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It is a superb update. Glad to hear your news. I, for one, think you did the right thing and made the right choice.

I was not criticizing, just expressing my concern that you received "too much information" - not all of it exactly answering your question - and you might have decided it was all just too much to bother with.

You are exactly right, "you get what you pay for" if you are lucky. The Smith & Wesson is a better weapon, in my opinion, and if *you* like it, that is what really counts. The more you shoot it the more proficient you will become, and the more confident.

The mace or pepper spray is a good idea; if you do not *have* to shoot anybody, you are much better off not shooting anybody. If spray works, great. But if (and only you, on the scene at the time, can judge this) it is necessary to shoot to save yourself from injury or death - your Smith will serve you well.

Cornered cat is great, Kathy knows quite a bit and explains things clearly.

Legal issues... it is none of my business whether or not you have, or are getting, a concealed carry license. You are aware, from Jim's post and followup, that carrying in an establishment that derives more than 51% of its revenue (whatever the right word is here) from the on-premise sale of alcohol is against the law, unless the place is "under your control" - long discussion, not the point right now. You should also be aware that you do not need a CHL to carry in a place, like your home or business, that you control; and further that you may legally transport your sidearm between two such places.

People on this Forum are aware of the laws and, by and large, do their best to obey them. We get wrapped around the axle trying to "do right" but there is an old saying about it being better to be judged by twelve than carried by six.

Hang in there, shoot your Smith and enjoy it, and check back in with us - let us know how you are doing.

Regards,
Andrew

When the place is closed and the janitor is the only person there, then it seems the janitor is in charge of the premises, and might be able, and wise, to carry.

I'm sad that the OP only has two posts - seems like learning about weapons and complying with laws and rules might have been too much trouble. Buying a gun to schlep around with you, in hopes that it's mere presence will ward off evil, is silly - but people with no exposure to guns sometimes think that way.

Hopefully the OP is actually engaged in reading, and going to gun stores / shows and handling weapons, on the road to making a sound, informed choice. If so, I'd like to see an update sometime.

Yes, the Cornered Cat is a good read, and there is enough information there to keep you busy for a while.

In the meantime, you expressed concern about a real situation - leaving work at the bar, late.

I encourage you to find out your options as far as carrying at work; Jim is right and I really forgot an important point, that a concealed handgun licensee can not carry in an establishment that derives 51% of its revenues from on-premise sale of alcohol. Please forgive, this may not be exactly right, it may be 51% of profits or something else but a CHL person can not carry in a bar - unless you own the bar or have permission from the owner, or something; again, there are a couple of people on here who can set this straight.

For your immediate safety, please consider a very bright flashlight and maybe some pepper spray. Flashlight brands are like everything else - there are "top names" that cost a lot, and others that work and cost less. Surefire is one of the former, Brinkman one of the latter. For around $20 at Walmart or Target, you can get a bright xenon-bulb flashlight that takes two CR123 lithium batteries (expensive batteries) - or go to candlepower forum when you have time (ha!) and find out more.

Fox labs has a good name for pepper spray - I have no personal knowledge or experience but it comes highly recommended.

In the final analysis, you want to escape if attacked. You don't want to kill anyone, you don't need to "win" - you don't even want to fight. You want to survive. A pistol is a great tool for that purpose; but until you get one, and the skill to use it properly, do not overlook lesser tools like bright lights and pepper.

I am not a good person to be giving advice on this. I carry for self defense, but am primarily a paper-puncher. I shoot for relaxation and fun. The skill can carry over into the realm of self defense, but there are lots of other people who know more about self defense and teach it. Seek them out.

Best of luck to you. Stay safe.

Regards,
Andrew

You will receive advice from many people on this board, wiser and more informed than I. One of the things you will hear is that you will need to gather information to be able to make your own choices. Your first question is a good way to start gathering information.

I don't know which Rossi you are talking about, but I believe Rossi makes mostly revolvers. The only Smith & Wesson handguns I own are revolvers, but they make auto-loading pistols (also known as Semi-Automatic pistols) as well. You will learn the difference and decide which type of handgun is for you, and which make and model.

Another thing people will point out is that having a gun is not enough - you must also have the skill and the will to use it to keep yourself safe, and the judgment to know when it is appropriate (when shooting an attacker is the only feasible way to escape unharmed).

Try http://www.corneredcat.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for more information. The site is directed at women seeking information about guns and self-reliance, but most of it is not gender-specific - it is for people who have grown up, but not grown up around guns.

Oh - and some people will say that working in a bar and leaving late is too dangerous, and you need to change the way you live. Others will be furious with that, and say that how you live is how you live, and you ought to do as you please as long as it is legal and ethical. Only you can decide which side has the most persuasive argument.

If you post your location - nearest city - people will offer to take you shooting, give you an introduction, the "Four Rules of Firearm Safety", and let you try out different handguns. Although I can not vouch for the good character of each and every person on this Forum, I think it is safe and would advise your taking them up on their offers. Shoot different guns, try different stances, and holds, gather background, and proceed from a position of strength - i.e information and understanding.

The cost of the gun will soon be eclipsed by the cost of practice ammunition, training, and range fees. Don't look first and foremost at the price of the gun. Buy the one you like, that fits your hand and points naturally - but don't buy anything until you've tried several.

Hang in there, you are in for cool experiences and meeting good people.

Regards,
Andrew