lock n' load

Has (or does) anyone here that smokes tried the "e-cigarettes"? I wanted to try them and ended up getting the "Green Smoke" brand. While the starter kit is somewhat pricey, it does come close to delivering one of the closest sensations (in my opinion) to actual cigarettes. It even does pretty good while drinking. If anyone on here smokes and is thinking of quitting or wanting a safer alternative, you might want to check them out. It claims to contain only water, nicotine, proylene glycol (a common food additive) and flavoring. I am going to try it for 30 days and see how it continues to do. So far, so good...

I just went out a few minutes ago and I measured 4" on the ground with my tape measure lol

A friend and I were planning on eating dinner and going to see a movie this weekend. Since I don't go to big chain restaruants or theaters much, i was wondering if the Rave theater in East Ridge and the Applebee's on Brainerd Rd was posted? I would be nice if I could take my other "girlfriend" with me too .

I once asked a similar question about this topic about a year ago and of all the answers I got back was one that really stuck out. The answer was this: "When the fear of what could happen to you is greater than the fear of going to prison, then the time has come to clear leather." To me, that is one good point to remember. Just my .02.

I have read on various websites (even saw a video review on Youtube) that the Gen4 Glock 23 is now available. I currently own a Gen3 version and am looking at trading mine in for the newest one next year. I like that fact that the gun features multiple backstraps and a dual recoil spring just to name some of the new features. Does anyone on here own one of these new guns? If so, what are your thoughts about it? Is it worth trading for?

I'm in.

When I took my HCP class, I was informed that the old "Firearms are prohibited" signage was considered an outdated sign and non-obligatory for HCP holders at the time. My question is due to the recent changes of carrying a firearm into posted businesses, is the old signage that prohibits firearms from being carried into places where alcohol that is sold (not served) valid again? I am thinking "no" since the older signs do not conform to the revised "gun free" signage but wasn't sure if that changed. When I go to a liquor store, I always carry due to the "robbery rich" environment atmosphere that comes with a retail business such as a liquor store. As a matter of fact, I carry 99% of the time everywhere I go (even to get gas in the daytime). Am I breaking the law? I don't want to do something illegal if I can help it.

Here is a link to a video by Massad Ayoob on deadly force. It is an older video, but I think he has some good info on the subject. There are 4 parts to this series and I believe it is part 2 where he refers to disparity of force vs unarmed attackers. He also references the legal book "Warren on Homicde" FWIW. Don't know if this may help, but I thought it was interesting. Mr. Ayoob is a well-respected author, shooter and police officer. He also runs the Lethal Force institute which deals with firearms training I believe. http://www.youtube.http://www.youtube.com/watch?

After their 11th child, an redneck couple decided that was enough little hillbillies, as they could not afford a larger bed. The husband went to his veterinarian (of course) and told him that he and his cousin-wife didn't want to have any more children and asked what could be done. The doctor told him that there was a procedure called a vasectomy that could fix the problem, but it was expensive. "A less costly alternative is to go home, get a cherry bomb, (fireworks are legal in the South) light it, put it in a beer can, then hold the can up to your ear and count to 10." The redneck said to the doctor, "I may not be the smartest tool in the shed, but I don't see how putting a cherry bomb in a beer can and holding it next to my ear and counting to 10 is going to help me." "Trust me," said the doctor. So the man went home, lit a cherry bomb and put it in a beer can. He held the can to his ear and began to count... "1" "2" "3" "4" "5" At which point he paused, placed the beer can between his legs, and resumed counting on his other hand. "6" "7" "8" "9" "10"

Ouch. I guess he won't be playing "Powerball" anymore.

Thanks for the info everyone. I guess I will just pay the fine and go on. I really don't want to have the added expense of court costs added to it by going to court or getting a lawyer. What was weird was he passed me going the opposite way and must have turned around. Do they have radars that detect an oncoming vehicles while they are in motion? I always thought they would have to be parked somewhere with a radar gun but maybe technology has changed with radars. At any rate, the officer was polite and professional and even though I don't like the fact I have to pay a fine, I know that he was just doing what he was paid to do...enforce the law. I guess I will have to try harder to slow down even though it is hard to do sometimes.

I was pulled over today in Rossville, Ga for speeding. The officer said I was doing 48 in a 30 (I wasn't paying attention to my speedometer). Anyways, he ran my license but never asked about my TN HCP. I had just left work and was not carrying therefore I didn't mention it, otherwise I would have. I do have several questions though. 1. How much does a speeding ticket cost in GA? There was no fee on the ticket. The officer told me to call a number on it to find out how much I would pay. 2. Would I be better off paying the fine or fighting it in court? 3. If a person has an out of state HCP, does it not register when they run your license? This is the first ticket I have ever gotten since I started driving 15 years ago.

I just picked up a 5.11 Tactical gun belt from GT Distributors today. It is the "Operator" version. It is pretty stiff and at 1.75 in wide, it holds both my IWB and OWB holsters good. It is made out of some sort of nylon? material and seems pretty sturdy. I must admit, it is not the most fashionable belt but I bought it for function over fashion. They did have some 5.11 Tactical leather belts also, but I thought most of them looked too much like what police officers wear and I ain't trying to look like a police officer (lol). Does anyone on here use this brand of belt and if so, what are your thoughts about it. As for me, I like it.

When I took my HCP class last year, our instructor asked how many in the class had little to no experience firing handguns. There were several who raised their hands. She then stated that they would probably end up shooting better than most people there. What was weird was she was right. Yeah they could have lied and said they didn't know how to shoot but some of their scores were in middle to upper 90's.

I finally got the chance to go to GT Distributors in Rossville the other day with some coworkers during lunch. Their limit on ammo purchases is frugal though. I almost felt like a kid in a candy store with some of the things I saw. I ended up purchasing an UpLULA by Butler Creek. I missed the sale they were having Friday and Saturday though. I found some nice gun belts that I would like to buy as well as a "tactical carry shirt" that might hide my Glock 23 when I carry (which is 99% of the time when I am not at work). Has anyone been to the gun show at the Shriners off E. Brainerd Rd? I wish I could find some Winchester "T" series ammunition if it were available. Can civilians even buy that ammo anywhere even though it is only for LEOs?

I recently purchased an Uplula (Univeral Pistol Magazine Loader) by Butler Creek. I have read alot of positive reviews about it on Cabelas. What are other members thoughts about it?

I haven't been on top of the latest changes of this bill that is trying to pass. But really what I am wondering is what good a law like this would even do for permit holders? If the bill does pass and it allows people with HCPs to carry in restaurants that serve alcohol only for there to be a provision for establishments to post an "no guns allowed" sign on their doors then what ground have we gained? It is almost like a catch-22 no matter which way you look at it. I believe that law-abiding citizens should be allowed to carry a firearm for protection and that it cannot be forced onto a person or business who does not want weapons on their property. Maybe there is something I am missing, but it seems to me that even if this bill is passed, we will still be limited to carrying guns to places we can already carry into now. I am sure the lawyers or insurance companies for the big restaurant chains like Applebees, Chilis, etc. would make sure that their businesses are posted with the correct signage if the bill passes into law. I am not sure about local non-francised businesses would be willing to follow suit but I guess if they absolutely did not want guns in their establishments, they would spend the time and money to make sure the signs on their doors were compliant with the law. Correct me if I am wrong (and I very well may be) but I just don't see how this bill or any bill for that matter will change anything from what we have now.

Are the Shellmound campgrounds in Marion Co. posted?

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I will have to check those recommendations out. I would prefer a 3" or 4' barrel for concealment. I do love my Glock 23, but that first trigger pull is the only thing I don't like about it. I am sure it is a safety feature to prevent AD's. I am aware of the lighter mods available for Glocks (I believe it is the 3.5 or 3lb connector bars?). The 1911 is a beautifully made firearm. Wouldn't it be awesome if Glock made a 1911-style pistol (I know, I know it's a really wishful thinking) . I also have other guns on my wish list: Colt Anaconda .44 mag and an AR-15. I will have to start a new thread on those. Thanks!

I was wondering is there a particular brand of 1911 style pistols that would be good for someone on a budget? I love my Glock but those Kimber ads in American Rifleman make my mouth water:drool:. As much as I like the Kimbers, it may be a while before I can afford one (even more so for the Les Baer's). I realize the old saying, "You get what you pay for" rings true for most things including guns. However, is there a decent 1911 style pistol that one could find for under $1,000?

Welcome to the TGO from a fellow Chattanoogan

Here is another HCP story posted from Newschannel 9 in Chattanooga. It seems that this guy wanted to make a spectacle of himself and ended up giving businesses another reason to bar people with HCP's. What is everyone's take on this? It reminds me of the thread I read on here about the incident with an HCP holder at a Costco's a while back if I am not mistaken. Just another reason to carry concealed if you ask me. Out of sight and out of mind. You may have to copy and paste this link in your browser to read the story. I am not too good at pasting links where you can just click on them and it redirects you to the site. ''No Guns Allowed'' | brien, carry, gun - Local News - WTVC NewsChannel 9: Chattanooga News, Weather, Radar, Sports, Lottery

I also carry a Glock 23. My carry options depend on the weather and the type of clothing I may be wearing. If it is cold outside and I am wearing a baggy sweater and jacket, I will carry in my Blackhawk Serpa holster. In warmer weather or if I am not wearing a bulky sweater and jacket then I usually carry in a Galco Summer Comfort IWB holster.

As a HCP holder, I agree with the majority of responses on the best way to handle 3rd party protection. I carry almost always all the time when I am not at work. I carry to protect myself primarily. Unless I am at work, my firearm is on me when I leave the house (especially at night). It is not worth the risk to lose your a$$ necessarily to protect others who chose not to do it themselves unless you are willing to lay it all on the line to be a "hero". With that said, if one watches some videos on TV such as "Most Shocking" and see bad guys doing horrible things to people and watching as the victim helplessly gives in to the bad guy's demands, only to see some of those victims fight back, it does bring a smile to my face to see the victim (or in some instances, a complete stranger) turn the tables on the aggressors. I am curious if the 3rd party was doing it for fear of what would happen to the other person OR if might be a case of vigilante justice. I wonder if anyone on here believes that some shootings to protect others might be a case of vigilante justice.

What a night, what a year! After a very long wait, The Crimson Tide has finally found its way back to where it belongs. It was an awesome (at some points very nerve-wracking game). Texas put up a good game, especially the freshman quarterback. I have been waiting for this day for a LONG time. To all my Crimson Tide fans out there.....ROLL TIDE!!!