Awesome Erik! [thumbup]

INDEED! So to celebrate the new job and raise, get an HK!!! [thumbup]

Eff it, get a Colt Delta Elite in 10mm. http://www.discussworldissues.com/fo...ies/laugh1.gif

So glad to hear lady luck blew you kiss, congrats.

OK, Let's get one thing straight: Ruger is one of the most reliable handguns on the marker today...especially the P-series. I am a cop and used to carry one on my hip, trusting my life to it, and have shot hundreds of rounds through it. The only way I have ever had one FTF with a Ruger was to limp-wrist. I have trained with them as well and had discussions with industry experts. (My training supervisor was on National Geographic's program as a ballistics/firearms expert.)

I have also owned several Taurus, Colt, Glock and S&W handguns. If you take care of any of them they will serve you well. I would not carry a Colt .380 series weapon as these were the only guns that I had several FTF with. (even though they are a favorite gun at the range for me)

I personally carry Glock while on-duty because of the reliability and durability they offer. My back-up weapon is a Taurus Millenium Pro. I like the Taurus because I have a key that can quickly lock the gun rendering it useless when I am not at home and it is in my safe. (I have smart kids that I do not let handle these guns and do not want to take a chance at one of them getting into the gun safe.) The same goes for taking the gun with me on vacation... the lock is really nice. S&W has models with this feature as well. As mentioned above: H&K and SIG makes wonderful weapons as well.

If you still have not made a purchase you are happy with, or just still have questions, PM me and I will spend some time with you.

and for those of you calling magazines "clips", not only is it slang and sounds silly but that term has proved to induce many dozens of push-ups for us police and military types so if you ever consider serving now would be a good time to get rid of that word :) ... unless you are shooting a RIFLE that actually has clips.

Oh, Congratulations on the new job!!!

Good post, also good reminder about securing one's weapons.

Have you considered taking your kids out to the range and giving them some hands on training on their correct use, and to let them get some idea just how dangerous firearms can be if used incorrectly? It may also remove the curiosity factor - I'm sure you remember as a kid that being told to leave something alone just increased your curiosity.

Which glock do you carry?

My friend sold his Sig this past weekend....wish I had known...I'd have bought it. http://www.discussworldissues.com/fo...ilies/cry1.gif

My duty weapon is a Glock 22 with Trijicon night sights. I wouldn't carry a gun anymore without good night sights.

My patrol Rifle is a Bushmaster AR-15 with EOTech Military and Police Holographic sight.

I have 100% confidence with my weapons.

.40 or .45 for carry/stopping power. ive got a 500 smith, but it is worthless for carry. as weapon weighs 3.7 lbs EMPTY. i keep it @ home for defence. was a gift from a good friend whos since passed on. BUT hte xd line is good for carry, .45's can be a tad heavy for this purpose, glock is decent, so is sig, and a few others. and many times the warranty is transferrable.

i think more and more manufacturers will be putting out weapons with these keys, as you said, the taurus and S&W have models with it, as does ruger, HK, and springfield! Using it like you do, its great. don't have kids (like me) key just sits in the box, no harm no foul.

How are .40 s/w price wise compared to other rounds?
Can grip safeties be found in the $500 price range?

For general plinking, if I don't reload it I tend to buy a lot of Remington or Winchester white-box for my handguns: Cabela's Link

guns with grip safeties? yes they can

Nice firearms, thanks for sharing sir.

I am also looking for my first handgun and getting a concealed carrying license. Glock 21 will be my choice. This one is the biggest of the .45 calibs. if you need smaller gun size in the .45; the glock30 is next size down. While the glock36 is the slimline and smallest of the 45s........i would love to get my hands on a glock18 [thumbup]http://www.discussworldissues.com/fo...es/tongue1.gif

glock 21 showing its reliability:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj5Kcs4dzro

glock18 just awesome:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBjUDCyDCuI

That glock that was dug up was a very impressive video. Never seen that.