I live in a rural area in a county small population. As a "Gun Guy" I follow internet at work looking at gun sights and forums. One thing that I have started to see is the "Urban Defensive Mindset" developing into the only mindset. Not that it's all bad but out in the sticks there are some things that differ from in-town issues.
I tend to look at defense against 4 legged critters more seriously than someone from an urban area. I have had several encounters with Dogs that ended in shots fired. Some of this is due to being close to state land that gets used as a dumping ground for strays or abandoned animals I'm sure. I also have land in one of the areas of the state that has a population of Timber Rattlers. I have never shot one but it is something that I watch for, especially with the kids.
There is also the need for pest control on our farm, from coyotes to skunks that take up residence in the barn or under the cabin. Turtles that take fish from the stringer during season. and Deer that surprise you during season while doing other things that just stand and stare at you, wearing all that impressive headgear.
So while I see all these threads about Glock vs 1911, I fell kind of strange telling y'all that I pack a 5" .44mag Blackhawk quite a bit. and still find that the Model 19 that fits my need best is not built by Glock! The .357 or .44 with specials in the chamber will cleanly kill small game, Snake shot capsules from Speer in a chamber or two make some sense also during mushroom hunting. And the Range and Power of the Magnums makes a lot of sense when you are in the woods or out in open fields and big game is legal.
I am not knocking the other guns, I own a Glock 17, and a Colt Gold Cup. but they tend to stay in the safe. I am also not saying my way is the right way just different from some others based on my perceived needs. Do any of you also find that the gun you pack changes when you are far away from where the sidewalk ends?
I tend to look at defense against 4 legged critters more seriously than someone from an urban area. I have had several encounters with Dogs that ended in shots fired. Some of this is due to being close to state land that gets used as a dumping ground for strays or abandoned animals I'm sure. I also have land in one of the areas of the state that has a population of Timber Rattlers. I have never shot one but it is something that I watch for, especially with the kids.
There is also the need for pest control on our farm, from coyotes to skunks that take up residence in the barn or under the cabin. Turtles that take fish from the stringer during season. and Deer that surprise you during season while doing other things that just stand and stare at you, wearing all that impressive headgear.
So while I see all these threads about Glock vs 1911, I fell kind of strange telling y'all that I pack a 5" .44mag Blackhawk quite a bit. and still find that the Model 19 that fits my need best is not built by Glock! The .357 or .44 with specials in the chamber will cleanly kill small game, Snake shot capsules from Speer in a chamber or two make some sense also during mushroom hunting. And the Range and Power of the Magnums makes a lot of sense when you are in the woods or out in open fields and big game is legal.
I am not knocking the other guns, I own a Glock 17, and a Colt Gold Cup. but they tend to stay in the safe. I am also not saying my way is the right way just different from some others based on my perceived needs. Do any of you also find that the gun you pack changes when you are far away from where the sidewalk ends?