[silver_pilate]

Well, I am completely for licensing qualified citizens to carry concealed handguns. Many states have passed the "shall issue" laws (read: MUST issue to qualified indviduals), and others are considering.

I've been heavely involved with firearms since I was knee high to a short toad, and my kids will receive the same introduction, familiarization, and education of handguns that I did. I think licensing the law abiding citizen to carry a concealed handgun is wonderful as long as the license holder is competent. Israel has for years encouraged its citizens to carry concealed weapons, and there are numerous occasions where armed citizens have stopped would-be criminals and terrorists before they were able to commit their crime.

If you don't know who's packin', you'll think twice before attackin'.

As for my guns of choice, the only handgun I currently own (besides an 1860 Army Colt) is a ParaOrdinance P12/45. Great self-defense gun with a 12+1 .45 ACP capacity. However, it runs a bit heavy for comfortable 8 hour + concealed carry with a full clip. Also, the handle is a bit thicker than single stack 1911 designs.

In a couple of months, when the gun shows stop back around, I plan on getting one of the S&W made Walther PPK/S+1 in .380 ACP for a primary carry gun. The smaller load may require a brain-box hit for a full stop on rare occasions, but hopefully, I'll never have to find out (besides, a hydrashock or gold dot round should carry a similar punch to a plane-jane 9mm hp). The small lines of the gun make for a very easily concealed gun that will wear well all day.

If I had muchos dolleros, I would go for a Kimber Ultra Carry CDP. Also, if I had it to do over again, I would opt for the slightly more expensive Para Companion in LDA with a single stack. It's easier to carry, and besides, if you need more than 8 rounds of .45 ACP to bring down your aggressor, 5 more rounds aren't likely to help much. Unfortunately, the Companion with LDA wasn't out when I bought the P12.

--nathan