Easy access to the handspoon?

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Originally Posted by Por_sha911

Seems like a fast access with decent safety. Anyone seen one of these?

All of these "fast access" safes are good for is keeping honest people honest. Or keeping the kids out of things they shouldn't play with.

The more complex/electronic they are, the more likely they are to fail when you need them most. Originally I had (note the past tense) a GunVault--one of the bigger names in "fast access". One day it just stopped working - turns out the internal cable had stretched and it would no longer actuate, even with fresh batteries. GunVault would not and did not stand behind their product.

I dumped it in favor of a clamshell-style box with a simplex lock (5 button mechanical combination). The simplex lock won't run out of battery power. Mash the buttons, turn the knob, and blam.

I like the FAS1 - played with one at a show several years ago but I was still in the GunVault "camp" at the time. I think I'll be taking another look at them!

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Originally Posted by gacook

I don't believe so. This particular one was a gift brought back to me from Japan by a close Army buddy. I had told him it's one of my life's dreams to go to Japan and have a sword made specifically for me. This was not exactly that (obviously), but was still one hell of a gesture. As such, it is my favorite blade, and I have many.

Well, that's actually kinda cool! I'd be curious to know the details about your katana.

I study an obscure Japanese sword art and have had a few swords made for training and cutting practice, but by American smiths. Japanese blades generally tend to be too short for me (not to mention twice as expensive or more). When I studied in Japan the only sword my teacher had that fit me was a "temple" sword that probably had been made by the smith as an offering to a Shinto shrine.

I only joke about this as an homage m21sniper's "legacy".

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by BlueSkyJaunte

All of these "fast access" safes are good for is keeping honest people honest. Or keeping the kids out of things they shouldn't play with.

The more complex/electronic they are, the more likely they are to fail when you need them most. Originally I had (note the past tense) a GunVault--one of the bigger names in "fast access". One day it just stopped working - turns out the internal cable had stretched and it would no longer actuate, even with fresh batteries. GunVault would not and did not stand behind their product.

I dumped it in favor of a clamshell-style box with a simplex lock (5 button mechanical combination). The simplex lock won't run out of battery power. Mash the buttons, turn the knob, and blam.

I like the FAS1 - played with one at a show several years ago but I was still in the GunVault "camp" at the time. I think I'll be taking another look at them!

That's why I unlock mine before I go to bed. The last thing you need when half asleep and in a panic is to remember a combo, and God forbid your safe decides to quit working.

As for the automatic vs revolver, here's how I look at it. Ever pick up your automatic at the range and squeeze the trigger, only to find that you've forgotten to disengage the safety? I know I have. In the worst possible case situation, the less to remember, the better.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

As for the automatic vs revolver, here's how I look at it. Ever pick up your automatic at the range and squeeze the trigger, only to find that you've forgotten to disengage the safety? I know I have. In the worst possible case situation, the less to remember, the better.

In all honesty, the best home defense weapon is either an SBR (short-barreled rifle) or an SBS (shotgun) loaded with appropriate ammunition. I have yet to find a "fast access" safe for this application.

Ask yourself why SWAT teams enter structures with SBR AR-15s, MP5s, etc. and not pistols, full-size carbines, or full-size shotguns.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by BlueSkyJaunte

....I only joke about this as an homage m21sniper's "legacy".

MONKEY ROLL!!!

Originally Posted by BlueSkyJaunte

In all honesty, the best home defense weapon is either an SBR (short-barreled rifle) or an SBS (shotgun) loaded with appropriate ammunition. .....

I know I'm "old school" w/ my fairly short lever action .357 (w/ hollow points), but over the past few years have decided that's the "one" I'll reach for if the SHTF (or a coyote appears). I also don't worry about it becoming a "street gun" if it goes missing...

[nostatic]

I guess I'm an outlier as I have five handguns and five rifles but they all stay locked and unloaded in the bedroom. I think the odds of me needing one in a home invasion situation are incredibly low. A much more likely scenario is an earthquake followed by civil unrest, in which case there is plenty of time to lock and load.

With a loaded and readily available firearm there is always some possibility of an accident that I think outweighs the odds of needing it immediately, but ymmv.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by Don Ro

Lots of .38 S&W M638 Airweights on Gunbroker for ~ $400.
.
163070 S&W M638 38 da rev 1.875SS fs : Revolvers at GunBroker.com
.
I like mine...very easy to shoot and easy to carry because of the shrouded hammer.
.
.

Those are cool... however I would prefer something in a medium frame .357... because... ya know... I would have to take it to the range for periodic testing don't you know.

My wife is a small Asian and not sure how much gun she can comfortably shoot, to her credit she has asked to go to the range because "if we are going to have guns in the house I should know how to use them."

So yeah, step one is to take her to the range and see what she likes... I have the 9mm and the 870... however personally I don't think the shotgun makes a good in house home protection device, just too big and unwieldy. I keep it more for a "civil unrest" situation like Todd describes me sitting on the porch with a big black shotgun looters will keep walking by.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Originally Posted by nostatic

With a loaded and readily available firearm there is always some possibility of an accident

Despite what the press would have you believe, there is no such thing as a firearm 'accident'. There is a whole lot of firearm negligence, though.

Triggers do not pull themselves. Guns do not "go off".

[nostatic]

Quote de nostatic

With a loaded and readily available firearm there is always some possibility of an accident

Despite what the press would have you believe, there is no such thing as a firearm 'accident'. There is a whole lot of firearm negligence, though.



Triggers do not pull themselves. Guns do not "go off".

I understand the physics. The likelihood of a mistake has more profound consequences. And as the military say, "Murphy goes on every mission."

I vacillate between having them readily available and keeping them in my safe. I'm a light sleeper and have dogs, so I'd probably have some warning and time to react. I also dream a lot and talk in my sleep (currently a lot about Morena Baccarin), so I'm worried my wife might get fed up and shoot me one night.

I have a variety of handguns, but the go-to would be my Dad's 1917 S&W .45. Easy to handle, accurate, and makes really big holes.

Terry

[Joe Bob]

1917 S&W .45.....Idn't dat a revolver?

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

1917 S&W .45.....Idn't dat a revolver?

Indeed it is. My Dad kept it in the top drawer of his dresser the whole time I lived at home, along with his 9mm Mauser. I never touched either one of them, though I would occasionally sneak a peek.

Terry

[Joe Bob]

Uses 1/2 moon clips and ACP ammo since the ACP is designed for an auto. A little crazy......matches yer personality.

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Uses 1/2 moon clips and ACP ammo since the ACP is designed for an auto. A little crazy......matches yer personality.

I have two full moon clips- loaded and ready. If the fight takes more than 12 shots, I'll have time to switch to the Sigs. Or be beyond help.

You have accurately assessed my personality.

Terry

[Z-man]

Originally Posted by BlueSkyJaunte

In all honesty, the best home defense weapon is either an SBR (short-barreled rifle) or an SBS (shotgun) loaded with appropriate ammunition. I have yet to find a "fast access" safe for this application.

Ask yourself why SWAT teams enter structures with SBR AR-15s, MP5s, etc. and not pistols, full-size carbines, or full-size shotguns.

Kinda hard to maneuver a shotgun or even a SBS around a corner in your home compared to a handgun.

Handguns require only one hand to shoot, so if a perp disables one of my hands by a lucky shot, I can still defend myself. A bit more difficult to do with a bulky shotgun. IF I'm setup behind a bed or behind a wall or shelf, it takes more effort and more exposure of my body to raise and aim a shotgun or rifle than it does to aim a handgun.

Dont' forget - SWAT is ENTERING a structure - you are DEFENDING your life - taking a stand. When I'm in a defensive position, I want to be as flexible and have as many options available to me. Having a longer weapon decreases both.

-Z

[Don Ro]

Re: home defense...
If y'all know and respect "hickok 45"...
.

[jyl]

A snubnose is not a casual shooter or newbies gun. It is hard to shoot accurately, even if accurately means a dinner plate at 20 feet. Even in 38 SPL they kick hard. I think it is not a good idea unless she's going to put a couple hundred rounds/yr through it. A 5" or 6" barrel makes a big difference.

Quote de Don Ro

Lots of .38 S&W M638 Airweights on Gunbroker for ~ $400.

.

163070 S&W M638 38 da rev 1.875SS fs : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

.

I like mine...very easy to shoot and easy to carry because of the shrouded hammer.

.

.

Those are cool... however I would prefer something in a medium frame .357... because... ya know... I would have to take it to the range for periodic testing don't you know.



My wife is a small Asian and not sure how much gun she can comfortably shoot, to her credit she has asked to go to the range because "if we are going to have guns in the house I should know how to use them."



So yeah, step one is to take her to the range and see what she likes... I have the 9mm and the 870... however personally I don't think the shotgun makes a good in house home protection device, just too big and unwieldy. I keep it more for a "civil unrest" situation like Todd describes me sitting on the porch with a big black shotgun looters will keep walking by.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Originally Posted by Z-man

you are DEFENDING your life - taking a stand.

If you stand, you're dead.

I strongly suggest you get some training and run through some scenarios in your home.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by BlueSkyJaunte

In all honesty, the best home defense weapon is either an SBR (short-barreled rifle) or an SBS (shotgun) loaded with appropriate ammunition. I have yet to find a "fast access" safe for this application.

Ask yourself why SWAT teams enter structures with SBR AR-15s, MP5s, etc. and not pistols, full-size carbines, or full-size shotguns.

But much, much harder to keep locked up while still allowing easy access if needed.

Originally Posted by jyl

A snubnose is not a casual shooter or newbies gun. It is hard to shoot accurately, even if accurately means a dinner plate at 20 feet. Even in 38 SPL they kick hard. I think it is not a good idea unless she's going to put a couple hundred rounds/yr through it. A 5" or 6" barrel makes a big difference.

A good point. My S&W 686+ with a 6" barrel has a little kick when shooting .357. Loaded with .38 Special my kids enjoy shooting it, very benign.

[Z-man]

Originally Posted by BlueSkyJaunte

If you stand, you're dead.

I strongly suggest you get some training and run through some scenarios in your home.

Complete misinterpretation of my post. I guess you haven't read my other posts here about spoons and home defense...

1. I would never STAND UP during a home invation, unless I am standing behind a bullet proof barrier!

2. By taking a stand I mean this: If there is an intruder in my house, I grab my gun, and seek cover. If my phone is avail, I dial 911, or my wife dials 911 - all from cover. Then I yell "Who are you? Get out! The police are coming! I HAVE A GUN!!! If my bedroom door knob turns, my index finger will squeeze the tirgger with authority and purpose. Multiple times, if necessary. All of my actions would occur from cover.

3. If my bed is my cover, which isn't the best choice, but if I must chose it - then with a handgun, I can just expose my hand over the bed and pull the trigger. Now this is would be a worst-case scenario - shooting blind. But that would be a last-resort option for me - if all else failed, or if there are multple thugs going at me. In that scenario, a shotgun or long gun would require me to expose more of my body - which was the point of my previous post! Having a weapon with which you can maneuver easily and limit the amount of exposure to your body is, IMHO, the best choice for home defense and close-quarter scenarios. Sure, a rifle is more accurate long range, but I'm just conccerned about hitting center of mass at 5 - 15 feet.

4. I have had, and continue to take training. Both in class, in books, at the range, and soon I will be taking urban defense courses at my range.

5. By taking a stand I mean: I will do everything possible to prevent a perp from harming my wife and me. IE: I will not 'surrender' to his desires / wants. I will not be tied up and kidnapped. I will not let him rob me while I sit there defenseless. But I will NOT do something foolish like stand up and make a simple target of myself.

Hope that clarifies things for ya...
-Z