21Oct06

Here in Memphis, TN, where, believe it or not, violent crime is eighteen times higher than in LA, local gun retailers tell me Glocks and SIGs top the list of serious guns wanted by those who carry concealed, a group that inclu des nearly everyone with at least two nickels to rub together.

The local PD has been into 40S&W for some time, and that is the caliber everyone here seems to want. Thus, the G23 is a top seller, followed at so me distance by the G22 and the G27. The single-column SIG 239 is popular too,

actually more in demand than is the double-column 229. After trying it, ne arly everyone opts for the DAK trigger. Beretta, H&K (particularly the LEM), an d Ruger are also in the mix.

The 1911 crowd is active down here too, with S&W's Scandium being th e top seller. Kimber and Detonics also sell well. Comp-Tac, Ky-Tec, and Hoffner

holsters are well represented.

Like so many big PDs, MPD is hopelessly top-heavy, antiquated, slow to respond, and, not surprisingly, the local 911 system is clogged solid during evening hours. As always, you're on your own. The good news is that hones t citizens who shoot VCAs in self-defense (and it happens a lot!) are almost never prosecuted. They're actually treated well by the criminal-justice system, unlike the case in so many other places. In TN, you have the clear right t o defend yourself!

Actually, I prefer it here, where I am allowed, indeed expected to, take care of myself, to LA, where violent crime may be technically lower, but wh ere all who take unilateral action to protect themselves are treated far worse, by the criminal justice system, than are the real criminals who try to harm them!

/John