We have Beretta 92s in our under bed safe. But we carry an M&Pc for me and G19 for her. Both of these I felt the trigger was too light for carry so the M&P has an Apex duty/carry kit and the G19 has a combination of parts. Both end up w/ a fairly long 5.5-6.0# trigger pull. That is very similar weight to the DA pull on our 92s so both types can work. BTW, we are not selling anything either. We have several guns that haven't been shot in years and once in a while I think about selling but.....nah, they are still here.

I am one of those that is fortunate that wakes up alert to my surroundings. So my firearms is within arms reach. If for some reason I can not reach the nightstand drawer there is a copy of a USMC Remington Mk 1 870 under the bed. I suppose I could put my NCO sword by the bed..........

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

Another related topic for consideration for when things go bump in the night.

Guns (whatever choice) and flashlights are good. Night sites also good.

But none of them will do you no good if you cannot see clearly. For those who wear glasses, make sure your spectacles are immediately on your nightstand so you can put them on ASAP!

For those who wear contacts this may be especially important. As you can easily remove contacts for the night and then go get into bed. And completely forget about the need for glasses by your weapon!!

As far as flashlights. You MUST have some light of some sort to ensure you know the target BEFORE pulling the trigger. Make sure the flashlight is pressure sensitive and NOT the “click” on type. As you can easily tap it on for a half second or so and identify threat. You can then chose to fire immediately,OR MOVE your body to a new location after the light goes out so the BG doesn’t use your light to track you. Those stupid click lights often go through cycles and have to click the damned thing at least three freaking times to shut the damned thing off!!!

Also brighter is great to blind the bad guy. HOWEVER. A bright light inside a dark house in the one second or less burst of light WILL also destroy YOUR night vision as well!

Having a dimmer light that still allows you to identify at house distances a threat may help you keep some your night vision.

So don’t be fooled into thinking 1 million lumens is better than say 100 lumens! Better outside maybe. But inside the home. Not so much.

Doubt me about the loss of night vision! Just try it in your bedroom. Get your eyes adjusted for the darkness. See how well you can see the room. Then take your trusty bump in the night flashlight and turn it on very briefly. Then tell me how much you can see in the room compared to prior to turning on the flashlight! You might surprise yourself how much visual acuity you have lost in only a second or two of the burst of light!

I just sold two 1911's. I had 4 of those and decided this was a good time to move a few. Prices are way up and they're easy to sell these days. Other times, not so much. Believe it or not, 1911's aren't the easiest things to sell normally as everyone wants a Glock or some other striker polymer something or other. I can only shoot one at a time anyway.

Striking while the iron is hot, so they say.

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That's just somebody talkin.

my EDC and my bedside drawer - Beretta PX4 9mm sub compact with the mag attachment for use with full size mags - this is the one i shoot the most and it works every time

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Flashlights for those that like them are a good thing. I was taught in the Corps what is called Harry's Technique for the flashlight. That is where the supporting hand has the flashlight and controls the light. The instructor was not a big fan of that (It shows them where you are - just light a laser). He also taught us to hold the flashlight out to our sides at arms length. That way if they shot at your light they would probably miss you.

My house has enough light (from LED clock lights and night lights) that I will not need a light to find my target. As 99% of the time it is just I and my wife in the house, anything else is a target. The basic plan is if someone breaks in we stay in the bedroom and call 911 first, next is the Deputy that lives next door. We stay on the far side of the bed away from the door. If the intruder comes through the door, then he/she/it has a problem.......

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

The OPs post brought a smile to me.

I have a M&P9 2.0 that I really like, my bedside animal is a Ruger Min30 with 20rds of soft point ammo and extras.

What amused me was that he has a Beretta PX4 Storm. I have one I bought a few months ago and really like it. The DA trigger isn't an issue and I shoot it pretty well, better than I expected. And with Underwood ammo running a 155gr Hornady XTP at 1286/568 ft lbs and 14+1, I consider it a potent package for CCW.

The heavier trigger is something I appreciate, I feel no need to have the safety engaged, hard to believe you can accidentally pull this trigger. Don

Pretty much the same issue at our house. Nearest neighbor in the likely line of fire is 100 yds away. The house exterior is 6" thick limestone blocks and we have heavy, solid-core doors. So, if someone breaks in, the alarm goes and they have to make a lot of noise and the county Sheriffs will be rolling due to the monitored alarm. If they want to break the BR door down, they'll be blinded by a 1000lumen barrel light and be lit up with ammo that will shred soft body armor. Don

This is why I had the electrician for our new retirement place leave the motion activation off for all but the driveway area security lights. I suspect we are going to have a veritable zoo of assorted animals walking around our yard all night. It's that kind of neighborhood.

Redcoat3340, When you went to have a look-see, were you looking out the windows or did you actually go outside and look around? I'm just curious because I don't think I would go outside when my lights came on. That's just me, because 1, I have a ton of deer and other animals up here in my section of the city, and 2, I live in Pittsburgh, in the city, and I believe even though PA has that "stand your ground" and "castle" doctrines, I would still have to stay in the house and let them break in THEN pop the perp. Or give them verbal (yelling) warning I have a gun. It seems there are too many instances of people being guilty until proven innocent now days, any city.

About rail mounted lights...I understand the arguments for and against. As in most things the decisions we make involve compromises one way or another so we choose our path. For me I just can't entertain the idea of shooting at something I'm not 100% sure about. I've had my daughter (not living with me) show up late at the house unannounced (she has a key). This only happened once and we quickly gained an understanding about it. She turned on the lights when she came in so I knew right away it was her so no problem, but if she hadn't turned on the lights I would have had to rely on my weapon light if it got to that point.

I have to know what's in front of me so I choose the light and the compromises it brings. JMHO.

I did NOT go out for the very reason you cite. I'm not taking any chances with Western Washington DAs; if someone is in the house they've broken in and I'm in a better position for self defense. Plus if there's more than one I don't want to be in a position of being outside and not knowing where the bad guys are. At least inside they either come in the door or try a window, but I know the entry points.

And my strategy is to hold up in the bedroom, put my wife in a closet with 3 walls; call the sheriff; and wait from concealment behind the bathroom wall, looking at the door. I have a light on the gun but the bedroom is at the end of a 15 ft. hallway that I make sure backlights anyone coming into the bedroom, which is in the dark except for a bedside clock, so I can see them but they can't see me.

Question: Does anyone plan on a "password" for the sheriff? If someone were knocking at my door after a 911 call, how can I be sure it's really the police? I figure on giving the 911 dispatcher a sign and counter sign for the arriving LEO; and although it might confuse things, it seems like a good idea.

I have two motion sensors; Iko and Tika, my German shepherds. If they act bothered I'll get out the old .30 Carbine and see what happens.

You don’t need a password, just stay on the phone with the 911 telecommunicator until LE arrives. I’ve had occasion to knock on doors in the middle of the night and the resident called 9-1-1 before answering. I always thought that was pretty smart as Communications knew where I was at and what I was doing. Better to be safe than sorry.

I got so tired of people asking me if they could shoot an intruder and drag their body inside. (Sure, they have a word for people that do that, they’re called “inmates”.)

IMHO, the best policy is to not shoot someone if you don’t have to. That rule got me through 40+ years of LE service.

S-W4Ever, thanks, good advice. Never thought of staying on the line with the dispatcher. (And I really, really don't want to shoot anyone. Really.)

It's always good to have a flashlight, knife & a handgun near you're bedside JUST IN CASE.. + a Phone..
I wake on command & always have..
Sometimes I might sleep in the basement & have thought about someone entering the house while I was downstairs & my Wife being Upstairs, I have a 3rd floor that is currently storage but there's two rooms up there as well..
My alarm system is Buffy, Dexter, Winnie & Daisy + My Twin Brother & his Dog Missy who lives in my basements 2nd half..
No way anyone could enter our house without the five dogs eating them alive.. One Pit Bull, two Chiwienies, one Chi-Tzu & a mix..
I have no motion sensor lights, I turn them on at dark & off in the morning.. A bunny rabbit would easily set of the motion lights that most folks have now days..
My Brother has a 9mm Shield, My Youngest Son a Bodyguard & I have a Heckler & Koch USP Compact 40 & have it's Fraternal Twin coming for #1 Use & the stainless pretty one for use in the basement for me + manual of arms is the same + magazines ammo etc.
So I have another HK USPc40 on layaway at my favorite gun getting place S&S Brother's.. Thanks Guys!!
Have a look in the Gun case while you're Wife looks at Jewelry.
WARNING Jewelry Ain't Cheap & Can Get Costly just like those pretty tools we all seem to have around this forum.
For When Things Go BUMP in the night..
No I don't have Wolf Ears & a AR-15 + a Gilly Suit right at hand
If things went that far south I'd be using my handgun to make my way to a rifle & shotgun..
That's another LONG story..
If you ever have to deal with the Fraternal Twins Gary & Jerry.
You are in Deep Stuff Buddy..

BTW our 55th Birthday is January 27th
Plan on surviving this Pandemic & having a 56th & 57th & So On

STAY SAFE OUT THERE!! I AM..

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	S&S Brothers III.jpg (46.5 KB, 19 views)

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MightShowYouHisSmith&Wesson

If a bad guy breaks into my home, or a bad guy is in my home while I'm away and I come home to them in there, they're going to get lit up like a Christmas tree!

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How many guns are too many?

My resident black bear hasn’t been buy the dog let’s me know when he is around.

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Plant garlic in the fall

If I weren't home..
Daisy would eat them alive..
Call the Coroner, Oh & The Police..

+ Specialized Disposal Service

Looks like a Diner Party
Poor Guy didn't even know what happened..
Got What was Coming to Him..

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MightShowYouHisSmith&Wesson

A gun that you have gone into combat with, or in your case could have, becomes special and, although outdated, is never to be replaced. SW Model 19 is mine.

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Metro Man

Of course it's a matter of personal preference and to each his own, but it's precisely that type of scenario why I won't keep a striker fired pistol in the nightstand (or as concealed carry). I actually prefer the heavier double action trigger pull for a first shot in order to help mitigate pulling the trigger in a time of stress when you don't really wan't to - and might regret later. (And yes, I do keep my finger off the trigger until ready to fire). Just my two cents.

I keep a CZ .40 for my right hand and a Taurus 9mm for my left in my bedside table. There's a pump gun in the closet loaded with two rounds of buckshot on top of three rounds of 1 oz. slugs - just in case.

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Or something like that . . .

I'm not criticizing as I would also go seek the bump and confront the threat. I'm retiring in 9 days and I read posts and put myself in the situation. I'm in the middle of the woods personally.

Everyone's situation is different. I don't pretend to know yours. Most nights my former issued G22 G3 is by my nightstand. Light beside it but not on the gun rail. Open walk in closet is a Rem 870 police model, cruiser ready with 6 shot sidesaddle and a SureFire light.

I'm relatively tactical and know the movements around my home in the dark. Now that i am retiring I am attempting to retrain my mental aspect to take defensive position and let the threat come to me. In my home it is just me and my 3 kids. We are all on top floor so it is not a convaluted mess if something is awry outside.

Things to think on. If I were coming after you I'd want you outside and not inside where you have a comfort level and I have no clue of your home layout.

An old timer told me once....Wherever you lay your head for the night close your eyes and image the door kicked in violently. How much time before that wired bad guy is on you? Imagine it and then realize whatever time you think you have is far less in reality.

My two cary guns, are also my nightstand guns: My M&P Shield 40 and a vintage Charter Bulldog .44 3" barrel (sentimental value..s as a 3" Bulldog was my first LEO off duty gun in 1976/7). There is something about a handgun that "fits the hand," which both do. I may also keep my newly acquired 4006 handy as a "nightstand gun."

We have motion lights and the dogs are great alarms. If things in the neighborhood get really dicey or civil unrest, I have a tactical 12 Ga pump and a Ruger Mini-30 with a 20 rounder.

Like that Mini-30
Saw one today @ S&S Brother's
I didn't even ask the price YET!!

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MightShowYouHisSmith&Wesson

You already live in one of the safest places in the Country. Avoid the few places that want to defund the police and you really don’t have much to worry about. I moved to the dry side thirty years ago and, thanks to a lot of armed citizens there really isn’t much violent crime. Thank God for the Second Amendment.

Thanks! I have a Mini-14 also, but prefer the Mini-30. The Mini-30 is a pre-2005 Ranch that I put a Techsight rear ghost ring sight to replace the folding leaf, and also replaced the mile high blade with a Choate front sight that gives a post and wing front sight picture like the M1, carbine, M14, or Ar15.

I had to cut off the flash hider because in Commiefornia, a flash hider is a felony...The high cap mags ARE legal, as I bought them during "Freedom Week" last year when we had a window to buy high caps because of a Federal Court ruling.

I wondered about the 20 round magazines..
Now I know!!
Are those magazines specially marked or does the buyer have to keep the receipt for life & keep them with the magazines..
Just Wondered??????

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MightShowYouHisSmith&Wesson

Bed side weapon:
1. Straight razor
2. hand grenade with pin half way out
3 manual switch to set off several pounds of C-4 placed in every room
4. likely a freshly soiled Depends if I get really scared

*** if any member is looking for a great deal on a house-there are several vacant/abandoned ones on either side of me.

You get them and tear them down. Sounds like you need a free fire zone near you. I'll stay on this side of the state.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

I too have sold many pistols in the last six months doubling my money on nearly every one..
Two Colt 1911s, Two Glocks = G24 & G26, Shield 380EZ, Colt Mustang Pocketlite, Taurus M85C..
I even sold some ammo @ crazy prices & have more..

Bought two HKs for $600ea

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MightShowYouHisSmith&Wesson

Actually, the burden of proof of a crime is on them. They would have to prove you did not get them during Freedom week. It's like you do not have to prove you own your TV legally, they would have to prove you you obtained the TV illegally. (i.e. a Magpul magazine with a more recent date code)

They already got whooped in court for arresting a guy for a high cap magazine he said he got during freedom week. The case got tossed out by the court because they had no evidence that he didn't.

Looks to me like there would be a HUGE market for these said "Legal" magazines in that state..
Never lived in a restricted state so I never even thought about it till 9/13/94 - 9/13/04 & even then had a huge stockpile of high cap pistol & rifle magazines on hand..
I did buy a HK USP Compact 357 SIG with zero magazines during the AWB & found LEO/Military 40 S&W magazines for $129ea @ KY Imports
I only bought one of them to make the pistol work & later sold the pistol @ a HUGE profit after HK discontinued them..
IIRC the HK USP Compact was first made in 1996
In fact I remember 9/14/04 going by KY & they where selling magazines like crazy with the phone ringing off the hook & Bought a HK USP45Tactical for $600 OTD = NICE!! Doubled my money on that one too

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MightShowYouHisSmith&Wesson

Well, thought I might as well continue the thread. Headboard of bed has shelves, so a Taurus Poly Defender sits there. First two rounds that come up are the .410 shot shells of the Winchester Defender package, the other 3 that follow are the 45 Colt. Under bed Mossberg 20 ga. Defender with pistol grip and swing down stock. Just switched my carry gun from the Ruger LCP to the S&W 642, wow that carries nice in the picket with no holster. Hope I got the ammo pic attached OK.

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Bedside gun here is a H&K USP in .45 but I am another who likes the idea of DA/SA with the heavier pull for the first shot when possibly still groggy from being awakened. There is also a Mossberg 590 loaded with 00 buckshot which would be first choice in the bed room here. The few times we have had to checkout a noise in the yard which were just stray cats I carried the shotgun and Wendy had a 7500 lumen flashlight which can light up our entire yard and a cell phone. A bright light enough to let you see what the issue is can be a big help. I know she is also likely to have a pistol probably her Walther PPQ 9mm in a pocket if needed but if 9 rounds of buckshot won't handle the scenario we are in deep stuff. The M&P .40 here is my favorite carry pistol so I do understand the affinity for those pistols.

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KM
S&WCA 3110 S&WHF 625

My bedside is an M&P 9 full size. I have flashlight, but it's not attached. I recently thought about selling it, My eyes are not getting better, and I figure trying to line up sights at night, just wasn't going to be very efficient. I think I could get as much as I paid, if not a little more.. But I couldn't do it. I like that gun too much. So I decide to try a laser on it. Got a green Crimson Trace and I like it a lot. I can pin point something across my yard. I have a spare mag and a mossberg not far away as well.

I rely upon a Glock 17 mated with a Crimson Trace tactical light and green laser. I program the light to be activated immediately when placed in the hand. No thinking required...just pick it up and I'm ready to rock and roll.

Richochet

We used to have a headboard on our bed that had a shelf, that's where I kept my nightstand gun... Until the night I had a nightmare and woke up with it in my hand aimed at the bedroom window. My "nightstand" gun now resides on top of my safe where I have to stand up to get it.

Having said that, I've worked nights for the last six(?) years. My "nightstand" gun is a "day stand" gun.

As mentioned earlier, if I have to respond to a bump in the day, it's daytime no light necessary. And by the time I get up my wife will have likely beat them to death with her cane.

At night we have nightlights in every room except the bedroom. Assuming there's not a power outage there is enough ambient light in my home to identify an intruder.

I carry a Glock 19 at work so that's generally what's on top of the safe

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Retired Career Security Guard

Interesting conversation here. I think it boils down to people using what they are most comfortable and familiar with. I have night sights and a flashlight on my bedside guns. One is a .223 carbine. Those little bullets, even the green tips, won't penetrate wallboard as well as a shotgun does, and since I live in a neighborhood it is my choice for a higher capacity gun. My other is a plastic fantastic.

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Even older, even crankier....

I have a full size M&P 45 and a Shield M2.0 45. I really like my full size M&P. These are my only two bottom feeders.



I've put far more rounds thru my 28-2 than all my other handguns combined so its the one that rests on my nightstand.

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Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

My M&P 9 2.0 compact is my go to for bump in the night, along with a surefire. If need be AR is in the big safe ready to go as well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think Flyingfool is 100% correct about lights. In December I shot two night time IDPA matches. It was fantastic and I will not miss any more of these. But the point to ad to this discussion is this. I used a Crimson Trace light and laser unit. The light is just 100 lumens. One area we were shooting in was 1.5 football fields long and about a football field width. Three stages along one side, recessed into the woods, and one at the far end. This entire area was illuminated by one 100W bulb at the end opposite the stage. The other area was a little shorter than a football field and again, one 100W bulb at the end we were not shooting in. So yep, 100 lumens is all I need inside my house. Oh and BTW a light and a laser is just awesome. I am right handed but left eye dominant, and have to close my right eye or I see two sets of sights and two targets. Using the light/laser I never look at the gun, I just look at the target. What a difference.

That is a good point. Although I am not moving my 1911s at this time as I still enjoy shooting them, there are some items in my safe that would be good to unload now.

Thanks for the tip.

Jay