Well life has been good. I need to update my thread but the Benz is purring like a kitten. I've been working a ton, and picked up a new commuter car as I've been out the hills some and 65 horsepower isn't cutting it. As well, I don't want to put the miles on my Benz (1970 220D).

I bought a Nissan Versa. Renault and Nissan went together on a new motor design and a new builder in Japan. Aluminum block. DOHC with variable valve timing. Manual trans. Fun little car. With the valve timing it advances over 4k rpm. Gets on the freeway nice but gets 40 mpg. And most importantly, the cheapest car in the US market. I got a 2014 with 12k miles for $11k, $12.2k out the door.

However, it has hydraulic lifters, and I'm having a problem already. No big deal. It happens. But the dealership says its normal for the motor to have all that tapping...

I was upset. I don't want to be running it with out 100% valve lift. I don't want to break down in the middle of nowhere with no service.

I thought the world was ending. Stressed and loosing sleep over it. Trying to figure out how to make them fix it.

Sunday night was the worst. Preparing to call the dealership again the next morning.

I wake up in the morning to a field worker from the farm at my house. He saw a guy leaving the ranch and noticed the main house on the property was open.

We go in, and it was crazy. It looked like he played dress up cowboy and read the encyclopedia. TV on, dirty pan on the stove.

We checked the property. Someone stayed in the motorhome and went in the barn. With trying three different places out, we assumed it was goldilocks on meth.

Fast foreword to the end of the day after the field workers left. Obviously we had sheriffs out all day. Sitting on my porch when I see a guy pop up behind our barn. He sees me, doesn't run, and stares. I go for the shotgun, and he walks off.

Cops everywhere. We couldn't find him. He was wearing camo. However, we found his truck across the highway. We have a cattle crossing underneath. We hide waiting for him to come through. After a few hours we give up, but also figured out the truck is registered to a neighbor. So they will get him eventually anyways.

Cops leave. I go over to the truck to snap a photo to show the worker who saw it, confirm its the same.

Right when I get there, he walks up. Wearing one of our company shirts...

I try to block the truck, while on the phone with 911 (called 7 times that day). He has a crazy annoyed look, like who am I to call him out for trespassing. Well, I'm the ranch security guard, cause I'm not good at much else around here.

He walks right up. Looks in and a gigantic dog in the car, and a shotgun on the seat. I tried to cover it but couldn't.

Decides to walk away, gets in his truck, and drives through bushes to get out. I tailed him from a distance, straight to his house. By the time sheriffs get there he is behind a locked gate. Couldn't get a warrant or right to enter the property. I track down his parents to get permission to enter, and we accidentally talk to his brother.

We give up, everyone leaves, and I went home. Within 45 minutes, I see someone walking up to my house, with a gas can in hand. I assume the worst, he's here to burn the place down. Decision time. Do I go outside to stop him and possibly have to shoot him if he draws, or hide in my house. I decided if the house lights on fire I have time to get out, and that his life is worth more than this house ($10 million +, it's not mine).

He gets all the way back out to our gate (locked). I drive out and bait him back in. I wanted this over, and sheriffs were close. Someone is with him, couldn't see a face.

The moment those cop cars roll in was a gigantic relief. I thanked the 911 operator repeatedly. He's probably used to that.

The parents found out the cops were looking for him. He told them he stole a gas can. He came back to return the can and $20. I didn't recognize the can.

Cops put the pressure on, and he spills the beans. Relief, less of a chance of future problems.

I feel bad for the parents. Although I had a massive anxiety attack after it was over, they probably have it worse.

At first we thought drugs. But after being close up, I saw clear eyes and kormal pupils, and a wild crazy attitude.

Hopefully he doesn't come back. I'm moving houses temporarily as I'm here alone and he came to my door.

But today, I'm buying a pistol, as it's difficult to sprint with a shotgun.

After it all, I felt I need to make up with anyone I have problems with. I need to pursue the girl I like. I need to expand my company asap.

You never know when you will no longer have the chance. Don't miss it.

jeez-o-pete...that's a heck of a tale.

Glad it all worked out without anyone being injured (or worse).

Thanks for sharing.

Me too. People are so quick to suggest action but they don't understand the severity once you are in it. No one deserves to be hurt, regardless of their actions. It's not my job as another human.

So, what did the cops do to the guy? Who will watch the $10 Million dollar house if you're not there as security guard? Isn't that your job now?

Being a security person can have its down side. Glad you kept your head in the whole deal.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I would strongly suggest that you do get that pistol you mentioned, and possibly wear it holstered as a sidearm on the ranch. Never know when something like this will come up again.

Or not. You seem to be willing and able to diagnose and attempt to diffuse a given situation which is an alien concept to some folk when presented with something out of their comfort zone.

Perhaps reach out to the other family members for consul first, probably not the first time something like this has happened and they may have advice, useful, truthful or otherwise.

That said, stay vigilant and remain prepared.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

Thank you for the support. For some reasons all my perspectives have changed (for the good), I'm trying to understand why, and how to use it appropriately.

I'm gonna number my answer to posts.

1. We charged him with trespassing and petty theft. We pulled prints off some stuff in the house, but won't press charges there. He is young, probably needs help, and going to jail for years will not help him.

My living situation is odd. Maybe too long to tell. Was thinking of moving, but the situation created a lot of bonding and understanding between me and one of the property owners. I may stay. He said "I hope you stay." That's the ticket, I didn't have a roll here previously, and I think he understands my capabilities now.

2. YES! This guy thinks I'm the property owner and pressing charges. Im definitely the target. Im leaving my lights on and staying in a different house tonight. And thank you. To be honest, after it was over, I got home and couldn't breathe. Did the paper bad thing, relaxed, and then couldn't stop crying. I've dealt with a lot. People, guns, cops, but never for that long.

3. I started the paperwork and am deciding. Borrowed one though. Looking at a 38 and a sub compact 40 (yes two). Also getting my conceal permit. Been thinks about this awhile. I've decided to be an armed man in life. Question is (with the 38), single or double action? Accuracy or not hanging up coming out of my pocket? The 40 I'm going with xd subcompact. I like that one.

3. Thank you. I will always go that route. I will let the house light on fire before hurting someone. It's a thing that can be replaced. I asked the family to come by today. They did not show. I was going to give them the option of checking him in somewhere, and I'll drop charges. It's the question of if the parents accept how much help he may need, to be polite. He needs help, not punishment. It's good to be capable of going outside your comfort zone, but don't go too far. I had to, and as stated above, I crashed.

I want to explain to the family. He was lucky. I was the only one here. The other men around here would have saw him walk up with a gas can, and most likely shot him. And they will be home soon.

He's already armed with a shotgun. A handgun makes the complete package. Besides, he already wrote that he wants to procure one.

After you need one isn't the time to shop for one. He runs security at a rural ranch. Is there a reason not to be armed in that situation? Firearms are a tool of the trade of safety and ranch management. Just as a calculator is a tool of your trade.

Good luck preparing yourself for your safety and security. .

Thanks. It's pretty unofficial.

If I may make some suggestions...

Firstly, do go and proceed with getting a CCW permit, might ask others in your area for recommendations for a licensed class as to satisfaction of who's taken it and cost. Through asking some friends & coworkers, I found an instructor here that teaches in a more personal & private type of class with a lot of good information and resources and cost a good $20 less than local gun shops and big sportsman outlet stores with classes. They have a state-mandated curriculum but the extra info is great. Often these places have additional training classes that you might look into. After you get a firearm, you might also look into your local IDPA, International Defensive Pistol Association, Its competition but its also great training. I will be attending soon myself.

As for guns. I would highly encourage renting or borrowing if you can, the guns your interested in. Often a local range can rent you one to try, you may find something you do or don't like about an given pistol. I would also encourage you to look at a 9mm over a .40S&W. The .40 smith is a high pressure cartridge and is known for its snappy recoil. You may find it most likely be more difficult to control the muzzle VS a 9mm or some .45's. That extra muzzle flip cost time for follow up shots. I have a Taurus 24/7 Pro chambered for .40S&W, its a duty size gun, stainless slide/polymer lower, 4" barrel, 15+1 capacity and its a snappy gun especially with defense loads. It has more snap than my dads almost identical Taurus PT145, same basic gun but .45ACP, single stack, and 3" barrel. Its smaller and lighter and my .40 has more bite. Times have advanced and 9mm is an outstanding defense round today with plenty of stopping power, easier shootability, ammo choices, gun choices, usually extra capacity, etc. The FBI and other agencies (the FBI gave birth to the .40S&W btw) are now going back to 9mm. A Springfield XD, M&P, Glock, etc with a mag full of 9mm Federal HST's or Winchester Ranger T-series or the Winchester Defend 9mm would have you in very good protection. That Winchester Train & Defend series of ammo is a great deal!

As for a .38 revolver, the Ruger LCR (DAO) is a popular gun, compact and light weight. There a a number of other good guns in its class. Since this is a defensive application/backup gun as far as mode of fire is concerned. Your probably not going to have time to run a revolver in single action fire should you need it. Single action is preferred from an accuracy standpoint because of the lighter trigger pull. Again, are you going to have time to fire SA? The new LCRx is a DA/SA with barely exposed hammer spur if you really want the option. Me personally, I would go with the original LCR and practice with it, get used to the DA trigger. Permitting you like that gun. There is the M&P Bodyguard 38 too, also a nice carry .38. There are a lot of choices out there for a compact carry .38/.357 so look around! The big deal is training, what ever you buy, go practice with them!

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87' 300D, Currently undergoing an OM606 swap/build! SUPERTURBO!!!
03' 2500HD Dmax + goodies!
82' 300SD, parting out!
93' 300TE 4matic, parting out!
83' 240D Project Cheap Drive
89' 300E, parting out!
74' Datsun 510 wagon
88' RX7 10thAE, 13B track car build soon

Skippy~ As for perception: Drive what you like and can afford. Those who don't like it can supply vacuum to one of your components. LOL

If you need parts, I have some!

Good advice. Only thing I'd add is, practice on the ranch, where the nutball can hear you.

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You're a daisy if you do.
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84 Euro 240D 4spd. 220.5k sold
04 Honda Element AWD
1985 F150 XLT 4x4, 351W with 270k miles, hay hauler
1997 Suzuki Sidekick 4x4
1993 Toyota 4wd Pickup 226K and counting

Before you go hog wild and buy a bunch of guns, I would recommend you take some classes if you haven't already. After which, go to a range that rents guns and figure out what you really like to shoot. Some people will say "I carry a 45 because there is no 46.". You need to find a gun you will shoot and shoot well. It has to be comfortable. I have run across lots of guns that shoot well but I hate the damn thing. That you will not practice with much and will not be proficient. So this is a discipline. You need to really practice with it every so often and not just make it a "safe queen" and assume it works.

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01 Ford Excursion Powerstroke
99 E300 Turbodiesel
91 Vette with 383 motor
05 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI
06 Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Red
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Yellow
04 Tailgator 21 ft Toy Hauler
11 Harley Davidson 883 SuperLow

If trigger pull is an issue, maybe a striker fired pistol would be better so he won't have to worry about DA or SA mode? I don't really think accuracy is an issue. I mean, for self defense mode, it isn't like you are trying to shoot the legs off a fly at 100 yards. How far would you say a defense situation is? I'd practice for 20 feet in various lighting situations and call it good. If you can hit a 4 inch group at 20 feet, I'd call it good enough for self defense.

__________________
01 Ford Excursion Powerstroke
99 E300 Turbodiesel
91 Vette with 383 motor
05 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI
06 Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Red
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Yellow
04 Tailgator 21 ft Toy Hauler
11 Harley Davidson 883 SuperLow

4 in. group at 30 ft. MOVING, you the target or both. Shooting paper is better than nothing but doesn't prepare well enough IMO.

__________________
You're a daisy if you do.
__________________________________
84 Euro 240D 4spd. 220.5k sold
04 Honda Element AWD
1985 F150 XLT 4x4, 351W with 270k miles, hay hauler
1997 Suzuki Sidekick 4x4
1993 Toyota 4wd Pickup 226K and counting