question about rifle for self defense
- Thread starter Deena_K
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Birdshot is for birds.... (The filter gives me the impression he didn't type "shot". The other word it could have been wouldn't work very well for defense either. 
)
There's nothing wrong with the Marlin .357 for defending yourself in your home. If the need arises, barricade yourself in your safe room. Cover the door and dial 911 with your cell phone on speaker or other hands-free device. The .357 rife is certainly capable of stopping anyone who might try to get in. I also believe the 158gr hollow point is better than the 180gr flat point for this. It will be plenty accurate at across room distances. Save the 180gr bullets for deer hunting or target use.
If I suspect someone is in my house who isn't supposed to be there I have no intention of clearing the house. Our plan is to hunker down in the MBR and I'll cover the door with a shotgun (loaded with buckshot) while the wife calls 911. When the law arrives we'll drop a key out the window so they'll know where we are and can get in. They can take care of any house clearing that needs to be done. There's nothing in my house (other than family) that I'm intentionaly going into harm's way to protect.
)There's nothing wrong with the Marlin .357 for defending yourself in your home. If the need arises, barricade yourself in your safe room. Cover the door and dial 911 with your cell phone on speaker or other hands-free device. The .357 rife is certainly capable of stopping anyone who might try to get in. I also believe the 158gr hollow point is better than the 180gr flat point for this. It will be plenty accurate at across room distances. Save the 180gr bullets for deer hunting or target use.
If I suspect someone is in my house who isn't supposed to be there I have no intention of clearing the house. Our plan is to hunker down in the MBR and I'll cover the door with a shotgun (loaded with buckshot) while the wife calls 911. When the law arrives we'll drop a key out the window so they'll know where we are and can get in. They can take care of any house clearing that needs to be done. There's nothing in my house (other than family) that I'm intentionaly going into harm's way to protect.
Hi Deena, I think the single stack 9mm might be something you like and can shoot well. It will do plenty of damage if needed and it's a lot easier to store securely close by. That's why you see so many choices for quick access handgun safes. I prefer my 12 gauge for home defense but I don't leave it out of the safe. It is loaded in my RSC in the closet. I know you said no kids and mine are grown as well. My HD handgun is always secured next to my bed so even if I have friends over (with or without kids) or the plumber for a repair I don't have to think about my gun laying around. I also agree that having a hand avail to call 911 could be a good thing as well. Good luck and keep shooting everything your friend offers and maybe rent a couple handguns at the range to try out. BTW, I also keep a loader Marlin lever action 30-30 next to the shotgun in case I think I need a rifle round.
Make sure that you have a good dog first, they extend your decision making time to several minutes instead of seconds.
In my opinion, the major drawback to using a rifle for home defense is the fact that you have to go get it.
Some people do not have any options on handguns so if you gotta use a rifle, use it.
In my opinion, the major drawback to using a rifle for home defense is the fact that you have to go get it.
Some people do not have any options on handguns so if you gotta use a rifle, use it.
Welcome Deena, you have an advantage right now!
That you are familiar with and know how to use what you have.
More practice will help, especially any type of Cowboy shooting, it's all in good fun but give you thinking situations to deal with.
The .357 is definitely adequate from a rifle and is a good choice for a 4" revolver as it will chamber the .38 SPL round to allow you to practice with from the wadcutter target loads up tp the .357 WHEN you feel comfortable.
What is the home situation? City, suberbs, or rural?
Do you have motion-sensing lights on the exterior that come on for anything from a german shephard on up? Do they illuminate the perimeter of the yard / house without lighting you up??
Just some Ideas what to help with you peace of mind.
Ask more questions we're friendly here!
That you are familiar with and know how to use what you have.
More practice will help, especially any type of Cowboy shooting, it's all in good fun but give you thinking situations to deal with.
The .357 is definitely adequate from a rifle and is a good choice for a 4" revolver as it will chamber the .38 SPL round to allow you to practice with from the wadcutter target loads up tp the .357 WHEN you feel comfortable.
What is the home situation? City, suberbs, or rural?
Do you have motion-sensing lights on the exterior that come on for anything from a german shephard on up? Do they illuminate the perimeter of the yard / house without lighting you up??
Just some Ideas what to help with you peace of mind.
Ask more questions we're friendly here!
Bartholomew Roberts
Moderator
JACK308 said:
I sure hope so. I'd hate to be defending myself in a life or death situation with something that could be stopped by 1/2" of powdered gypsum between two sheets of paper.
Well, like any tool it can certainly do that if not used responsibly or if the user doesn't understand what they are doing. I think that is more of an argument for training rather than an argument to cripple the tool so it is marginally capable of performing its intended role.
MagnumWill
New member
Jack308- FYI a double-barrel shotgun IS a gun, too. 
I think a double barrel for HD is OK for some people, but only having two rounds on tap irks me (which in the heat of the moment can accidentally touched off at the same time and you're left with a large metal stick). I think your lever gun will be fine- ammo loadout I would use for it is fill it with Critical Defense ammo, since they expand very reliably, feed well and the little red polymer tip also reduces the chance of hard primer-to-tip contact in that tubular magazine.
If I had to choose, I would take the lever over a double-barrel. I use a seven-round pump right now (590A1), but like everyone said, use what you're comfortable with.
And remember kids- friends don't let friends use birdshot for HD. If you're concerned about penetration, use #4 buck or get thicker walls.
I think a double barrel for HD is OK for some people, but only having two rounds on tap irks me (which in the heat of the moment can accidentally touched off at the same time and you're left with a large metal stick). I think your lever gun will be fine- ammo loadout I would use for it is fill it with Critical Defense ammo, since they expand very reliably, feed well and the little red polymer tip also reduces the chance of hard primer-to-tip contact in that tubular magazine.
If I had to choose, I would take the lever over a double-barrel. I use a seven-round pump right now (590A1), but like everyone said, use what you're comfortable with.
And remember kids- friends don't let friends use birdshot for HD. If you're concerned about penetration, use #4 buck or get thicker walls.
plumbernater
New member
One thing I would like to say. You dont want to shoot a super sonic bullet inside your house. sub sonic is loud enough , But indoors you will hurt your ears with super sonic ammo. 357 is not
Rifleman 173
New member
I have a Marlin lever action in .44 magnum that I love. It is a sweet shooting saddle carbine that works so well for me. Your friend has his opinions BUT I know of one police instructor who swears by his .44 magnum lever action. His name is John Bowman. You can look him up on the internet. He used to teach at the University of Illinois - Police Training Institute. His favorite guns are a tricked out 1911 and his .44 magnum lever action. Your lever action rifle is far from being a slouch when it comes to home defense. I would keep it if you like it. Think of it like this: If trouble comes around your house, do you want a lever action that you know will always work for you or do you want somebody else's opinion of what will work? I have some ARs too but when I take that magnum out to the range, those big ol' .44 magnum holes in the targets make a believer out of other shooters. Good luck with whatever you decide. 
Art Eatman
Staff in Memoriam
Here's another vote for using that with which you are already proficient. And for sure, the .357 is plenty good enough to do the job.
Bad guy down is bad guy down. He won't be any downer from a "better" cartridge. Sorta like deer hunting: A deer that's dead from a .30-30 wouldn't be any deader from some big magnum.
As far as a handgun? My ex-wife had occasion to get out of the bathtub, wrap herself in a towel and retrieve her Ruger Blackhawk and then confront an intruder. Hard to do with a rifle, when one hand is security for the towel. (Turned out to be a case of near-terminal stupidity, not evil intent.)
Bad guy down is bad guy down. He won't be any downer from a "better" cartridge. Sorta like deer hunting: A deer that's dead from a .30-30 wouldn't be any deader from some big magnum.
As far as a handgun? My ex-wife had occasion to get out of the bathtub, wrap herself in a towel and retrieve her Ruger Blackhawk and then confront an intruder. Hard to do with a rifle, when one hand is security for the towel. (Turned out to be a case of near-terminal stupidity, not evil intent.)
Colorado Redneck
New member
Lever Gun is fine
From the description of your range shooting, you are well equiped. Practice is key. Shoot once a month at least.
If you go for a handgun, why not a good DA revolver? No gadgets to mess with. Pick it up and aim and pull the trigger.
What kind of sights on your Marlin? Night sights on a rifle would be a big advantage for home defense.
From the description of your range shooting, you are well equiped. Practice is key. Shoot once a month at least.
If you go for a handgun, why not a good DA revolver? No gadgets to mess with. Pick it up and aim and pull the trigger.
What kind of sights on your Marlin? Night sights on a rifle would be a big advantage for home defense.
Hi. You'll be fine with the 336 However, any rifle has far too much penetration. Even a .357. You are responsible for where any bullet you fire ends up. If the bullet kills somebody 3 miles away, you're guilty of manslaughter.
Mind you, skill, what you have and the bullet used matters too, but rifles have too much penetration. A .357 JHP is bit better. An AR is ludicrous altogether.
"...Tim is really into guns..." Tim while very likely a good guy, is a bit daft.
Where did your da's 20 guage get to?
"...stray bullets are a non issue..." Ever heard of a through and through?
"...only having two rounds on tap irks me..." If you need more, inside, a third won't help.
Mind you, skill, what you have and the bullet used matters too, but rifles have too much penetration. A .357 JHP is bit better. An AR is ludicrous altogether.
"...Tim is really into guns..." Tim while very likely a good guy, is a bit daft.
Where did your da's 20 guage get to?
"...stray bullets are a non issue..." Ever heard of a through and through?
"...only having two rounds on tap irks me..." If you need more, inside, a third won't help.
T.O. Having spent 20 years as a peace officer, and having many armed confrontations, working with crime scene officers, and ER doctors
In a large city ( and dealing with many violently dead / dying people)
I can tell you a AR15 is not outlandish to use, and with proper ammo penetrates LESS than a 9mm pistol! A 125gr hollow point .357 mag out of a carbine barrel violently expands, and isnt likely to shoot though a persons torso at point blank range.
Also the quip about having a third cartridge in a gunfight will not help you if you need it...... Please stick to something you have actual experiance in. One shot stops are not a certainty with any firearm, even 12 ga. It takes as many as it takes, thats how many you needed.... An empty firearm in a still active confrontation is a bad thing....and usually at 3:37am in your underwear and asleep when your door is kicked in, what ever is in the gun you grab is likely going to be all you get.
In a large city ( and dealing with many violently dead / dying people)
I can tell you a AR15 is not outlandish to use, and with proper ammo penetrates LESS than a 9mm pistol! A 125gr hollow point .357 mag out of a carbine barrel violently expands, and isnt likely to shoot though a persons torso at point blank range.
Also the quip about having a third cartridge in a gunfight will not help you if you need it...... Please stick to something you have actual experiance in. One shot stops are not a certainty with any firearm, even 12 ga. It takes as many as it takes, thats how many you needed.... An empty firearm in a still active confrontation is a bad thing....and usually at 3:37am in your underwear and asleep when your door is kicked in, what ever is in the gun you grab is likely going to be all you get.
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You will find some good information on the 1894 in .357 in this article, "Levergun loads: the .357 Magnum: it's not just for revolvers
by John Taffin "
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_12_50/ai_n6275756/
"...To me, the 10-shot 1894C .357 Magnum is the handiest and most desirable of all centerfire rifles of any caliber or action type. There is very little needing to be done with a rifle that I cannot accomplish with this little Marlin. It is not the perfect choice and perhaps not even a good choice for hunting big game. However. I have no doubt I could keep my family fed, and fed well with nothing else but a .22 and a .357 Magnum Marlin. So-called "assault rifles" are very popular with those who think they need them for defensive purposes. However, the little .357 Magnum fits right in here as well and is much easier to pack, shoot, reload for and, most importantly, for which to carry an adequate supply of ammunition..."
by John Taffin "
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_12_50/ai_n6275756/
"...To me, the 10-shot 1894C .357 Magnum is the handiest and most desirable of all centerfire rifles of any caliber or action type. There is very little needing to be done with a rifle that I cannot accomplish with this little Marlin. It is not the perfect choice and perhaps not even a good choice for hunting big game. However. I have no doubt I could keep my family fed, and fed well with nothing else but a .22 and a .357 Magnum Marlin. So-called "assault rifles" are very popular with those who think they need them for defensive purposes. However, the little .357 Magnum fits right in here as well and is much easier to pack, shoot, reload for and, most importantly, for which to carry an adequate supply of ammunition..."
The best gun to defend yourself with is the gun you are best at using. Seems to me as if you have that one at hand already. Don't let people ding your confidence in your carbine or in your ability to use it if you need to with off-the-cuff comments on the internet. Keep on practicing with what you have and if you decide you want to get good with something else, then take your time to learn another gun and use the Marlin till you get where you want to be with the new gun - IF you decide you want something different, that is.
I'd say your dad was a pretty smart guy, and was really looking out for you.
Stay Safe,
lpl
I'd say your dad was a pretty smart guy, and was really looking out for you.
Stay Safe,
lpl
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