I mentioned in an earlier post about buying my first gun. Since then, I've purchased two more. I always knew that once I bought the first one the dam would break and it would be a lifelong thing. Keep in mind, I'm not buying guns because I'm preparing for revolution or the zombie apocalypse or anything that grandiose . . . I just like different guns. For me, it's no different than buying different cameras. I don't buy identical cameras. I buy different cameras that can be used for different circumstances. It would just appear that I am what most foreigners and a lot of liberal Americans would call a gun nut! Unfortunately, given all of the violence of the past few months that have coincided with my purchases it would appear that I am overreacting to the state of the world and buying guns and ammo as a direct result and screaming "you can take my guns when you pry them from my cold dead fingers" or something equally absurd. It's simple, I like them, I enjoy learning everything about them, and will continue to do so until I get bored with doing so.
The day I bought the first one I took a concealed carry class. Well, essentially I took two, since I took the class for Virginia but I stayed for a second part for Utah non-residents so I could carry in more states when I was done. I have since studied everything there is that I could find on the models I purchased and then some. I know every part, how to break them down, clean them, put them back together, and shoot them. I studied hundreds of holsters to determine which would work best for my body type, style of dress, and activities. I've bought several holsters and figured out which ones actually work and which are horribly uncomfortable. I've studied ammunition to determine which types work best for each gun. I've studied ballistics to learn which types of rounds are the safest for personal defense without hurting innocent bystanders or causing unnecessary property damage. I've also studied case law and the concealed/open carry laws not only for Virginia, but, for every state I have any business being in for my business travels and personal travels. I've also studied flying regulations for the different airlines so if I decided to bring any of my guns with me I know that I am following the guidelines put in place by each airline so that I don't get body cavity searched/arrested/shot for breaking any of said guidelines.
I've redesigned my entire wardrobe. I've had my suit pants taken out to accommodate the guns/ammo. I've bought bigger casual pants, bigger and thicker t shirts, bigger jackets, etc. I don't intend to advertise that I'm carrying a gun with tight, short clothing. I don't touch them when I'm out. I don't adjust them when I'm out. Unless I want you to know it, you won't know that I'm carrying a gun.
More importantly, I've practiced using each gun. I've practiced putting on the holsters, drawing/reholstering all three guns, and of course actually shooting them.
Here is my collection . . .
I have every intention of adding a shotgun and a rifle to this collection. Who knows what else I'll add. I'm always reading about new things that peak my interest. We'll see what happens. :-D OO