The Mighty .25 Auto

I'll get to that in a second. I went out and shot an IDPA qualifier today, and wishing to be 100% on the up-and-up, instead of my usual CZ-82 in 9mm Makarov, I used my brand new (to me) Glock 22 in .40 S&W.

I have arthritis in both hands, and frankly the CZ beats me up enough even with Craftsman mechanics gloves. The Glock is really rough, still you gotta make minimums. Which brings me to this story about the much-maligned .25 auto:

Florida woman stops alligator attack with a small Beretta pistol .

This is a story of self-control and marksmanship by a brave, cool-headed woman with a small pistol against a fierce predator. What is the smallest caliber that you would trust to protect yourself?

A Beretta Jetfire testimonial... Here is her story in her own words:

While out walking along the edge of a pond just outside of 'The Villages' with my soon to be ex-husband discussing property settlement and other divorce issues, we were surprised by a huge 12-ft. alligator which suddenly emerged from the murky water and began charging us with its large jaws wide open.

She must have been protecting her nest because she was extremely aggressive.

If I had not had my little Beretta Jetfire .25 caliber pistol with me, I would not be here today!

Just one shot to my estranged husband's knee cap was all it took...

The 'gator got him easily and I was able to escape by just walking away at a brisk pace.

It's one of the best pistols in my collection! Plus the amount I saved in lawyer’s fees was incredible.

Caliber helps of course, but in the end it's shot placement, shot placement, shot placement.

Next year I understand my CZ will be IDPA-legal in the BUG (back up gun) class. Always next year. Never when I need it.