[Chocaholic]

Quote de turbo6bar

Yesterday, my dad and I met a lady about a Kubota mower on craigslist here in Memphis. We were surprised by a man with a pistol. He robbed us of our cash and cell phones. I always wondered if I would possess the guts to actually shoot another human. That question has been answered.



Within the last 2 years, a remodeling contractor 2 doors down was robbed, shot and killed (he was at an investment property in South Memphis), and 5 doors down, a neighbor was accosted by males brandishing a gun. He was robbed of his cell phone and wallet, but escaped unscathed. I was so naive to believe it would never happen to me. These events are not exclusive to the bad parts of town. It's happening in the suburbs.



My cousin recommends visiting the local range and renting pistols, and casually recommends the Glock line and the 42. A month ago I met a guy at Bass Pro that recommended I give the Sig Sauer line a serious look. I am strongly leaning towards a single pistol for year-round carry. I have shot the LCP and feel it is on the small side, and it kicks too much like a mule. I am leaning towards a compact size, because it needs to be small enough to carry, but have enough weight for me to enjoy using it regularly (I live in the country and can plink in my back yard).



Anyways. I woke up early and knew I would not get back to sleep while my head was already at work. I am venting partly and seeking the advice of my Pelican friends.

If you carry, what do you carry?



Since I am a healthy sweater, should I avoid steel pistols? Regular cleaning is not a problem, but I ride a titanium-frame bicycle, because my sweat corrodes unprotected aluminum and steel. Seems like a often-carried pistol could suffer the same fate.



I plan to carry in my pocket. In summer, I wear shorts and t-shirts or button down shirts. I don't realistically see myself carrying inside waistband. I honestly feel carrying all the time is my only option. Pocket is the only way I see that happening in the summer.



Cheers,

Jurgen

While I agree with concealed carry, as one who has had to defend themselves as such several times...I would ask that you think about your encounter "We were surprised by a man with a pistol. He robbed us of our cash and cell phones"



If you were "surprised" by a man with a gun on a Craig's List buy, that might be a problem in of itself. A "surprised" man and a gun usually gets themselves (or their Dad) killed. Secondly, think about the utility of a gun in this situation. If you had a gun, would you have been able to defend yourself or would he have just taken that as well...since you were "surprised"? Surely you would not have reached for a gun when he had the "drop" on you and surely you would not have drawn and shot him in the back as he fled after not harming you....would you? If you would indeed be tempted to do so...a gun is still not a good plan. Insurance and a tax writeoff (maybe a home alarm) are better solutions to theft.



If this robbery has motivated you to get a weapon to protect your home, life, etc...that is another matter and a wise move. It is also wise to avoid situations where you might have to use a weapon. I would have preferred avoiding most folks that I have had similar situations with. Even if you successfully defend yourself, a veritable ****storm descends on you and your life. Of course that is preferable to the alternative (where you or a family member are killed or maimed).



Do you think/know if the lady with the mower was involved? Obviously the timing was excellent for the thief to catch you there with cash.

This x 10. Was getting ready to say the same thing. Had you tried to use your gun in this case, likely someone would have been shot/killed.

Get a big dog for home...use common sense when out and about...and notify police with all details asap (if you haven't already).