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Smaller Guns for Defense?

That explains it. You were a cop. Most of the shooters here are civilians. You had qualified immunity to back up your shootings. Most of you were/are larger men, with large bodies. (Tell me when I'm going off the beam). Your situation is and was. far different from that of the civilian population. Justifying their shootings is far more difficult, and the courts are making it even more problematic. You haven't had to deal with shooting from a civilian perspective in over 40 years. Being in nasty, violent confrontations may have been routine for you when you were working in a sworn capacity.

The peace symbols were never a part of my life, and yes, I had to wear bell-bottoms. I wore them on duty in the US Navy. I was sworn in 53 years ago and served during the last days of the Vietnam Conflict as an Aviation Machinist's Mate. (Jet Mechanic to the civilian world).

I was trained by my father since 1962. (The man was a trained Underwater Demolition Team/Navy Rifle Team.) A Pearl Harbor attack survivor during World War 2 and in the Korean Conflict. (I had my first S&W Model 28 at the age of 16 in 1970). I don't know much.

I worked in Central Portland, Oregon, from 2000 to 2008 as an Armed Security Officer. There were some nasty encounters I vividly remember. (They weren't fun.) I avoided gunfights, but had to take some people into custody when I had to.

You still can't deny the laws of physics, and smaller handguns shooting high-pressure cartridges are still going to be more difficult to control. Not everyone is big, nor do they physically resemble a brick wall.
Glad to have another expert in all things.....

Can advertising for bersa die already
 
Glad to have another expert in all things.....

Can advertising for bersa die already
Is there another company producing a similar pistol? I'm listening.

Did you know that Charter Arms is preparing to produce a revolver chambered for the .32 ACP?

I got this straight from Nick Ecker, the owner of Charter Arms. (I learned this on April 30, 2026).
 
Your situation is and was. far different from that of the civilian population. Justifying their shootings is far more difficult, and the courts are making it even more problematic. You haven't had to deal with shooting from a civilian perspective in over 40 years.
Oh Please (he says rolling his eyes).... You are speaking from the ignorance of never having sat in front of an Internal Affairs microphone.

US Navy. I was sworn in 53 years ago and served during the last days of the Vietnam Conflict
I applaud your service. I recall waiting for my draft number to be called. Then seeing the guys wearing CIBs and combat patches. I also remember calling my dad after I got my senior jump wings and hearing him say, "Thats nice I have 3 gold stars on my jump wings". Dad made 3 combat jumps during WW2. He was in the Navy prior to WW2 but got out when he heard the Chiefs were going to toss the guys who couldnt swim off the pier to teach them how to swim. He joined the Army and heard he could double his pay if he joined the Airborne.

Dad also went the Korea. He joked that they sent him home when President Truman fired his assistant (MacArthur). He laughed and said I cant work without an assistant

we had a "come to Jesus" meeting
Im snickering not at you but because a member here said he would distract a suspect by saying, "Do you know Jesus" in a high stress situation. Yes I agree stressful situations can be, well...stressful. Hopefully we can learn from them.

Best
 
I have nothing but the utmost respect for Peace Officers. The IAB must be a terrifying force to be reckoned with. I meant no disrespect. You guys caught it from both ends.

As a Private Security Officer, I got very little respect. Being called "rent-a-cop" and all sorts of crap. My college education meant nothing to the civilians around me. I made every effort to work with the locals (State, County, and City). Many understood that ours was a "tough nut to crack".

The Portland Police Bureau officers were decent, and the County Sheriff's Deputies were good, too. The Oregon State Police were exceptionally good.

There were times when we were in great jeopardy, and no one was there to back us up. I "parted the Red Sea" by breaking up a public liquor/orgy that illegal aliens were hosting on a vacant lot that was part of my patrol. One officer against 30 illegals and their sex partners (along with about 20 fifths of Tequila being consumed). I gave them 3 minutes to get the hell off my beat. They abandoned their mattresses and left behind a boatload of liquor bottles.

That was me, "Moses" on a hot summer night, with nothing but a radio, handcuffs, Capstun, and a 6" barreled Colt Trooper Mk III. That'll put the fear of God in you!

I DO understand.
 
I carry this little guy
IMG_2447.jpeg
 
As a Private Security Officer, I got very little respect.
I think a lot depends on the actual security company and how THAT company is perceived. Some are better than others in choosing the contracts they take. Some will take any contract and employ minimum wage staff. While some specialize in high end site security TWC did or maybe still does security at the Savanah River Nuke site. They have "patrol" SWAT and air assets.

It also depends on how the security officer interacts with the police.
 
I think a lot depends on the actual security company and how THAT company is perceived. Some are better than others in choosing the contracts they take. Some will take any contract and employ minimum wage staff. While some specialize in high end site security TWC did or maybe still does security at the Savanah River Nuke site. They have "patrol" SWAT and air assets.

It also depends on how the security officer interacts with the police.
I was working with an outfit that secured Portland City Parks with "open air" reservoirs and (Federally protected). We were respected on that site. On the whole, that company had respect. It was ran by a retired Peace Officer.
 
The primary problem with a mid-bore cartridge in a small pistol is that it may be difficult to shoot. If it is, you won't practice with it. This requires dedication. It can well present a problem when "the feces impacts the air motivator".

If you "can't hit a bull in the *** with a banjo" shooting your "micro-nine", it may not end well.
 
For years my EDC was my SA XDs .45. I loved it. And still have it. But I guess for some people it would be considered to small for carry purposes.


It all depends on how well the gun / gun in your hands performs . I have my personal yardstick for my categories of suitability .

( Not tactical advice , but the head area of a B-27 is a useful size standard )

A gunload into head area @ 25yd = Good to go as a primary gun .

Same at least 15 yds = Kind of substitute standard . Good for Second Gun duty , or as main for " light days " , as long as remember the limitations .

Above presupposes a caliber * Reasonably Adaquate for intended purposes * . Yes , the second one is do -able with Airweight J Frame or sub 16oz subcompact 9mm , if you do your part .

* For Me * , l don't obsess over the number of rounds in the gun . If you have a concern , carry More reloads .

( Really tiny guns ? They have a purpose , as Onion Field Insurance .)
 
I've never heard of an attacker being aggressive after having a .22LR fired in their eye........after all, I've heard at one time, the .22 was a favorite for assassinations.


While a True Statement , it is a limitation to have to take * only * eye socket or ear canal shots .

Yes, the cliche ' .22LR is accurate and controllable , 'cause Shot Placement is Highly Important ' .

Fully actualized , there is a grain and a half of truth underneath all the smoke .

IF , you are packing a full size Field Grade .22 handgun . Meaning it's otherwise suitable to make head shots on Squirrels .

Think Ruger Marks , Browning Buckmarks , Single Sixes , K-22 , etc . With 4- 6 inch bbls . Or Berretta M70 if you're channelling your inner Israelli Counterterrist / Counter Hijacker .

The trade off of course , is that those are essentially the size of a real pistol , in the usual centerfire calibers .

Micro Revolvers , Derringers , ( .25acp sized , but in .22 autos ) etc , are the worst of both worlds , neither signifigant power , nor pinpoint accuracy .
 
after all, I've heard at one time, the .22 was a favorite for assassinations.

While True Statement , Assassination is quite different from defense from an attacker .

Unsuspecting victim , with assasin having ability to pick time and conditions to engage , to shoot assass -ee in the back of the head .

Coming at you with multiple combination of rage , adreleline , meth / PCP / Crack / misc CDS , and alcohol , is a very different thing .
 
The foregoing post should give you an enlightened perspective on the ability of a properly placed "lowly .32" ACP.
I didn't go into this blindly. My Bersa .32 can exceed the penetration capability of my 2.7" barreled Kel Tec P32.

Contrary to popular belief, the Walther PP and the PPK can be effective. Proper shot placement and the right ammunition, and the .32 will "rise to the occasion". The Bersa is light, quick, and holds 10+1.

I'm neither reckless nor stupid.



Yes ! , in context .
No , not a substistitute for .357 , .45 , etc .

But l would rather have a ( Walther PP sized -ish .32acp ) than any pocket size .380 .
 
Is that enough? It’s big enough.
It’s bigger than a Sig P365.

Yes , that's the counter argument .

But all the factors looking at these from the opposite perspective :

Somewhat bigger than Origonal configuration P365 can still be plenty small & light for discrete carry .

Close to the accuracy and control that the legions of .22LR true believers swear by , with way more " umphh " than any .22LR .

With the velocity from a normal ( non micro) Bbl length , with the higher velocity , combined with higher sectional density of the 71gr bullet , the .32acp will overcome the shallow penetration of the .380 .

IF you place any credence in examination of Real World results , bullet type for bullet type , the .32acp is very close to results of .380 . ( Take that as you will , regarding how much is my liking .32 vs slamming on the .380 .)

(Yeah , l'm vulnerable to charges of hypocracy , but in my mind l compartmentalize .

Yes , best practices is to carry a full size -ish real handgun , in a major caliber , and Dress Around the Gun .

But IF , you are going to drop below a .38 Spl +P , but want signifigantly more than .22LR , a mid sized .32 is definately a viable option . )
 
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