chances R

That said, I agree that if you can get away then you should.  However, thinking of how the often bumper to bumper traffic in Gatlinburg may mean a driver can't go anywhere or can only move at a snail's pace, I can see where fleeing would not be possible.... [/quote] Yeah, can really really be tough to outrun those wheelchairs .)

When armed, egos must be kept in check. Not even a verbal conflict is simple anymore if you tote a gun to it. Walk away, drive away, etc. Greg may win the battle but will lose the war if he shot in this situation...IMO, not to mention the possible mental fall-out afterwards.

First a disclosure; I teach the HCP course at Tactical Advantage.  Range and classroom in one location.  I think all of our instructors try to make sure all shooters are welcomed and comfortable with a special effort geared towards new shooters.  We also have women only courses.  I am sure you will have a pleasant experience regardless of which class you choose.   tacticaladvantagecorp.com

Not for every situation but I am very happy with Versa Carry.

Nov. 2012.  I've flown a dozen or so times with firearms.  Never been anything marked on the bags, but let me assure you that the airlines know who has firearms and the bags associated with you.  I have had a couple of situations where I couldn't electronically get my boarding passes because of my history of flying with firearms.

Count me in and bringing two others.

Usually will come out with all the other bags. One time going into Las Vegas the airline staff pulled my bags, unknown to me, and put them in an adjacent office. Had a little panic attack and was directed to the office by another staffer to ask for assistance. Soon as I went into the office I saw my luggage. They were doing me a favor in securing my bags, but I wish the would've let me know.

  Yes, and it could be any of those factors.  IMO, and from others that I have trained with, the thumbs should NOT be pressing against the frame with the proper grip.  Thumbs should be relaxed.  I have seen shooters push the slide stop partially out with such pressure.  Of course that causes a stoppage of the 1911. 

That is a standard thumbs forward grip........he does have his support index finger on front of the trigger guard which I personally don't like.  But some of the best shooters in the country use this method at times.  Hey, he is shooting cheap, steel-case ammo.  What do you expect.  Very doubtful that his grip is the issue.

Amazing........it wasn't like they had to invent a new design and gun.

Well I shouldn't feel bad that they didn't respond to my two written opinions of their actions.  Guess I will quit holding my breath now............

To the OP. After all is said and done, your answer is in post 4. (Nothing is that simple on TGO) lol

XD 45 is my HD gun.  Large Cap. I like the grip safety.  Have a full size  XD9 on deck, but my M&P Pro is my best shooter.

If you are talking HD, don't shy away from the mossberg 500. For games maybe. I've seen em run for years in tough hunting situations with little or no maintanence. Also in home or apartment situations, number 4 shot will make anyone reconsider their intentions or worse while minimizing over penetration. Don't get caught up in all the bells and whistles and do take a course especially since you have no experience.

Count me in......

  Any trace of the brass rubs off........but as you discovered, everything moves with enough force :cool:

you can get brass punches pretty cheap, and they come in handy.  If you use a vice should move pretty easily.  Have done 1/2 dozen or so without damage. Put a little piece of tape over the end of the punch too.  Wouldn't waste my money on at sight press.

Well is price is a factor JFloyds in Sevierville has Shields for $339 !

  ^^ This is what my reads as well.

I can see both sides....maybe due diligence by Line-X thwarting a possible terrorist in one scenario.  Possibly a racist motive in another.  Could have all been handled a little better with a common sense approach and 5 minutes of getting to know you type conversation while doing business.

I would avoid anything that sounds like 'NO'.......too confusing to the dog during training.

Have not taken this class.  IMO, for the money, the Pistol courses offered by Tactical Advantage Corp. are excellent and a bargain.

I will give you my Buyer Beware Taurus story.  I WAS a big fan of the 709 Slim.  Almost identical to the S&W Shield.  I have had it for at least 6 years, so it was made before the firearms 'crunch'/panic period.  Shot it frequently and essentially flawless......until it had a misfire, then another and then to the point it would rarely shoot.  I thought it needed a new striker assembly.  Sent it back to Taurus (as I recall cost around $60).  Taurus kept it for 3 months telling me they had to order parts.  They replaced the barrel because the headspace was out of spec.  Still didn't solve the problem.  Then they replaced the striker assembly, which by the way they had to 'order'.  Another month goes by.  According to them that did not fix the problem.  They didn't know what was wrong evidently.  With a less than pleasant phone call, to their credit, they sent me a new gun.  I sold it, NIB.  My biggest problem is that of quality.  So the moral of the story is; I wouldn't trust my life to a Taurus.  Will they honor their lifetime warranty; yes, eventually.

Thanks for the replies.  I've used clays for years with shotshells, that's why I have so much on hand.  Not that much of an advantage loading shotshells with the price of lead now.  But, still very much a necessity and significant savings with the pistol shooting.

Well.........finally out of Bullseye Powder which I have used for my 45ACP.   That is the bad news, good news I have 12# of Clays.  Anybody have any pet loads for 225gr. LFN?  (just for the record, yes, I can and have referenced several of the manuals I own)