I'm startng to reconsider my HD gun

Delaware_Dan · January 22, 2009, 12:42 PM

I'm starting to reconsider my HD gun. At the moment I keep my Sig p250 9mm within arms reach, and I am starting to think this is a bad idea. The reasoning behind this is that I inhearited the gun.

My uncle Timmy passed away a few months back and he left me his carry gun, the 250. Now if I pop somone with it there is a good chance it will be taken from me, even if only for a short time. Or worse, if I am in the wrong according to my state laws (which suck) then it may be taken from me for good. I would be heart broken if it was taken for any period of time, as it is one of my most prized possessions.

I have been VERY lucky in life and have not lost that many people close to me, but Timmy was very close to me, and I couldn't bear parting with his gun. I think it's time to start using the GP100. I don't know why this never dawned on me before but now it has, and I am going to make the switch.

If you have a firearm that means the world to you for whatever reason, then I don't recomend using it for an HD gun. But this is something you probably all know already. I'm just glad that I figured it out.

Smaug · January 22, 2009, 12:59 PM

Massad Ayoob makes this point in his columns. He likes Glocks for HD and carry guns for this reason. If it is in lock-down, it is replacable. I suppose the same is true for Sig P250s, just not THAT particular one.

Aside from the sentimental value, the GP100 is a better choice anyway; less things to have to remember when you're awakened groggy. Like they say with in the camera world, it is a "point & shoot."

BTW: My HD gun is my SP101, 357, 3".

Sneezer · January 22, 2009, 08:28 PM

Just keep using it until you figure out where you want to be gun wise. I am sure your uncle would be happier with you here more than you joining him in the hereafter.

scorpion_tyr · January 22, 2009, 09:29 PM

Good choice, IMO. I'd keep it loaded and somewhat handy for a backup and keep practicing with it.

Personally if I were just as comfortable and confident with either gun, I'd go with the Ruger as the primary as well.

hoytinak · January 22, 2009, 09:31 PM

I'd keep using it as my HD and if I had to use it I'd think of it as my uncle saving my life.

AH.74 · January 22, 2009, 11:10 PM

It came to you, it's yours. Don't live your life according to "what if's". You're letting the bad guys win before any battle has begun.

If that's the gun you're comfortable with, keep it with you and like others said above, your uncle will always be with you.

tjhands · January 22, 2009, 11:15 PM

Yeah, come on. Your life is worth more than a handgun. He'd want you to be alive and well above all else.

luvsasmith · January 22, 2009, 11:21 PM

Hoyt and the others bring up excellent points about it now being your gun even though it will always be "your uncle's". It really is your gun so treat it that way. He'd likely want it that way.

On the other hand, I prefer a 12 ga for HD not a pistol.

Tom2 · January 22, 2009, 11:47 PM

Now that you are changing guns, you probably have to consider ammunition issues with it. Like, +P .38 or full blast magnums, firing it indoors, low flash powders, bullet weights, etc. If you were staying with a 9MM it might have simplified that aspect.

Hirlau · January 23, 2009, 01:27 AM

Reverse the scenario, a little;

When I hand down my guns to my Grandsons or Granddaughters in the future, I want them used to protect their lives and property. They will get them knowing that the guns are dependable and carry a tradition of family protection.

The worry about their care in a police property room, will make no difference. The guns will have done their job.

I understand your sentiment, use a gun that you feel most comfortable with.

The GP100 is a fine weapon.

Gazpacho · January 23, 2009, 04:10 AM

If you are not an avid shooter, I'd be inclined to recommend a second Sig 250. Weapon familiarity incourages success.

LanceOregon · January 23, 2009, 06:13 AM

Quote:

I'm starting to reconsider my HD gun. At the moment I keep my Sig p250 9mm within arms reach, and I am starting to think this is a bad idea. The reasoning behind this is that I inhearited the gun.

My uncle Timmy passed away a few months back and he left me his carry gun, the 250. Now if I pop somone with it there is a good chance it will be taken from me, even if only for a short time. Or worse, if I am in the wrong according to my state laws (which suck) then it may be taken from me for good. I would be heart broken if it was taken for any period of time, as it is one of my most prized possessions.

Man, your post makes little sense at all.

If you are in the wrong in the shooting, then you are going to prison, will become a felon, and will never own ANY firearms again. PERIOD.

I assure you, this issue would be the LAST of your worries.

I have seldom seen a post this illogical in nature.

.

cnutco · January 23, 2009, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Reverse the scenario, a little;

When I hand down my guns to my Grandsons or Granddaughters in the future, I want them used to protect their lives and property. They will get them knowing that the guns are dependable and carry a tradition of family protection.

The worry about their care in a police property room, will make no difference. The guns will have done their job.

I understand your sentiment, use a gun that you feel most comfortable with.

The GP100 is a fine weapon.

That is nicely said!

carguychris · January 23, 2009, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Man, your post makes little sense at all.

If you are in the wrong in the shooting, then you are going to prison, will become a felon, and will never own ANY firearms again. PERIOD.

I assure you, this issue would be the LAST of your worries.

It makes perfect sense to me. I've written several times that a HD or carry gun should be something that has zero sentimental value, so you won't hesitate to use it if the time comes.

I say lock the P250 in the safe and use something else.

Creature · January 23, 2009, 12:19 PM

I say if it was good enough for your uncle, it should be good enough for you. He would want you to use it righteously. If you do use it righteously, you have nothing to worry about. So keep on using it.

Delaware_Dan · January 23, 2009, 01:06 PM

I am a better shot with the GP100 anyway. I was keeping the 250 for HD because it has night sights. For now the the GP100 is the primary and the 250 is in the safe upstairs loaded as a backup.

Lance: whenever you are involved in a shooting in Delaware, they take your gun from you if it was a justified shoot or not. Now you may get it back, but not in the original condition. I need the gun in it's original condition.

Creature · January 23, 2009, 01:09 PM

Quote:

I need the gun in it's original condition.

More like "want". Regardless, you answered your own question...get another gun.

Delaware_Dan · January 23, 2009, 01:15 PM

Quote:

More like "want". Regardless, you answered your own question...get another gun

It wasn't a question. And I have plenty of guns, I just switched the one I use for HD from something that I cherish, to something that is more utilitarian.

kiov · January 23, 2009, 04:35 PM

yea, i did something similar. i bought a colt defender, got real nice grips, and had some work done on it, then liked it so much i didn't want to carry it! now i carry a kahr that i like, but doesn't have sentimental value to me.

katana8869 · January 23, 2009, 08:24 PM

It doesn't take long for me to get disgusted by some of the post that people put on gunboards anymore. Dan, I understand what you are trying to say and I also understand that you want to protect something that is special to you.

I tend to consider guns as tools to do a job. I have a few that belonged to my father and I use them regularly as the tools that they are. I'm not real sentimental about it, but if you are then that's great! In your circumstance you are doing what is right for you and that's truly all that counts anyway.

The GP100 is a fine weapon and it will serve you well. If you like the 250 to the point that you would want one as a carry gun, save up and buy another one as a CCW and keep your Uncle's 250 in the safe. It's not like you'll be going around unarmed or under-armed in the meantime.

Your motives are for you to know and understand only. Screw everyone else's opinion.

maestro pistolero · January 23, 2009, 08:37 PM

Do what your uncle did. Carry it. Nothing would validate his gift to you like having it save your life or the life of another innocent. What do you think he would tell you?
Actually having to fire a gun in self defense is, for most of us, a very remote possibility. If that gun saves your life once, you uncle's gift was not in vain.

ActivShootr · January 23, 2009, 09:24 PM

If you use the gun in a SD situation, it will be taken into police evidence for a while. If you are lucky the officer collecting it will not carve his initials into it (if they still do that). You will also be lucky if "Deputy Bubba" doesn't take a likin' to that Sig in the evidence room and it somehow disappears.

If the gun means more to you than "just a tool", don't be a tool. Save it for trips to the range.

DAdams · January 23, 2009, 10:44 PM

No one has brought up the point that a handgun is simply a tool that will allow you to get to something a bit more appropriate for PD. Usually that refers to something like a shotgun. Now I am not advocating that position, I have just read it so much over the prior three years that I felt compelled to bring it up.

Did you Uncle leave you an 870?

Is overpenetration an issue?

Personally I feel the same way about my "family jewels". I would get myself a common reliable SA or a 686 if you are thinking revolver.

I had some handguns confiscated/attached in a family death and when they came back from the evidentuary storage area (8 months later) they were beat.

GRJ · January 24, 2009, 04:34 AM

There's a reason your Uncle passed it down to you.
It protected him, he wanted the same for you.

Nothing wrong with mementos, if that's the case unload it and put it in a safe place. It's your choice.

But what's more important than the firearm, was the thought your uncle had for you, that's the best memory I can imagine.
IMHO

Good luck! Good Hunting!

chris in va · January 24, 2009, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Aside from the sentimental value, the GP100 is a better choice anyway; less things to have to remember when you're awakened groggy.

Come on. The Sig 250 *is* point and shoot.

Look Delaware_Dan, here's an idea. The gun has sentimental value, I can relate as I have an old J-frame handed down to me. What you do, is get another slide for it. The whole gun is modular. Use that for HD, the frame/grip isn't the serial numbered part, it can be replaced easily.

Keep the slide in the safe. You can get another frame rather cheaply.

January 22, 2009, 12:42 PM	#1
Delaware_Dan Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2008 Posts: 1,304	I'm startng to reconsider my HD gun I'm starting to reconsider my HD gun. At the moment I keep my Sig p250 9mm within arms reach, and I am starting to think this is a bad idea. The reasoning behind this is that I inhearited the gun. My uncle Timmy passed away a few months back and he left me his carry gun, the 250. Now if I pop somone with it there is a good chance it will be taken from me, even if only for a short time. Or worse, if I am in the wrong according to my state laws (which suck) then it may be taken from me for good. I would be heart broken if it was taken for any period of time, as it is one of my most prized possessions. I have been VERY lucky in life and have not lost that many people close to me, but Timmy was very close to me, and I couldn't bear parting with his gun. I think it's time to start using the GP100. I don't know why this never dawned on me before but now it has, and I am going to make the switch. If you have a firearm that means the world to you for whatever reason, then I don't recomend using it for an HD gun. But this is something you probably all know already. I'm just glad that I figured it out.

January 22, 2009, 12:59 PM	#2
Smaug Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2004 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 3,179	Good Call, Dan Massad Ayoob makes this point in his columns. He likes Glocks for HD and carry guns for this reason. If it is in lock-down, it is replacable. I suppose the same is true for Sig P250s, just not THAT particular one. Aside from the sentimental value, the GP100 is a better choice anyway; less things to have to remember when you're awakened groggy. Like they say with in the camera world, it is a "point & shoot." BTW: My HD gun is my SP101, 357, 3". __________________ -Jeremy "How to Reload" video thread Reloading with a single stage press

January 22, 2009, 09:29 PM	#4
scorpion_tyr Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 1,305	Good choice, IMO. I'd keep it loaded and somewhat handy for a backup and keep practicing with it. Personally if I were just as comfortable and confident with either gun, I'd go with the Ruger as the primary as well. __________________ A hit with a .45 ACP beats a hit with a .22 LR everytime. A hit with a .22 LR beats a miss with a .50 BMG everytime.

January 22, 2009, 09:31 PM	#5
hoytinak Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 5,708	I'd keep using it as my HD and if I had to use it I'd think of it as my uncle saving my life. __________________ "Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul."

January 22, 2009, 11:15 PM	#7
tjhands Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2005 Posts: 1,693	Yeah, come on. Your life is worth more than a handgun. He'd want you to be alive and well above all else. __________________ "If the sole purpose of handguns is to kill people, then mine are all defective." - Uncle Ted Nugent

January 22, 2009, 08:28 PM	#3
Sneezer Member Join Date: December 28, 2008 Location: NWA Posts: 94	Just keep using it until you figure out where you want to be gun wise. I am sure your uncle would be happier with you here more than you joining him in the hereafter.

January 22, 2009, 11:10 PM	#6
AH.74 Junior member Join Date: October 13, 2008 Location: Hermit's Peak Posts: 623	It came to you, it's yours. Don't live your life according to "what if's". You're letting the bad guys win before any battle has begun. If that's the gun you're comfortable with, keep it with you and like others said above, your uncle will always be with you.

January 22, 2009, 11:21 PM	#8
luvsasmith Senior Member Join Date: September 20, 2008 Posts: 358	Hoyt and the others bring up excellent points about it now being your gun even though it will always be "your uncle's". It really is your gun so treat it that way. He'd likely want it that way. On the other hand, I prefer a 12 ga for HD not a pistol. __________________ "You can't miss fast enough to win a gun fight."

January 22, 2009, 11:47 PM	#9
Tom2 Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 5,644	Now that you are changing guns, you probably have to consider ammunition issues with it. Like, +P .38 or full blast magnums, firing it indoors, low flash powders, bullet weights, etc. If you were staying with a 9MM it might have simplified that aspect. __________________ Your gun is like your nose, it is just wrong for someone else to pick it for you!

January 23, 2009, 01:27 AM	#10
Hirlau Junior member Join Date: January 1, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 296	Reverse the scenario, a little; When I hand down my guns to my Grandsons or Granddaughters in the future, I want them used to protect their lives and property. They will get them knowing that the guns are dependable and carry a tradition of family protection. The worry about their care in a police property room, will make no difference. The guns will have done their job. I understand your sentiment, use a gun that you feel most comfortable with. The GP100 is a fine weapon.

January 23, 2009, 04:10 AM	#11
Gazpacho Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2004 Posts: 554	If you are not an avid shooter, I'd be inclined to recommend a second Sig 250. Weapon familiarity incourages success.

January 23, 2009, 12:19 PM	#15
Creature Junior member Join Date: April 8, 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 3,769	I say if it was good enough for your uncle, it should be good enough for you. He would want you to use it righteously. If you do use it righteously, you have nothing to worry about. So keep on using it.

January 23, 2009, 01:06 PM	#16
Delaware_Dan Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2008 Posts: 1,304	I am a better shot with the GP100 anyway. I was keeping the 250 for HD because it has night sights. For now the the GP100 is the primary and the 250 is in the safe upstairs loaded as a backup. Lance: whenever you are involved in a shooting in Delaware, they take your gun from you if it was a justified shoot or not. Now you may get it back, but not in the original condition. I need the gun in it's original condition.

January 23, 2009, 04:35 PM	#19
kiov Senior Member Join Date: September 14, 2004 Posts: 283	yea, i did something similar. i bought a colt defender, got real nice grips, and had some work done on it, then liked it so much i didn't want to carry it! now i carry a kahr that i like, but doesn't have sentimental value to me.

January 23, 2009, 08:24 PM	#20
katana8869 Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2005 Posts: 354	It doesn't take long for me to get disgusted by some of the post that people put on gunboards anymore. Dan, I understand what you are trying to say and I also understand that you want to protect something that is special to you. I tend to consider guns as tools to do a job. I have a few that belonged to my father and I use them regularly as the tools that they are. I'm not real sentimental about it, but if you are then that's great! In your circumstance you are doing what is right for you and that's truly all that counts anyway. The GP100 is a fine weapon and it will serve you well. If you like the 250 to the point that you would want one as a carry gun, save up and buy another one as a CCW and keep your Uncle's 250 in the safe. It's not like you'll be going around unarmed or under-armed in the meantime. Your motives are for you to know and understand only. Screw everyone else's opinion.

January 23, 2009, 08:37 PM	#21
maestro pistolero Senior Member Join Date: August 17, 2007 Posts: 1,894	Do what your uncle did. Carry it. Nothing would validate his gift to you like having it save your life or the life of another innocent. What do you think he would tell you? Actually having to fire a gun in self defense is, for most of us, a very remote possibility. If that gun saves your life once, you uncle's gift was not in vain.

January 23, 2009, 09:24 PM	#22
ActivShootr Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2007 Posts: 1,040	If you use the gun in a SD situation, it will be taken into police evidence for a while. If you are lucky the officer collecting it will not carve his initials into it (if they still do that). You will also be lucky if "Deputy Bubba" doesn't take a likin' to that Sig in the evidence room and it somehow disappears. If the gun means more to you than "just a tool", don't be a tool. Save it for trips to the range.

January 23, 2009, 10:44 PM	#23
DAdams Senior Member Join Date: May 14, 2007 Location: East TN Posts: 495	Surprisingly No one has brought up the point that a handgun is simply a tool that will allow you to get to something a bit more appropriate for PD. Usually that refers to something like a shotgun. Now I am not advocating that position, I have just read it so much over the prior three years that I felt compelled to bring it up. Did you Uncle leave you an 870? Is overpenetration an issue? Personally I feel the same way about my "family jewels". I would get myself a common reliable SA or a 686 if you are thinking revolver. I had some handguns confiscated/attached in a family death and when they came back from the evidentuary storage area (8 months later) they were beat.

January 24, 2009, 04:34 AM	#24
GRJ Member Join Date: December 9, 2007 Location: Dayton, Ohio Posts: 17	There's a reason your Uncle passed it down to you. It protected him, he wanted the same for you. Nothing wrong with mementos, if that's the case unload it and put it in a safe place. It's your choice. But what's more important than the firearm, was the thought your uncle had for you, that's the best memory I can imagine. IMHO Good luck! Good Hunting!