Home Invader Thwarted

Atlanta Journal & Constitution ^ | 9-6-02 | Staff

[dansangel]

"Unless you are set on a .45 caliber pistol, I would recommend either a Sig 229 or Sig 239 for carry."

Hi Mulder. Actually, I prefer a 9mm since that's what I'm used to.

How are the 229 and 239 for weight? The only reason I want to "replace" my Beretta is because of the weight. I carry it in a Coronado concealed carry shoulder bag. Along with my wallet and all of the other "essentials," I end up carrying something very close to 5-6 lbs. give or take. It gets tiring after a full day of shopping/errands!

I will look for these models at the gun show next weekend.

Thank-you for your input!

[AnAmericanMother]

I did not intend to insult you; if I have done so, I apologize.

But you do tend to misdirect the discussion. Name-calling (e.g. hypocrite or weakling), making jokes about your mother, etc. simply evade the issue. My only points are (1) killing in self-defense is a serious issue that can have life-changing consequences even for the "victor" in the struggle. Not to be undertaken lightly, hence my reluctance to add to the death toll unless absolutely necessary. (2) the unpredictabilities of hand to hand combat skew the advantage in favor of the stronger, heavier participant. Usually the male. (3) prudent use of a firearm is statistically more likely to have a non-fatal and even non-harmful outcome for ALL concerned than a hand to hand struggle.

Considering all these factors, my preference is for use of a firearm. If you conclude differently from the evidence, so be it. So long as you don't try to take others' freedom of choice away.

[Mulder]

How are the 229 and 239 for weight?

The 239 is 25 ounces unloaded, and the 229 is 28 ounces unloaded, although it feels top-heavy.

Actually, I prefer a 9mm since that's what I'm used to.

It sounds like the 239 may be a better choice then... it's lighter and smaller than the 229. It's very accurate and easy to put back on target after firing a round.

[AnAmericanMother]

It's me, not dansangel, that has a thing about .45 ACP! (Probably the influence of Army husband and father who both carried the 1911A1, plus the darned things seem to breed in the gun safe, every time I open it there's another one in there . . . . :-D )

The trigger on my P245 is all right, it's a bit heavier than the pull on my husband's 220. I didn't notice any particular problem with the grip.

What I find most disconcerting is the difficulty in putting that last round into the magazine!

[Mulder]

Considering all these factors, my preference is for use of a firearm.

As is the preference of anyone who has seriously considered the issue. There is simply no substitute for the stopping power of a large caliber handgun.

Depending on 'hand-to-hand' combat may work fine on a drunk hobo, but will result in disaster when confronted by multiple attackers, an attacker with a weapon, a predator on drugs, or someone physically larger than you.

Even if one prevails in a 'hand-to-hand' defense scenario, it usually has a high cost. The defender runs a high risk of physical injury, or even worse-- acquiring a disease from the exchange of blood that occurs during a fight.

Guns are most effective defensive tool out there. (This is not to downplay the importance of situational awareness, or staying in decent physical shape). Anyone who tries to convince people otherwise is full of it.

[Mulder]

The trigger on my P245 is all right, it's a bit heavier than the pull on my husband's 220.

I don't have a 220 yet, but that is definitely on the "list" for one of these days.

[Mulder]

bang

[AnAmericanMother]

My husband is very fond of "Uncle Siggy". He carries it in preference to the 1911A1 now. But he's still a .45 ACP man.

Everybody has a "list".... for Santa or whomever. I'm wondering about a .40 S&W, although it would mean a new set of reloading dies. . . .

[Treebeard]

I'm sorry, I kinda glazed over after the "growing up rich" reference, and didn't read much of the rest of it. I'm sure you're a fairly nice person, just misguided, but I don't make it a practice of engaging in extensive arguments with people whose opinions I don't respect.

[Vigilantcitizen]

http://home.earthlink.net/~kwkuhn/walther.JPG

WW2 era walther.

[dansangel]

I was just out on the web finding the very same specs that you posted!

I wouldn't be gaining much for weight. My custom carry weighs approximately the same. I'm going to have to handle the Sig and see how it feels vs. the Beretta. Unless I can find a comparable-performing gun in composite, I have a feeling I may have to stick with the Beretta. I have had it for a year and a half and it has become another "appendage."

The closest I have come is the Walther P99. It is much lighter due to being mainly composite, but I'm not comfortable with the fact that its only safety feature is the fact that the first pull is double-action. As a target pistol, it is highly accurate and a joy to fire.

Thanks again for your input!

[Mulder]

He carries it in preference to the 1911A1 now.

Every good gun collection needs a 1911....

I'm wondering about a .40 S&W, although it would mean a new set of reloading dies. . . .

I haven't gotten into reloading yet, but I like the .40 caliber round. It's heavier than the 9mm, faster the .45, and you can carry more rounds of it.

[dansangel]

Hi VC!

Thanks for the heads up! .45Man wants me to tell you that even James Bond has grown up into a P99! LOL!!!

I'm sure I'll find something that'll work. Next weekend at the NATC Gun Show may make the difference.

[Dianna]

That's a fair question. Some British people are actively hostile towards Americans, though they're few and far between.

Few and far between? My brother just returned home after several years in the UK. His number one reason? He was tired of being called on the carpet and blamed for everything in the Universe. And how many times can one discuss whether or not Armstrong actually walked on the moon?

And although I have never corrected the speech of the several people I have known from England, it seems that the Brits cannot help but verbally thrash anyone who doesn't speak in the way they prefer.

My brother much prefers the imperfect US of A. He has a real refridgerator, doesn't run out of electricity while in the shower and can buy good tortillas, doritos and oreos.

[Monty22]

You're wrong. Often times, burglars in jolly olde England use baseball bats and beat the homeowners to death. Since the homeowner can't legally defend themselves, it's quite common.

Ah, liberal wonderland!

[Monty22]

You HURT a criminal? HOW DARE YOU!?!?!?! (using british logic)

[Monty22]

Troll! TROLL! #51=TROLL

[Monty22]

Gun phobia.. Is there any sadder phobia? Even a simple education on this matter will cure them. Yet, they remain willfully ignorant.

[Monty22]

I enjoy using a Glock 26 and 32 for carry. Both are fantastic. I like the .357 Sig in pro load for the extra oomph and the low flash of their brand.

Good stopping rounds. I also have a Kahr P40 Covert, which is handy and small, but not 100% reliable yet. I'm still working on that one. I have a Sig P228 which holds 14 rounds of 9mm, and hasn't failed once on me. My Sig Pro 2340 (with .357 Sig barrel now) is also very handy for carry. I just swap em out like I do with clothes, just depends on my mood :)

[Monty22]

I have a P220.. Very VERY slick pistol for home defense. It's way too heavy/big for conceal.. It's more like a large 1911.. But, 100% reliable and also the two-toned model is the most beautiful of the 17 pistols I own :)