Thank you everyone for the warm Texas welcome and pbwalker for the geek welcome.
I am fortunate to have grown up in a gun-friendly home and have been around guns since I was a kid. Between my parents, grandfather (a career Marine and CA state investigator) and one of my childhood neighbors, I had the 4 Rules drilled into my head at an early age. Thanks to them I have a tremendous respect and appreciation for firearms and the 2nd Amendment.
While I did some handgun shooting as a kid, I am somewhat of a handgun novice in terms of experience. I have more experience with long arms but am by no means an expert in anything.
I did not pick up my required weapon upon moving here but I did bring a few with me. I currently have an M-1 Rifle from the CMP and a S&W Model 59, which was my grandfather's duty gun while he was an investigator with the state of California. I don't intend to carry that one but will be looking for another...perhaps one that is a bit lighter.
My lovely bride is not big on firearms but I am hoping to gradually introduce her to shooting as something that we can enjoy together. If not, I'm hoping to at least warm her up to the idea of me carrying which is one of the reasons I am here so I can do the research. She may never like shooting, but I want to at least try. I believe strongly in the having the means to defend oneself and loved ones and now that we are in a state where I can better equip myself to do so, I want to exercise that right.
Thanks again everyone, I'm sure I will enjoy my time here.
So what's this about pearl grips? Do I even want to know?
![Surprised :o](./images/smilies/icon_surprised.gif)