COTEP.org - North Florida Newbie

First off, I have to express my thanks to Riverpigusmc (who, by the way, is almost a neighbor of mine here in North Florida) for inviting me to this forum. Before my account was activated, I read some of the other new member introductions. OHEng's story - except for hunting - could almost be mine. My wife is a Florida native and I have lived in the Sunshine State for the better part of fifty years.

I was "into" guns for a brief period of time in my early-20's (a LONG time ago). But until three years ago, the Mrs and I owned one handgun between the two of us and I had not been shooting in many years. We currently own ten handguns (and counting). We live in a fairly remote area. And while I am a supporter of law enforcement, I assert that they can't be everywhere all the time.

My favorite handgun for EDC is my SIG P938. My wife and I both received our Florida concealed carry permits two years ago. I had been pretty much a 9mm/.38 guy until late-2014 when I purchased a Kimber Ultra Covert II. At the risk of offending you 1911 purists, I do like the 1911 "style" and, with .45 ACP, bigger holes are better.

A little about me personally (at the risk of starting off too politically): I've been employed in sales for most of my working life. I'm a dyed-in-the-wool right-winger with, possibly, slight libertarian leanings on some issues. But I wholeheartedly believe in personal responsibility and, above all, the (non-negotiable) right to keep and bear arms. I have been an NRA member since my rekindles interest in firearms three years ago. I have never served in the military but I am a staunch supporter of - and grateful to - those that have.

Like OHEng, I am here to interact with fellow enthusiasts and to learn. With very rare exceptions, I have found gun people to be wonderful folks. I've learned a great deal on sites such as this but acknowledge that I have only begun to scratch the surface. I took delivery this past week of a Nighthawk Bob Marvel Custom. I consider it to be an "heirloom" type firearm (even though we have no heirs); simply a work of art. I want to try to learn as much about it as I can.

Again, I am grateful to Riverpigusmc for the invitation to join this group and I look forward to making new friends who share my interest in firearms.

Thanks again and Happy 2016 to all!