two responses in one, Bob-

I knew U wuz just shuckin' and jivin'... no offense taken.... even tho we haven't met, I know you shoot from the hip, and lip, and you mean your words. Good on ya.

Never will give up my beers and other sundry favorites... Can't do Marts, tho. Gin, another subject...

As a native Texan, I have always felt that my right to carry was God-given. Too many bozos out there NOT to be prepared for any eventuality. My daughter was robbed several years ago in the Pizza Hut, and had a twelve-guage in her face and a butcher knife at her throat. Although badly bruised from being thrown around until she opened the safe, and being thrown into an asthma attack, she suffered no ill effects. Two of her friends and co-workers were stabbed, and one required a fly-out. Those boys who did the foul deed need to thank the Lord daily that they are in prison, and will be for a long time.

Now, by the way, my daughter shoots almost as well as I do. She will have a permit one day soon.

Before I ever had a permit, I carried on a regular basis in Texas. Saved my wallet once, and all I had to do is reach for it;.. should have plugged the ghoul, but he disappeared too quickly for me to draw a bead (and I really do know better than to fire on a fleeing felon). Better judged by twelve than carried by six. Dad taught me enough common sense not to pull it out unless I intend to use it.

Almost did.

Had another experience about a year ago wherein some dolt in traffic cut me off in a very tight traffic pattern, then slammed up on me, as if it were my fault. He unassed his bucket of bolts and charged back toward me after putting something in his waistband. Sam Colt was on the seat already, and I brushed off the safety and had my hand next to the piece as he arrived at my left front fender. He saw the glint of a mirror-polished slide and got back into his short post-haste.

I got home three mikes later, and called 911 and gave them my name, address, vehicle description and license number, which is "Ten-32", local and State police code for "subject with a gun"....

I heard the dispatcher say to someone there "we have the 'brandisher' on the line"... I told her I did not brandish the weapon , was duly licensed, and had the weapon out because I suspected the offender had one, and had approached my vehicle in an aggressive manner, following an overt movement which made me suspect he had acquired a weapon. I told her that if she would hurry up and get a unit to my home, I could explain it to an officer in person, otherwise, I was going to work. The officer showed up in under five minutes, and after my explanation, he told me he would have done exactly as I had done under the circumstances. He didn't even ask for my permit. 'Nuff said.

and, oh, yes..... your Beretta is small, yes, but by no means inadequate, with the right hollowpoint!!! (Starfire, Black talon, Gold Dot,
Magsafe, Glaser, or any of a passle of other good ones...) but then, you KNEW that!

Muchos Respectos...
Grump