A.J. Holst

If those are the only 2 choices, based on "home defense and sometimes carry" assuming equivalent reliability, I'd go with the Smith.   For HD it doesn't need to be small and compact and with a good belt and holster, the Smith is as easy to carry as any other similarly sized handgun.   I personally prefer a full-size / duty size pistol for HD.

Don't own a GP, but have a pair of SPs, I think you made a great choice!   I like the dude that says to himself, "first gun, it's got a be .357" since that was how I did it...with a Colt King Cobra...it was love at first sight.   Remember, you can shoot .38 special which will be more fun and economical than a day at the range blazing away with .357   Of course, blazing away with .357 is pretty awesome...

I checked out their website for a dealer locator - defaulted to "contact us for more information"   Concur on a quality Pawn Shop, I've also seen a few at the gun shows at similar prices to in-store/on-line sales.   Good looking pistol, made in USA? They seem to have very inconsistent quality control, which is probably more important when using non-steel / non-high end polymer parts. I wonder if they have high turn-over in the fab / mfg process.   Craig - you've had good success with the brand in the past, how much tinkerin' and fiddlin' did you do to get it run smoothly and consistently? Since we are on tpoic, If you've still got it, re-post your pic of your "mouse" collection.

Lol!!!

  I would have been suprised if they WEREN'T C&L...

Craig,   In east Knoxville, they ain't Glocks, they be G - Locks.   My wife loves her G3 17...

I had the option to "slab-side" my SP with Marc @ Gemini Custom.   Since I didn't know if it made a difference, I opted-out and just had the "bill board" removed   What benefit comes from a slab sided barrel?

  I didn't want to stare, but at least 3 of the officers were cocked and locked.   Unable to tell if SIG 1911 platforms.

I saw the WIng Suit on Modern Marvels; some "pilots" are getting up to a 3:1 glide ratio.   Pretty cool stuff, not hard to imagine our specialized military paratroopers using it.

I have the option to get a company issued cell, the national account/carrier is with Sprint.   How is your overall quality and consistency of service?   Thanks!

  Defeated in the FINANCE sub-committee per the letter OS posted.   Steel is right, it is all about the money.   Tax revenues, the crack and meth addiction of guv'mint...

1000 yards with iron sights - how big / small would a human size target be at that range?

  You are definitely taking term "walking heavy" very literally!

I feel inadequate with only a 75B Omega and P01 SDP.

Another vote for the CZ 75-series of pistols in a semi-auto.   The Ruger GP-series is an alternative to the S&W.   Out of the box the Smith should have a better trigger than the Rugers (I'm a Ruger owner and fan so not knocking the brand)

Was out to lunch today and saw a table of Special Ops Squad officers.   They were all carrying what appeared to be a 1911 -style platform.   Didn't KPD recently switch from G-lock to a comparable Sig platform?   I know from past threads, specialized military forces prefer the 1911, same with LE?  

They have to charge more for the professional high dollar signage.

I've use the original for my 75B and SDP for over 4 years, virtually every day. No noticeable wear, so I can attest to the durability.   I always wear a tshirt, so no issues with it being "hot"   Regarding retention, I carry AIWB  and a fter a 20 hour hard work day of installing flooring, the sweat shield was soaking wet, no moisture transfered to my handgun and my handgun never slipped out of the holster.   Can't comment on the pro series; reviews I've read is a very secure fit until the rig is broken in.   The downside to the original series is the throat of the holster collapses, so a very careful and deliberate re-holster is required.   I'd buy another N82 before venturing back into the "unknown" and potentially adding to my box o' holsters.   You are correct - almost a one-size-fits-all based on frame size, though I use the 75B size for my SDP and it works perfectly for both.

  I'm tempted to change my last name just to use this pun.

I had a Thunder Plus, 15 round double stack - really liked it; awesome grip ergos for my hands.   Traded it off because extra mags were impossible to find and it was my only .380 in a stable of 9mm.   I'd buy another one if that helps you make a good decision.

has (or had) in stock as of this morning Rem UMC 9mm 115fmj for $13.99/50

Being in sales all I can add is: the buyer can walk at anytime, most purchases are not one of a kind items so patience is the buyer's friend and a good deal has nothing to do with price it's how you feel about the entire buying experience. A good salesperson knows how to discover wants needs and desires that the buyer didn't even know they had by simply asking questions. I do agree with Jonin; a professional governs him/herself with ethics and integrity not greed and lies.

Being in sales all I can add is: the buyer can walk at anytime, most purchases are not one of a kind items so patience is the buyer's friend and a good deal has nothing to do with price it's how you feel about the entire buying experience. A good salesperson knows how to discover wants needs and desires that the buyer didn't even know they had by simply asking questions.

And that's not felony theft? Why not move to Mexico, cross over and hold out for amnesty.

  Legalize, license and tax???!!! What, are you a neo-hippy??? Next you'll be promoting legalizing/decriminalizing pot...LOL   Saw a quote from a Colorado LEO, "there is nothing more addictive than tax revenues to the guv'mint."