My look into CCW

captain spaulding · **Reply #90 on:** April 02, 2014, 02:51:45 AM

Nice shootin tex.

Lynn LeFey · **Reply #91 on:** April 02, 2014, 03:16:26 AM

Quote from: captain spaulding on April 02, 2014, 02:51:45 AM

Nice shootin tex.

Thanks. Of course, you know I'm only posting the BEST groups, right?

I did a more rapid fire group with the LC9, that was ... ugh... like 9 or 10 inches. And a 4 inch group withe the Shield. Strangely, the other group i did with the Neos was just as good as the one I posted.

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #92 on:** April 02, 2014, 01:23:20 PM

I have found the Smith and Wesson M&P the most natural shooting gun ever (for me). Often, I don't really need to use the sites, except as rough estimate. It really does shoot exactly where I point it.

Lynn LeFey · **Reply #93 on:** April 02, 2014, 04:47:47 PM

The M&P and XD9 were my two favorite shooters. Not the Shield and XDs, but the subcompact of each.

My hubby thought the XDS was a little less awesome than the Shield.

So, now we've both got the pistols we'll likely use to qualify for Concealed Carry with. We're also already both loads better than we need to be in the marksmanship category to qualify.

Lynn LeFey · **Reply #94 on:** April 25, 2014, 08:15:29 PM

Changing tack very slightly.

I've been trying to find useful information on defensive loads for 9mm with short barrels. In my case, just over 3", to match the Ruger LC9.

Here are a couple real contenders for CC personal defense rounds, IMO.

Hornady Critical Defense

And CorBon DPX

The guy making these videos has tested about 9 or so kinds of ammo so far, and is still in the process. These are the two with the best results so far, and most other stuff isn't coming anywhere near the performance of these two.

By 'performance', I mean meeting the FBI ballistics standards they set out: penetrating at least 12 and not more than 18 inches in ballistic gel, both with and without penetrating 4 layers of heavy denim.

I know that there are a ton of other factors, but this is the baseline I'm going by at the moment.

nate j · **Reply #95 on:** April 26, 2014, 02:42:56 AM

Thanks for the update, Lynn.

http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/megraphs/9mm.html

http://www.internetarmory.com/handgunammo.htm

You may or may not find the above links interesting. I think they generally support the direction you're already heading, i.e. the best SD ammo for a 9mm is probably about a 115 gr. JHP loaded to +P or +P+.

dmanuel · **Reply #96 on:** April 26, 2014, 03:12:08 AM

Lynn, I only use Corbon DPX in the pistols that shoot it well. Those things are amazing! You also might check into Buffalo Bore, they make some nasty rounds with a great reputation. I use those out of a Kel-Tec Sub-2000 (9mm) and get nearly the same ballistics as a 357 Mag.

Lynn LeFey · **Reply #97 on:** April 26, 2014, 03:13:57 AM

Keep in mind that whatever I use has to be something capable of getting enough velocity from the short (just over 3") barrel of my LC9. A lot of otherwise great defensive rounds have shown not to do great for expansion fmor shorter barrels.

Nate, I'll check out those links probably tomorrow. Thanks.

dmanuel · **Reply #98 on:** April 26, 2014, 03:17:11 AM

Quote from: Lynn LeFey on April 26, 2014, 03:13:57 AM

Keep in mind that whatever I use has to be something capable of getting enough velocity from the short (just over 3") barrel of my LC9. A lot of otherwise great defensive rounds have shown not to do great for expansion fmor shorter barrels.

Nate, I'll check out those links probably tomorrow. Thanks.

Yep, thats why I suggest both the DPX and the Buffalo Bore. Both will get great velocity from any length barrel. If I were closer I would let you borrow some equipment for testing, it's nice being a gunsmith and having all the extra toys to play with!

Edit: I'm sure you have seen them, but just in case you haven't Brass Fetcher has some great slow motion videos of Hollow Points in ballistic gel.

dmanuel · **Reply #99 on:** April 26, 2014, 03:17:33 AM

Woops, double post

Lynn LeFey · **Reply #100 on:** April 26, 2014, 03:47:57 AM

I hadn't seen the slow motion videos yet. Very interesting.

Lynn LeFey · **Reply #101 on:** April 29, 2014, 11:52:09 PM

Maybe one of the less 'exciting' aspects of firearm ownership...

We now have 4 pistols (two .22s and the two 9mm we intend for CCW), and have run out of space in our previous dinky little safe. So, today, the safe got upgraded. This one is pretty darn affordable, and is the same maker as our previous one, which worked fine.

http://www.amazon.com/Stack-On-PS-515-Large-Personal-Electronic/dp/B000LG4KI6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398808023&sr=8-1&keywords=stack-on+ps515+safe

This one even came with a mounting kit to bolt it to a wall.

Not exactly 'sexy', but part of what I consider responsible firearm ownership. In addition to this, we have serial numbers both in hard and digital copy, in the event of theft.

In more 'bang' related news, we purchased a box of Hornady Critical Defense rounds yesterday, and they performed flawlessly through the 9mm pistols.

Lynn LeFey · **Reply #102 on:** June 07, 2014, 05:57:47 AM

As I mentioned elsewhere, we just arranged for CCW class. It'll be next Saturday and Sunday.

For posterity, if anyone ever wonders why someone needs Concealed Carry... it's all about being repeatedly attacked by a pitbull, so the previously hypothetical has become much more concrete. Having exhausted all other options, and facing a legal system that would allow me and my husband to be attacked, and even bitten multiple times before the dog would be taken from the owner, my protection is completely in my own hands.

And that makes me really sad. $:-\$

captain spaulding · **Reply #103 on:** June 07, 2014, 06:41:20 AM

Quote from: Lynn LeFey on June 07, 2014, 05:57:47 AM

As I mentioned elsewhere, we just arranged for CCW class. It'll be next Saturday and Sunday.

For posterity, if anyone ever wonders why someone needs Concealed Carry... it's all about being repeatedly attacked by a pitbull, so the previously hypothetical has become much more concrete. Having exhausted all other options, and facing a legal system that would allow me and my husband to be attacked, and even bitten multiple times before the dog would be taken from the owner, my protection is completely in my own hands.

And that makes me really sad. $:-\$

Excellent decision to proceed with the CCW. Your CCW will help protect you from the 2 legged and 4 legged animals alike. Don't be sad. What would be more sad is if you were mauled or attacked by a animal or human.

Lynn LeFey · **Reply #104 on:** June 23, 2014, 08:14:52 PM

Yesterday, my husband and I took the first 8 hours of the required 16 hours of training for CCW in Illinois.

The first 8 are the NRA's 'basic pistol' course.

The next 8 will be Illinois law and marksmanship qualification. That will be this upcoming Sunday.

Lynn LeFey · **Reply #105 on:** June 26, 2014, 09:28:08 PM

Just as a piece of reference, I wanted to link to this map of concealed carry reciprocity between states in the U.S.

http://www.usacarry.com/concealed_carry_permit_reciprocity_maps.html

As the law has shaken out, all of the states directly around Illinois (the state in which I live) recognize Illinois CCW licensing. But, since our travels will likely take us as far east as Ohio (which I was born and raised), and as far South-West as Texas (Where my husband's brother lives), we need a second CCW license that will cover all the states in between, which will likely be a Florida Non-resident license.

Lynn LeFey · **Reply #106 on:** June 30, 2014, 03:33:18 AM

I just completed my CCW training today!

Also, I found a new home for a Micra, giving it to my class instructor. He's kind of a preparedness kind of guy, but didn't own any multitools. Now he does.

We won't actually apply for CCW license until we close on the new house (in a little more than 2 weeks), because it'd just cost more ($75 each) to change our address after submitting the paperwork, so we'll just wait a bit.

nate j · **Reply #107 on:** June 30, 2014, 06:01:50 AM

Quote from: Lynn LeFey on June 30, 2014, 03:33:18 AM

I just completed my CCW training today!

Congratulations Lynn!

Lynn LeFey · **Reply #108 on:** November 19, 2014, 12:28:31 AM

After we got settled in to the new place and checked our money situation, we went ahead with registration for CCW. Now... we wait. 4 months or so.

In a moderately humorous sidenote... In the discussion on the Leatherman Rev, I got thinking about my Wingman and Sidekick, and went looking for them, and couldn't find my Sidekick.

I have this weird squirrel compulsion to stick the tools into various bags and kits and useful places around the house, so I was wracking my brain, trying to think of where i put it.

Then I remembered today that I put a bunch of MTs into my Maxpedition bag, as 'ballast' to simulate the weight of my CCW pistol, to see how it'd feel to carry the extra weight. The Sidekick was among the tools I used.

Also, yes, this means I am currently Conceealed Carrying three multitools.

jerseydevil · **Reply #109 on:** November 19, 2014, 12:54:56 AM

What's the stopping power of a Sidekick?

Lynn LeFey · **Reply #110 on:** November 19, 2014, 02:34:34 AM

Well... I'd recommend tying a paracord lanyard to one, getting it twirling really fast, then hit yourself in the head with it. Please report back on the results.

C'mon, man. It's for SCIENCE!

captain spaulding · **Reply #111 on:** November 22, 2014, 08:19:15 AM

Anyone seen the new Taurus .380 Curve?

http://www.taurususa.com/whats-new-the-curve.cfm
http://www.gunsandammo.com/first-look/taurus-curve-380-pistol/

Etherealicer · **Reply #112 on:** November 22, 2014, 08:53:12 AM

Quote from: captain spaulding on November 22, 2014, 08:19:15 AM

Anyone seen the new Taurus .380 Curve?

http://www.taurususa.com/whats-new-the-curve.cfm
http://www.gunsandammo.com/first-look/taurus-curve-380-pistol/

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I like the look of that baby handgun.

El Rago · **Reply #113 on:** November 22, 2014, 09:23:47 AM

looks nice and has a method to the madness.

not being gun savy, isnt .380 a bit lacking in the stopping power?

captain spaulding · **Reply #114 on:** November 22, 2014, 09:42:08 AM

Quote from: El Rago on November 22, 2014, 09:23:47 AM

looks nice and has a method to the madness.

not being gun savy, isnt .380 a bit lacking in the stopping power?

A bit, but honestly .380 will do the job for a very concealable, close range, defense gun, especially with ammunition designed for defense. Shot placement is much more relevant than caliber in my opinion. With that said though I would choose 9mm as a minimum in a carry pistol, but in situations when you wan't something very concealable and easily carried .380 with proper ammunition is very capable and effective.

Lynn LeFey · **Reply #115 on:** November 22, 2014, 04:51:22 PM

I'm usually all for new innovations, but that gun, for me, is completely worthless.

Maybe great if you're right handed. Which I'm not. I don't buy that the slight bend makes it much more concealable. It's hard to tell how big it is, but it's not like the Kel Tec P3at or Ruger LCP are all that big, and the same 'rounded' effect can be achieved with either of them already with wallet holsters.

I also have SERIOUS issues with any gun that has a muzzle that isn't perfectly perpendicular to the muzzle bore. I can't imagine that the asymetrical release of pressure exiting the barrel makes it accurate. Seems like it'd shoot high. Finally, even knowing this is an 'up close and personal' pistol, and that it has a built in laser... where are the smurfing sites?

Sorry. For me... fail.