What have you changed your mind on?

[Certaindeaf]

You carry two guns?

Doesn't everyone?

 

[Nosferatu]

Doesn't everyone?

One for fighting, one for fun.

 

[ilikegunspdx]

Truthfully "no" I can't. But most of the time it would have to be my wife pinning my strong hand, because I'm always the one driving. (In fact, when I'm not driving I'm usually with a friend that is also carrying.) More likely someone attacking me in my car would be pinning my weak hand.

Keep in mind, I'm not saying it's not a good idea to carry a knife for defensive purposes, I'm just not as preparedness minded as you are. It's not that I don't have any such mindset at all. If I'm somewhere that I'm likely to need a fire starter for instance, I either have one in my vehicle or in my backpack. When I'm out hunting, I've got a ziploc bag that contains all kind of stuff for emergencies - and not just toilet paper. I don't go into town all that often, and stay out late in shady areas very infrequently. I know, I know, it can happen anytime/anywhere - that's why I'm usually packing a gun (always if my family is with me). I suppose I could carry two guns and wear body armor, but weighing the possibilities, I don't feel my approach is unreasonable, and probably better than a large percentage of the population. I spend a lot of my time at home, and that is one place I would make a formidable foe.

To the OP's question: As old as I am, I'm still learning. I've somewhat fallen into the camp of "having a gun is better than not" and often carry a Sig P238 pocket carry. However, as of late I've been having second thoughts about the pocket carry. It's the most convenient/comfortable, but sloooooooooow on the draw. So sometimes I use one of the post type holster/carriers appendix carry. I would rather carry (and sometimes do if I'm wearing enough bulky clothes) a larger pistol with higher capacity with an IWB holster. If I'm out in the woods, like yesterday, I may be carrying a S&W 686 or 629. Love those guns, but a bit bulky and harder to conceal for town trips.

One thing I sorta just learned in recent years is, I approached my neighbor as he was nailing a board back up on his corral (rural area, acreage) and noticed the pistol on his his hip. Now, he's not nearly as much of a "gun guy" as I am, so I asked him about it. We talked about how any yahoo could come walking up off the main road less than 200 yards away, past the numerous "No Trespassing" signs, and do whatever. Not long after that, some freak walked off of Hwy 58 near Pleasant Hill and shot a guy in the face and killed his wife. Since then, I've been more inclined to be armed on my own property outside of the house - like working in the yard.

I don't understand why it would be slow on the draw. If you have an Alabama holster you can have the gun in your hand and released from holster without your adversary even knowing about it. To me it's lightning fast. Here is a video showing draw from Alabama holster.

Steps such as clearing covering garment, reaching for gun, grabbing gun are eliminated which makes it faster. Also it's ultra stealth.

Also in the extremely rare chance your adversary says show me you don't have a gun you can do so to feign compliance yet still be armed.

FullSizeRender.MOV

• ilikegunspdx
• Aug 23, 2022

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• ilikegunspdx
• Aug 23, 2022

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• ilikegunspdx
• Aug 23, 2022

FYI here is an example of perp checking victim for gun. Rare that this would happen I think, but if it does pocket carry would be a benefit.

 

[Caveman Jim]

I do no possess a live and let live attitude anymore. With the Marxist/socialist GOV in the PNW and big cities, it has become worse since the criminals are coddled and run rampant.
It's a cryin shame that we let this happen.

 

[Catfishmoon]

Back on topic what I have changed lately is beacause I'm getting older my eyes are changing. I ditched the DPP a few months ago I just listed my EOTech, I just can't run red dots anymore. I'm switching to lpvo's and or iron sights

That is interesting, another example of how each of us is a little bit different... I am headed in the opposite direction, after 60 years of iron sights I bought my first red dot for a handgun early this year and my accuracy past 15 yards improved immediately. I just bought a second dot (I prefer green) and had the slide of my CZ-75 milled to accept it.
From an aesthetic point of view I prefer iron sights and I believe my accuracy with them is fine for a defensive pistol. But under some lighting conditions (low light especially) I see the dot better.

 

[Member 34319]

I don't really carry anymore. Body hurts, and having something strapped to my hip just doesn't work anymore. I also try to be better to people because of my own issues, so I'm trying to not look at everywhere I go as an issue. The perpetual fear of the unknown is a great tool to utilize in being prepared, but it is also extremely exhausting to always think something bad will happen. I stopped watching the news and stopped isolating the sources of propaganda to which I do give some of my time. It's no wonder some can get so caught up in fear if you watch only one side of the propaganda machine. I almost feel sorry for anyone that listens to Alex Jones on the daily. Even NWFA can be exhausting as it's become a one sided environment and the place has really let itself go.

 

[Unka-Boo]

That is interesting, another example of how each of us is a little bit different... I am headed in the opposite direction, after 60 years of iron sights I bought my first red dot for a handgun early this year and my accuracy past 15 yards improved immediately. I just bought a second dot (I prefer green) and had the slide of my CZ-75 milled to accept it.
From an aesthetic point of view I prefer iron sights and I believe my accuracy with them is fine for a defensive pistol. But under some lighting conditions (low light especially) I see the dot better.

That is the one change I have been contemplating...going to a red dot on my carry gun. Getting older sucks

 

[ilikegunspdx]

That is the one change I have been contemplating...going to a red dot on my carry gun. Getting older sucks

FYI good video on need to practice a lot (build muscle memory) on presentation angle if using a red dot. This can be done dry fire. Ignore everything from 1:47 mark onwards as that is just propaganda.

 

[titsonritz]

What scenario do use envision your knife for?

A get the f' off me scenario.

 

[Bobbygun]

I don't understand why it would be slow on the draw.

I'm thinking more along the lines of when I'm in my car with the pistol in a holster in my jean pocket. I'm not thin, so I can't get at that gun without some serious effort. Or seated in a restaurant or bar. Standing, using a pocket holster in baggy shorts and getting after it - heck yeah! I don't carry on the golf course though, I get into enough trouble with my driver.

 

[titsonritz]

FYI for those wanting a backup belly gun this swing out cylinder 22 mag at 6.7 oz fits in your watch pocket, mini pocket holster, belt buckle, knife belt holster, neck holster. Swing out cylinder version is called sidewinder.

98984B5A-F69C-456E-AC70-3E17CFEDB85F.jpeg

• ilikegunspdx
• Sep 5, 2021

In car around here re armed carjackings I have witnessed 3. I normally have a 556 bufferless pistol or pcc/pdw in sling bag that acts as a scabbard/holster. Sing bag easy to take with you so you don't have to leave gun in the car. Takes about 1.5 seconds to deploy. Normally have edc and mini backup gun as well. The carjackings I've seen you have a few seconds at most so most critical element Imo is early detection. Follow the Jeff Cooper four color system.

I didn't know they made a swingout version. When did they start doing that?

 

[Member 53328]

I'm sorry but pocket carry is not fast under stress.

I don't care who you are or how many followers you have on YouTube.

I don't know a single instructor that preaches pocket carry as a primary carry method.

 

[ilikegunspdx]

I didn't know they made a swingout version. When did they start doing that?

It's actually been out a long time but it's a niche version as is the ranger. Sidewinder is swing out and it's great Imo. You can use speedloaders with it at the range also which helps a ton.

The ranger version is break top ejection but some people had issue with accidentally opening the action when trying to cock the hammer. I avoided ranger version due to that issue and cost. I bought sidewinder at Nw armory for $288 and can be had close to that but finding in stock can be an issue.

Here is mine with speed loader. Suggest getting only this brand speed loader as it works well. Cost is $40 for 5 speed loaders as I recall or can buy singles. Can't recall brand name but it's the only one that looks like that with red jobby in middle.

2D09E8C3-7DEF-4A29-85FA-6D0C068E03F3.jpeg

• ilikegunspdx
• Jan 11, 2023

 

[titsonritz]

I'm sorry but pocket carry is not fast under stress.

I don't care who you are or how many followers you have on YouTube.

I don't know a single instructor that preaches pocket carry as a primary carry method.

Will stop eating your crayons for second...I keep telling it is not about being fast, it is about being sneaky and it isn't a primary it is a BUG.

 

[Member 53328]

Will stop eating your crayons for second...I keep telling it is not about being fast, it is about being sneaky and it isn't a primary it is a BUG.

That's why I said primary….. lol.

I understand the idea of it as a secondary BUG. But to all the people who keep saying it super fast I have yet to witness it with my own eyes.

Leave the crayons out of it!

 

[ZA_Survivalist]

I've changed the fact that I've given up capacity for firearms I shoot well, even under stress. Such as a 1911. It may not be for everyone but it works for me.

While I carry my 1911's the most, I also rotate carry pistols now, I enjoy the idea of using what I have and being proficient with what I own. I used to swap things out depending on the season (pocket carry sized pistols in the summer for example).. but now I simply carry things and change it up once a month now that I fanny pack carry quite a bit while not working. Again, not for everyone but works for me. Easily tote a full sized pistol comfortably in coveralls and because the cross body Fanny pack bag thing is popular with the "hip" crowd no one thinks twice about mine.

I've also came around to tolerating RMR optics on pistols for carry. I was dead nuts against them due to debris issues clouding the dot.. but with Fanny pack carry that has all but ceased the debris issue for me. I'm not super old, but as I grow older my eyes suck more.. and those red dots do help with getting a good, accurate sight picture.

 

[Capn Jack]

From .38 spl. to 9mm + a spare magazine.

"You can never have too much ammunition, or fuel unless you are on fire."

 

[Ruger Rich]

Our culture has changed, dramatically, as the years have rolled by beneath me.
I, like most folks, often resist change. But I've had to adjust. It's uncomfortable and
often awkward. My self assessment is that I'm still viable mentally. However,
physically is another issue and very concerning. I can not run and I have trouble
on uneven ground. I've hunted for well over 60 years as much and as often as
I can. When much younger I never carried a pack, just ammo, a knife and a
length of rope. Thought I was tough. Now when I'm least able I carry a very
weighty pack that will hopefully let me survive if I go down in the woods. Around
town I am very uncomfortable realizing that I am a target as I walk with an uneven
gait. I think most fit 12 year olds could whip my azz. I look at my surroundings
before getting out of the truck, park as near as possible to my destination, and
try to make my business always done in daylight. I fired my rifle in Vietnam and
never knew if I hit another. I don't want to shoot a punk, and man, there are a lot
of them nowadays. But if nut comes to crunch I'll do my best to keep myself
together. And with the slow but methodical loss of gun rights it will become
more and more difficult to survive. Perhaps, for me, it's getting close to check out time.

 

[DangerDog]

One for fighting, one for fun.

Both for fun and sometimes both for fighting >;J

 

[ilikegunspdx]

I've changed the fact that I've given up capacity for firearms I shoot well, even under stress. Such as a 1911. It may not be for everyone but it works for me.

While I carry my 1911's the most, I also rotate carry pistols now, I enjoy the idea of using what I have and being proficient with what I own. I used to swap things out depending on the season (pocket carry sized pistols in the summer for example).. but now I simply carry things and change it up once a month now that I fanny pack carry quite a bit while not working. Again, not for everyone but works for me. Easily tote a full sized pistol comfortably in coveralls and because the cross body Fanny pack bag thing is popular with the "hip" crowd no one thinks twice about mine.

I've also came around to tolerating RMR optics on pistols for carry. I was dead nuts against them due to debris issues clouding the dot.. but with Fanny pack carry that has all but ceased the debris issue for me. I'm not super old, but as I grow older my eyes suck more.. and those red dots do help with getting a good, accurate sight picture.

I hear you on build up of stuff on the red dot. My p365 with red dot builds up junk fast on the optic in IWB holster. I use a lens pen little brush and bulrush it out every so often. It surprising how fast crap builds up on it.