And away we go!

I'll give you my relatively uninformed, unsophisticated opinion:

Short answer:
It depends on what you're using it for.

Long answer:
Ballistics on different rounds varies, and then it varies within a caliber depending on the type of load. I'll let the ballistics wizards handle that.

I like the 40 S&W. I think it has good ballistics for my purposes, which are:

1.) Put a man down with 2 fairly well placed torso shots.
2.) Not kill anybody on the other side of a brick wall.

Now the problem I have with it is that those "good" ballistics makes the recoil very snappy. Therefore, I would never own a 40 smaller than my Sig 229.

So if I've got to go smaller than the 40, I wanted to get the smallest round I could for the purposes of a very concealable gun with ballistics good enough to put a man down with 6 shots from close range (there have been guys that quote a stat like "most self-defense shootings happen within 10 feet" or something like that). This gun won't be something that I try to take the mall shooter out with from 50 ft. It'll be something I pull at close range and I won't be worried about conserving ammo. I'll keep pulling the trigger until the perp is down or I run out of bullets. For those purposes, I think the .380 is as low as I'd like to go. For me, that meant the Kel-Tec P3AT until the Ruger LCP came out.

And as opposed to the 40, I would never own a full size 380. It defeats the purpose of the round IMO.

So that's from a dummy. I'll let the much more informed guys around here start their discussion.

It's much more reliable than a .45 sitting in your drawer at home.

Yes, the 380 will work w/ good (keyword) hollowpoint ammo. You'll always have some people say the 380 isn't adequate, but then again, they won't stand in front of the gun and get shot w/ it...

I'm looking at taking the CHL course this month, so I've been looking at different pocket carry handguns. Do any of you guys own this NAA Guardian .380 ACP, and if so what are your thoughts? I have read good reviews on them and they are now available with CT Laser Grips which has sparked my interest.

Never heard of it, but reading a lot of message boards seems the LCP is the one to get for a .380 as its already proven its reliability. The only thing yet to be reviewed is its durability/longevity.

TXAGFAN,

Are you saying the only thing to be reviewed for the NAA Guardian is it's durability/longevity? Would you post the links?

True on both above accounts...I need to go and get some rounds down range with a .380.

I love the feel of my G23. It feel like I am thinking about cheating on it! HA! But she is a chunky SOB.

He was talking about the LCP...

For those of you looking into really small carry guns, you might look hard at a Kahr. They are a little pricey, but are fine carry weapons. Very reliable.

For those of you on the fence about getting a CHL, here's a good article that my Dad sent me about making the decision to carry.

http://www.killology.com/sheep_dog.htm

quote:

---

No one can be “on” 24/7 for a lifetime. Everyone needs down time. But if you are authorized to carry a weapon, and you walk outside without it, just take a deep breath, and say this to yourself... “Baa.”

---

-------------------------------------------------------
If you can read this, thank a teacher.
If you can read this in English, thank a Soldier.

Outstanding article, opie.

The trick is to get the right people to read and think about things like this. True, hard-core "sheep" will never change their worldview, never give up their wishful thinking. And serious "sheepdogs" already know most of this stuff... although it never hurts to be reminded of it.

But the sheep that just haven't been forced to use their rational brains about this sort of thing - now they can benefit from lessons like this one. I say print this out and pass it along to those practicing sheep you know. Maybe some of them will switch over. Who knows?

Something for the women:

The Cornered Cat

Most of the guys will find it interesting and cilled with great information as well.

Anyone know anything about concealed carry laws in colorado or where i could find more information?

Thanks

For what it's worth regarding the caliber of weapon. I have two Colt .45's, one full size govt. model and one compact. The compact is a little heavy but with a little time you hardly notice it on your ankle. I also have a Walther PPK in .380. I was actually surprised to find that the Walther is a little more accurate than either of the .45s. The comment about good hollowpoint ammo cannot be stressed enough if you are going to carry anything below .40 cal. For anyone who might wonder why I carry on the ankle consider this, the CHL issue is well known and most, if not all bad guys, know that just about anyone they run across could be carrying a gun. The ankle is probably the last place they would look for a gun on someone between them and their objective. Plus it makes you stop and take and inventory of your situation if you do get into a position where you may have to use the weapon, probably the least thought about action of anyone with a CHL. And if you're worried you might not be able to get the gun out when you need it, it's the same as being able to hit your target. practice, practice, practice.

http://www.safearms.com/permits.html

For a CHL course in Tarrant County, I highly recommend Sgt. Keith McGuire of the Fort Worth Police Department. You can find information on the course here: Safe Shot.

To anyone that carries: Where do yall conceal? Hip, ankle, pocket? Or is it different all the time?

Most pocket carry or iwb (inside waistband).

Most don't ankle carry since I guess it can be hard on leg/ankles.

If you're a real man you carry a full size 1911 iwb ;-)

Pocket carry is my choice.

What's the average wait time for an application to be processed and a license to be issued in Texas (assuming there are no problems)?

I know they're "limited" to 60 days.

60 days after they show it as received and open it which they have 30 days to do that. Over on Texaschlforum.com seems like some are getting it in less than a month, but on average somewhere around 60 days from mailing in of signed application.

As a sidenote...mailed mine in January (late) and stilllll waiting.

anybody have a list of the most commonly carried pistols

took me about three months.

What does the shooting portion of the test consist of?

Mine consisted of around 20 rounds at 3ft, 20 rounds at 7ft, and 10 rounds at 15ft. Don't quote me on the number of rounds but it was close to that. If you have any ability to aim whatsoever you should qualify before even reaching the 15ft mark.

I believe you are mistaking ft for yds. The ranges are 9ft, 21ft, and 45ft...

AgGunNut,
You are correct sir. What I meant to say was YARDS. Sorry 'bout that, boys....

anybody carry in the boot/ankle?

carrying near my foot bugs the hello out of me.

I carry a Colt compact on my ankle on a regular basis. It is uncomfortable and a little bothersome at first, but once you get used to it you almost don't notice it down there. The only draw back is speed of draw if you need to get it out. Hopefully if you have to draw from this location you'll be in a position where you have time to plan when to pull it and do it without too much notice.

Rooster is right

20 rounds at 9ft
20 at 21 ft
10 at 45 ft

and like others have said, it'd def be a good idea on some expensive ammo for the .380. for the shooting range just buy the cheap stuff but for when you are carrying use expensive stuff.

Anyone have any experience with the Springfield 1911 EMP?

I've shot about 4 or 5 different EMP's and they all shot fantastic. To be such a small and light gun, the recoil is like that of something much larger. An excellent choice, just a little pricey...

Can anyone suggest the best course of action for getting a non-resident permit in Texas? I have one in Ohio, but reciprocity doesn't cover Texas. I looked at the dps site and can't find the answer.

Anyone recommend a good comprehensive class in Austin?