Jamie Jackson

I've not been to SIA yet. But I obviously need to quit procrastinating about it. I have a place in my hear for S&W revolvers, more so as shooters than a collection piece. So 100 % originality isn't an issue. I certainly do admire the bluing they did back then.

Very Nice! I'm envious! Congrats on the acquisition. Did you pick it up locally?

I ordered a SWAT-T Tourniquet...actually 2 of them. One for myself and one for work. Since I carry a gun, I accept the fact that violence could happen. If God forbid violence does happen, it's good to have the means to treat the aftermath. The CAT or SOFTT-W are my 1st line preference. But the SWAT-T fills a niche that needed filling. Options are a good thing... http://www.chinookmed.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=500470PA&source=nextopia

Welcome to TN and TGO! Glad to have you aboard.

Sound advice as regards the search engines above. I generally purchase from SG Ammo as they run frequent sales, Sportsman's Guide is decent if you are a member, and I've recently purchased SD ammo from BoneFrog Gun Club and I've been very pleased with their service and fast shipping. http://www.sgammo.com/ https://www.sportsmansguide.com/department/ammo-shooting?d=121 https://www.bonefroggunclub.com/collections/ammunition

True that. Which is why it helps to consider a place like Lehman's beforehand. https://www.lehmans.com/

Good discussion folks. fwiw I've spent the last few days in a very rural area of MS with no cell nor net access, so I'm catching up... I believe what you guys are referring to is "Normalcy Bias". You guys probably are familiar with the concept, but for those that aren't it's essentially the belief that nothing bad will happen and things will continue as "Normal" even when confronted face to face with the event....because they always have... Even Wikipedia states: "With a normalcy bias," writes one observer, "we project current conditions into the future. Normalcy bias is a form of denial where we underestimate the possibility and extent of a looming disaster even when we have incontrovertible evidence that it will happen. We assume that since a disaster never has occurred, then it never will occur. Consequently, we fail to prepare for a disaster and, when it does occur, we may be unable to deal with it." This is an unfortunate yet prevalent phenomena, especially with such a low probability event that could bring about such a dire state. I certainly hope, and Pray, such an event never comes to pass. But, imho, if we work towards making ourselves as independent as can reasonably be expected form the various systems of support, have and/or learn various skills such as gardening and canning/food storage, have the necessary equipment to live day to day and get us from point "A" to point "B" then we are less negatively impacted by even a local or regional disaster. I have no desire to live in the mid 19th century...none! But I plan to maintain the best quality life that I can for as long as I can.

Thanks for the additional info FrankD. Having small ones, and even "non-gun" people obviously requires various options, and consideration of quick access vs security. My wife is "non-gunny" but keeps a .38 revolver in the living room with her when I am not at home. It's the firearm she's most comfortable with. Having a non-lethal or less-lethal option readily available might also be a consideration. I have OC spray near the various entrances to our home. Not setting out in the open for kids to grab, but accessible. I have very little trust in even professional grade fingerprint scanner devices. We use one at work for accessing medications. As I wash my hands dozens upon dozens of times per day, I have unreliable fingerprints... DPS had a heck of a time obtaining a set for my original State issued handgun permit back as far as 1990. I had to change to a password key-in at work as we simply couldn't make it work for me. This machine dispenses narcotics and other controlled substances and supposedly has "state of the art" scanning equipment. Many of my coworkers have to moisten their fingertips to make the device work. We also have access areas that require a numeric push button keypad and they work as long as they have electricity. I am not saying that the recommended devices are not sound choices, just cautioning you to try them under varying conditions to develop a trust level you are comfortable with. A previous instructor of mine, Bill Jeans, used to keep an 870 above his door frame when his kids were small. I did similar when my son was very young. But never slacked on the ongoing education and training with him. I guess I'm fortunate in that when I met my wife 30 years ago I carried, so she's never known anything different of me. Good luck in your decisions and please keep us posted as we can learn along with you.

Does anything prohibit the wearing of a handgun while in your home? We live in a multilevel home and do have firearms accessible in the bedroom and always on me...OK...not in the shower...but darn close! fwiw we have no small prying fingers in our home.

As mentioned you are GTG. Louisiana has long held your vehicle as an extension of your home (Napoleonic law influence), many years before they became a Shall Issue State or offered reciprocity. As someone who has hand a handgun stolen out of his vehicle (while at work there back in 1995) I would strongly recommend a secure lock box, and in your trunk, if possible. And of course secure it while away from prying eyes. There are miscreants that make a living stealing out of folks hotel rooms and vehicles and video surveillance is of little to no deterrent. It's a great City and there's lots of good folks. But it is a "city"... Have an enjoyable trip and sample some of the great eats while in N.O. edited: sorry, you did mention a truck...but the lock box recommendation still holds. I still have one in my truck because of working there... just shackle it down good. There'll be easier pickings for the skellls...

I agree that the devastation potential would be remarkable Erik. It seems that I recall reading some time ago that our military did initiate a "hardening" against such a potential, but moved away from it as the Global War on Terror grew in size. Perhaps some of our more recent military members could chime in on this. Regardless I personally wouldn't count on Government assistance. Our personal experience with Katrina demonstrated what a Charlie Foxtrot that would be on even a regional event. Low probability potential for sure and currently off the radar for many folks as the Stock Market is booming and jobs are starting to come back. As regards our dependency on technology... We had a disaster drill at work very recently...moulage, triage and injuries related to a weather event. I was surprised by the number of medical professionals that mentioned something along the lines of "I have an app that would help in this type of scenario".... Really? Even in a regional event loss of power and cell service disappear relatively easily, definitely quickly. Kinda nice to have a plan, knowledge, and skills ahead of time...

Well now...if this isn't something to wake up to this morning... https://www.wsj.com/articles/north-korea-dreams-of-turning-out-the-lights-1496960987 While I believe we would all acknowledge this is a low probability event, especially compared to a personal or natural disaster impacting us, it's still food for thought imho. Obviously I thought of Forstchen's "One Second After" and myriad other post apocalyptic fiction novels. But even the WSJ acknowledges that a relatively low level nuclear yield , crudely delivered, could have a pretty nasty impact on our electric grid...which we (the U.S.) should have hardened long ago. It doesn't hurt to have food, water, medications, and some alternative means of accomplishing every day tasks at hand. Garden? Medical gear and the knowledge to use it? Quality safe water...a Berkey perhaps? It's all things we need everyday anyway. Low probability for sure...bad consequences if it happens.

It'll take quite a bit of time, if ever, for Walmart to shake the distrust they've earned regarding .22 ammo these past several years. I was at the Turkey Creek Walmart this morning and did see some Federal Automatch at $17.++ per box, and a lone 100 rd box of Winchester Super X for just shy of $9.00. At least it's popping up with greater regularity in East TN.

Impressive video Refleks! Looks to have been an awesome day!

Thank you for posting this SGS! And Good on ya for getting out and doing the work! It sounds like a solid class, especially for a one day class. Training such as this, and especially in the rain, teaches you a lot about yourself and your gear, things you will never learn on a dry square controlled range. Many props to your instructor for running a "Hot Range"! Life is a "Hot Range" and as responsible armed adults we need to learn to work in such an environment. I look forward to further reports along your journey SGS.

Good info Bud. I had posted a bit about my experience with the SCCY CPX-1 in another thread. I was quite pleasantly surprised with my SCCY's reliability and "shootability", especially for such an inexpensive and light weight handgun. I actually like it's revolver-like trigger system, and being hammer fired, it's second strike capability, especially for a novice shooter, or a non-dedicate shooter as it relates to training to "run the gun". I paid $200.00 for mine as well. If I run across another at that price I'll probably grab it up.

The shortened intervals wouldn't bother me in any way. When I lived in MS prior to moving up to TN our permits served this point. I was surprised about my TN permit not serving in the same manner.

Just another vote for Mike at Law Enforcement Sales. I just met Mike last week at his shop where I dropped off a couple of Smith revolvers for some work... it appears I already knew him from His "other" job LOL. Great guy and what an awesome shop! Mike should be able to get that Nagant set up just like you want it.

I got some Federal 9mm HST 147 gr +P last week...but I was recovering from knee surgery and had to wait until yesterday morning to try it out in the SCCY. I only ran 2 mags (20 rounds) of the HST as my range time was limited. The SCCY fed the 2 mags without issue. The surprising thing was it grouped 3 rounds into a small cloverleaf at 15 yards. This particular gun shoots about 6" high with the 147's at 15 yards (for me). Needless to say I'm pleased with the grouping as my shooting abilities are mediocre at best. I would prefer non-plus P ammo though. The +P HST is obviously manageable, but would be abusive to such a light gun over time. But the SCCY seems to be a pretty solid little gun for it's price point thus far. Just a FWIW and FYI.

Here's a couple of pics of my current Waist or Fanny pack. I had my little SCCY in it on my recent range trip.

I know a few Paramedics and others that carry in Belly Bands and Smart carry holsters in certain NPE environments. I've used a Belly Band for such a role (niche) for many years...sometimes we don't have much choice. I also have used fanny packs for certain circumstances for over 25 years. When I first started using fanny packs in the early 90's there were an everyday seen and worn type item in the general populace...then for a decade or so they were decried by the Tacticool crowd as a "shoot me first...get you kelled on 'da streets" piece of kit...but they are becoming more ubiquitous yet again. I never stopped having one with loaded with a Glock 26 sized gun, 2 spare mags, small OC spray, a TQ, a Surefire flashlight and a BOK. I drag it in and out of my vehicle, but primarily use it for long drives or as a "grab and go" bag/tool...but I will still have my normal EDC guns & gear on as well. Like above, I find it a convenient niche tool. I also find it a necessity to learn how to run the fanny pack one handed, with either hand, as situations will dictate. I have a small carabiner attached to the pull and that makes it markedly easier to open with either hand. Many years back, Andy Stanford of Options for Personal Security (OPS) had a good video out demonstrating use of the fanny pack in the counter-carjacking role. I couldn't locate that particular vid, but can hopefully post one below from my old training partner Paul Gomez (RIP Brother). Paul was one of the most analytical thinkers to ever grace the self defense industry and he is missed.

Anytime Good Sir. It's still out there, but the availability is sporadic and the prices henceforth have risen to meet the diminished supply vs demand. I personally like having several spam cans of ammo set aside for the long haul. I keep my shooting rotation ammo in loose in 50 cal cans. If you can catch it in stock, places like SG Ammo usually have 7.62x54r surplus and makes like Red Army and Brown Bear for $0.40-$0.60 round which is a competitive price (imho) these days.

Ronald, I have used a screwdriver and hammer before. There's a good bit of space surrounding the ammo. A Kbar works great too! I have an extra opener I'll gladly mail you & you can mail it back at your convenience. Just shoot me a PM if interested. Unfortunately Spam cans of surplus 7.62x54 R aren't nearly as plentiful as they were.

Powder and Primers were the main reason I did business with Wideners. And their customer service during those times was excellent. That's a shame. But such is life in this day and time. Regulated to death...

You can definitely use the slide release Dave. That sucker is tiny and crammed into a small gun to start with...but it's "doable". Mine has the manual safety fwiw. I default to an overhand slingshot method as that was how I initially trained. After 10 of thousands of reps it's just ingrained in me. But I did intentionally use the slide release several times when running my Sccy the other day. I always carry a second magazine. Not so much because I fantasize about taking on the Isis hoards ...but as a malfunction clearance tool... and simply because magazines are usually the failure component culprit in a semiauto...low probability issue...but I train to keep the gun running and the extra mag is a link in that chain.