Home Defense ?

T

tripytrucker

Inactive
I am looking to add a little extra home defense,but I can't decide between a carbine or shotgun.If a carbine what caliber? How effective are the handgun calibers 9mm .40? If a shotgun semi auto or pump?I don't plan to let them set in a corner and collect dust so they will be on the range a lot,fun factor would be a plus. Opinions?
 
My question is whether you have experience shooting either and some reasonable training in tactics.

That is more important than the endless discussion of the shotgun is a guaranteed killer and racking will scare someone away.

Now let's see a few pages of shotgun bluster!! :D
 
Glenn's question hit the nail on the head. Self/home defense begins with a good mindset, and training is very important.

Everyone has a pet caliber, and the discussion about which one will or will not work the "best" has been beaten to death. Try checking out the ballistic forum over at Tactical Forums; Doctor Gary Roberts has posted some really good info there.

As for shotguns, use the search function and check the shotgun forum here at TFL. Your question has been asked, answered and debated many times.

Denny
 
I think most would agree that the caliber discussion has been beat to death. All have their own merits and drawbacks, but any of the major shotguns or carbines will do the job just fine.

More importantly is your mindset and developing a good plan of home defense. Think of the realistic scenarios and how you will react. Most would also agree that it's best not to go searching/clearing your home if you know there is a burglar inside. It's better to just barricade yourself in a room, train the gun (whichever you chose) on the entry, and call 911 and wait for instructions.

Equally important is your training. A common quality pump shotgun will run you under $300. Semi auto shotguns are more. A quality HD carbine starts at $600+. Ammo for the carbine will likely be less expensive so you'll get more practice with it and carbines will generally penetrate common ballistic vests whereas shotguns may not. Count on any HD ammo penetrating several sheets of drywall.

Good luck w/ your choice.
 
As a generic answer to your question, most experts would recommend a shotgun or other long gun for a primary home-defense gun. Some training and experience is vital, though, regardless of your choice.
A Mossberg 500 series shotgun can be had for just a few hundred dollars, and is high on the list of bargains.
 
tripytrucker . . .

"I am looking to add a little extra home defense"
Click to expand...

If this is truly your objective, you may wish to consider a good, decent sized dog, which combines alarm, defense and intimidation functions.
 
RWK...
If this is truly your objective, you may wish to consider a good, decent sized dog, which combines alarm, defense and intimidation functions.
Click to expand...

I would agree with this whole heartedly. Nothing is as intimidating as a big dog growling like you are lunch. I lived in a two bedroom apartment with my wife and son, and still managed to keep a Rottweiller with us. Granted, it was a lot of work, and walking, but well worth the effort. I have no doubt that the dog stopped me from being a victim at least twice while walking the streets with her, and who knows how many times she kept my apartment from being burglarized when nobody was home. We had a crime spree where several of my neighbors were broken into to, one while a neighbor slept on her couch during the day. I finally moved from the area when the drive-by shootings started.

Now I live in the suburbs and my Rottie has long passed. I have a new dog, a half breed Pit Bull, protecting the property. Nobody gets near my house, like onto my dirveway or even walking by, without the dog looking out the window and giving a little bark to let the person see him. He is nowhere near as intimidating as the Rottie was, but he doesn't need to be. As long as he does his job as a watchdog, I'll take care of the rest! Besides, if I had a choice between robbing a house with the dog, or another house without one, guess where I would go....
 
That's why I have 2 Rotties. Anybody concerned with home defense should consider a large dog. I think it's a good deterrent. I'll take my guys over ADT any day.
 
I'd ask the following questions:
Where do you live?
How close is the nearest house to you?
Do you live alone?
This is important if you are considering a rifle, since a rifle bullet that misses the attacker can easily penetrate a wall and kill another family member or a neighbor.
JT
 
Remington Express Magnum 870 with the 18.5 inch barrel. Load it up with 00 or 04 buck and you have yourself a good HD weapon.

I agree about the dogs as well a good breed like a rotty, german shepard, or a pit bull will serve as an alarm, HD and friend. Guns dont make good friends, great listeners but horrible conversationalists.
 
The dogs may be a good deterrent from some punks or thieves looking for an easy house to rob, but if someone really wants to get into your hose, they will just shoot the dogs. Once again, if someone really wants to get in, they probaly will. But my guess is the majority of houses are picked to be robbed just because they are easy targets, not because the thief knows exactly what he wants in that house and will get in whatever it takes. In this case, as long as the dog moves hour house from the easy pickings list to the medium security home, then that's worth it.
 
The best home defense firearm is the one that you can get to immediately when you need it.

pax
 
Thanks for the advice so far

Everyone has a pet caliber, and the discussion about which one will or will not work the "best" has been beaten to death
yes they do,but I asked if they were effective.Does the longer barrel add to a 9mm or .40's muzzle velocity and/or impact force?

I've done a pretty decent page on defensive shotguns if you decide to go that route.
thanks X

If this is truly your objective, you may wish to consider a good, decent sized dog,
no thanks dont like dogs

The best home defense firearm is the one that you can get to immediately when you need it.
10-4
 
Some very good replies so far. I recently wanted to bolster my home defense. So I found a slightly used 870 18.5" and it's fully loaded under my bed. If I am absolutely positive that someone is in my house, then the shotgun comes out. If I am not sure then I will "clear" the house with my Kimber and a backup gun if I have a chance to grab both. More importantly, first do what you can to keep the bad guys out or make it hard for them to get in. Second, have a home defense plan and discuss it with your wife if not the whole family.
 
My CCW instructor who is also a sheriff's deputy uses a shotgun for home defense. He said that the shot will pretty much stay in the house and not go through walls to endanger the neighbors and your own family as a 45 would. He also said that the sound of a pump slide may be enough. Often times the bad guys turn out to be the 12 and 13 year old neighbor kids. Or even younger ones on a dare who don't realize the seriousness of their actions. The image of the BG on the shooting targets or in the movies isn't always an acurate picture in real life. Tragedy can be avoided. Know your target before you put your finger on the trigger. So I've got a Winchester Defender loaded up and ready to rack one in. I hope I never have to. He said leave some options for yourself until you fully understand the nature of the threat. A dog is a good idea too.
Jim
 
Mossberg 500. Rack it and yell the cops are on the way. Works in the 'burbs don't know about the boonies. Here in NYS it is so much easie rthan getting a handgun. If you need protection right away it is the best way to go here. IMHO!
 
You dont yell the cops are coming. You have to think of a cooler catch phrase.

IE:

Say hello to my little friend!
This is my BOOMSTICK!

etc etc.
 
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