Joined
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8,738 Posts
Hi, everyone.
I'm new not only to CC, but even to handguns though I've shot rifles and shotguns my whole life. I did qualify on the M9 a couple of times when I was in the Air Force Reserve, but I never really got comfortable with the weapon (my duty weapon was an M-16 except for the last couple of years when I switched to a SAW).
My dad gave me a CFP course as an early Christmas present, and it really caught my interest. I've always had an interest in the intricacies of law in general, and the law surrounding use of deadly force in particular (relic of my time as an Air Force cop). I did a lot of reading on the issues, and in the process of spending a lot of time thinking about various self-defense situations I decided that I wanted to carry. Not because I expect to need it, but because (a) I think it's important to exercise our 2A rights and (b) I think society is safer with plenty of armed citizens around who are willing to take responsibility for protecting themselves and others. In part I see it as a way to continue, at least a little, the sort of public service that I felt I was doing when I was in the Air Force.
After buying a sidearm (XD9 SC), I discovered another dimension: shooting pistols is fun. I'm lousy at it so far, but I find I really enjoy it. Although I like shooting rifles, I've never found myself sufficiently entertained by it to put 50-100 rounds downrange at a paper target on a regular basis. I have no trouble doing that twice a week with my XD. I think match shooting would be a lot of fun. The IDPA videos I've seen look like a blast -- and good training, too.
I'm not yet sure how I like to carry. For political reasons I'd like to OC, mostly, but I'm going to have to ease into that -- I'm a fairly private person and I'm uncomfortable attracting the attention that I expect would come with it (I have OC'd a couple of times and everyone has seemed oblivious, so maybe I just need to get over my concern). I have a simple Blackhawk holster for OC, but all it has is a thumb brake for retention, which makes me uncomfortable. For CC I have a SmartCarry and a Galco IWB holster.
Personal stuff: I've been married for 16 years and have four children, ages 6 through 14. By education I'm a mathematician. Professionally, I'm a developer of security software.
I'm new not only to CC, but even to handguns though I've shot rifles and shotguns my whole life. I did qualify on the M9 a couple of times when I was in the Air Force Reserve, but I never really got comfortable with the weapon (my duty weapon was an M-16 except for the last couple of years when I switched to a SAW).
My dad gave me a CFP course as an early Christmas present, and it really caught my interest. I've always had an interest in the intricacies of law in general, and the law surrounding use of deadly force in particular (relic of my time as an Air Force cop). I did a lot of reading on the issues, and in the process of spending a lot of time thinking about various self-defense situations I decided that I wanted to carry. Not because I expect to need it, but because (a) I think it's important to exercise our 2A rights and (b) I think society is safer with plenty of armed citizens around who are willing to take responsibility for protecting themselves and others. In part I see it as a way to continue, at least a little, the sort of public service that I felt I was doing when I was in the Air Force.
After buying a sidearm (XD9 SC), I discovered another dimension: shooting pistols is fun. I'm lousy at it so far, but I find I really enjoy it. Although I like shooting rifles, I've never found myself sufficiently entertained by it to put 50-100 rounds downrange at a paper target on a regular basis. I have no trouble doing that twice a week with my XD. I think match shooting would be a lot of fun. The IDPA videos I've seen look like a blast -- and good training, too.
I'm not yet sure how I like to carry. For political reasons I'd like to OC, mostly, but I'm going to have to ease into that -- I'm a fairly private person and I'm uncomfortable attracting the attention that I expect would come with it (I have OC'd a couple of times and everyone has seemed oblivious, so maybe I just need to get over my concern). I have a simple Blackhawk holster for OC, but all it has is a thumb brake for retention, which makes me uncomfortable. For CC I have a SmartCarry and a Galco IWB holster.
Personal stuff: I've been married for 16 years and have four children, ages 6 through 14. By education I'm a mathematician. Professionally, I'm a developer of security software.
