Preparing My Home - 1st Gun Questions - Need Advice
- Thread starter Jasper616
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Bill DeShivs
New member
The spray works on you, too! You will probably have to vacate the house for a while. Cleanup will be almost impossible. It's bad stuff!
For the revolver, here is one I have...a Ruger SP101 in .357
This gun is a little tank, and like others have said, it also shoots .38 special rounds, which is good for range time.
Actually my first choice for either carry or at my bed side is either one of these two...
A Kimber Conceal Carry II...45acp
Springfield Armory EMP...9mm
I find the triggers on the 1911's are easier for me to use, then the double action revolver trigger. And a safety on the 1911's is good too.
This gun is a little tank, and like others have said, it also shoots .38 special rounds, which is good for range time.
Actually my first choice for either carry or at my bed side is either one of these two...
A Kimber Conceal Carry II...45acp
Springfield Armory EMP...9mm
I find the triggers on the 1911's are easier for me to use, then the double action revolver trigger. And a safety on the 1911's is good too.
ReadyOnTheRight
New member
You want a handgun. Buy a handgun. A Ruger GP100 will shoot both .38 and .357, it has a nice bit of extra weight to absorb recoil and they are relatively inexpensive.
Take a training course, buy a lot of ammo and shoot it at your local range. See if there are any competitions at that range - gun competitions are usually very fun, involve great people and push your skills.
As far as grabbing the gun over a taser or some kind of spray...you should really think about your situation and what you are protecting.
A good training course will tell you that you should not "clear your house" like Jack Bauer clearing a terrorist safe house if you hear a bump in the night. You should grab your gun, take up a good defensive position and call 911.
Welcome to gun ownership! You are very smart to ask a lot of questions and this is a great place to do so.
Take a training course, buy a lot of ammo and shoot it at your local range. See if there are any competitions at that range - gun competitions are usually very fun, involve great people and push your skills.
As far as grabbing the gun over a taser or some kind of spray...you should really think about your situation and what you are protecting.
A good training course will tell you that you should not "clear your house" like Jack Bauer clearing a terrorist safe house if you hear a bump in the night. You should grab your gun, take up a good defensive position and call 911.
Welcome to gun ownership! You are very smart to ask a lot of questions and this is a great place to do so.
Since you seem to want a revolver, I agree with the suggestion of the Ruger GP100 for the reasons already mentioned. It would be my choice if I were buying a revolver for home defense purposes.
Once you have it, spend some money on ammo and shoot it a lot. Become proficient with it. And shoot it often in order to stay proficient. You want it to be second nature if you really need to use it in a high stress situation.
If you're interested in a semi-auto pistol, there are many good ones to choose from. I'd recommend 9mm or .45acp. Recoil in those might be less than with the revolver and they hold more rounds, although I guess you're limited to 10 in California.
Once you have it, spend some money on ammo and shoot it a lot. Become proficient with it. And shoot it often in order to stay proficient. You want it to be second nature if you really need to use it in a high stress situation.
If you're interested in a semi-auto pistol, there are many good ones to choose from. I'd recommend 9mm or .45acp. Recoil in those might be less than with the revolver and they hold more rounds, although I guess you're limited to 10 in California.
Firepower!
New member
GP100 by Ruger.
I think its a great gun. I have recently become convinced.
I think its a great gun. I have recently become convinced.
Great first post, and welcome to The Firing Line.
It is good to have people join up who are not afraid to do some research of their own from time to time.
I didn't read all the replies, just your posts, Jasper. Forgive me if I repeat something.
Remember that a 357 Magnum revolver can also shoot 38 Specials and a 44 Magnum revolver can also shoot 44 Specials.
You seem to be leaning toward a revolver, which is good. Less to go wrong, less to remember, and less upkeep.
Either one of these guns will be great for home defense duty. I'm with Bill, in that a modern 38 Special should be plenty. Modern ones can handle 38 Special +P ammo, which will be enough medicine, unless the intruder is armored. My feeling is that most of the time, the mere fact that you have a gun and a loud verbal announcment that you're about to use it will be enough to avoid having to use it. If I were a looter, I'd certainly look for an easier target rather than risk my life.
A revolver chambered in 44 Special would be a bit better because the bigger bullet is going to transfer more energy. But 44 Special ammo is expensive to practice with. Near me, it is $30 a box. 38 Special is about $16.
45 ACP is another good option. Maybe the best of the three I mentioned. Is has an even bigger bullet, but still does not kick too much. More energy than 44 Special. For home defense, you would keep full moon clips loaded for quick reloads. For range use, loading and unloading the moon clips would be a pain. Some folks just buy enough for all the ammo they're going to shoot, and load/unload them at home before and after. (45 ACP is a rimless cartridge, and as such, they need moon clips to make extraction quicker and easier in a revolver) 45 ACP ammo also costs less than 44 Special. It is about $20-25 a box near me.
To answer your question as to what you should do if your home is invaded while you're home, I'd grab the gun and a flashlight. The gun has more intimidation factor, so it is most likely to be effective without even having to use it. The flashlight will give you a tactical advantage; your attacker will be blinded. You've got dogs that will presumably wake you up in time to get your revolver & flashlight. That is what I worry the most about: not waking up in time to act. I'm a heavy sleeper. So's my dog, and I have no alarm system. On the plus side, I'm on the second floor of a condo, so most robbers would probably choose my downstairs neighbors instead of me.
Perhaps even more important is what happens with your guns when you are NOT at home. You mentioned that you have a safe. I recommend keeping them locked up when you're not at home. You'd hate to see your gun stolen when you're out, then used to kill someone in a later crime. Is your safe bolted down or heavy enough that it would not also be stolen?
What plans do you have for other family members with regards to the gun(s)?
Will the wife be trained? Are the kids responsible enough and/or old enough? Most of us here would recommend bringing the wife & kids with you to the range when they're old enough. I know CA has some pretty crippling gun laws, and I'm sure you've already looked into them.
It is good to have people join up who are not afraid to do some research of their own from time to time.
I didn't read all the replies, just your posts, Jasper. Forgive me if I repeat something.
Remember that a 357 Magnum revolver can also shoot 38 Specials and a 44 Magnum revolver can also shoot 44 Specials.
You seem to be leaning toward a revolver, which is good. Less to go wrong, less to remember, and less upkeep.
Either one of these guns will be great for home defense duty. I'm with Bill, in that a modern 38 Special should be plenty. Modern ones can handle 38 Special +P ammo, which will be enough medicine, unless the intruder is armored. My feeling is that most of the time, the mere fact that you have a gun and a loud verbal announcment that you're about to use it will be enough to avoid having to use it. If I were a looter, I'd certainly look for an easier target rather than risk my life.
A revolver chambered in 44 Special would be a bit better because the bigger bullet is going to transfer more energy. But 44 Special ammo is expensive to practice with. Near me, it is $30 a box. 38 Special is about $16.
45 ACP is another good option. Maybe the best of the three I mentioned. Is has an even bigger bullet, but still does not kick too much. More energy than 44 Special. For home defense, you would keep full moon clips loaded for quick reloads. For range use, loading and unloading the moon clips would be a pain. Some folks just buy enough for all the ammo they're going to shoot, and load/unload them at home before and after. (45 ACP is a rimless cartridge, and as such, they need moon clips to make extraction quicker and easier in a revolver) 45 ACP ammo also costs less than 44 Special. It is about $20-25 a box near me.
To answer your question as to what you should do if your home is invaded while you're home, I'd grab the gun and a flashlight. The gun has more intimidation factor, so it is most likely to be effective without even having to use it. The flashlight will give you a tactical advantage; your attacker will be blinded. You've got dogs that will presumably wake you up in time to get your revolver & flashlight. That is what I worry the most about: not waking up in time to act. I'm a heavy sleeper. So's my dog, and I have no alarm system. On the plus side, I'm on the second floor of a condo, so most robbers would probably choose my downstairs neighbors instead of me.
Perhaps even more important is what happens with your guns when you are NOT at home. You mentioned that you have a safe. I recommend keeping them locked up when you're not at home. You'd hate to see your gun stolen when you're out, then used to kill someone in a later crime. Is your safe bolted down or heavy enough that it would not also be stolen?
What plans do you have for other family members with regards to the gun(s)?
Will the wife be trained? Are the kids responsible enough and/or old enough? Most of us here would recommend bringing the wife & kids with you to the range when they're old enough. I know CA has some pretty crippling gun laws, and I'm sure you've already looked into them.
dirksterg30
New member
Jasper616, I would check out your state & local laws about this. Some states frown on having a gun in the car unless you are going to or from the range, and your workplace may not allow it either. Good luck with your decision.
fastlanedude
Inactive
Scary dogs vs shot gun
"If you are not ready to take a life, or be absolutly sure it's not your son or daughter coming through the door at 2:00 in the morring, then do not get a gun, get a rotwiller, german shepard or doberman. A 150 lb dog will keep almost all but the most deturmined away from your door 24/7 even if your not home." Quoting Jim.
My brother lived in Coral Springs, FL. He had a huge, intimidating doberman named "Tyrone". Someone broke in the house while they were asleep and stole his wife's purse and other items. Tyrone was also asleep.
Now, if they were awakened, then I feel the 12 gauge under the bed would be mans best friend.
True Story.
"If you are not ready to take a life, or be absolutly sure it's not your son or daughter coming through the door at 2:00 in the morring, then do not get a gun, get a rotwiller, german shepard or doberman. A 150 lb dog will keep almost all but the most deturmined away from your door 24/7 even if your not home." Quoting Jim.
My brother lived in Coral Springs, FL. He had a huge, intimidating doberman named "Tyrone". Someone broke in the house while they were asleep and stole his wife's purse and other items. Tyrone was also asleep.
Now, if they were awakened, then I feel the 12 gauge under the bed would be mans best friend.
True Story.
Basics
870 Remington 20ga with 20" barrel will be a great H-D shotgun, also a SHTF weapon for food . 20ga is more likely to get pratice from a regular shooter than the 12ga because of recoil issues ( both real & perceived ) . And You can always buy a second Remington 870 in 12ga once You master the 20ga and get back your original investment. Nothing shakes a perp
like racking the slide on a 870 !!!!!!!
Cept maybe My Rottie . Just a thought........WVleo
870 Remington 20ga with 20" barrel will be a great H-D shotgun, also a SHTF weapon for food . 20ga is more likely to get pratice from a regular shooter than the 12ga because of recoil issues ( both real & perceived ) . And You can always buy a second Remington 870 in 12ga once You master the 20ga and get back your original investment. Nothing shakes a perp
like racking the slide on a 870 !!!!!!! Cept maybe My Rottie . Just a thought........WVleooneounceload
Moderator
Larry Spencer -
While I agree with most of your aspects, carrying in a pocket doesn't work so well when you are driving, and wearing, say, jeans. In most scenarios, no big deal......most folks I know that carry in a pocket, put it either between the seats when driving, or, (like me), as a LH - put it in the car door where it accessible
You mentioned working on fencing, etc.......my friends with acreage use ATV/UTV to work on them....they carry rifles or shotguns in racks on their property - something to consider IN ADDITION to that pocket rocket
While I agree with most of your aspects, carrying in a pocket doesn't work so well when you are driving, and wearing, say, jeans. In most scenarios, no big deal......most folks I know that carry in a pocket, put it either between the seats when driving, or, (like me), as a LH - put it in the car door where it accessible
You mentioned working on fencing, etc.......my friends with acreage use ATV/UTV to work on them....they carry rifles or shotguns in racks on their property - something to consider IN ADDITION to that pocket rocket
A .357 Magnum revolver is an excellent choice, if you'll be keeping the gun at home and not carrying it, I'd suggest a medium or large frame all steel revolver. Generally speaking, anything made by S&W, Ruger, or Colt that's in good condition is a pretty safe bet. A few models you may look for
S&W Model Numbers
27, 28, 627, 19, 13, 66, 65, 586, 581, 686, 681
Ruger Models
Security Six, Police Service Six, Speed Six, GP100
Colt Models (note: these are typically more expensive than S&W or Ruger)
Python, Lawman, King Cobra, Trooper Mk III, Trooper Mk V
S&W Model Numbers
27, 28, 627, 19, 13, 66, 65, 586, 581, 686, 681
Ruger Models
Security Six, Police Service Six, Speed Six, GP100
Colt Models (note: these are typically more expensive than S&W or Ruger)
Python, Lawman, King Cobra, Trooper Mk III, Trooper Mk V
I have a Ruger P89 with high capacity mags that I keep in a drawer by the bed. I feel confident that I can neutralize any threat with this. Soon enough it will be joined by a 12 gauge Mossberg Pump (my girl friends choice for her protection when I am gone).
My plan is fairly simple and straight forward. If I suspect someone is in the house I will move my girlfriend and I to the floor in between the bed and the wall opposite the door. I take my right angle Streamlight flashlight and place it past the end of the bed facing towards the door, turned off at this point. Make sure that I have racked the slide so that my pistol is ready to go. And then simply wait. Of course having called the police. If the BG comes up the stairs I turn the flashlight on, shining at the door, take aim at the door, announce my presence and that I am armed and if they enter the bedroom they will be shot and also that the police have been called.
I am a firm believer that if the BG doesn't enter living space occupied by me or my girlfriend, or my children, if they happen to be with me that night, they are free to go. I will not clear my house. I will not leave my position of cover...unless somehow one of my family members is endangered if I don't. My intent is to let the professionals clear my house. While I will shoot if necessary, I am not Rambo and will not seek confrontation if the BG stay out of where I am.
My plan is fairly simple and straight forward. If I suspect someone is in the house I will move my girlfriend and I to the floor in between the bed and the wall opposite the door. I take my right angle Streamlight flashlight and place it past the end of the bed facing towards the door, turned off at this point. Make sure that I have racked the slide so that my pistol is ready to go. And then simply wait. Of course having called the police. If the BG comes up the stairs I turn the flashlight on, shining at the door, take aim at the door, announce my presence and that I am armed and if they enter the bedroom they will be shot and also that the police have been called.
I am a firm believer that if the BG doesn't enter living space occupied by me or my girlfriend, or my children, if they happen to be with me that night, they are free to go. I will not clear my house. I will not leave my position of cover...unless somehow one of my family members is endangered if I don't. My intent is to let the professionals clear my house. While I will shoot if necessary, I am not Rambo and will not seek confrontation if the BG stay out of where I am.
Rifleman 173
New member
Now then... Once you are in possession of your firearms, think about taking some local classes in how to shoot and use your firearms. Most larger cities across the U.S. have NRA counselors available in them. You can call the NRA at (703) 267-1500 which is their Education and Training group. They can tell you who to contact and which ranges in your area that they recommend for good service. If you happen to be a member of a local range that's good too and that range may already have people on staff, generally NRA people, who can help you learn how to shoot and legally use your firearms based on local or state laws.
I am still deciding and had some more good practice today. I fired about 200 rounds from a S&W 686, 6" 357. After that I had my first experience shooting a shotgun. I shot 25 rounds of skeet with a Remington 870. I must admit, I can now see why people on the forum say that the sound an 870 makes while loading is very intimidating. I was a lot more accurate with the handgun. I only hit 5/25 skeet. At least it can only get better from here. I'll keep you posted and add photos once I make my first purchase. Thanks for all of the great advice so far. I'm already planning good home improvements based on suggestions from members here.
Don't worry about hitting only 5 of 25 first time out. It's a little harder than it looks
FyredUps suggestions are sound, and are identical to those that are taught by home defense trainers. Choosing a 'safe' room to gather your loved ones in with a barrier such as a bed to hide behind is a sound one. Have a cell in there at all times, even if it's an old one. You can always dial 911 from a non-subsripted phone.
Other things to think about once you are secure with phone, loved ones, and a weapon are how secure you actually are. Replace that room's door with a solid core one, with four heavy hinges (instead of two) secured with 3" screws that actually penetrate studs. Same goes with the striker plate- there are a lot of security strike plates that are 2-3 times longer than standard. Secure those with 3" as well.
A long-throw deadbolt helps as well if someone is trying to break into your 'safe' room. Your possessions are replaceable. You and your loved ones are not. Wait for the LEO's once you're secure.
FyredUps suggestions are sound, and are identical to those that are taught by home defense trainers. Choosing a 'safe' room to gather your loved ones in with a barrier such as a bed to hide behind is a sound one. Have a cell in there at all times, even if it's an old one. You can always dial 911 from a non-subsripted phone.
Other things to think about once you are secure with phone, loved ones, and a weapon are how secure you actually are. Replace that room's door with a solid core one, with four heavy hinges (instead of two) secured with 3" screws that actually penetrate studs. Same goes with the striker plate- there are a lot of security strike plates that are 2-3 times longer than standard. Secure those with 3" as well.
A long-throw deadbolt helps as well if someone is trying to break into your 'safe' room. Your possessions are replaceable. You and your loved ones are not. Wait for the LEO's once you're secure.
Survival & Preparedness Information
There is a lot of survival and emergency preparedness information out there on the internet. I own a site (www.WorldInfoCD.com) that sells survival-preparedness-weapons information CD's and DVD's. Feel free to check them out - very inexpensive.
Survivalblog.com also is a great place to check out for survival supplies idea's.
You are definitely at the right place when it comes to firearms - TheFiringLine isa great place to ask questions.
Good luck -
Rourke
There is a lot of survival and emergency preparedness information out there on the internet. I own a site (www.WorldInfoCD.com) that sells survival-preparedness-weapons information CD's and DVD's. Feel free to check them out - very inexpensive.
Survivalblog.com also is a great place to check out for survival supplies idea's.
You are definitely at the right place when it comes to firearms - TheFiringLine isa great place to ask questions.
Good luck -
Rourke
Stevie-Ray
New member
And keep in mind that is better than some of us. I don't rely on shotguns because I am just no good with them. In skeet, I'm 0 for 10. I find it's probably a cross-dominance problem, and I've learned a few new things about cross-dominance and shotguns that I am willing to try out. But not when it comes to home defense. I prefer .45 ACP for the home, and I have 3 to choose from. Sounds like you like .38 or .357, and I applaud those that suggested the choice of the Ruger SP-101 or GP-100, as both are fine revolvers and I wouldn't hesitate to use either in a HD situation. Best of luck to you.
I've made my selection. I bought a Smith & Wesson model 686P with a 6" barrel. Since CCW is not allowed in San Francisco (7 CCWs out of 750,000 people) I will only have this gun in my home or at the range. I figure that 6" will be better atthe range. I fired about 400 rounds with a friends 686 and just figured more is better as far as capacity so I got the 7 shooter. I'm currently in California's 10 day waiting period. I'll post a picture when it arrives.
Good choice Jasper. I do not think you could have done better than a 686.
I would suggest a 12 gauge pump though in addition. an 870 or Mossberg in regular configuration with a shoulder stock, is in my opinion the very best home defense weapon in existance. If you load it with #6 shot the recoil should be tolerable and at home defense
ranges it would be absolutly devastating.
Although I do not agree completley with everything that has been posted here, I think that you have been given some very good advice by a lot of people who know what they are talking about.
The most important thing now is to get practice with your firearms and have a plan on what to do when things go bad. The importance of practice cannot be overemphisized!
And if someone is breaking into your home my opinion is that you should bring to bear the most powerful weapon to bear that you have immediatly, that would be a firearm, and be ready to use it.
Best of luck to you and yours.
Bill Henderson
I would suggest a 12 gauge pump though in addition. an 870 or Mossberg in regular configuration with a shoulder stock, is in my opinion the very best home defense weapon in existance. If you load it with #6 shot the recoil should be tolerable and at home defense
ranges it would be absolutly devastating.
Although I do not agree completley with everything that has been posted here, I think that you have been given some very good advice by a lot of people who know what they are talking about.
The most important thing now is to get practice with your firearms and have a plan on what to do when things go bad. The importance of practice cannot be overemphisized!
And if someone is breaking into your home my opinion is that you should bring to bear the most powerful weapon to bear that you have immediatly, that would be a firearm, and be ready to use it.
Best of luck to you and yours.
Bill Henderson