re: #206 ROPMA

You need a 12G pump shotgun.

Got one of those, too.

I use the Beretta 9 as first weapon of choice because 1) under two pillows I don’t even know it’s there; 2) with a round in the chamber all I have to do is flick the nearly silent safety off to be ready to roll; 3) it’s nice to be able to keep the lights off, place the dot on somebody’s chest, and say quietly, “Look at that red spot. That’s where the bullet will go in two seconds if you don’t put your hands up.” I see well in the dark.

Since I live in the city, I keep all my weapons safely stored. I have a full-size gun safe for everything but the Beretta. When it’s not under the pillow at the ready, it’s in a button-combination-activated small safe under the bedside table. No one can break into my house and make off with an easy booty of firearms.

The argument handgun vs. 12-gauge is as old as dirt, and everyone settles it individually. What I’d really like is to keep using the Beretta but have a push-button recording to play a realistic sound of a 12-gauge racking a round into the chamber. Ka-chunk! That alone often sends them scurrying.