Yeah, I guess the general consensus is that for REAL defense and stopping power, one should not reply on anything less than a .40. When I am out hiking I carry my 9mm. True, it might not be as good as a .40 or 45, but let's be honest, no one wants to get shot. I think a well placed 9mm will do me just fine. That said, I hope to never find out.

Furthermore, there is nothing stopping me from slinging my AK. I worry about two things, hill-billies and mountain lions. I don't EVER want to encounter a hostile situation, and I know it isn't a very likely occurrence, but you never know. Be as smart as you can be, urban or rural.

IMO, for family home protection, there is no replacement for a shotgun. You can remove limbs with a twelver loaded with 00. My shotgun is loaded with 00 and then slug, in alternating order. So, please don't break into my house cause it is going to be a hell of a mess.

Bart