Which gun for home defense?
- Thread starter Lisa Roberts
- Start date
I don't care if the post was SPAM or not.
I gave, what I consider, good advice that any newbie that is considering a gun for home defense/self protection would do well to follow. Maybe another newbie will open up the thread in the future and see some of the replies and follow some of the advice.
I can guarantee you that if this question has been posted, others have asked it too.
Biker
I gave, what I consider, good advice that any newbie that is considering a gun for home defense/self protection would do well to follow. Maybe another newbie will open up the thread in the future and see some of the replies and follow some of the advice.
I can guarantee you that if this question has been posted, others have asked it too.
Biker
Let me say something which may seem very odd coming from a gun forum. If you are likely to buy a gun, shoot it once and leave it in the drawer, think again.
There are many legal implications regarding self defence, and the onus is on you to have regular realistic training, which will involve expense as well your time.
In saying that, if you are prepared to do this, then go ahead.
There are many legal implications regarding self defence, and the onus is on you to have regular realistic training, which will involve expense as well your time.
In saying that, if you are prepared to do this, then go ahead.
crimsondave
New member
12 gauge, Remington 870, 18.5"
belveflowslykh20
New member
i like the taurus judge because it is a handgun that can fire shotgun rounds
I wouldn't get a shotgun, not right now anyway. I would get a handgun first. Simply because you don't only need to be safe and protected when you are at home. You need to be as protected as you possibly can be, all the time.
A handgun is easier to take with you. If your going to buy a gun, you might as well carry it too. It won't do you any good if you don't have it with you. Some basic firearms safety courses would be good too.
That's what I think anyway....If anyone cares
A handgun is easier to take with you. If your going to buy a gun, you might as well carry it too. It won't do you any good if you don't have it with you. Some basic firearms safety courses would be good too.
That's what I think anyway....If anyone cares
The Tarus Judge got a BAD write up on "the Box of Truth". Check it out & reconsider that statement.
Seriously, hire a competitant NRA Certified Firearms instructor to help you out with this one. He can take you to a gunstore to see what will work BEST for YOU. I'm sure you can get a guy that can do this & a short class for $100 to $150. You will then have the right gun for you and some instruction on the proper safety, use, cleaning & storage of the gun.
There are many more costs involved when purchasing a gun. Ammo, cleaning supplies, holsters and a safe to store it in your car & home.
Hire someone to cover all the basics before you spend $800 on a pistol & accessories. It will be a cheap investment. If you can't afford it now, save your lunch money. Do it right, do it once.
Seriously, hire a competitant NRA Certified Firearms instructor to help you out with this one. He can take you to a gunstore to see what will work BEST for YOU. I'm sure you can get a guy that can do this & a short class for $100 to $150. You will then have the right gun for you and some instruction on the proper safety, use, cleaning & storage of the gun.
There are many more costs involved when purchasing a gun. Ammo, cleaning supplies, holsters and a safe to store it in your car & home.
Hire someone to cover all the basics before you spend $800 on a pistol & accessories. It will be a cheap investment. If you can't afford it now, save your lunch money. Do it right, do it once.
Besides going to an instructor which is great advice, u can also go to a good gun shop and ask the seller about different guns and accessories, but b4 u buy 1 u should know everything about guns. I recommend Effective Handgun Defense by Frank James and Armed Response by David Kenik, also, the Pistol Guide and Revolver Guide by George Nonte. I wouldn't recommend a shotgun because it is harder to wield and handle because of its weight and size and there's also heavy recoil and the loud report u want to avoid, if only for practical reasons. A .38 is what u should probably get, cost being a factor, also, and a revolver is probably more advisable.
Also, I recommend 1st getting a lo vel double-action CO2 airgun, between 400 fps and 500 fps. These largely mimic firearms and u can use them in your dwelling and they provide good training.
As for safety, this is not really a concern as all modern guns are equipped with good safeties whether internal, as in revolvers, or external as in semi-autos. Proper handling, of course, is part of safety.
If looks are a factor, I could recommend several, but this is partly subjective.
There is also the availability factor. Here in Canada there used to be a wide variety of handguns available but now only a few semi-autos are available, 6 models in 3 makes, Ruger, CZ, and Kimber. I imagine, though, the situation is better in the States.
Also, I recommend 1st getting a lo vel double-action CO2 airgun, between 400 fps and 500 fps. These largely mimic firearms and u can use them in your dwelling and they provide good training.
As for safety, this is not really a concern as all modern guns are equipped with good safeties whether internal, as in revolvers, or external as in semi-autos. Proper handling, of course, is part of safety.
If looks are a factor, I could recommend several, but this is partly subjective.
There is also the availability factor. Here in Canada there used to be a wide variety of handguns available but now only a few semi-autos are available, 6 models in 3 makes, Ruger, CZ, and Kimber. I imagine, though, the situation is better in the States.
KingEdward
New member
a great starter handgun for self defense / simplicity / and the number one factor above all RELIABILITY would be a Smith & Wesson Model 10
This .38 special with a 4" barrel is accurate and reliable. It's plain jane to look at but very simple to load / unload / shoot / clean.
You can purchase them in good condition used at a gun show for $350 or less.
I bought one last month for $300. It was a former police sidearm.
This .38 special with a 4" barrel is accurate and reliable. It's plain jane to look at but very simple to load / unload / shoot / clean.
You can purchase them in good condition used at a gun show for $350 or less.
I bought one last month for $300. It was a former police sidearm.
Edward429451
Moderator
A model 10 4" barreled 38 would seem the logical choice.
And a dog...get an early warning system in a dog. You may want to even get two dogs because some criminals may know how to deal with a dog...but having two dogs really skews the odds in your favor that they would look for an easier mark than one with two dogs.
And a dog...get an early warning system in a dog. You may want to even get two dogs because some criminals may know how to deal with a dog...but having two dogs really skews the odds in your favor that they would look for an easier mark than one with two dogs.
KingEdward
New member
Edward is spot on.
A dog is great. I've had a beagle for 12 years. He is an AMAZING early warning system. He is great with children and visitors and his nose
and ears have never been wrong.
One night about two years ago, I got up at 2am to let him out the back door.
Normally after I turn on the yard light and check and then unlock/open the door and he scurries right out. On this particular night he stopped on the first step, put his nose up and backed in to the inside. I locked the door and knew something wasn't right.
As it turned out, 4 police cars showed up within 2 min as the house about 30 yards behind mine called and reported two strange men on their property.
These men were fleeing a previous property were they committed a home invasion about 1/2 mile away.
dogs are good.
A dog is great. I've had a beagle for 12 years. He is an AMAZING early warning system. He is great with children and visitors and his nose
and ears have never been wrong.
One night about two years ago, I got up at 2am to let him out the back door.
Normally after I turn on the yard light and check and then unlock/open the door and he scurries right out. On this particular night he stopped on the first step, put his nose up and backed in to the inside. I locked the door and knew something wasn't right.
As it turned out, 4 police cars showed up within 2 min as the house about 30 yards behind mine called and reported two strange men on their property.
These men were fleeing a previous property were they committed a home invasion about 1/2 mile away.
dogs are good.
christcorp
New member
I won't suggest a particular gun. Most posts here have been very good with a lot of good suggestions. The best answer however is; the gun that you are most comfortable with.
I will say however that you should ask yourself a question. Are you going to buy a gun, take some kind of gun safety/use class, know how not to hurt yourself, then keep the gun at home ready to use. And rarely use it or go out and practice? (At least once every couple months).
If this is the case, then I suggest STRONGLY, that you buy a revolver. You want a gun that is "Point-and-Click". Don't want to worry about safeties, slides, and all the other mechanical issues. A revolver is the simplest for users to use. And don't let anyone tell you that you have to have a magazine with 15 rounds in it. You don't. A typical 5-6 shot revolver is all you will need for home defense against a break in. And I would suggest that you get a 357 magnum. It sounds TOUGH, but the truth is; a 357 magnum can shoot weak 38 specials that take it down to the kick/recoil/etc... of a 380 auto. Or you can go into the middle/high end of 38 special which will get you into being equal to the 9mm range. And if it turns out you do like shooting and want to "Expand"; you'll be able to put in 357 magnums all the way up to the top which is more kick butt that every other traditional self defense hand gun. The 357 magnum revolver is the MOST VERSATILE handgun/caliber in existence.
Now; if you plan on shooting initially on a regular basis. Always learning and staying proficient. And will get to the point of being able to handle gun issues, cleaning, clearing, etc.... as second nature; then definitely start looking into the semi-auto type guns. The 9mm, 40sw, 10mm, or 45acp. If this will be your ONLY gun, but you plan on practicing with it a lot and being proficient, then I recommend the 9mm. In the semi-auto world, it is one of the most versatile with ammo. Ammo is available, inexpensive, and effective.
So, bottom line is: Shoot rarely and want a gun at home or on your person for self defense but won't shoot much...... GET A 357 magnum revolver. (Whatever size and model that fits you and feels good)
Shoot often, practice a lot, and stay proficient; pick any gun you want. Revolver or Semi-auto. If it will be your ONLY GUN; stick with the 9mm caliber.
I will say however that you should ask yourself a question. Are you going to buy a gun, take some kind of gun safety/use class, know how not to hurt yourself, then keep the gun at home ready to use. And rarely use it or go out and practice? (At least once every couple months).
If this is the case, then I suggest STRONGLY, that you buy a revolver. You want a gun that is "Point-and-Click". Don't want to worry about safeties, slides, and all the other mechanical issues. A revolver is the simplest for users to use. And don't let anyone tell you that you have to have a magazine with 15 rounds in it. You don't. A typical 5-6 shot revolver is all you will need for home defense against a break in. And I would suggest that you get a 357 magnum. It sounds TOUGH, but the truth is; a 357 magnum can shoot weak 38 specials that take it down to the kick/recoil/etc... of a 380 auto. Or you can go into the middle/high end of 38 special which will get you into being equal to the 9mm range. And if it turns out you do like shooting and want to "Expand"; you'll be able to put in 357 magnums all the way up to the top which is more kick butt that every other traditional self defense hand gun. The 357 magnum revolver is the MOST VERSATILE handgun/caliber in existence.
Now; if you plan on shooting initially on a regular basis. Always learning and staying proficient. And will get to the point of being able to handle gun issues, cleaning, clearing, etc.... as second nature; then definitely start looking into the semi-auto type guns. The 9mm, 40sw, 10mm, or 45acp. If this will be your ONLY gun, but you plan on practicing with it a lot and being proficient, then I recommend the 9mm. In the semi-auto world, it is one of the most versatile with ammo. Ammo is available, inexpensive, and effective.
So, bottom line is: Shoot rarely and want a gun at home or on your person for self defense but won't shoot much...... GET A 357 magnum revolver. (Whatever size and model that fits you and feels good)
Shoot often, practice a lot, and stay proficient; pick any gun you want. Revolver or Semi-auto. If it will be your ONLY GUN; stick with the 9mm caliber.
guns4lifebaby
Moderator
I have gloc. .45 caliber it is small. You can put in your pocket. But as soon as burgler breaks in sure he be dead in no time. lol