Originally posted by Hawco
And being totally honest, I'm not even sure I could use it, sounds strange I know, but I just don't think I'd have it in me to actually use a weapon again. But I keep thinking of those break ins/home invasions that we suddenly got a rash of round our way and being married now etc I know I'd actually have to do something to protect myself and family.
Think I'll get down to the range and see how it goes from there, take my wife with me and then see how we both feel after that.
I'm 33 years and grew up in a house where Knives/Guns were NOT allowed (culinary cutlery is different). In 1997, a year before I was married, while working security, our new supervisor got me into paintball. It wasn't long until I was going to the range and firing his "pre-ban 226", Colt Govt. Model., and other weapons. He taught me everything I know today and instilled "a respect for handguns and rifles".
One day, I was talking to my Uncle who lives in Indiana, he wanted to get a USP Compact 45. He sold me his then 3 year old full size USP 45 for $500, including 3 factory mags. I have fired 3,500+ rounds through it with only one Failure-to-Fire. I bought some cheap ammo at the range, and there was a bad primer on a cartridge. I've fired Lead through my pistol, it chews it up and spits it out.
I used to rip on Glock's something fierce until my buddy purchased a Glock 23C for Concealed Carry. It is a dream to shoot. He loves shooting my 45, and we'll often switch on the range and I enjoy firing his Sig 226 or Glock 23. My USP is the only pistol I have, and I got some strange looks from my parents when they found out I bought it from my Uncle.
Owning a gun, isn't about "Cool, now I can keep loaded and ready to fire." It is something in which "Responsibility comes first." You will RARELY have an "open and shut case" if you need to fire the weapon. I have no idea of your "familiarity of firearms Hawco", so please don't think I am "talking down to you at all." Some people just fail to understand the big picture, and that you "are representing law abiding gun owners".
If a perp comes into your house while your wife and yourself are sleeping, it's a bit more complicated than "point and shoot". You need to figure out "is he in front of a window, and if so, will the caliber I have go through him AND the window?"
I still stand by my statement that you CANNOT go wrong with a Sig. Nor can you go wrong with an HK or Glock. They are all "dependable" firearms, me personally, I despise Beretta for all of their worth, same for Taurus Semi-Automatics (their revolvers are very good).
If your wife will be firing it, I personally recommend for you and your wife:
Glock 23 (not the C)
Sig 226 (in .40 or 9mm)
Hope this helps you in your quest.
