deerslayer

That sounds suspiciously like MSSA.

@the Harley jokes! I ride a Kawasaki

I guess it's just a difference in philosophy. I compare this mindset to motorcyclists who claim that there are two types of riders--those who have crashed, and those who will. As far as comparing apples to oranges, my "target" gun is a stock Glock 19. I bet if you came and shot with us sometime, some of our stages would be remarkably similar to your idea of "protective" shooting. In the end, I agree with you--train and practice with whatever works for you, and whatever works the best for you may be a lousy choice for someone else.

I babysit 25 adolescents ages 21-55. aka UPS supervisor.

Don't forget the Deep Woods OFF.

I think I've read that Jeff Cooper, some years ago, proclaimed the S&W Model 39 (the grandfather of modern DAs) to be a terrific solution to a non-existent problem. While I'm no gunfighter, I do shoot competitively. Competitive shooting certainly does not represent a gunfight, but it does add a stress factor not normally encountered on the range. I've never had trouble crushing the grip. Again, I think this is more a training issue. Practice something until it becomes instinct; then, when the SHTF, maybe some things will actually go right. Just as long as you remember that every bullet has a lawyer attached to it. Me, I'm not training or planning to miss. Come on--let's not get silly. A cocked Beretta or USP is a single action, which is 3 or 4 lbs and probably less than half the travel distance of a Glock. My Glock triggers must be moved 1/2" and are 5.5 lbs. Granted, a DA has a little longer and a bit heavier trigger, but a standard Glock trigger requires quite a bit more effort and travel distance to discharge than a SA.

Mars, I agree with almost everything you said, (I am also of the "I want my gun to be ready" persuasion) but have one question. Surely, you are not comparing a Glock/XD/M&P to a cocked USP or Beretta, are you? That's not a fair comparison. Up until about three years ago, I would have completely agreed with your whole post (being a SIG man). However, I decided that I wanted to get away from the two-trigger-pull guns, and that left basically 1911, XD, or Glock. I don't believe in the "I'm only going to need it to shoot someone at three feet, so the heavy first shot doesn't matter." Needless to say, I became comfortable with Glocks. Of course a heavier trigger will be safer, but I just don't feel that it's necessary for every shooter. Like you, I don't care for manual safeties, but we can't dispute the fact that they make guns safer to re-holster (assuming they are used). I also feel that they are unnecessary (the same way you do). You can make a gun so safe that's it useless.

Evan, who was the chick at RUSA?

Hmmm...I carry a Glock and in a life threatening self defense situation, my finger will be all over the trigger. I think most of the "keep your finger off the trigger" rhetoric is intended for holstering/re-holstering, general gun-handling/non-shooting times. Unfortunately, Glocks and XDs and Smith M&Ps (all three are in the same boat, IMO) are all marketed and widely believed to be simple and more user-friendly. They all require fewer activities to fire a round; thus they are simpler. More user-friendly? That's debatable. They are perfectly safe and arguably more user-friendly in the hands of a well-trained or highly experienced shooter; in the hands of a novice or a careless shooter, the chances of an accident increase. This is often illustrated when someone holsters or re-holsters his gun, and shoots a hole in the ground. It's not simply a matter of remembering not to play with the trigger while shoving the gun in the holster; it should become an instinct. If it's not an instinct, the shooter should maybe stick w/ a DA with a decocker and/or a safety. However, if a shooter lacks the skills or motivation to practice enough to carry one of these guns, I have serious doubts about his competence with ANY gun. Mars is always saying that Glocks are easier to accidently discharge, and I agree, but would like to know how often this involves an experienced Glock/XD/M&P shooter (sorry, most cops don't count). More often than not, it involves a nimrod.

Have them and love them. A little work to put on and get situated, but well worth the effort. For a belt, your options are a top-of-the-line velcro-lined $95 job from Comp-Tac, or to improvise. Me? I bought the sturdiest $20 belt JC Penney had, took it to Guy's Shoe Repair on Stage Road, and paid $12 (?) for them to STITCH a pair of 2" velcro strips on the inside. It has worked well so far. Adjustment depends on how long the strips are on the inside of your belt. The clips come with velcro that has adhesive on one side, but they also recommend stitching. Guy's said they couldn't stitch if the velcro had adhesive, but they had some plain velcro sitting around. If we ever meet at the once-a-month-that-nobody-shows-up-to Friday night TGO meetings at Range USA, you can see the setup in person. Highly recommended

Say again?

either that or they are just as good as the more expensive ones...

+1 Mars and I actually agree? Time to get right with Jesus--the end is near!

Bad day, Mike?

TMI--there is no more room in the safe.

Because cell phones are not necessary.

You really need to get over the open carry thing.

I'm glad the good Rabbi is in Nashville and not Memphis--that would be too tempting.

Increase you OAL about .010" and you should be fine.

How much $$?

Sorry, but I think the terms "tupperware" and "plastic fantastic" are here to stay.

My parents have a Troy-Bilt Bronco? from Lowes and it has done well. If you can, spend the extra $$ and get the automatic transmission--they are well worth it.

Odd Job was cuter than her.