Who's Packin' What?

[qednick]

Just added to my collection: bought a Bersa Thunder .380 Concealed Carry today. It's the same as the regular Bersa Thunder but has rounded off sights, etc. so they don't snag on your clothing when drawing.

If anyone is considering a good little CCW weapon I highly recommend the Bersa. They're excellent value for money at around $270 brand new and they shoot well. The only disappointment for me is that it only comes with one mag so I've had to order a spare 8 round mag.

 

[jumpyg1258]

Im packin a semi-automatic rubber band shooter everyday, oh wait thats my hand.

 

[qednick]

I hope to be surrounded by gun nuts if I'm ever confronted by one nut with a gun.

Once went to a gun show with a friend but the parking lot was so packed I had to park about 2 blocks away in a nasty looking run-down street. When we got out the car I said "do you think my car's gonna be OK here?" and my friend said "do you think anyone would be stupid enough to break into a car near a gun show?". We just laughed and walked on inside.

 

[Madcat455]

Just added to my collection: bought a Bersa Thunder .380 Concealed Carry today. It's the same as the regular Bersa Thunder but has rounded off sights, etc. so they don't snag on your clothing when drawing.

If anyone is considering a good little CCW weapon I highly recommend the Bersa. They're excellent value for money at around $270 brand new and they shoot well. The only disappointment for me is that it only comes with one mag so I've had to order a spare 8 round mag.

Hey.. I have one of those for the Wife. Bersa 380dlx.

It's a nice gun, shoots good. I've only put about 50rds through the wifes, but it seems to like to jam as the clip hits the last 2 or 3 rounds.

Not sure if it was the ammo, or not. I have different ammo I'm trying... just haven't made it to the range yet could just need to be "broken in"

 

[ChickenHawk]

I don't think it is a good idea to trust a gun to save your life unless you have put 500-1000 rounds through it and it has proven reliable. This is especially true with cheaper guns because they tend to be less reliable and pickier about the types of ammo used. Personally I wouldn't carry a gun for self defense unless it was a brand that had proven itself in military/LE. Brands like Glock, S&W, H&K, Sig, etc. I'm not saying cheaper guns can't be good but I wouldn't trust them with my life.

 

[qednick]

Hey.. I have one of those for the Wife. Bersa 380dlx.

It's a nice gun, shoots good. I've only put about 50rds through the wifes, but it seems to like to jam as the clip hits the last 2 or 3 rounds.

Not sure if it was the ammo, or not. I have different ammo I'm trying... just haven't made it to the range yet could just need to be "broken in"

First, you need to change your ammo to the good stuff. Make sure you never put lead through it. Always buy the good jacketed rounds such as Winchester or Remmington - not the cheap Russian lead crap that'll leave lead shavings in the rifling, breach and clip and make it much harder to clean.

Second, put a lot more than 50 rounds through it on the range!! Make sure you're comfortable shooting and handling the weapon and that the weapon is reliable.

Finally, make sure you keep the weapon clean and well oiled.

I haven't met any Bersa Thunder owner yet that isn't happy with their purchase! Which is why I bought mine.

 

[qednick]

I don't think it is a good idea to trust a gun to save your life unless you have put 500-1000 rounds through it and it has proven reliable. This is especially true with cheaper guns because they tend to be less reliable and pickier about the types of ammo used. Personally I wouldn't carry a gun for self defense unless it was a brand that had proven itself in military/LE. Brands like Glock, S&W, H&K, Sig, etc. I'm not saying cheaper guns can't be good but I wouldn't trust them with my life.

I totally agree!

Another option is to carry a revolver instead of a semi-automatic. There are pros and cons to each.

 

[Madcat455]

First, you need to change your ammo to the good stuff. Make sure you never put lead through it. Always buy the good jacketed rounds such as Winchester or Remmington - not the cheap Russian lead crap that'll leave lead shavings in the rifling, breach and clip and make it much harder to clean.

Second, put a lot more than 50 rounds through it on the range!! Make sure you're comfortable shooting and handling the weapon and that the weapon is reliable.

Finally, make sure you keep the weapon clean and well oiled.

I haven't met any Bersa Thunder owner yet that isn't happy with their purchase! Which is why I bought mine.

That's what I figured... but it was jacketed ammo. The only time I've gotten lead was for my AK, and that was by mistake(bought a case, and it didn't specify).

The next round of ammo for the bersa isn't "rounded" like what jammed. It's more pointed, hopfully it'll chamber better. The rounded bullets allways caught about ¼ in behind the tip.

The bersa isn't mine... it's the wifes so I have to get her to the range with me. I have 500 rds to help her get aquainted with it

 

[qednick]

That's what I figured... but it was jacketed ammo. The only time I've gotten lead was for my AK, and that was by mistake(bought a case, and it didn't specify).

The next round of ammo for the bersa isn't "rounded" like what jammed. It's more pointed, hopfully it'll chamber better. The rounded bullets allways caught about ¼ in behind the tip.

The bersa isn't mine... it's the wifes so I have to get her to the range with me. I have 500 rds to help her get aquainted with it

Round tip jackets do occasionally jam but when it's the last one or two in the clip it's usually either a seating issue or it could be the clip itself. Have you tried a different clip? Good luck!!

 

[Madcat455]

Round tip jackets do occasionally jam but when it's the last one or two in the clip it's usually either a seating issue or it could be the clip itself. Have you tried a different clip? Good luck!!

Not yet... have only shot it the once, haven't had time to get to the range since. All my babies are feeling neglected.

Can't find spare clips for it either, they all take the newer style with that "tear drop" finger extention.

The clip on this one looks completley different, I'm not finding any like it But only passivley looking though.

 

[xd9fan]

Is this just a thread to make Ron Paul supporters look like gun nuts?

Guns equel liberty.....Cant have one without the other.

You will never hear me complain about too much 1st Amendment expression going on or that 4th Amendment(that was a good one)...Its all or nothing

 

[Firehouse26]

I possess the following.....Glock .40 cal with 15 round clip. Most beloved firearm: Winchester Model 21!!!! In addition, assorted double barrels from Ruger 4/10, .20, .12, and good old Ruger carbine .22 with Tasco scope. And an Ithaca .12 gauge and the Remington 870.

 

[plp]

My daily carry is a Colt Govt. Model 70 .380 ACP, the wife's is a Charter Arms .38 Special Off Duty (knew it was love at first sight when she wanted to go to the dirt pit and shoot for a first date. Her dad came along and apparently I passed the test)

Home protection are a Remington 870 12 ga. and a Saiga .410, both with laser sights. The Remmie has been in the same place in the house, fully loaded, since my kids were in diapers.

We have a bevy of Rugar 1022's, not really sure how many as one of my sons is constantly swapping, selling, and modding these. Mine is stock, old school, no mods, and I can still do a respectable grouping at 200 yards with iron sights.

Long guns are limited to a Ruger Mark II .3006, a GREAT Argentinean Mauser 7mm carbine with the original Leica scope from 1939, and a Remington 700 .223 that was acquired as trade goods from one of my son's swap meets.

 

[amy31416]

I'm pretty new to guns, but we have a Mossberg Persuader that's modified to look real freakin' scary.

Since I was held up at gunpoint, I've been weighing the pros and cons of getting a permit to carry a gun, but I still hesitate because a) being female, it might be too easy to take the gun from me and use it on me, b) if I had a gun when I was held up and tried to use it, it could have gone much worse and c) I really don't want my name on some government list.

That being said, I have done some research and would go with a revolver. We went to a shooting range and I shot a S&W .38 caliber and an HK 9mm. I liked the revolver better and was far more accurate with it, but it actually bruised my hand from the recoil. So I think I'd go with a larger gun if I choose to purchase a handgun.

What are your thoughts?

 

[qednick]

I'm pretty new to guns, but we have a Mossberg Persuader that's modified to look real freakin' scary.

Since I was held up at gunpoint, I've been weighing the pros and cons of getting a permit to carry a gun, but I still hesitate because a) being female, it might be too easy to take the gun from me and use it on me, b) if I had a gun when I was held up and tried to use it, it could have gone much worse and c) I really don't want my name on some government list.

That being said, I have done some research and would go with a revolver. We went to a shooting range and I shot a S&W .38 caliber and an HK 9mm. I liked the revolver better and was far more accurate with it, but it actually bruised my hand from the recoil. So I think I'd go with a larger gun if I choose to purchase a handgun.

What are your thoughts?

Believe me... you're better off carrying than not!!

Revolvers tend to be more reliable. They won't jam up on you as easily as a semi-auto. But they are harder to reload and you tend to get less shots in one go.

A bigger/heavier weapon of the same caliber will reduce recoil but recoil will be the last thing going through your mind if you're attacked.

A bigger/heavier weapon is less practical for concealed carry.

 

[amy31416]

Believe me... you're better off carrying than not!!

Revolvers tend to be more reliable. They won't jam up on you as easily as a semi-auto. But they are harder to reload and you tend to get less shots in one go.

A bigger/heavier weapon of the same caliber will reduce recoil but recoil will be the last thing going through your mind if you're attacked.

A bigger/heavier weapon is less practical for concealed carry.

The reliability factor is what's steered me more towards the revolver, but you're right-the semi-automatic will get more shots. Though I found the S&W .38 easier to reload than the HK, unless you just have clips loaded and on your person.

I'd also agree that I'd probably stick with a smaller gun, despite the recoil. As you probably know, they make "bullets" filled with shot, like a shotguns bullets so accuracy isn't as much of an issue. My thought was, if I get a revolver, the first shot that's loaded is one of those, then the rest of the bullets are hollow-point. Just thinking that might be good to dissuade, not kill if I should need it. Then the second shot, obviously, would be for serious stopping power.

What's your thoughts on single vs. double action? Hammer vs. hammerless? If you had to arm an inexperienced person like me, what would you recommend?

 

[john_anderson_ii]

Modern semi-autos, like a Glock or HK are extremely reliable. (Forgive me if I left out your favorite brand )

The general rule of thumb in regards to recoil/caliber is this: Carry the biggest caliber that you can safely and comfortable handle. If you can put a good group up with a 9mm, but not .40 caliber, carry the 9mm. If the .38 is uncomfortable go with a .32.

Well placed shots are more important than big holes.....but big holes certainly don't hurt your cause unless they don't strike the target.

a) being female, it might be too easy to take the gun from me and use it on me

That's why a CCW permit to carry concealed is a must. By very nature, no one will know you are carrying. How would someone know they can take the gun and use it against you if they don't know you are carrying it? That's why open carrying is pretty much a bad idea unless you are big scary looking guy. Someone might see your gun and figure they want it more than you do.

So if it's concealed, and you are attacked. You now have the choice of what to do. You can hand over your wallet and purse, and never reach for your concealed gun and the attacker will be none the wiser. Or you can choose to stand your ground and pull the gun. Once you make the decision to use force you have to go all in. I teach it like when you are approaching a stop light that may soon turn yellow. You draw a mental line in your mind and if it turns yellow before that line you stop, if after you go through. Carrying concealed offers you the chance to decide where that line is.

I'd also agree that I'd probably stick with a smaller gun, despite the recoil. As you probably know, they make "bullets" filled with shot, like a shotguns bullets so accuracy isn't as much of an issue.

Accuracy is a big issue if your shots hit bystanders. You may be forced to defend yourself in a mall parking lot or somewhere in a crowd. Even though you are perfectly justifiable in defending yourself you will still be held accountable for stray shots. Another case for practice, practice, practice. Use hollow point, deforming & expanding ammunition. These types of rounds carry a smaller chance of over penetration. They are safer for bystanders, and that means safer for you.

 

[AFM]

Sicilian crossbow for long range

 

[amy31416]

Modern semi-autos, like a Glock or HK are extremely reliable. (Forgive me if I left out your favorite brand )

The general rule of thumb in regards to recoil/caliber is this: Carry the biggest caliber that you can safely and comfortable handle. If you can put a good group up with a 9mm, but not .40 caliber, carry the 9mm. If the .38 is uncomfortable go with a .32.

Well placed shots are more important than big holes.....but big holes certainly don't hurt your cause unless they don't strike the target.



That's why a CCW permit to carry concealed is a must. By very nature, no one will know you are carrying. How would someone know they can take the gun and use it against you if they don't know you are carrying it? That's why open carrying is pretty much a bad idea unless you are big scary looking guy. Someone might see your gun and figure they want it more than you do.

So if it's concealed, and you are attacked. You now have the choice of what to do. You can hand over your wallet and purse, and never reach for your concealed gun and the attacker will be none the wiser. Or you can choose to stand your ground and pull the gun. Once you make the decision to use force you have to go all in. I teach it like when you are approaching a stop light that may soon turn yellow. You draw a mental line in your mind and if it turns yellow before that line you stop, if after you go through. Carrying concealed offers you the chance to decide where that line is.



Accuracy is a big issue if your shots hit bystanders. You may be forced to defend yourself in a mall parking lot or somewhere in a crowd. Even though you are perfectly justifiable in defending yourself you will still be held accountable for stray shots. Another case for practice, practice, practice. Use hollow point, deforming & expanding ammunition. These types of rounds carry a smaller chance of over penetration. They are safer for bystanders, and that means safer for you.

Thanks for the information and things to think about. Choosing to carry a concealed weapon is a rather big decision for me-I don't want to sound like an idiot, but I wasn't raised around guns.

 

[qednick]

Thanks for the information and things to think about. Choosing to carry a concealed weapon is a rather big decision for me-I don't want to sound like an idiot, but I wasn't raised around guns.

Well you're getting some good advice here and everyone has to start somewhere. You'll find that most people will have personal preferences re. revolver vs. semi-auto, make, model, caliber and choice of ammo.

What I would suggest is that you go to your local range and give them a rough idea of what you want. If they're a good range, they'll have a selection of firearms that you can rent and try out before making your mind up. Try as many as you can. You'll get to feel the size, weight and recoil and that may help you make your mind up before choosing.

John is absolutely correct on the caliber issue.