I got my CCW permit over 10 years ago and ran out to purchase the first gun that felt good in my hand. It happened to be a Ruger P95 9mm. This is an excellent handgun, but is very large and heavy. I did like the idea of having 14 shots as opposed to the 7 or 6 shots in the 1911s that I had been shopping.  I found that in the first few months it was not very heavy, as I was thrilled with the newfound freedom. After the newness ran out, practicality showed up. I was not carrying the gun around, as it was too heavy. While I was not carrying the gun I had a few problems with deer poachers and was in fear of my life with out any way to defend myself. Running into a deer poacher who has a heavy rifle in the off season on your land is not a good thing. This prompted my next phase of pistol purchases, which was moving to a lighter and smaller Springfield Arms 1911 Commander. This fit the bill for being smaller in size while having a bigger bullet for more stopping power. This has been a great solution for most areas when you can wear a coat or deep conceal holster. There are now times where even this is too heavy. I have since purchased a North American Arms 22 LR Derringer with a holster grip. This slides into my front pocket and can have quick access. When it is clipped in my front pocket, you would think that it is a pocketknife or phone. It is comfortable and has become my primary gun for warmer weather.

I believe the answers to the two age-old questions would be (1) Size matters in gun and bullet size. There is a balance that must be achieved between stopping power and the ability or desire to carry the gun. If the gun is too big you will find your self not carrying the single thing that may save your life. Secondly: (2) Most self-defense situations are at close range and are fewer than 3 or 4 shots. This adds validity to the quality of the shot. Having a well placed 22 LR is better than not having a gun at all. Having a well-placed 45-caliber bullet is even better. In this day of everyone being sued or law enforcement officers going to jail when they are doing their jobs, it is better to shoot as few times as possible to save your life.

Happy trails and keep the lead down range. - Clark

North American Arms

Ruger

It would be interesting to see where the left wing, liberal media runs if the economy craters, or we are attacked again by Islamic Terrorists. Who will protect them as they are anti-gun and do not believe in self-protection.? They will most likely find their closest friend that is a NRA member that they had been ridiculing.

We as Americans should vote with our remote control and not give MSNBC or their advertisers our time and money.

Happy trails and keep the lead down range. - Clark

This past week on Capitol Hill while the Senate and House were working on the economic bail out they forgot how we got here, and they even bold face lied to the American people. President Bush has notified the country over 17 times that we had problems and recommended that we try to fix the mortgage problem years ago. Senator McCain helped write legislation that was killed by the Democrats and not allowed out of committee. Republicans voted 100% in favor for this bill to have oversight on Freddie and Fannie, while Democrats voted 100% against oversight and killed the bill.

When Senator Harry Reid stood in front of the United States on Friday and threw Senator McCain under the bus claiming that McCain had caused the “Deal” to fall apart is a bold faced lie. There was no deal, and the legislation being proposed would not be in the best interest of the American People. Senator McCain was trying to do what he does best and bring people together to talk about this issue. There were many other Democrat leaders all now taking up the banner that McCain had stopped the legislative process and all lined up to throw McCain under the bus. Then they backed up to make sure they got him.

I have strived to keep this site from becoming too political, but seeing this disgraceful behavior by almost the entire Democratic leadership makes me air sick to think that it has become perfectly acceptable to lie and misrepresent issues to the American people. This only makes you wonder what will happen to your right to bear arms if Obama is elected?

We are heading for hard times. As for me and my house, we will be clinging to our guns and bibles. Happy trails and keep the lead down range.  - Clark

* Ok for states & cities to determine local gun laws. (Apr 2008)
* FactCheck: Yes, Obama endorsed Illinois handgun ban. (Apr 2008)
* Respect 2nd Amendment, but local gun bans ok. (Feb 2008)
* Provide some common-sense enforcement on gun licensing. (Jan 2008)
* 2000: cosponsored bill to limit purchases to 1 gun per month. (Oct 2007)
* Concealed carry OK for retired police officers. (Aug 2007)
* Stop unscrupulous gun dealers dumping guns in cities. (Jul 2007)
* Keep guns out of inner cities--but also problem of morality. (Oct 2006)
* Bush erred in failing to renew assault weapons ban. (Oct 2004)
* Ban semi-automatics, and more possession restrictions. (Jul 1998)
* Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jul 2005)

Happy trails and keep the lead down range. - Clark

I for one will be glad when the elections are over and we can get the political advertisements (lies) off the air.

Happy trails and keep the lead down range. -  Clark