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Main boards => General Discussion => Topic started by: alfred on January 17, 2022, 01:44:01 PM

Title: are we really safe,
Post by: alfred on January 17, 2022, 01:44:01 PM
in the past many families particularly in the east end of London had very little in the home, and so the latch key kid was born ,that is for a child wanting to go home and not having a key would put his/her hand through the letter box and pull the string which on the other end had the door key on it,

of course there was nothing to steal as almost every one was in the same boat , and strangely enough there was always a copper walking down the street either morning or evening, strange when you think why the police when there was nothing to steal ,

today its almost the reverse as people have lovely homes and very well kept with nice furniture  with plenty of furnishings, t.vs, paintings  a house hold full of treasures, and so on , and yet you hardly if ever see a policeman let alone a police car going down your road or street,

how ever security cameras on most high streets  and many houses too,
so could insurance companies insist  that you have to have home security cameras to insure your house and contents from robbers and thieves ,

Q; is there another way to protect our selves in order to play safe,
what are your thoughts and will you share them with us,
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Cassandra on January 17, 2022, 01:52:26 PM
•Stay home
•Wear a mask
•Wash your hands non stop
•Protect the NHS
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Raven on January 17, 2022, 01:55:06 PM
Blimey Cass, Who's been yanking your chain the day?  [2080]
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Michael Rolls on January 17, 2022, 01:59:05 PM
a noisy dog is a good deterrent, as is a picture of a Doberman at the gate captioned 'Come in burglar.  Make my day'
I have actually such a poster, but can't remember where - it was back in Surrey days
Mike
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Alex on January 17, 2022, 02:18:52 PM
I've always felt reasonably safe in my road which is a cul-de-sac, but not any more.  New people have made me feel anxious and I keep hoping they don't know I live on my  own.  Paranoid ?  perhaps.  :worried:
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Cassandra on January 17, 2022, 02:37:13 PM
Quote from: Alex on January 17, 2022, 02:18:52 PM
I've always felt reasonably safe in my road which is a cul-de-sac, but not any more.  New people have made me feel anxious and I keep hoping they don't know I live on my  own.  Paranoid ?  perhaps.  :worried:

I sleep with my little 'protector' under the pillow ...

(https://i.postimg.cc/hvqQDj8V/Bond-roughneck-45-twin-shot.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Alex on January 17, 2022, 03:08:52 PM
If it makes you feel safer Cass, then why not !   I don't think I'd be able to use a gun, they're scarier than the 'perceived' threat  :cowboy:
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Wandering Walter on January 17, 2022, 03:11:37 PM
We have just renewed our House and Contents Cover via our Building Society they did not even ask what if any security measures we had put in place.

However we do have security measures in place which were easy to install , battery powered burglar alarm, Ring Doorbell Camera and Speaker , Ring Camera with spotlight and speaker to cover the back , good locks front and back, both garden sheds with stand alone PIR alarms , security lights side and rear and over front door side gate locked with flimsy flimsy trellis on top so they cant get around the back easily wheelie bins around the back so they can't jump up on them.

Local Police state that most burglars are opportunists, they look for a house that they can get round the back out of sight, flimsy locks , they don't want to be seen 

So far so good fingers crossed 

     
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Wandering Walter on January 17, 2022, 03:14:55 PM
Quote from: Cassandra on January 17, 2022, 02:37:13 PM
I sleep with my little 'protector' under the pillow ...

(https://i.postimg.cc/hvqQDj8V/Bond-roughneck-45-twin-shot.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Friends of ours live in Alabama a bit off the beaten track, they have at least one gun in every room of their house even in the garage and car
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Michael Rolls on January 17, 2022, 03:17:51 PM
Back in the day, when I owned a S&W revolver, it was always to hand if needed. Thankfully, it never was. Now, in the famous American saying 'if guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns'
Mike
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Wandering Walter on January 17, 2022, 03:22:46 PM
Yes , if push comes to shove I still have my shotgun not too far away
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Michael Rolls on January 17, 2022, 03:24:23 PM
I was a member of a rifle club and hearing of my home security, a member expressed concern. My reply? 'I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6'
Mike
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Wandering Walter on January 17, 2022, 03:27:10 PM
Me too
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Cassandra on January 17, 2022, 03:53:33 PM
Quote from: Alex on January 17, 2022, 03:08:52 PM
If it makes you feel safer Cass, then why not !   I don't think I'd be able to use a gun, they're scarier than the 'perceived' threat  :cowboy:

I found it new, unfired and unregistered in a little box in one of the bedroom cabinet drawers. I've now made it's possession legal of course and have fired a number of it's large calibre shells on the range. It makes a hell of a lot of noise and over short distance, has a devastating effect. Having been shot to within a slivver of my life once and suffering a life-changing injury as a result; I would this time want to to be able to either prevent the event happening, or hopefully respond to my aggressor.

When I moved here, this is one of three guns, one long, another a magnum revolver that were included in the house's manifest.
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Alex on January 17, 2022, 03:56:13 PM
Having been shot to within a slivver of my life once and suffering a life-changing injury as a result; I would this time want to to be able to either prevent the event happening, or hopefully respond to my aggressor.

My God that's awful Cass, did you think about a change of profession after that happened ?  I'm assuming it was 'work' related
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Cassandra on January 17, 2022, 04:10:50 PM
Quote from: Alex on January 17, 2022, 03:56:13 PM
Having been shot to within a slivver of my life once and suffering a life-changing injury as a result; I would this time want to to be able to either prevent the event happening, or hopefully respond to my aggressor.

My God that's awful Cass, did you think about a change of profession after that happened ?  I'm assuming it was 'work' related

I related the story Alex, a while ago now on the 'other place'. Following a successful prosecution, I was followed from the Court to where my car was parked in a multi-storey and shot at short range as I got in. It was a head shot, but the ageing, heavy leather case (of my father's) I was holding, full with files and papers fortunately took the bulk of the impact. However it still severed my ulna and radial nerves at the brechial plexus, leaving my right arm and hand paralysed today over four decades on.

It only made me more determined to progress and succeed ...
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: klondike on January 17, 2022, 04:33:53 PM
Well done. I'm sure some may have taken a different path.
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Scrumpy on January 17, 2022, 04:35:32 PM
Cassandra..

As Mae West would say.. 'Is that a gun in your pocket.. Or are you just pleased to see me.' ?
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: zoony on January 17, 2022, 05:06:30 PM
I think Mae might've had something a little larger than a derringer in mind.. :rolleyes:
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Cassandra on January 17, 2022, 05:13:41 PM
Quote from: zoony on January 17, 2022, 05:06:30 PM
I think Mae might've had something a little larger than a derringer in mind.. :rolleyes:

Mine's actually a Bond 'Roughneck'. Derringer went out of production years ago, but their clever design persists today with many companies reproducing the 'chic' of its appearance. If you hit something with one barrel after another at say anything up to 12 feet the impact with .45 shells is devastating. They also make '.22's' for ladies to pop in their handbags or down - elsewhere! The mind boggles.
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Cassandra on January 17, 2022, 05:35:58 PM
Quote from: Scrumpy on January 17, 2022, 04:35:32 PM
Cassandra..

As Mae West would say.. 'Is that a gun in your pocket.. Or are you just pleased to see me.' ?

Scrumps, the lovely lady (Lucille Ball lookalike with the store in town) asked me Xmas day "what I was packing and where". I had to firstly elucidate that she was talking 'guns'. I couldn't show her mine as it was at home, but she showed me hers following a visit to the ladies. "Fancy a habit hon - always keep lil Betsy where it's warm at work and can't get outa the habit somehow - even t'day".

She's very saucy and quite delightful. Just to prove how awful I am with a camera here's a pic!

(https://i.postimg.cc/rFnvSDhJ/Annie.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: klondike on January 17, 2022, 05:41:11 PM
Quote from: Cassandra on January 17, 2022, 05:13:41 PM
If you hit something with one barrel after another at say anything up to 12 feet the impact with .45 shells is devastating.
What's the effect on your hand firing such a lightweight piece? I'm thinking of dear old Newton and his tedious laws of action and reaction  :smiley:
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Cassandra on January 17, 2022, 05:56:34 PM
Quote from: klondike on January 17, 2022, 05:41:11 PM
What's the effect on your hand firing such a lightweight piece? I'm thinking of dear old Newton and his tedious laws of action and reaction  :smiley:

I was told how to hold it at the range, shoot with a soft hand, post release. Although there was of course a sharp reaction to the discharge I figured it out after 4 or five shots and got a lot more accurate by the time I'd fired 12.

To be honest I've experienced far worse playing cricket ...
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Scrumpy on January 17, 2022, 06:14:46 PM
Your Lucille Ball lookalike sounds great fun..
I love how you describe the 'show me yours and I'll show you mine'..
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: klondike on January 17, 2022, 06:26:13 PM
Quote from: Cassandra on January 17, 2022, 05:56:34 PM
I was told how to hold it at the range, shoot with a soft hand, post release. Although there was of course a sharp reaction to the discharge I figured it out after 4 or five shots and got a lot more accurate by the time I'd fired 12.
A braver man than me. I've never fired a handgun but have had a shoulder bruised black and blue firing a Lee Enfield of about WW2 vintage belonging to my son at Bisley on one of his club's guest days (I have no FAC).
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: zoony on January 17, 2022, 06:37:21 PM
Quote from: Cassandra on January 17, 2022, 05:35:58 PM
Scrumps, the lovely lady (Lucille Ball lookalike with the store in town) asked me Xmas day "what I was packing and where". I had to firstly elucidate that she was talking 'guns'. I couldn't show her mine as it was at home, but she showed me hers following a visit to the ladies. "Fancy a habit hon - always keep lil Betsy where it's warm at work and can't get outa the habit somehow - even t'day".

She's very saucy and quite delightful. Just to prove how awful I am with a camera here's a pic!

(https://i.postimg.cc/rFnvSDhJ/Annie.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Wow.. She's certainly a dead ringer mate.. Great smile.
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Dayjo on January 17, 2022, 10:17:43 PM
I loved my shooting days! Always loaded my own ammo.
I developed my own 12 bore, spreader cartridges, for clay shooting.

I was much more successful, with pistols. Loved bowling pin competitions!
Was a certificated Range Officer, for the final 6 years.....
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: klondike on January 17, 2022, 10:49:30 PM
I did try clay shooting but they tasted crap.  :grin:
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Cassandra on January 18, 2022, 01:30:26 AM
Quote from: zoony on January 17, 2022, 06:37:21 PM
Wow.. She's certainly a dead ringer mate.. Great smile.

Thanks Zoon, She tells me she's shorter than Lucille by about 4", who was 5'8" apparently and:

"I'm a real redhead and I can prove it".  (Lucille was in real life a brunette).

She tells me people stop her everywhere and ask if she's her daughter etc. However whilst there is a real similarity, Annie has stunning green eyes, from her Irish roots. As you say a great smile, hilarious company and loves animals of all sorts. Edged tears the first time she saw Hollie and my little horse 'Dixie' has really taken to her. Animals are good judges of people's inner souls I've found.
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: zoony on January 18, 2022, 02:07:03 AM
I couldn't agree more.
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Cassandra on January 18, 2022, 02:12:38 AM
Quote from: klondike on January 17, 2022, 10:49:30 PM
I did try clay shooting but they tasted crap.  :grin:

:smiley:
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Cassandra on January 18, 2022, 02:50:01 AM
Quote from: Dayjo on January 17, 2022, 10:17:43 PM
I loved my shooting days! Always loaded my own ammo.

I developed my own 12 bore, spreader cartridges, for clay shooting. I was much more successful, with pistols. Loved bowling pin competitions!

Was a certificated Range Officer, for the final 6 years.....

What pistols did you fire? A few of the members at the local club use the long barrel target guns and are fascinating to watch (so accurate).

Apart from the 'Derringer' I have a .38 Makarov, a Colt 38 snub nose revolver and a Winchester M373 magnum rifle. All apart from the Makarov came with the manifest of the property here.

The Winchester is the classic 'underlever' action and I can only really use it on a support chassis at the club.

My preferred choice is the Makarov (Baikal IJ-70) with a minimal kick back it allows me one armed to achieve the best accuracy and the 8 cartridge clip magazine is easy to both refresh and reload.
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Michael Rolls on January 18, 2022, 03:23:31 AM
Didn't realise that you could get Makarov ammo. When it was the standard USSR sidearm it was noted for the fact that its 9x18mm (Euro designation) ammo was different from normal 9x19 Parabellum, so captured ammo couldn't be used in NATO pistols and SMGs - hardly a vote of confidence in one's own troops!
Just thought - there was a Makarov in 380 ACP  - presumably that is what you have? I'd forgotten that one.
Mike
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Wandering Walter on January 18, 2022, 07:46:59 AM
Quote from: klondike on January 17, 2022, 10:49:30 PM
I did try clay shooting but they tasted crap.  :grin:

:smiley: :smiley:
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Wandering Walter on January 18, 2022, 08:07:15 AM
My preferred handgun would be a Glock light and stopping power and more rounds than a revolver,
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Michael Rolls on January 18, 2022, 10:15:08 AM
for home defence, as opposed to Hollywood shoot-outs, there is a mass of evidence accumulated by the FBI that home defence situations - homeowner v intruder - occur with 12 feet or so and seldom see more than two or three rounds discharged. Immaterial here, of course, because if an armed intruded does break into your house - he will be armed, 99% of homeowners won't be, and even if you have and use a legally owned shotgun, it's a clumsy weapon up close and leaving it around loaded and easy to get to, unless you live alone, is highly dangerous to the innocent.
From safe, to hand, to first shot, the safest, quickest weapon (again FBI data) is a double action only revolver.
Mike
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: klondike on January 18, 2022, 10:33:03 AM
Quote from: Michael Rolls on January 18, 2022, 10:15:08 AM
leaving it around loaded and easy to get to, unless you live alone, is highly dangerous to the innocent.
Pretty sure it's illegal too. I think they are supposed to be kept in a gun cabinet separate from the ammunition.

On the handgun front there is a lot less to go wrong with a revolver.
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Michael Rolls on January 18, 2022, 10:49:32 AM
Quote from: klondike on January 18, 2022, 10:33:03 AM
Pretty sure it's illegal too. I think they are supposed to be kept in a gun cabinet separate from the ammunition.

On the handgun front there is a lot less to go wrong with a revolver.
Never owned a shotgun, but when I had a rifle and revolver, the rifle's bolt had to be stored separately, as did the ammunition. Didn't have a gun safe - probably mandatory these days - but the police came round at least once a year and were happy with my security arrangements.
At the time we - first wife and self - lived in an area with a bit of a history of mental patients leaving their accommodation and making a nuisance of themselves, including a number of break-ins and assaults (must emphasise  that a lot of patients went walk about, only a tiny minority did anything they shouldn't - but it only takes one) so at night the pistol was loaded and in the bedside cabinet. Thankfully, never needed.
I mentioned an armed intruder - that doesn't mean only a firearm. A screwdriver in determined hands is a lethal weapon, and in a break-in situation you are totally on your own.
Mike
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: klondike on January 18, 2022, 11:03:24 AM
Don't know for sure about shotguns but for an FAC it has to be a locked cabinet securely fixed to the wall. A big copper comes round every so often and tries to yank it off. Ammo separate. Don't know about bolts but not all rifles have one anyway.

They have been lax on inspections here recently and are issuing computer based only renewals which means you are legal but have no updated paper certificate which presents a problem getting more ammunition. I imagine that will get sorted somehow.
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Wandering Walter on January 18, 2022, 12:17:49 PM
I have a hidden gun cabinet for my shotguns cartridges are also hidden separately, local Firearms Officer retired Police is very happy with my security.

The advice I was given by him if you are very unlucky and a someone breaks in whilst you are in the house the chances of that are very low , you have two choices flight or flight if you wife and or kids are also in the house you also have two choice do as they say or fight if you can

If you are out and come home and a burglar is in the house stay outside get away dial 999, if you see the burglar or burglars leaving try and remember what they look like and if they leave in a vehicle.       
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Cassandra on January 18, 2022, 01:24:18 PM
Quote from: Michael Rolls on January 18, 2022, 03:23:31 AM
Didn't realise that you could get Makarov ammo. When it was the standard USSR sidearm it was noted for the fact that its 9x18mm (Euro designation) ammo was different from normal 9x19 Parabellum, so captured ammo couldn't be used in NATO pistols and SMGs - hardly a vote of confidence in one's own troops!
Just thought - there was a Makarov in 380 ACP  - presumably that is what you have? I'd forgotten that one.
Mike

Yes Mike it's the rarer version .38 caliber. It's very light and popular over here with Ladies as its both compact and easy to handle, plus being Russian very simple to clean and maintain as well as ultra reliable. They are also, perhaps strangely regarded for their 'safety first' approach in handling which was one of the reasons I was 'presented' with mine in the UK many years back by a 'sympathetic client' after my shooting. It was of course registered, but I surrendered it upon leaving, as importing it here was not worth the friction of merely buying one at the local gunstore. Plus the replacement is new, feels better and has a few enhancements I find ease my physical circumstance.
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Dayjo on January 18, 2022, 08:52:00 PM
Quote from: Cassandra on January 18, 2022, 02:50:01 AM
What pistols did you fire? A few of the members at the local club use the long barrel target guns.
My first pistol was a stainless, Ruger GP100, .357mag. Took me a couple of years to learn and develop technique, and ammunition. But I thoroughly enjoyed winning several bowling pin comps...

Next, added a .22 S&W, 622. Very light, 4" barrel. Good for plinking, and training beginners. Not good for 25yd targets.
Swapped it for a stainless .22 S&W 2206. We, just didn't get on.....

Sold the Ruger to a friend, and bought a S&W .44 mag. Better to zap the pins? No! Didn't work out as planned. Too much gun for my arthritic wrists....

My pal wouldn't sell the Ruger back to me. So, I bought a Glock 21, in .45acp. It had good potential, but I didn't have the time to develop it, before it was over and all handed in.....

In between times, I had a new/ old stock Webly in .38 S&W. Which I swapped for a wartime S&W, same calibre.

The main part of the hobby, for me, was rolling my own ammo. Trying to get the little pills, to reliably go where I thought I was pointing 'em.....
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Cassandra on January 18, 2022, 09:10:46 PM
Fascinating, I find the Colt Snub nose .38 quite a handful (excuse the pun) and with my one wrist compromised by fibro myalgia like you said with arthritis I find it painful after a few shots. I get the best results with the new Makarov. Predictable and with a limited kick. There's one in the club thats a 9mm version and of course entirely different both to fire and listen too, a real crack.

The Winchester was very accurate in the hands of the 'Club' champion and on a stand I was impressed by it too. I suppose essentially an old gun, but still a pleasure to use and behold.

Making your own Ammo must be quite therapeutic I can imagine when it goes right! but very interesting to experiment with too, I would think?
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Dayjo on January 18, 2022, 10:43:52 PM
Quote from: Cassandra on January 18, 2022, 09:10:46 PM
Making your own Ammo must be quite therapeutic I can imagine when it goes right! but very interesting to experiment with too, I would think?
Experimenting with different loads/ bullet weights, was what I enjoyed.
Often, loading several hundred rounds at a time, to keep component consistency....

I started my loading hobby, on 12 bore, clay, cartridges. Installing a cross card in the plastic wad, gave 4 little segments of No 9 shot. Spreading, nicely!
I regularly smoked both clays with one cartridge, shooting driven pairs....

I forgot to mention, I had a S&W Mod 52. The ammunition was .38 wadcutter.
The 158gn bullet was seated fully into the case, above 2.4gn of Red Dot powder.
A very sweet. Very accurate shooter. Loved it! I wasn't going to allow it to be, ceremonially melted down.
So I had it deactivated, before the day....
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: klondike on January 18, 2022, 11:10:26 PM
Mike was bewailing the loss of his old Webley service revolver. I suggested he just got a CO2 version. I have one and it's great fun for plinking. Then he told me that even airguns need a licence in Scotland.  :sad:
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Michael Rolls on January 19, 2022, 03:59:58 AM
won't be long before you need a bloody licence to breathe!
Mike
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: klondike on January 19, 2022, 09:32:47 AM
Haven't you got yours? Best to order one soon as the cutoff on leniency is 1st March iirc.  :grin:
Title: Re: are we really safe,
Post by: Michael Rolls on January 19, 2022, 09:59:07 AM
Quote from: klondike on January 19, 2022, 09:32:47 AM
Haven't you got yours? Best to order one soon as the cutoff on leniency is 1st March iirc.  :grin:
Gasp - in more ways than one!
Mike