I own about a dozen handguns and have a full-carry permit for these. Most are target or hunting weapons from .22 RF to .44 magnum. The only times I carried a loaded handgun was during my 3-year tour as a flight surgeon in Alaska during the territory days.

I believe that carrying a handgun is looking for trouble.I have been held up once,leaving my office at night. It was a young couple in a car with a .25 auto and bandanas over the lower 1/2 of their faces. I suggested that they "beat it" (adrenaline talking) and they did. I was a little shaken and carried a .38 S&W for a week afterwards, to and from work. After a week I was my old self again (very depresssing!)and put the gun back in the gun vault.

I thank God that I was not carrying that night!!! I would not like to see the contents of that boys head splattered all over the inside of the car, every night before I fell asleep for the rest of my life.

Early on, someone suggested a handgun as a self-defense home weapon for an inexperienced woman. I think that a .410 pump is a far better choice....less flinching in target practice, better odds for a lethal or non-lethal hit and limited bullet travel through walls etc.

Lighten up Mudcatters. Make love, not war.

Larry