Wow. There's nothing like a gun discussion to get the emotions flowing... :shock:
I think the word "retarded" was a poor choice, but I know what was meant by that post. He meant that many LEO's aren't well-versed on the firearms laws that they are supposed to enforce. This is the case in Delaware, too. Most Officers know the laws. But there are a few who do NOT. How can someone enforce the law if they don't know it?
And as far as respect: that is something that must be earned, not demanded or assumed simply by wearing a uniform.... Don't get me wrong: I support my local LEO's and appreciate the jobs they do daily. But as for demanding respect, actions speak louder than uniforms, and from what I've seen in my lifetime from LEO's....
some don't deserve our respect...
Anyway, that's not the discussion here...
... I just don't know what model is the best. What do ya'll think? I would like it do be pretty small but strong enough to kill one of them crazy coyote's that run around wild on my land.
Obviously, know the laws in your area for purchasing and posession and carry in a vehicle. Don't get in trouble w/ the law by breaking firearms laws. If you do, you won't have to worry about owning a firearm for a LONG time.
Now, as for handguns, the best model/brand is the one you know HOW to shoot properly, feels the most comfortable in your hands, gives you the most confidence when using it, is one that you can afford to "feed" and use regularly (i.e. practice), etc...
There is no one-brand-model answer when it comes to firearms and what is best for you. It's like anything else: everyone is different, which is why there isn't ONE brand of shoes for everyone, ONE brand of pants for everyone, etc... You have to try different brands on to see what fits YOU the BEST. It's the same for handguns.
Go to a local shooting range that rents handguns and try a bunch. See what YOU handle the best, which one you like the most, which one fits in your hand the best, and what you can operate the safest. THAT will be the best brand/model for you.
Once you decide on a brand, model, and caliber... PRACTICE with it! Take a training course or two. I can't stress enough: practice with it!!! Shooting, loading, unloading, cleaning, reloading, jams, standing still, kneeling, prone, running, in warm weather, cold/freezing weather, in the dark (flashlight!), during a hurricane. Practice real-life stuff, because you may need to use it in "bad" weather, too.
(FYI: I carry a firearm daily for self-defense, and I've had to use it once already against two armed robbers. You never know when or where evil will come and pay you a visit.)
Oh, and carry the handgun for self-defense. Use a rifle to take care of the coyotes on your land ("hunting"). They can run faster than you, and if a coyote is close enough to use a handgun on it, pray you hit it w/ one shot. If you miss w/ the handgun, you'll just piss it off more....
Stay safe out there.
Remember: your mind is your #1 weapon. Firearms are just tools that do a specific job.