinda like it!!! I'd love to see it in .45ACP.  That would be the bomb!!!

Where does the freakin' laser beam go? :D

You get the Most Unique Answer Award!!! :D

Wondered if someone would bring one up. :)

I think this is the most likely scenario for a nationwide SHTF scenario.  I can tell you that our regional electrical supplier is working hard to keep this from happening, but I'm not sure they can do much about it at this point.   http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/20/politics/nsa-china-power-grid/index.html?hpt=hp_t4  

Some how I know it would come down to a shotgun or an AR. :D  Seems shotguns are still the most popular.  I am surprised that other rifles were not mentioned though.

Just wondering which long arm you all prefer for home defense. I myself, tend to rotate out between a Mossberg 590 and an Olympic Arms M4. The Mossberg is the one most often out of the safe, when I get home from work. But not always. What do you all like?

I wish someone would to find my stolen Norinco 1911a1 and my Browning Hi-Power that were stolen back in 2005!!!

What was the Shelton Laurel massacre? My GGGG Grandfather was the Confederate Banker in Knoxville, a Surgeon at Chickamauga and Knoxville, Dr. JGM Ramsey. He accompanied Longstreet, when he attacked Knoxville. One of his sons rode with Morgan and was at Greenville when Morgan was killed. Another son was killed in the last year of the war at Winchester, VA, fighting with Jubel Early and John Breckenridge. Another son was a Lieutient, when he was captured with Jefferson Davis in GA, after the war. My other GGGG Grandfather ran off to Kentucky and joined the Union. He was in the Calvary. He rode with Sandman and was captured in Morristown in a firefight (probably) with Morgan's Calvary. His unit ran out of ammunition and had to surrender. He was in a POW camp in Danville, VA and paroled in Decmember of 1864, after he contracted tuberculosis. He walked home to Campbell County, TN. When he walked into the yard of his house, his wife didn't recognise him. His hair was totally white. He lived to collect a War Pension.

Another good books is Stonewall of the West: Patrick Clebourne & the Civil War, by Craig Symonds.

In this state, you could more than likely find a gun loving Democrat to run in that primary. Then it would be a win win! It's not unheard of!

Gettysburg is awesome.  I was fortunate enough to visit after I returned from Desert Storm. I think that made it that much more special for me! I want to go visit Shiloh one of these days!    Some good books to read about these battles are Gods and Generals by Jeff Shaara (Battle of Gettysburg).  Jeff Shaara has also writting a series on the Western Theater during the Civil War. A Blaze of Glory (Battle of Shiloh), Chain of Thunder (Vicksburg), The Smoke at Dawn (Battle of Chattanooga).  Jeff Shaara's dad wrote The Killer Angels (also about the Battle of Gettysburg).

That's an awesome deal on the PT111! I'm wanting on in .45ACP. Last time I priced one they were up around $400.

I have a bayonet for my Mossy 590! Don't ask me why, but it is the perfect accessory for a Mall Ninja! I've looked at a buying a shotgun scabbard. Just haven't pulled the trigger yet.

I've bought Promags in the past and have never had good sucess with them.  I won't waste anymore money on them.  Wish Hi-Point would come out with Hi-cap mags with for their carbines.

If you want to go a cheaper route, try to find a Ruger Security Six.  Built like a tank to last your grandchildren's lifetimes!  They are built much stronger than the vaunted S&W K Frame!  If you are looking for a great shooter, look for a Colt.  but Colts are a bit on the delicate side.  Still they have the best triggers of any revolver out of the box, I have ever shot and the are superbly accurate!

Taurus PT111 Millennium G2.  I have one and love it!

I wouldn't buy a Springfield M1A period.  I have two friends that have them, both NM and neither is a great shoot rifle.  Also one of them as been diagnosed as having a faulty heat treatment.  Since my friend bought it used, the warrenty is void.  I've heard good things about the Enterprise and LRB M14s, but they are more expensive.

I don't know about you all, but if the principal came to me and suggested I do something, I would take it to mean that's what I must do.  Just like if my boss came to me and said, I'd like you to work overtime on a project.  To me, he is just telling me in a nice way, that I must work overtime. From what I've read here, the Principal was in the wrong, and as a representative of the Government (in this case the School System), so was the School System.   Had a parent gone to the cheerleaders and suggested it, then there is no problem here.  Nor would there have been a problem with the cheerleaders themselves getting together and coming up with it.  That's a student led prayer and protected.  But that's not what I have read.

Try www.bushcraftusa.com.  They have a good Classified Section and there are plenty of other things to read about too!

Hey, I converted my Saiga .223 and I have no mechanical ability, what so ever.  If I could do it, anyone could do it! :)

Go with the Ruger SP101 in .357mag, for now.  And start saving your money to get a 1911.  The SP101 is built like a tank and utterly reliable.  As mentioned in a prior post, you can also shoot .38spl in it.  .38s are half the cost of .45acp, which translates into more range time, better shooting skills and more fun! :)  Plus they are great for carry and self defense. I do recommend a good holster for them, though.  I also recommend a 3" barrel, if you can find it. I'm not sure how old your son is, but he also may find the SP101 a bit easier to shoot, from a recoil stand point as well.   Springfields are great, pistols!  I know this, because I own a Loaded Version in Stainless Steel!  But, if you are wanting a plain jane mil spec one, I would look at the Rock Island Armory.  You can use the savings to purchase ammunition for it.  1911s are really fun pistols to shoot and there are lots of after market upgrades you can do to them.  If you like to tinker around, that makes them uber sexy.  The .45acp is a great round for self defense too, and the 1911 carries flat against your body, but it's also heavy and sometimes it's not real fun to carry.  If you have your heart set on a 1911, I would recommend a Commander version, with the 4 1/2" barrel.  It's a 1/2" shorter and a bit lighter.  Lighter is better when it comes to carry pistols, IMO. RIA makes the 1911 in 3 sizes, Government (5" barrel), Commander (4 1/2" barrel) and Officer (3.5" barrel).

I actually wouldn't mind owning one of those!  I wouldn't pay more than $400-$500 for it though.  Anymore and you could just go by a Sportical or something along those lines or build an AR.  I like it much better than the Mini 14, but I like a sharp stick almost as much as I like a Mini-14.  There aren't a lot of semi-autos in .223/5.56x45.  It's nice to see another one out there.