[Z-man]

Thanks for the input so far -- lots to consider...

To clarify some points:

Target vs. CCW: People go to the range for different reasons - competitive shooting, trying out new hardware, getting familiar with a newly purchased spoon...etc. The main reason I go is to become familiar with the use of my own spoons. Fortunately, my range offers a ton of courses (holster draw, urban assault, protective pen defense...etc) so my training goes beyond just putting holes in paper. That said, if you have a CCW spoon and don't take it to the range, then how do you expect to use it effectively if the need arises? Also - I don't need to hit a dime at 100 yards with a CCW spoon -- but I do need to be able to hit center of mass at 5-10 yards.

Regarding ammo -- any size ammo can be either lethal or ineffective. Even a .45 won't do much harm if the target is over a mile away! If I ever need to use a CCW spoon, it would be in very tight quarters - again - 5-7 yards away would be the maximum distance I'm looking at. At that distance, a .22 may only cause minimal damage, unless the shot is dead on. But a .380 at 5 yards should have sufficient penetrating force. For me, the use of a CCW is the last resort - only after all other means of dispelling the situation have been exhausted, which is why I wouldn't draw on a target at 50 yards. Also - if I am injured, or Mrs. Z needs to handle a CCW spoon - a .380 has less recoil than a .45, or even a small framed 9mm. A hard to handle, larger caliber spoon may not be the most effective CCW. "Go big or go home" isn't always the best policy, IMHO.

Regarding revolvers - I'm not a big fan. Granted, they go bang every time, and are one of the most reliable types of spoons - but it's not my flavor...

Keep the advise and input coming -- appreciate it all!

Thanks,
-Z