Just like the way it sounds. It makes a good screen name. I'm a southern American born in TX, raised in Louisiana and am now back to my home, which is Texas. Born here and will die here.

I live smack in the middle of one of the largest urban areas of the nation, but my roots and heart rests in the middle of nowhere, where I can hear nothing but crickets at night and can see absolutely no light except that of the stars and moon.

Not that I hate the city, I would like to have a house in the middle of Houston and a house about 30 miles Northwest of the city, but unfortunately my "to buy" list is much longer than that.

I have lived in Houston since 2008 and well, let's just say, it's a lot different than where I grew up. Back in SW. Louisiana (Lake Charles), when I would see violent stories on the news, they were always in big cities far away. To even think that a murder or armed robbery would occur RIGHT IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD was truly unimaginable.

Since I have moved to Houston (I'm here for college but still LOVE this city, nothing wrong with the city just an overwhelming need to take the trash out), I have had at least 3 different VERY close calls, where if I would have been in a spot that I was in 15 minutes earlier or later, I would have either been caught up or witnessed a murder or attempted murder, or armed bank robbery (yeah, within footsteps of my front door).

After a few years of seeing this, I pretty much came to the conclusion that these thugs have absolutely zero heart and/or conscious, and they will not hesitate to kill you and do unspeakable things to your family.

It's literally the wild west. It didn't take long for me to start thinking very seriously about whether or not I should own a firearm. I couldn't feel like I was doing my part to ensure my family (wife only, no kids) was safe when I knew I was defenseless should the unthinkable become a reality.

I had shot guns with my grandfather in East Tennessee as a kid, but that was at least 16 years ago, and I had never owned a gun. After pondering and also playing domestic politics with my wife, I finally bought a Taurus Model 85 .38 special Revolver. Since then I have added a Glock 26 to my collection, a gift from a friend. Don't own anything S&W...yet, but I have seen some very impressive pieces of work with them too, and my grandfather LOVED S&W.

I initially bought a gun because I felt the precaution was necessary given my surroundings. Since then, though, I have decided that guns, ammo, and pretty much anything shooting related is something I truly enjoy learning about, and also perfecting. So that is when I decided I have a list of guns I want (about 8 or so).

It is an expensive hobby, and I can't afford to do it as much as I'd like to, but hey, at least I can get online and talk about it for free. I enjoy speaking with experienced shooters and learning as much as I can about anything firearms related. So, in a VERY BIG nutshell, that's why I'm here.

Welcome Chris er...Sue or whatever your name is. haha
This is a great site with lots of knowledgeble and helpful
people who can tell you about anything S&W related. Try
not to mention too many times the words, Glock/Taurus
etc... You'll get ribbed hard but all in good fun. If you have
a question about anything S&W just ask and someone on here
will gladly help you out. Now, start getting the good stuff
my friend.


chuck

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They hold no Quarter

Ha! I totally understand. And nope, not Sue either. Close though lol. Well I have a pretty close eye on several S&W's so I'm pretty sure I'll have alot to say about them once I get them.

Hello "not Chris" & a big WELCOME ABOARD from the Great Lakes State of Michigan!

Nice intro!!

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Ogy

Nice story "Chris" and welcome from Jonesboro, GA

Welcome from Va.

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Roger

Welcome from Iowa, "Not Chris".
Sounds like you live in a pretty "interesting" area. You are wise to take precautions. But keep in mind, it's not just about getting a gun. You have to choose the right one for you, with the right ammo, and the right holster if you plan to carry. Then you have to PRACTICE, and then practice some more. But wait, we're not done yet, now you need to get educated about the law and your responsibilities if you are involved in an armed encounter. It's not like on TV where somebody shoots the bad guy and walks off a hero. My advice is read anything you can find from Massad Ayoob. He wrote several books and writes for a number of gun magazines. In my opinion, he's one of the best as far as educating people on what REALLY happens in a deadly encounter. Plus it's just darned interesting.
Keep us informed about your education.
Jim

Chris Brines, welcome from North Carolina.

Hello the camp... and welcome to the forum from central Oklahoma. Having lived in Houston for my first job after college, married and living in the burbs while working downtown, I well understand. We had a VW bug stolen; a week later the police called ME to ask if I'd found it. Being an old country boy myself, I'd certainly recommend you familiarize yourself with any and all firearms you acquire and keep them near at all times.

Best wishes with your schoolin' and blessings to you.
Hog

Ephesians 6:10 Be strong in the Lord, and in His mighty power.

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Isaiah 55:8-9
Phil. 4:13

Welcome to the forum.

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Lynnie, Professional Pest

Welcome from Texas whatever your name is.

Greetings from Maine. Welcome aboard!

Hello "Not Chris", I'm "Not Craig".

Howdy "aint chris", from the beautiful Ozark Mountains of Missouri.
Peace gordXX

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better have that checked

Welcome from a fellow Texan Chris Brines. Great forum for all things S&W, have fun, learn lots, share what you know.

Houston can be rough, same as any other large urban center. Hope you can relocate to an area that suits you better.

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I am a sheep dog!
1601 (ret)