I recently read a discussion about striker vs hammer fired semi-auto's. And then last night for un-related reasons I changed my EDC (more on that later). It got me thinking about the decision tree for choosing a gun to have with you. And I thought this crowd might have some unique insights since 10mm enthusiasts tend to have more than one or two options.
My EDC choices have varied over the years. For the last several months it has been my Para P16/10mm and before that it was my Glock 20/29 for many years. Last night it changed to my Witness full-size. And not because The_Shadow bought a cool Witness.
The demographics of my home have changed and now again includes toddlers both as residents and visitors. While I hope I never leave a gun un-attended, it seemed prudent to choose a DA/SA auto so small hands would have a harder time operating the fire control group.
So, what drives your choices? Anything stand out as "the reason" for you current or for a past choice you can share?
Well for years I carried the S&W 1006 in my vehicle or in the field.
Fast forward I got a Conceal carry permit through my state with required classes and range time. This was before they passed the no license conceal carry. We can open carry and now conceal carry without a permit, but I will maintain my state conceal carry license for its reciprocity with other states.
During which I have had range time with revolver and semi auto over the years.
Seeing how the demographics have changed in our area especially since Hurricane Katrina pushed many out of New Orleans area up into the communities north of Lake Pontchartrain. That has caused an increase in crimes to include business, home & vehicle thefts and other crimes and drugs...
So, knowing that if need to use my firearm to protect myself or family and the firearm could be taken afterwards for evidence it influences my carry options.
I conceal carry a Glock 30 45 ACP in the waist band these days. Sometimes I carry a Ruger LCP 380 depending on where I may be. This is because if it would be held as evidence it wouldn't be as great a loss as the G-29 10mm or other 10mm pistols.
Me being a 10mm fan and that being said, the 45ACP with quality ammo can be very effective. Also hopefully not passing through a perp to strike a by stander. These perps today though will spray bullets for their usually illegal weapons and carry extra capacity magazines. They don't care about anyone or anything! We don't have an advantage like law enforcement to have other officers on scene if and when stuff goes down.
I hope I never am put in that position and need to use my firearm.
M&P 9 shield in the city with two types of underwood and hiking out of the city G29 with two types of underwood
I reside alone, except for my two dogs. I always keep several rifles and pistols out and within easy reach if I need them for home defense. I also keep a pistol on my person when going outside in the yard or to get the mail. We've had issues with thugs that travel through the neighborhood and have burglarized cars and homes even in broad daylight.
My EDC when I go out is usually one of my several 10mm DW 1911's in a OWB belt holster plus four 10rd 10mm magazines on the opposite side of my belt. I keep a truck gun which is a Sig M400 5.56 pistol with a pouch that holds 8 30rd magazines. I have alarms for my truck as well as my house which has a battery backup - we get an inordinate amount of blackouts in my neighborhood because the power company - ONCOR - is garbage.
Blackout frequency has become so bad that I've bought battery backups to protect the electronics of my big screen TV, home PC, and video receiver from frying. I've even purchased a number of vintage oil lamps because candles don't last long enough when we have a blackout that can last anywhere from 1 hour to 8 hrs or longer with no notice from ONCOR when the power will come back on. I am in a large suburb next to Dallas, yet, we have brownouts and blackouts frequently. Needless to say, I have weapon mounted lights on all of my home defense pistols and rifles.