Home Defense?

**Abusivemelon** · Posted On: 3/17/2007 4:05pm

Originally Posted by Captain ASIA

It doesn't matter.
You issue is not how often but WHEN. You try to prepare for the worse case scenario without getting paranoid. Thus the old saying, Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Point taken. Firearms are illegal for self protection here hence the low gun crime. Or low compared to where firearms are legal...

**Nid** · Posted On: 3/18/2007 5:32am

Other than geographically concentrated areas in the U.S., our gun homicides are similar, per capita, to the UK.

**Sam Browning** · Posted On: 3/18/2007 8:09am

A good quality shotgun like a remington will be cheaper down at wallymart then a pistol. You could also consider getting a 20, instead of a 12 gauge which would be easier for your wife to handle.

**GEARBOX** · Posted On: 3/18/2007 8:30pm

As has been mentioned previously; whatever you get, train with it. Motivated people can (and do) miss from rediculously short distances in real life situations. Consider that police consider 20(ish) feet to be the minimum distance they want to engage an assailant with a knife. Being able to put your gun on a target under stress, in the dark, etc. is not natural for most people. Heaven forbid you should have to manuver, fire from cover, or reload. Invest in at least one tactical shooting class for you and the wife. Just 'cause you can make a fist doesn't mean you can hit, just 'cause you own a gun doesn't mean you can shoot.

As for what to get... If your wife is recoil sensitive, .38, 9mm, 32 H&R mag all have moderate recoil in large frame pistols and with the right ammo are decent fight stoppers. .380 and 9x18 are marginal in my opinion, but with good shot placement and the right ammo anything will work. Avoid .25 and .32 acp like the plague. For the bigger stuff, every brand/caliber has it's leg humpers. Bottom line is any reliable handgun with the right ammo in .357 and above will get the job done.

As for shotguns, they will not make up for a lack of skill, unless you live in the Super Dome there probably isn't enough space in you house for the shot to spread an appreciable amount. Other than that shotguns are great, they scare the crap out of people and anyone who gets a load of buckshot is definitely going to take a nap.

A couple things to consider. Review the laws on use of force for your state. You do not want to be on the recieving end of criminal charges after you ventilate Mr. Scumbag. Also, please buy a fucking gun safe. The first thing burglars look for is firearms, the last thing you want is the local 7-11 clerk getting blown away with your gun. There are lots of inexpensive bedside safes available.

For your enjoyment

http://www.theboxotruth.com/

**chemistry** · Posted On: 3/19/2007 11:35am

Originally Posted by WhiteShark

I want a good value in a gun so I don't want any fancy finishes or weird optics. I have been considering the S&W polymer .40 I think its called sigma?

I am going to strongly recommend *against* the Sigma. The S&W Sigma was their first attempts at producing a Glock clone, and it really didn't do too well at all.

S&W's newer MP series, though, is a vast improvement over the Sigma.

If you want a good value gun, you can always go with the tried and true revolver. Something like S&W's 686 with a 4" barrel is an excellent choice, since you have the flexibility to shoot both .357 magnum cartridges, or .38 Special cartridges. Even if the wife does not like the full blast of a .357 magnum, she can use a .38 Special +P cartrdige for defensive purposes.

Ruger's GP100 is also a solid choice, although the trigger is a bit more jerky than the S&W's.

**rw4th** · Posted On: 3/19/2007 1:28pm

1- Get a Glock. Something in 9mm or .40cal. Cost of ammo is a factor in the amount of time you’ll actually spend shooting it. You’re better off being able to hit someone with a 9mm then missing with a .45 because you rarely ever shoot.
2- Get some kind of local “self-protection” training. This is more about learning about the legalities of self-defense and firearms use in your city/state. Consider a CCW source; even if you don’t intend to carry or even get the permit, the information in the course will help you make informed decisions down the road.

**teddy_bear** · Posted On: 3/20/2007 4:50am

Why not find a local gun range near you? Typically they have guns for rent, ammo available for purchase, and instruction available. (Whether or not the instruction is free depends on the range.) You can express to them your interest in home defense, and ask to try out probably several of the different weapons mentioned here (Might want to bring your wife as well).

**kobudo** · Posted On: 3/20/2007 5:35am

If price is an issue, Rossi makes a decent .357 revolver that goes for around $200. They are pretty good about warranty issues, too.

**TheCount** · Posted On: 3/20/2007 2:35pm

The nature of a shotgun, particularly ones with a slightly shorter than norm barrel, makes it ideal for home defense and a fight equaller. Pump Action/Auto is an option for you to consider because two barrels may not quite do it for you. Because of the butt it is especially controllable, and yes, 20 bore is a Ladies Caliber for your wife.

Pistol wise, .40,.45 ... basically heavy rounds are uber manstoppers, but they will kick like a mule when you fire them. Glock pistols tend to be great for first and second round accuracy, you can also get 'C' models which release excess Gas upward therefore making them more controllable. A Glock 19 is a nice small weapon. 9mm is bog standard... it is standard because it works well enough and is fairly controllable on the whole.

If your wife is REALLY paranoid about weapons, Beretta 81 (presuming they are still regularly available) may be a consideration. It is a scaled down 92, often in 7.62 caliber or 9mm short? Correct me if I'm wrong.