Why a pistol for home defense?
- Thread starter U.S.SFC_RET
- Start date
Model12Win
Moderator
I keep a pistol as my primary home defense gun because there are many times where a long gun is just way too clumsy or slow to get into action, and a pistol has many benefits in maneuverability and retention in the close in confines of the home. My choice is a Beretta 92A1 with night sights, flashlight attached, and 20 round magazines with 124 grain Speer hollow points.
Of course long guns can offer benefits in stopping power and firepower, but my first choice is the handgun and if I have time, I go for my shotgun.
Of course long guns can offer benefits in stopping power and firepower, but my first choice is the handgun and if I have time, I go for my shotgun.
FireForged
New member
why a handgun? pretty simply really..
its harder for someone to get a hold of
it allows me the use of my other hand
its easier to retain if someone does get a hold of it
the interior of my home is a relative short distance from end to end
a handgun is generally a lower decibel than many rifles
a handgun is more wieldy in tight spaces
a handgun is usually less likely to over penetrate
its harder for someone to get a hold of
it allows me the use of my other hand
its easier to retain if someone does get a hold of it
the interior of my home is a relative short distance from end to end
a handgun is generally a lower decibel than many rifles
a handgun is more wieldy in tight spaces
a handgun is usually less likely to over penetrate
Glenn E. Meyer
New member
The last statement about penetration is debatable, dependent on type of round.
We've been around the block on 223 penetration quite a bit as compared to common pistol rounds.
Since 223 is the most common HD long arm round, folks should search on that debate.
We've been around the block on 223 penetration quite a bit as compared to common pistol rounds.
Since 223 is the most common HD long arm round, folks should search on that debate.
When we HAD to live in all sorts of questionable neighborhoods and areas in our Army Careers.. we took home defense very seriously.
Jobs made us valued/vulnerable targets.... I did NOT say HIGH VALUE
We had revolvers, pistols, and shotguns, and the shot guns were varied sizes around the apartment/house... mostly inside "hide" areas.
Hand gun loads were NOT Black Tallon Max ++P Instant Death hated by all Juries and lawyers... simple light ball loads...
Both adults above average skills with at min 6 time a year refresher and drill training as the Army only really did annual training during our careers
As the children grew, they were safety and shooting trained and added into the home defense routine, range time, and drills.
Biggest concern was the locking away all weapons during sleep overs or other "friends in the house" activities... We both knew how kids can behave unsupervised from 8 to 18
Today, retired second time....safe rural big space community and many many different deterants to unwanted invasion of our property.... no kids at home... most every weapon is in a safe, inside a purpose built safe room that was probably a waste of money in the grand scheme of this very low crime and low population county
Kids and grand kids can pop in any time and not panic wife and I to secure ALL the weapons....
Multi layered defense is key IMO.... Where we live...we are aware, by several means that some one is approaching the main house
I also highly recommend to never discuss your entire plan/inventory on the internet
Well armed
Time to react considered..... this is key....if your first clue is door beat down the needs are significantly different than if you have three min to prepare
Dogs
Geese....seriously
Deep set back
Fenced property with few good easy approaches.... criminals are exceedingly lazy... Navy seals could slit both our throats in our sleep
Video...key to tablet or cell
Motion lights
Good Cell apps
good neighbors
Steel doors and frames
million candle lights
No discussion at the bar/gun store/hardware store/on line; how many guns and where
NOT possible for many--- but---- IF you live in a home invasion and killing every week Killeen Texas....Move the F out !!!
Jobs made us valued/vulnerable targets.... I did NOT say HIGH VALUE
We had revolvers, pistols, and shotguns, and the shot guns were varied sizes around the apartment/house... mostly inside "hide" areas.
Hand gun loads were NOT Black Tallon Max ++P Instant Death hated by all Juries and lawyers... simple light ball loads...
Both adults above average skills with at min 6 time a year refresher and drill training as the Army only really did annual training during our careers
As the children grew, they were safety and shooting trained and added into the home defense routine, range time, and drills.
Biggest concern was the locking away all weapons during sleep overs or other "friends in the house" activities... We both knew how kids can behave unsupervised from 8 to 18
Today, retired second time....safe rural big space community and many many different deterants to unwanted invasion of our property.... no kids at home... most every weapon is in a safe, inside a purpose built safe room that was probably a waste of money in the grand scheme of this very low crime and low population county
Kids and grand kids can pop in any time and not panic wife and I to secure ALL the weapons....
Multi layered defense is key IMO.... Where we live...we are aware, by several means that some one is approaching the main house
I also highly recommend to never discuss your entire plan/inventory on the internet
Well armed
Time to react considered..... this is key....if your first clue is door beat down the needs are significantly different than if you have three min to prepare
Dogs
Geese....seriously
Deep set back
Fenced property with few good easy approaches.... criminals are exceedingly lazy... Navy seals could slit both our throats in our sleep
Video...key to tablet or cell
Motion lights
Good Cell apps
good neighbors
Steel doors and frames
million candle lights
No discussion at the bar/gun store/hardware store/on line; how many guns and where
NOT possible for many--- but---- IF you live in a home invasion and killing every week Killeen Texas....Move the F out !!!
PatientWolf
New member
Because, God forbid someone gets a hostage, there is a higher risk of injuring the hostage with a shotgun loaded with buckshot even if you hit where you aim.
In my case, it's very simple.
After a career of clearing houses & other buildings for a living, I found the handgun is infinitely easier to maneuver through tight spaces, around corners, through doors, and in spots where the off hand is used for purposes other than supporting the gun.
I tried a shotgun, I tried an AR.
Gave up on both for that application.
Outside the house, long gun if time.
Inside, handgun.
Denis
After a career of clearing houses & other buildings for a living, I found the handgun is infinitely easier to maneuver through tight spaces, around corners, through doors, and in spots where the off hand is used for purposes other than supporting the gun.
I tried a shotgun, I tried an AR.
Gave up on both for that application.
Outside the house, long gun if time.
Inside, handgun.
Denis
ArmyBrat
Thanks for your service....Even the brats serve!!!
Ah... I did--- BUT never did mention where the Claymores, and LAWS were strategically placed
Or the pits, and dead fall suspended logs, or the mean assed Chihuahua that can bite through any loggers boot....
grin
Hummm reminded me, I need to get the test squib out and test the CLICKERS...
Thanks for your service....Even the brats serve!!!
Ah... I did--- BUT never did mention where the Claymores, and LAWS were strategically placed
Or the pits, and dead fall suspended logs, or the mean assed Chihuahua that can bite through any loggers boot....
grin
Hummm reminded me, I need to get the test squib out and test the CLICKERS...
All this makes me desire to relate how we came to define to the realtor our permanent retirement property after 42 year long careers in the Army..active and DAC
The only thing we screwed up was close enough to real civilization for GOOD High Speed internet...all other considerations were met
Must be 10+/- acres with combination open and wooded
Must be within 30 min of civilization
Must have main house set way back for county road access
House must be brick veneere
Must not be in flood zone
Some may wonder at why we are passionate of this subject
Wife and I, from early 70 to mid 90s Army NCOs with many deployment to combat, and good at our jobs.
Several tours of Germany where Badder Meinhoff or Red Army faction caused us personal and Unit grief... serious MOFO's
Much travel TDY covert, out of uniform because of nature of missions
Personal experience with children stalker the Army CID altered us to because or our jobs (they were covertly watching for us)...mid career...THAT got our Fing attention...we got proactive and trained
We had the kind of jobs where we were making being a bad guy a bad idea...BUT not under the umbrella of SOCOM or NSA
Twice failed attempts to abduct my wife on TDY....The "be aware" training paid off
We THEN got VERY SERIOUS and enrolled to and ARMY PAID for professional personal defense training
We are both retired over 19 years now and just recently commented to each other how our personal stress level has reduced
This is not meant to be self aggrandizement....and it is just an account of how some military can be targets and must be self aware and take personal action
Living in Chicago, Killeen Texas, Houston, WDC and many many other places with serious problems >>>> requires YOU to assess the threat, find a reasonable way to mitigate that threat
YOU MUST NEVER RELY on Police...period...that is very bad plan...they are an after the fact organization
Shot gun, Rifle, hand gun...ALL--- have a place in the PLAN
There is NO cookie cutter BEST home defense solution
If you are dead poor get a good revolver in .38 or larger
IMO you ....if you insist, or are forced, to live is a funky environment... assess the threat... Plan accordingly.. pay the bucks....get many good weapons, reliable ammo, and go get pro training....seriously
No shot gun or pistol is worth the cost if YOU cannot EFFECTIVLY use it SAFELY
Remember your wife, children, dogs, and neighbors are in the BLAST zone TOO
The only thing we screwed up was close enough to real civilization for GOOD High Speed internet...all other considerations were met
Must be 10+/- acres with combination open and wooded
Must be within 30 min of civilization
Must have main house set way back for county road access
House must be brick veneere
Must not be in flood zone
Some may wonder at why we are passionate of this subject
Wife and I, from early 70 to mid 90s Army NCOs with many deployment to combat, and good at our jobs.
Several tours of Germany where Badder Meinhoff or Red Army faction caused us personal and Unit grief... serious MOFO's
Much travel TDY covert, out of uniform because of nature of missions
Personal experience with children stalker the Army CID altered us to because or our jobs (they were covertly watching for us)...mid career...THAT got our Fing attention...we got proactive and trained
We had the kind of jobs where we were making being a bad guy a bad idea...BUT not under the umbrella of SOCOM or NSA
Twice failed attempts to abduct my wife on TDY....The "be aware" training paid off
We THEN got VERY SERIOUS and enrolled to and ARMY PAID for professional personal defense training
We are both retired over 19 years now and just recently commented to each other how our personal stress level has reduced
This is not meant to be self aggrandizement....and it is just an account of how some military can be targets and must be self aware and take personal action
Living in Chicago, Killeen Texas, Houston, WDC and many many other places with serious problems >>>> requires YOU to assess the threat, find a reasonable way to mitigate that threat
YOU MUST NEVER RELY on Police...period...that is very bad plan...they are an after the fact organization
Shot gun, Rifle, hand gun...ALL--- have a place in the PLAN
There is NO cookie cutter BEST home defense solution
If you are dead poor get a good revolver in .38 or larger
IMO you ....if you insist, or are forced, to live is a funky environment... assess the threat... Plan accordingly.. pay the bucks....get many good weapons, reliable ammo, and go get pro training....seriously
No shot gun or pistol is worth the cost if YOU cannot EFFECTIVLY use it SAFELY
Remember your wife, children, dogs, and neighbors are in the BLAST zone TOO
Theohazard
New member
jackstrawIII said:
If you guys are worried about over penetration, you shouldn't be using a handgun. Service-caliber cartridges will tend to penetrate a huge amount through interior building materials, even if they're hollow points.FireForged said:
If you're worried about excessive penetration, you should be using a .223 rifle with proper defensive ammo like Hornady TAP: these will tend to penetrate far less through walls than any defensive handgun or shotgun load.
Hi USSFC.RET,
There is no doubt that a shotgun and a rifle are more powerful weapons. However, neither are good choices for home defense unless you'd be able to stay put at a single location. If you have to move within your house to assure safety of loved ones' safety, long guns become a pronounced liability. Were you to have to maneuver around within your house, it'd be easy for an intruder to disarm you.
Of course, while away from your home, it'd be most difficult to conceal a long gun.
Stay safe & alive.
There is no doubt that a shotgun and a rifle are more powerful weapons. However, neither are good choices for home defense unless you'd be able to stay put at a single location. If you have to move within your house to assure safety of loved ones' safety, long guns become a pronounced liability. Were you to have to maneuver around within your house, it'd be easy for an intruder to disarm you.
Of course, while away from your home, it'd be most difficult to conceal a long gun.
Stay safe & alive.
Roland Thunder
New member
U.S.SFC_RET said:
About the time you shoot somebody with a rifle trying to defend your property and you'll need a good criminal defense attorney, in most states
I have a SR9c on body all the time at home or out. Unless I'm sleeping, bathing, etc and then it is in arms reach. Instant response to any home invader no matter where I am. Wife is similary armed as well.
That said.
If I have time the sks is loaded and chambered all the time in our bedroom.
We live alone, no neighbors to worry about.
If someone is brazen enough to break in while we are here, in my case I want to be able to penetrate walls doors etc. My entire house is a free fire zone in all directions except where my wife is in her pre-planned spot.
That said.
If I have time the sks is loaded and chambered all the time in our bedroom.
We live alone, no neighbors to worry about.
If someone is brazen enough to break in while we are here, in my case I want to be able to penetrate walls doors etc. My entire house is a free fire zone in all directions except where my wife is in her pre-planned spot.
My HD,is the handgun that's not in the safe at night,and the one I was carrying doing the day. I have shotguns,but because my grand babies are in and out the house, the wife made me buy a safe for my guns a couple years ago. I keep the one I carry doing the day in the draw at night. In other words I rotate my edc sometimes.
I once heard from someone, "I use my pistol to fight my way to my rifle/shotgun".
On patrol in Vietnam, I carried a .45 ACP on my side and a M-16 in my hands. The .45 ACP was in case my M-16 malfunctioned, which was common back in those days, or if I ran out of rifle ammo. I came close but never did run out of ammo. I discovered the secret to the M-16 was keeping it clean so it was cleaned at least three times per day or after every fire fight. I am happy to say I never had to take the .45 ACP to defend my life.
In today's world, I keep an AR-15 with a 30 round magazine and a loaded shotgun in my bedroom with my .45 ACP is on my nightstand. While I practice pistol shooting at least three days per week, I only get a chance to shoot my rifle about once every 4 or 5 weeks. I am good with my pistol. If I ever had to defend my house because of a single adversary, my pistol would be my first line of defense. If I knew there were multiples, I would go for my rifle. I would use my shotgun only outside of my house because of the damage it would do to the structure and messy body parts. If I should, in the unlikely event, miss with my pistol or rifle, the holes to be repaired are relatively smaller and blood would be exiting one or two holes of the perp instead of being splattered everywhere.
On patrol in Vietnam, I carried a .45 ACP on my side and a M-16 in my hands. The .45 ACP was in case my M-16 malfunctioned, which was common back in those days, or if I ran out of rifle ammo. I came close but never did run out of ammo. I discovered the secret to the M-16 was keeping it clean so it was cleaned at least three times per day or after every fire fight. I am happy to say I never had to take the .45 ACP to defend my life.
In today's world, I keep an AR-15 with a 30 round magazine and a loaded shotgun in my bedroom with my .45 ACP is on my nightstand. While I practice pistol shooting at least three days per week, I only get a chance to shoot my rifle about once every 4 or 5 weeks. I am good with my pistol. If I ever had to defend my house because of a single adversary, my pistol would be my first line of defense. If I knew there were multiples, I would go for my rifle. I would use my shotgun only outside of my house because of the damage it would do to the structure and messy body parts. If I should, in the unlikely event, miss with my pistol or rifle, the holes to be repaired are relatively smaller and blood would be exiting one or two holes of the perp instead of being splattered everywhere.
Most altercations are over within a few seconds, so if you live long enough to fight your way to a rifle you're probably just an actor in a Hollywood movie. You'd better start the fight with the weapon you intend to finish it with. I prefer a handgun for home defense simply because I do not live in a McMansion and the maximum range I'd engage anyone is 30 feet. On top of that I have to deal with a lot of tight corners and narrow hallways, making a rifle very clumsy to swing around. Beyond that, I prefer to be able to grab a pistol and drop it in my robe pocket for those times when somebody is banging on the door late at night. It could be some idiot party dude with the wrong address or it could be the police with the same problem. Either way I don't want to freak them out with an AR in my hand. As always needs will vary, and if you prefer a long gun instead you'll get no objections from me.