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Pump vs Semi Auto vs Double for Defense
- Thread starter dalegribble
- Start date
Question for those that like to rack a round into the chamber of your pump to scare away the home invader: Do you keep your semiauto pistol in the same condition and have to rack the slide before engaging the home invader?
The way I look at it, if the home invader is inside the house, several of my other security measures have failed, and it is way past time to make the weapon ready for combat. It should have been ready beforehand.
And as for the rules of safety: "Keep every gun unloaded until ready to use". Well, my shotgun beside my bed for HD IS being used, and should therefore be fully loaded.
DA revolvers are quiet, but handguns suck for defense. Give me a long gun any day. The only time I used a handgun for my primary HD weapon was when my kids were small enough I could carry them. That way if needed, I could carry them with one arm and fight with the other. Now that they are too big for that, give me the power of a 12 ga.
The way I look at it, if the home invader is inside the house, several of my other security measures have failed, and it is way past time to make the weapon ready for combat. It should have been ready beforehand.
And as for the rules of safety: "Keep every gun unloaded until ready to use". Well, my shotgun beside my bed for HD IS being used, and should therefore be fully loaded.
DA revolvers are quiet, but handguns suck for defense. Give me a long gun any day. The only time I used a handgun for my primary HD weapon was when my kids were small enough I could carry them. That way if needed, I could carry them with one arm and fight with the other. Now that they are too big for that, give me the power of a 12 ga.
The KISS Rule
I think shotguns embody the KISS Rule better than any other weapon: Keep It Simple, Stupid! Attempts to make the shotgun a more battle-worthy weapon take away from its simplicity and speed.
If you want to knock a guy down quickly at 25 yards, there's nothing better. If you want to do more, you should probably have a rifle.
For nearly any civilian defensive scenario, you can't go far wrong with a plain-jane 12 gauge pump loaded with 00 Buck. The autos are fine, perhaps even superior technically, but I don't think the expense and complication translate into any realistic tactical advantage. They probably require more maintenance and training as well. The double barrels are OK if that's what you've got for legal or other reasons, but I think it's a good idea to have more than two shots before a reload.
The tacticool accessories should be left in the Cheaper-Than-Dirt catalog (although a weapon light is a good idea, actually). I don't even like the extended mags (source of stoppages).
Keep it locked up but loaded (full mag, empty chamber, safety on). As soon as you deploy it, rack one into the chamber and take the safety off. Abide by the four fundamental rules of firearm safety.
I think shotguns embody the KISS Rule better than any other weapon: Keep It Simple, Stupid! Attempts to make the shotgun a more battle-worthy weapon take away from its simplicity and speed.
If you want to knock a guy down quickly at 25 yards, there's nothing better. If you want to do more, you should probably have a rifle.
For nearly any civilian defensive scenario, you can't go far wrong with a plain-jane 12 gauge pump loaded with 00 Buck. The autos are fine, perhaps even superior technically, but I don't think the expense and complication translate into any realistic tactical advantage. They probably require more maintenance and training as well. The double barrels are OK if that's what you've got for legal or other reasons, but I think it's a good idea to have more than two shots before a reload.
The tacticool accessories should be left in the Cheaper-Than-Dirt catalog (although a weapon light is a good idea, actually). I don't even like the extended mags (source of stoppages).
Keep it locked up but loaded (full mag, empty chamber, safety on). As soon as you deploy it, rack one into the chamber and take the safety off. Abide by the four fundamental rules of firearm safety.
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The tacticool accessories should be left in the Cheaper-Than-Dirt catalog
Boy...you can say that again. Am I the only one who just doesn't understand how people screw up their shotguns (and other guns too) by putting all this junk on it.
You know...I agree with you about the extended magazine as well...fun as hell at the range plinking and busting clays, but for defense, no extension...if you can't do it with 5 rounds of 00 or 000 buck, you probably can't do it.
oneounceload
Moderator
The autos are fine, perhaps even superior technically, but I don't think the expense and complication translate into any realistic tactical advantage. They probably require more maintenance and training as well.
Sounds like this is coming from someone who has never used a semi before....
They require no more maintenance or training than you would with a pump