Defending and Protecting Yourself, Family and Property
Among the decisions to be made when purchasing a personal defense handgun are caliber, action type, and size and weight. Among the options to be considered is the light rail. A rail gun is common parlance for a handgun with an accessory rail, but some just consider it common sense.
When the Glock pistol was introduced, like many, I was skeptical of the polymer-framed pistol. I had positive experiences with the HK P9S 9mm and did not regard polymer as cheap—far from it. The HK was an extraordinary pistol. Rigorous testing and experience removed skepticism.The Glock was a reliable, affordable, and durable service pistol chambered for the popular 9mm Luger cartridge.
I have previously stated that the long slide Glock is a good special team pistol for use by agencies that issue Glock pistols. However, the long slide Glock is also a great home defense and competition pistol. For those who can conceal the piece beneath covering garments, the Glock long slide is a viable defensive handgun. In the proper caliber, the pistol is also useful for hunting thin-skinned game.
Red dot sights are not only increasingly popular, they have made strides in affordability, reliability, and accuracy. The cheap red dot sights are useful for plinking and getting the feel for a red dot optic. The mid level—over $200, but far less than $1,000—is useful for 3-gun competition and home defense. The Lucid M7 fits solidly in this category.
I do not own a safe queen. The safe is temporary storage. The true nature of a Combat Magnum is on the range, in the field or on the hip, not in the safe. If you use a quality firearm and take good care of it, the piece will last almost indefinitely. Abuse it, and a few years at best are all you will get out of it. These firearms have lasted not because I have babied them but because I have maintained them and you can too!
Training is a hard business. If you are serious concerning personal defense— and God help you if you are not—you must train to the best of your ability, use proper tactics, and seek communion with like-minded shooters. Are you taking your training seriously enough?
I have to admit to a number of rather odd stablemates resting in the safe alongside my 1911, SIG, and HK handguns. These firearms may have a historical or mechanical interest, or they may simply be fun to use and fire. The 7.62 x 25mm pistols are among the most interesting. This is as old a design as it gets in handgun ammunition, but the 7.62 x 25mm Tokarev is still a war fighter and a surprisingly good sporting cartridge.
It is fast and accurate, easily controllable and a ball of fun to fire and use. How practical is it? That depends upon the application, but one thing is for sure, the 5.7 x 28mm is more than just a class of its own. Read the full story to see why the 5.7 x 28mm may just be the ultimate two or four-legged predator cartridge.
If you’re like me, on your nightstand you have a gun in a rapid access safe and at least one flashlight next to it. You will also have developed and practiced a home defense plan with your family so that your actions are second nature should you ever have a home invasion. But, for some people, this still may not be enough.
A few years ago, Kel Tec introduced the PMR 30 .22 Magnum pistol. The company is known for affordable innovation and performance, and this pistol was no exception. With good accuracy, light weight, and a 30-round magazine capacity, this handgun became the ultimate rimfire plinker. As an outdoorsman’s pistol for hunting and pest control, the PMR 30 is a great piece. Kel-Tec has now followed up with the carbine version, the CMR 30.