I understand the argument for large caliber.

But for concealed carry, up close, personal protection, a small caliber is plenty. A Kel-tec P-32 is adequate....and small enough, it will be in your pocket rather than left at home.

I keep reminding myself that it's not uncommon to lose your home, most of your wealth, etc., in civil suits afterwards....if not criminal defense. So, it really needs to be a last resort.

Further, in most cases, for it to be effective, a round needs to be chambered, ready to shoot. You're much more likely to have an accident where you or a family/friend gets shot carrying a gun in that condition than to ever need it again in your lifetime (unless you're intentionally entering risky situations....which requires special preparation--not posts to Pelican).

Yes.

In 1988 a man tried to break into my house at 3:00am through the garage entrance. He had already broken into the garage. I heard him breaking into the garage and was standing in the hallway facing the door with a loaded handgun (S&W 629 :eek:) Luckily, my dog got to him before he entered the house and he fled. The police told me I was lucky the dog scared him away, because he must have been prepared to deal with the residents. I told the officer he was wrong, that my dog saved the robbers life. Had I shot him my life would have been changed forever I'm sure. I am thankful that didn't happen, and although I am rarely without a firearm, I sure hope I never have to brandish one again.

Yikes.
Glad you two are ok.
Jeez, I've sold piles of stuff through c/l
I have always met them at my home. Invited them into the house, shop, whatever.
I have met some really great people.
I will be rethinking the welcoming strategy.

Yikes.

I went an bought a guitar amp off CL last night. Not only did I take money over the the guys house, I took a guitar. Dude was huge, could have squuezed me to death easy but couldn't have been nicer and he knocked money off the sale without asking. Sucks that there's such vermin in the world.

Sad to hear you were robbed. There are many bad people in this world that take advantage of those who work hard for their money...

A couple of points:

1. The use of a firearm for self defense should be used as the last resort.
2. That said, it is hard to determine if a perp just wants your wallet and phone, or if he also wants to cause harm to you. Also difficult to know if he has a firearm as well, if he hasn't drawn.
3. Know your laws. Understand your state laws and what the ramifications are if you wind up using a gun in any situation. Know the laws of whatever state you will travel to. There are many intricacies in firearm laws that essentially turn law-abiding citizens into felons. Don't get tripped up in those laws! Firearm transport rules and ammunition types (hollow-points) are two of the biggest tripping points.
4. If you use your gun in a home defense situation, YOU WILL LIKELY BE ARRESTED. Be mindful of what you say when the police are at the scene. Anything you say will be used by the plantiff's lawyer. Again - understand the laws and what implications they have in that situation.
5. You will need to go for CCW training to carry concealed. Just because you have a CCW permit in your state, that does not mean other states will honor it. (Note: you can get a Utah non-resident CCW as well as a Florida non-resident CCW - and the combination of those two will cover over 40 states). Some states do not have any reciprocity for other state's CCW. (NJ, for example, does not honor any other state's CCW).
6. Regarding the weight of the gun -- the heaviest part of the gun is the moral implications: are you ready and willing to take another's life to defend yours? That burden weighs heavily on your shoulders...
7. Training I essential - but do not be frustrated if you can't get consistent bull's eyes. You just need to be able to hit center of mass (~ 2 foot diameter target) from 5-10 feet.

A couple of questions regarding CCW:
1. Anyone use a Walther PPKS for CCW?
2. Many say that you need 9mm or greater for CCW, but I believe that a hard to handle small framed .45 caliber firearm is less effective in putting bullets into a perp than a smaller caliber (.380 or 9mm) firearm is. Control is key.
3. Condition 1 (Locked and cocked) vs. One in the chamber and decocked. I have been trained that one in the chamber and decocked (double-action) is a better bet, since there is no need to switch the safety off before firing, but you have the 'safety' of a heavier trigger pull. If you CCW, how do you carry?

Thanks,
-Z

Carry whatever gun and caliber you can shoot best. Caliber and stopping power are moot if you can't hit your target. Most important thing is to make sure the cops never get the other guy's side of the story.

First of all, you need to improve your situational awareness. Get your friends to let you try their weapons. Practice often if you get one.
Looks just like my wife's Airweight S&W. A bit of a handful, but I can put all 5 on target at 15 yards with alacrity.

Glad to hear you escaped with your lives! It's getting worse for sure out there.

I have nothing to add other than Memphis sure sounds like a rough town. I love the place from my visits, (best food on the planet), but holy moly. I know that some people from far away think that L.A. is one big shooting range but I've met nothing but nice people buying and selling on CL, knock on wood.

Do you think that you would have been able to shoot the guy if you had a gun? Not trying to argue, I just always wonder the same thing. I always figure that you'd have to see the situation unfolding in real time. :cool:

Sorry for your bad experience. I've had stuff stolen before but never at gunpoint. Mighty unsettling I am sure.

I am a rifle and shotgun owner, former tournament marksman and hunter. I am a big proponent of the 2nd Amendment but favor CC for LEOs who must re-qualify often. Personal preference.

"Surprised with a gun" Means he got the drop and two guns would have likely made the situation much worse. Sometimes the smartest move is just to hand over your stuff and let the cops handle it. I have probably done over 100 CL transactions and I do tend to size up the other party before meeting them. Large cash transactions happen in front of my bank in full view of bank security. I've never had a transaction that frightened me although some were pretty sketchy characters.

Hint: Kubota lady was probably in on it. Too much coincidence methinks.

Wow, I'd say it's time for a relocation.

Scary story, that really sucks.

Lots of good advice on here, no need to repeat it. I agree that a gun would not have helped you in this circumstance, you lost at the instant that he surprised you. I've bought and sold thousands of dollars worth of stuff on Craigslist. I'm frequently armed but never had an issue. As for CCH weapon of choice, I carry a Sig P938. Very well made, always goes bang, easy to conceal, and a good shooter for being so compact. I carry in a pocket holster or a belly band.

Many thanks for the comments and advice. The robber let me fish for my wallet and put my hands in my sweatshirt pockets. I could have produced a weapon easily.

My father and I just gave signed statements to the Memphis PD. According to the detective, this is not the first time it's happened at that address. They now have enough information to obtain a search warrant and arrest two suspects. I have fingers crossed this will eventually be resolved and two criminals will be taken off the streets.

If I have a gun, I have to be willing to go through the training and commit to practice and carry. It's all or nothing. The plain and simple truth is my life was in their hands. I will not place faith in the mercy of a man pointing a gun at me. I'll take my chances, and you can bet I will be armed and trained properly.

Jurgen

BTW, the lady was in on the robbery. We followed her to the back corner of the residence where the armed robber was hiding. I almost always meet in public places, but it's hard when the item weighs 1100 lbs and has to ride in a trailer.
Jurgen

sorry it happened J.

training would be good. i took some. it isnt easy.

Sounds terrible and best of luck on your decision. I often think about how everyone pretty much has my life in their hands, be it driving on a freeway or walking down the street and someone jumps the curb.

The world is either a scary place or a beautiful place.

Ahh, no. It's both. :cool:

I just bought a TV off of CL a few days ago and had a weird feeling about the text conversation. I went to his place armed and had a friend in another car follow me over there. He was waiting outside and questioned who my friend was. Turns out he was a very nice guy and was worried about us robbing him! But you never know...

Sorry for the OP. This is the number one argument for carrying. Its hellish situation regardless.

Here's how I see it. The most severe laws will never keep thugs from being armed. So this leads to the good citizen. Its YOUR gamble with life, its kill or be killed. Eff it if a liberal jury says take everything you own. At least you gave it your best 'shot' at survival and defense.

BTW: You've got to be massive naïve otherwise. In Chicago, the perps will rob and after you comply, you might be lucky not being shot. The laws work in favor of the thugs. The only way to make a slight dent into violent crime is capital punishment and armed citizens. No mercy.

Here's one from the other day but incomplete report:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/university-of-illinois-student-found-dead-police-investigating-death-as-homicide/
Apparently it was a robbery and the victim may have known the two perps. Terrible.

I have several different semi autos and revolvers that I carry depending on several different factors. The one I like the most though is my Ruger LCP. If I am going into a situation that I feel uncomfortable with I have my hand in my pocket with the gun in my hand. With my other guns like the Glock I would have to reach for it on my hip not very easy to do when someone is pointing a gun at you.