Funny how things move along on their natural course. Last year some one(two young guys) tried to rob me late one night at a local public boat ramp. Only had a 4 foot hook on a stick with me but they had nothing but a habit. I won that contest but was shaken to the bone. Next day I got a permit and a pistol. An AMT auto mag in 22 Mag. Kept it for a while and bumped up to a 38 cal in a S&W five shot revolver. 38 carried good but I felt the need for more horse power. Two weeks ago I got a S&W Sigma in 40 cal with 2 14 round magazines. I've fired 200 rounds at the local range and am punching tight groups of holes in my own E type targets, all low center mass. I remember the days on the range with a 45 cal and am supprised how well this S&W fires. I think I'll stop at this level and just get better with what I have. Hate like the dickens to hurt someone but I guess I refuse to be a victim.

Backbay,

I'm glad that it worked out for you, and also would like to hear about how you like the new gun. Smith has had some mixed reviews on their automatic pistols, and although 6 out of 7 guns that I had that were Smith Autos gave yoeman service, I did have one that was a real turkey. I'm breaking in a new M & P 40, and thus far I've got good things to say about it.

Defense of one's person is an ugly business, and I know that it can register as somewhat disturbing, and maybe hard to reconcile in a christain philosophy. I've been down that road a time or two, and I have found comfort in the notion that I can only be in control of my own behavior, and what the other fellow does what he does at his own risk.

So, while I love everybody- am certainly not going to pick a fight, and really go out of my way to mind my own business, me and mine are going to make it to the end of the day. If everybody respects this program then we have no trouble, if someone does not, then what happens to him is his own fault.

I think your instinct towards practice is exaclty right on the mark. Once a proper defensive mindset has been arrived at, then a fellow needs to be able to shoot straight, and have confidence that his pistol is going to rise to the occasion, God forbid.

Hope that everybody is going well, let me know if I can do anything for you.

Steve

Good words whitehunter35.

I too am easy going and want in no way to harm anyone. I also refuse to become a victum or risk the health of my family. I take my job as a provider and protector to heart. The last thing I want to do is seriously harm a young man because he tried the wrong drug one night. I also refuse to be harmed by that same person. I agree with you in that I will never do anyone any harm without my being provoked. I do believe in equal force to a point. I also agree with you that the person that pushes me to that point has himself to blame for the results. I also practice a great deal with this new weapon as well as my revolver. This S&W fits my hand to a "T". I hit real well with it. Tight groups in the right spot. Recoil is as to be expected. The 642 is a little more difficult to hit in good groups all the time but it does the job. I'm trying a good many types of ammo. On the range they all seem to fire alike. Recoil is varied. I have fired some hydro-shock from Federal. Anyone ever use these? Local law enforcement say they all use them. Thanks for the info and advice.

Only had a 4 foot hook on a stick with me but they had nothing but a habit.

What I want to know; did you put the gaff to them? I've heard lots of stories about ramps being dangerous when there aren't many folks around.

I guess I looked like **** after fishing for 10 hours; hair wild, face burnt, beard was starting, plus I was scared and really mad so my loud statement about what I was going to do with the gaff to the first one in my boat was enough to stop them. They were arrested and spent a little jail time. Ramps are a little scary late nights. Our boats and trucks tell everyone that we are guides and most know that we get paid in cash. Just part of it but I am much more aware now than before.

Hey Backbay, I just checked out your website. I've never fished further west than Pensacola. My wife's people are there. I might have to get up with you one of these days.

Edit: that's not true. I've fished Venice once, I try to put it out of my mind. :(

Hey, KenK just holler. I stay booked about 3 weeks out. The red fish are on fire.