Brigid has one of her outstanding posts
up on self defense. I’ve sent the URL to several female relatives urging them
to read it.
For much of my adult life my nickname has
been “Tank”. A large tank. Haven’t worried too much about physical attacks but
have twice faced loaded firearms pointed in my direction by malefactors. Now,
age 72 and slowed by age, the intimidation factor is probably diminished.
What I’ve carried for years is a .44
Special Charter Arms Bulldog. Not everyone’s choice and maybe not a good
choice. Some of my reasons.
1. Safety.
You can open and close the cylinder with the hammer down. No worries about an
accidental misfire lowering the hammer on a live round. Charter Arms builds
them with a bar under the hammer that doesn’t move until the hammer is cocked. No worries about it firing
if dropped.
2. Stopping
power. Yes, it is not a magnum but it will stop any predator found North
America, especially two legged.
3. Reliability.
100% over 20 years and hundreds of rounds fired.
4. Accuracy.
Far better than my skills. Watched my sister put five rounds into a junk
refrigerator (at one of ‘those’ ranges) at over 50 yards.
5. Intended
purpose. I am not paid to be a gunfighter. Close range self defense as I’m
retreating.
As you can see in the photos a gunsmith
added a “peep” sight. I have macular degeneration in my right eye. I can still
focus on the front sight/target and the peep helps me align the piece.
In my younger years I was above average
with a rifle (best shot in my Army Basic Training Company). With a hand gun, on
my very best day, mediocre. The Bulldog fits my skill level. I’ve had the
opportunity to shoot other handguns. A son has several. I like his Springfield
XP .45 and a Makarov he has. Enjoyed
them, especially the Makarov, but will stay with what I have.
Something all of us can agree on. Having
something is better than nothing. Knowing how to use what you have is better
than learning how to use it as the s^*t is hitting the fan.
