Pax, I read your post and am reminded of my wife. Were she to read any of the posts you quoted, she'd probably be fuming. And, she hates revolvers, and can't stand to be told she needs a smaller gun in a lighter caliber. She loves her Beretta 92. She does, however, admit that it's too big for her to carry concealed...she just can't find a smaller gun that she likes.
Best pistol for home defense.
- Thread starter adam3
- Start date
Art Eatman
Staff in Memoriam
The best pistol is the one with which she is most comfortable; which fits her hand the best. That is the one with which she will most easily advance to an acceptable level of skill.
Overall, only SHE can make that selection.
I'm stipulating 9mm, .40, .45ACP in autos, of course. .38 or .357 in revolvers...
$0.02, Art
Overall, only SHE can make that selection.
I'm stipulating 9mm, .40, .45ACP in autos, of course. .38 or .357 in revolvers...
$0.02, Art
adam3
I'm seeing a theme here, hmm, home defense = shotgun, yep definitely a theme. Besides they don't penetrate walls and kill your dog or your mother-in-law in the next room . Hey wait! Ok, if the mother-in-law is in the next room definitely the Glock 17 with hi-caps and make sure you empty the mag. Wouldn't want to wound her. Sorry, got distracted, shotgun is the first choice.
I'm seeing a theme here, hmm, home defense = shotgun, yep definitely a theme. Besides they don't penetrate walls and kill your dog or your mother-in-law in the next room . Hey wait! Ok, if the mother-in-law is in the next room definitely the Glock 17 with hi-caps and make sure you empty the mag. Wouldn't want to wound her. Sorry, got distracted, shotgun is the first choice.
MeekAndMild
New member
PAX, Please don't hit me again I promise I'll be good.
No offense intended, nor full generalization. When one's wife and mother both carry small frame revolvers one naturally assumes that to be a valid sample of feminine preference.
No offense intended, nor full generalization. When one's wife and mother both carry small frame revolvers one naturally assumes that to be a valid sample of feminine preference.
Consideration
Though your poll specifies hardware, may I suggest a few considerations. The weapon best used by your wife is the weapon she can use the best. Assuming this has not already happened, go with her to a basic firearms course. Have her shoot several different guns. This way she can get the "feel" of different weps (revolver, semi, various calibers). In addition, she gains valuable coaching/instruction. You/she can then match her hand size, strength & dexterity to a wep. SHE has to be comfortable with it to use it. In general, for home defense consider a weapon greater than 9mm/.38 from a reputable manufacturer (Colt, Glock, S&W,...).
MOST important is training and practice-practice-practice. Home defense is an involved subject, it's not enough to have the wep. Go through a home defense course (NRA offers one). This way tactics (use of cover, flashlights, "clearing" a room, securing your children) and legal issues are brought up as well as marksmanship. On a regular basis spend time on the range. These are perishable skills. Her mind and skill have to get her through an ordeal and the aftermath, the hardware just has to go "bang" when needed.
Do you have a budget? You and your wife would be better prepared by buying a $300 (quality) .38, $100 in ammo and 2 courses than a $600-700 wiz-bang 9mm.
Another thought: Have you considered a shotgun? A Remington 870 in 20 gauge with a 18" barrel maybe fairly manageable for her.
-stick
Though your poll specifies hardware, may I suggest a few considerations. The weapon best used by your wife is the weapon she can use the best. Assuming this has not already happened, go with her to a basic firearms course. Have her shoot several different guns. This way she can get the "feel" of different weps (revolver, semi, various calibers). In addition, she gains valuable coaching/instruction. You/she can then match her hand size, strength & dexterity to a wep. SHE has to be comfortable with it to use it. In general, for home defense consider a weapon greater than 9mm/.38 from a reputable manufacturer (Colt, Glock, S&W,...).
MOST important is training and practice-practice-practice. Home defense is an involved subject, it's not enough to have the wep. Go through a home defense course (NRA offers one). This way tactics (use of cover, flashlights, "clearing" a room, securing your children) and legal issues are brought up as well as marksmanship. On a regular basis spend time on the range. These are perishable skills. Her mind and skill have to get her through an ordeal and the aftermath, the hardware just has to go "bang" when needed.
Do you have a budget? You and your wife would be better prepared by buying a $300 (quality) .38, $100 in ammo and 2 courses than a $600-700 wiz-bang 9mm.
Another thought: Have you considered a shotgun? A Remington 870 in 20 gauge with a 18" barrel maybe fairly manageable for her.
-stick
waltherpfive
New member
If no 12 gauge pump then Glock 17 with night sights.