mod note: written in response to a post in another thread
@zuplex, due to diminishing mental acuity, I no longer command the skills to put into writing clear and concise comments as I once did. However, I will give you a few personal observations and will post them in the general handgun section as you suggested.
Be forewarned, I am not authority on firearms. I am simply one who has long enjoyed the pleasure of ownership of many firearms. These then are my personal observations and recollections.
My first handling of firearms came in the 1930’s. An uncle had two .22 rifles and at times took me with him hiking to the Baldwin Hills in Los Angeles. There we shot at rocks, vegetation and the infrequent hare or squirrel. During our hike from the populated streets to the hills, we encountered others in cars or walking as we were doing. None appeared to be curious about our carrying rifles. In the late 1940’s war years, this changed. We could no longer walk with a rifle without seeing apprehension or even fear on the faces of the people we met along the way.
In 1948 I handled my first sidearm while in training as a Naval Aircrewman. Then, I was instructed in the handling of both a revolver and semiautomatic pistols. When flying I carried an M&P .38 model 10 revolver in a shoulder holster. I was issued a Colt 1911 pistol when on collateral duty as the squadrons’ courier.
I was not proficient with either of these sidearms. I attribute this to the lack of continued instruction and infrequent target practice – plus the fact, that only the ordnance men in our squadron were able to maintain our issued weapons. Thus, I only knew how to hold, aim and fire the sidearm.
In 1955 when back as a civilian, I began in earnest to handle, own, shoot and maintain firearms. Since then I have owned a large number of both sidearms and long arms. Some were inexpensive, others moderately priced and a select number were high-end custom weapons.
One lesson learned here is that price does not always equal quality. A few of the more expensive ones proved to be lemons and a few of the inexpensive ones proved to be really quality weapons. All of the custom guns have been exceptional!
Another lesson learned is that not every weapon is able to meet every need. As an example, I found my accuracy was much better when I shot targets with a long-radius revolver than say a compact pistol; or, that a high caliber rifle was not as easily handled or effective at short distances as a smaller caliber carbine. These might appear obvious to most, but to one in the learning stage, it was trial and error.
It seems to me that four major changes have occurred during my gun ownership days. First, increase in power and shape of ammunition. As ammo became more powerful and with the emergence of the hollow point, I found it advantageous to move from one caliber to another.
Second, the increased capacity of semiautomatics motivated me to change my EDC from revolvers to pistols,
Third, the great new designs that emerged such as with the Glock pistols, allowed me to move from the 1911 to the striker –fire pistols. This resulted in me being able to carry a higher capacity and arguably more reliable pistol without giving up the accuracy of a 1911.
Fourth is the public perception of firearms. The horrific wave of domestic shootings has brought about a great schism in our society. The lawless, mentally deranged and radical anarchists are the ones who have committed terrible, Violent and evil actions against the innocents in society. Overwhelmingly, gun owners are serious, careful and peaceful members of society. They act with responsibility and prudence.
It is because of the hysteria of the times that I no longer open carry in public here in my home state of Arizona. Years ago I open carried and it was not an issue. But, with the great influx of new residents each year along with the screaming of the anti-gun people, I find it more prudent and non-confrontational to simply carry my EDC concealed.
zuplex, I trust these comments adequately respond to your suggestion. If not, let me know.
Keep Safe!
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Originally Posted by scjbash
