So I'm Not Selling my .40 M&P....after last night.

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.
 
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.

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 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.

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.
 
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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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.
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! ;)
 
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..
 
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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Personal Preference

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.
 
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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.

UT5Pabn.jpg
 
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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.
 
Like that Mini-30
Saw one today @ S&S Brother's
I didn't even ask the price YET!!

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.
 
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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??????
 
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.
 
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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 ever 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.
 
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
 
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??????

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.
 
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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
 
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.
 
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.
 
My Choice for Home Defense

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
 
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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
 
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.
 


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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