MGGLOCK9
07-19-2010, 19:00
Hi Mas:
I retired earlier this year due to long-term back problems. My wife has several years to go. She is a home care nurse who has "night call" 3x monthly. This means visiting patients' homes anywhere in the county and increasingly in Phila. at any hour. I drive her on these visits and remain outside while she does patient care or pronounces death. (State law allows a nurse to pronounce home hospice patients.)
As my back deteriorates my "kit" has dwindled. I used to carry a G19 with spare magazine and a J-frame. I also carry pepper spray, a cell phone, flashlight. pen and paper and a leatherman tool.(I used to carry spare glasses also but stopped).
We have had several incidents: with younger people looking to be tough in front of older, genuinely tough residents, an emotionally disturbed person, and once with a drunk-all of which thankfully ended short of having to draw a weapon. Once I was surprised by a fellow who emerged from shadow and got next to my open car window-he held both hands over his warm-up pocket but left when I placed my hand on the butt of my gun.) These events always seem to happen on the street near the patients house. I have found that thinking fast and displaying respect to the right people in a group really helps.
1. Lately the only firearm I carried has been an early scandium .32 H&R Mag with 2 speedloads. This is DAO with an external hammer that I had a 'smith shrink to reduce snagging . The .38 is internal hammer. If I balance weight on two sides my back cooperates better., I can probably carry an aluminum .38 j-frame and the scandium-the .38 crossdraw and the .32 rightside (I am right handed, but the rightside back is weaker than the left). (I have a great, old Milt Sparks crossdraw) Does that sound like a reasonable idea?
2. Does the .32 H&R actually do anything effective? Any suggestions on ammo for either?
3. I have considered leaving the location of the patient's house during the 45-60 minute wait-(I never blend in with the neighborhood and my presence has seemed to "rile" residents that are inebriated.) But I can't bring myself to leave my wife-the last bad one I thought about leaving until I realized that all the other houses were deserted and windowless, except for one that was a tavern. Do you think i should as a rule remain? (Her employer's rules preclude my entering the house.)
Finally, I have studied your excellent work for 25 years. You are a Godsend. Thank you for your time.
MG
I retired earlier this year due to long-term back problems. My wife has several years to go. She is a home care nurse who has "night call" 3x monthly. This means visiting patients' homes anywhere in the county and increasingly in Phila. at any hour. I drive her on these visits and remain outside while she does patient care or pronounces death. (State law allows a nurse to pronounce home hospice patients.)
As my back deteriorates my "kit" has dwindled. I used to carry a G19 with spare magazine and a J-frame. I also carry pepper spray, a cell phone, flashlight. pen and paper and a leatherman tool.(I used to carry spare glasses also but stopped).
We have had several incidents: with younger people looking to be tough in front of older, genuinely tough residents, an emotionally disturbed person, and once with a drunk-all of which thankfully ended short of having to draw a weapon. Once I was surprised by a fellow who emerged from shadow and got next to my open car window-he held both hands over his warm-up pocket but left when I placed my hand on the butt of my gun.) These events always seem to happen on the street near the patients house. I have found that thinking fast and displaying respect to the right people in a group really helps.
1. Lately the only firearm I carried has been an early scandium .32 H&R Mag with 2 speedloads. This is DAO with an external hammer that I had a 'smith shrink to reduce snagging . The .38 is internal hammer. If I balance weight on two sides my back cooperates better., I can probably carry an aluminum .38 j-frame and the scandium-the .38 crossdraw and the .32 rightside (I am right handed, but the rightside back is weaker than the left). (I have a great, old Milt Sparks crossdraw) Does that sound like a reasonable idea?
2. Does the .32 H&R actually do anything effective? Any suggestions on ammo for either?
3. I have considered leaving the location of the patient's house during the 45-60 minute wait-(I never blend in with the neighborhood and my presence has seemed to "rile" residents that are inebriated.) But I can't bring myself to leave my wife-the last bad one I thought about leaving until I realized that all the other houses were deserted and windowless, except for one that was a tavern. Do you think i should as a rule remain? (Her employer's rules preclude my entering the house.)
Finally, I have studied your excellent work for 25 years. You are a Godsend. Thank you for your time.
MG