TexasAggie

What do you guys think about a belly band? I have a J Frame that I want to use for deep concealment and I was considering something like a kangaroo carry holster (see below link). Ankle carry seems problematic to me due to difficulty of access if you need it in a SHTF situation. Link: http://www.kangaroocarry.com/

Patton, Check out the video link below on Multiple Attackers - Scenario from the Best Defense. It's posted by Downrange.TV (I believe that its shown on the Outdoor Channel). Pay particular attention to Marty Hayes (Lead Attorney for the Armed Citizen's Legal Defense Network) at the 5:00 mark. I believe that he'll likely address your questions (he specifically addresses disparity of force and unarmed assailants). As a FYI - the role play was filmed at US Shooting Academy in Tulsa, OK. I recently visited there (have a project in the area), and the facility / trainers are "top notch". Linlk: http://www.downrange.tv/blog/multiple-attackers-scenario-from-the-best-defense/16454/

I'm no lawyer, but I understand that you can use deadly force when three basic elements all exist including ability (other person has power to kill or cripple you), opportunity (other person has the circumstances to use his abilities against you), and jeopardy (other person's actions provide a reasonably perceived belief that he intends to kill or cripple you). Ability can be present when a weapon is not. If a weapon is not present, ability may be represented by something called disparity of force (usually multiple attackers). It basically means the fight would be so radically unfair and so unevenly matched that any reasonable bystander would agree that one, or more, of the particpants could kill or permanently damage the other person without a weapon. It's my understanding that your Question 1 is a yes due to disparity of force. Disparity of force is figured out on a case by case basis. Question 2 is more complicated and if the three elements mentioned above exist, you can use deadly force. However, in a disparity of force scenario with unarmed assailants, using deadly force against the LAST remaining unarmed assailant puts you on "thin ice" legally (especially if he's attempting to flee) and proving self defense could be difficult. However, there are exceptions and it depends on the circumstances like when a strong young person attacks a really old person; a healthy person attacks someone who is handicapped; a known martial artist attacks someone who is not a martial artist, when one participant is so badly injured that he's unable to physically defend himself, and (a really big one) when a man attacks a woman.

C. Lunn, Check out Winthrop Holsters. Good quality, fast shipping, and reasonable pricing. I purchased a IWB for a LC9 and a OWB for a Walther PPS. Satisfied with both. http://www.winthropholsterstore.com

BryanP, I agree with you. For those locations where you can't carry, it makes sense to have pepper spray at the ready. Combined with a tactical flashlight, it would seem to make a good combination since most attacks occur at night or under dim conditions. I'm still somewhat concerned about drawing a handgun under circumstances when a weapon hasn't been produced since it would put me at risk of an aggravated assault charge. It may be a risk that needs to be taken. I'm still thinking this one through and I like having the option of using a non lethal option first if a weapon is not visible (then immediatey drawing the handgun if one is produced). For me, the goal would be to retreat from a possible deadly encounter. I know others may disagree but I appreciate their opinions. Mike

Thanks Guys. I tend to agree with your comments. I've thought about a self defense situation when pepper spray could be used effectively and it seems beyond a range of several yards (with a shot to the perp's face). Anything closer and I believe that you could incapacitate yourself and possibly be disarmed. It also could make the perp more violent and the attack would be worse. Although TN is a "stand your ground" state, I would like to think there might be opportunities to retreat within distances where pepper spray is effective. If not, then presentation (and possible use) of the handgun would be in order. I've decided to take a Handgun Self Defense class (as a follow-up to my HCP) so that I get more training.

Group, What's your opinion regarding carry of pepper spray for un-armed threats (when handgun use would not match the threat)? I've recently obtained my HCP and was considering other self defense tools that I might need to carry with my handgun (I believe that a good tactical flashlight is needed). Using pepper spray has some advantages when the assailant may be moving toward you in a threatening manner but has not produced a weapon. From a liability perspective, I also think that escalating your response and matching the threat is better than drawing your handgun in this circumstance. Regarding downsides, I understand that pepper spray has limitations during windy conditions, some perps may be immune, and that there's a short delay before it fully takes effect. Also, there's a risk that you could be affected (get some of the chemicals on you) in a H2H situation. I've looked at Kimber's Pepperblast II product and it appears to be a good solution to protect against unarmed assaults. Hits at 90 mph (wind doesn't affect), has some really nasty chemicals (perp is disabled for 30 minutes), and it's designed like a small handgun (including sights). This may have been discussed elsewhere in the forum, but I didn't see a good discussion of the pros and cons. Appreciate any feedback. Mike

Three weeks wait time for me. Received mine in early September.

It's highly likely that you're NOT covered under either an umbrella (if you have one) or your home owners policy. Defending yourself by shooting someone is considered an intentional act and excluded from normal liability coverage. The NRA offers handgun liability coverage but I understand that it's high and there are a lot of exceptions (one being that it must be a "good shoot"; i.e. you're not criminally convicted). I also recommend that you talk with your insurance agent.

Jonnin, Regarding Walthers, I like the quality. I got "hooked" on them when I purchased my PPQ. It was my first purchase and a great shooting gun but I think it's a little too big for IWB concealed carry. I decided to carry a slim micro 9 (the PPS was next purchase) and I then purchased a P22 due to ammo costs. Thought my wife needed a semi-auto and purchased the LC9 but she didn't like the trigger and I ended up with it (she likes her snubbie). At 6 handguns, I've got enough firepower but I'd like to collect PPK's and I'm considering a West German unit as my next purchase (need to wait until the wife calms down since we originally agreed to 2 handguns). Mike

Group, Glad to join the forum and the information available here is impressive. I've recently started handgun shooting as a hobby (owned long guns for a long time but no longer hunt) and obtained my HCP. I'm planning to train further (combat shooting and handgun self defense) to more confidently carry. I'm an Engineering Manager who works mostly out of town but I live in the Nashville area. Mike Walther PPS (9 mm) - Primary Carry Ruger LC9 - Secondary Carry Walther PPQ (40 cal) - Range / HD Walther P22 - Range / Plinking S&W 442 - Wife's Carry Walther PPK/S - Safe Queen (just liked the gun)

Thanks Grout. I decided to let Sam Hoster work on it (Sumner Gun and Supply). I read multiple good references about him on this forum.

I just recently purchased a nice shooting Walther PPK/S Interarms .380 handgun (in original box with manual). The gun is roughly 20 years old and appears to have had few rounds run through it. However, the magazine appears to have been cycled a lot and the gun drops the magazine after several rounds. Tried a new mag but problem remains. In my opinion, it could have been a LEO back-up. Has anyone used M&M Gunsmithing in Hazel Green, AL? This gunsmith worked for Interarms for 15 years and he's located just across the TN / AL state line (north of Huntsville). The gun needs a thorough check since I'm considering it as a summer carry. Thanks and i would appreciate any feedback on good Walther gunsmiths in the Nashville area also.

I have a new 40 cal PPQ that I purchased over Gunbroker. The trigger is great - smooth with noticeable wall. Extremely short reset for fast shots. In my opinion, it's too big for a carry gun and it's more of a service or duty pistol. I was so impressed with the Wather quality that I followed up and purchased a 9 mm PPS (Police Pistol Slim) for my primary carry gun.