I'm shopping for a gun

[classyndry]

I would have suggested an 870, but due the the varied response, I'll just suggest more research. Guns aren't for everybody, perhaps an alarm would suffice. The way I think about it...If you're in a bedroom that has a door, you don't have to leave it, but just defend a single point of entry. I don't think anyone will suggest going out of that room and taking the offensive. Thoughts?

 

[JimK]

I have been through the same decision-making process. The first filter you should apply is the guns that are available for you to handle and shoot. In my opinion, the proper way to decide is how well you can shoot with the gun. Find the largest caliber gun that feels good in your hand, and enables you to consistently punch holes in the center of the target. That is the correct gun for you.

JK

 

[cigarsarge]

I would have suggested an 870, but due the the varied response, I'll just suggest more research. Guns aren't for everybody, perhaps an alarm would suffice. The way I think about it...If you're in a bedroom that has a door, you don't have to leave it, but just defend a single point of entry. I don't think anyone will suggest going out of that room and taking the offensive. Thoughts?

It would depend on the circumstances. If you have children or loved ones in a part of the house the intruder is in you would have to take the offensive.

The way my house is set up the bad guy would have to come down my hallway to where the bedrooms are...It's called the fatal funnel. I can take a position of cover in my room and defend all in my house.

If an intruder gets past my dogs and enters my hallway I have a good chance of getting him. An alarm simply is not going to do the job.

 

[TampaSupremo]

When considering a firearm for purchase, you have to consider what you and your wife are capable of doing and what kind of scenario you will be facing. There is no one answer to your firearm needs, but you can come up with a one that generally fits your requirements.

If you and your wife are the only ones in the home, you can stay put and point a shotgun at the door in case the suspect comes into the room. If you have or plan to have children and you are going to leave your room to get them, or you want to investigate "what the hell was that noise", a shotgun can be tricky to maneuver around doors while still remaining "stealthy" for lack of a better term. Truly, however, it is unmatched by most handguns in its potential for devastation (and I mean that in a positive good-guy kinda way). Get a "ghost ring" sight if you decide on a shotgun.

Never rely on a "one-shot stop." LEO's at the range do not fire one round and reholster. It's two to the midsection and then one to the brain box if need be. As far as caliber goes, 9mm, .40, or .45 are your best bets in autoloaders. We carry Beretta 9mm's at work and they do the job just fine (in 2006 we had around 12 officer involved shootings and we came out on top). My experience with revolvers is limited.

Buy a flashlight-you must be able to identify your target! I've carried a Streamlight for 10 years and they are great investments. If you decide on a shotgun, you can get flashlights that mount on the forearm. Accidently shooting a friend or loved one because you "thought" they were a perp will not acquit you in court, not to mention how you would feel for the rest of your life.

Some states require that even if there is a perp in your home, you must make an attempt to escape or show that the suspect was a threat before firing. Be aware of your state's laws.

Revolvers are notoriously hardy, reliable guns, but are short on capacity (although 7 rounds of .357 or even .38 Spl +P should get the job done). The really nice thing is that if you pull the trigger and the round doesn't fire, pull the trigger again to move to the next round. Autoloaders have greater capacity, but you have to learn clearance drills ("Tap, Rack, Bang") in the event of a malfunction.

Autoloader recommendations: Beretta, CZ (awesome guns esp for the money).

Feel free to PM me if you have further questions.

TampaSupremo

 

[SMSUCigarguy]

For that price I would suggest a Springfield Armory Mil-Spec 1911. You get plenty of knock down with the .45 ACP, but not too much for the lady. And if you go with the stainless you even get a little bling. VERY well made guns for the money, I will quickly recommend them. I would be willing to trust my life to one. Very easy to shoot guns. No extra frills to it, but it gets the job done.
B

http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=10

I would agree with the Mil-Spec. I had one until it was stolen out of my house during a burglary. It's a pretty no-frills handgun, but a step up from the GI .45 that Springfield sells. I like the .45ACP round for defensive purposes because it will put someone down with one shot.

I have also heard very good things about the Springfield XD .45ACP. Haven't had the chance to shoot one yet. Glocks are great guns too!

 

[AngryFishH]

There are some really great points on both sides of this discussion (handgun vs. shotgun) for home defense. My wife and I just went through this process and here some additional things about a shotgun over the handgun.

1. The first thing is the deterrent factor. There is nothing that sounds like a Remington 870 cycling. That sound and the unmistakable appearance of a shotgun will eliminate some situations before a round would need to be fired.
2. Went with a collapsible stock and a vertical foregrip. This makes it possible for smaller people (like my wife) to anchor the shotgun properly and acquire the target. I have a BSA red dot on top. Nervous folks shooting pistols are a danger to all around them for lots of reasons already listed.
3. I use alternating 00 and slugs in the chamber. The reason being if you feel threatened enough to lift the weapon, cycle a round into the chamber, identify and point it at the target you should be able liquefy whatever it was.
4. Practice, practice, practice. At the end of the day you still need to be comfortable with whatever tools you use.

Who knew that this many cigar smokers were gun owners.


Fish

 

[estoltz]

When it comes to firearms there have been and will continue to be many books especially on personal protection. There is one thing you need to remember above all of the other stuff that has been posted here. EDUCATION IS THE KEY. My wife and I are Concealed Carry licensed and exercise that right as much as possible. Range time is when we get to spend the most time together. We learned a lot from trial and error. One of the things we focused on is comfort with a hand gun. In a high stress environment such as a home invasion operation of a firearm must be as second nature as dialing 911. We started with 3 firearms initially. The first one was a Taurus PT145. .45 Caliber Double Action only. While it is my favorite ankle backup the double action is a little difficult for my wife. She also has a problem pulling the slide safely.

I ended up getting her (at her request) a Taurus .25 with the flip up barrel as she didn't want a wheel gun. I wasn't happy with such a small caliber but it is something that she keeps on her person all the time so I can't argue with that. Overall my favorite handgun is the Springfield Armory XD 45ACP. High capacity easy to shoot and I like .45. Down side is that ammo prices are going up. We are actually in the market for a shotgun.

Your best bet is going to be a lot of education. I recommend hooking up with someone who teaches firearm safety courses in your area. If they are good they will have a diverse collection of firearms and be willing to work with you on what is best for you. If you are considering moving to concealed carry the needs there will be different from those of a home protection scenario. There are numerous websites that can give you information on that topic. Please feel free to PM me.

Finally I'm not sure if you have kids or not but depending on their age you might want to look at a quick access safe (something with a digital keypad) and more importantly gun safety education for them. If you take the mystery out of firearms they are less likely to go searching for them to do their own investigating.

Sorry for the long rant. This is one topic I am very passionate about.

 

[Wurm]

.357 double action medium frame revolver with a 4(+) inch barrel is my recommendation Bruce.

Just make sure you take the classes and fire A LOT of rounds through it so it becomes second nature. And make sure your better half takes those classes with you and fires it until she is comfortable with it as well.

Notice I didn't list a make or model? Thats because everyone is different and you need to TEST a gun before buying it. Most good gun shops with let you fire a few different guns until you find one that fits.

*edit* And I personally like S&W (now that Colt stopped making the Python)... I hope you find the gun you need brother.

*edit 2* Taurus also (now) makes very good weapons for half the price of S&W. This is the size pistol I recommended above... Taurus Medium Frame 5 inch barrel .357

 

[jeht2000]

I have a XD 357sig, but I would recommend a 38 / .357. Both are no frills but accurate and reliable. Like others have said, if you need more than six rounds then something is wrong. I definietly wouldn't go with any kind of 45 because of the recoil and practice needed. I also would agree with a shot gun for the home.

 

[Devil Doc]

This is no shit. My mother-in-law is a 75 yr old woman who weighs about 110 lbs dripping wet. But, she’s a tough old bird and she still lives alone in a place called Stratford Hollow. Yes, it’s as remote as it sounds. This past winter a predator, which will go un-named, threatened to kill and eat her chickens. Pat is quite fond of her chickens, so she went in the house, got her deceased husbands H&R single shot 12 ga, which kicks like a mule, loaded it with some old paper Winchester XX No. 4’s, a rather stout load, and wasted the animal. She probably hasn’t fired a weapon in 50 yrs and she's had no training. Now, does anyone really think that woman could have defended her chickens with handgun .

Doc.

 

[BlindedByScience]

Many good recommendations in this thread. At the end of the day, be it shotgun, handgun, baseball bat, or whatever, it's all about training and comfort. What your are reading is to be expected; intelligent folks who went through a careful decision making process based on their own needs, experience, and preferences. The fact that many came to slightly different conclusions, and the fact that there isn't a single answer, shouldn't be a surprise.

It's been recommended before, and I can't stress it enough - go take a class or two. The indoor range I frequent has a full selection of different handguns to try and yes, even a 12 gauge or two. Unless you have a friend close enough to walk you though this, and perhaps even if you do, there's no substitute for having a professional show you how things work, how to acquire a sight picture, etc. Basically, get you off to a good start. Shoot a revolver, a couple of autos, that 12 GA, everything you can get your hands on. My guess is that one will rise to the top and become the obvious choice for you and your needs.

Several folks, myself included, have offered to chat on the phone or PM. Just remember, Bruce, everyone is different and you need to make this decision based on your own needs and comfort level. When it comes to defensive weapons, one size most definitely does not fit all.

Good Luck - B.B.S.

 

[Boomer52]

Many good recommendations in this thread. At the end of the day, be it shotgun, handgun, baseball bat, or whatever, it's all about training and comfort. What your are reading is to be expected; intelligent folks who went through a careful decision making process based on their own needs, experience, and preferences. The fact that many came to slightly different conclusions, and the fact that there isn't a single answer, shouldn't be a surprise.

It's been recommended before, and I can't stress it enough - go take a class or two. The indoor range I frequent has a full selection of different handguns to try and yes, even a 12 gauge or two. Unless you have a friend close enough to walk you though this, and perhaps even if you do, there's no substitute for having a professional show you how things work, how to acquire a sight picture, etc. Basically, get you off to a good start. Shoot a revolver, a couple of autos, that 12 GA, everything you can get your hands on. My guess is that one will rise to the top and become the obvious choice for you and your needs.

Several folks, myself included, have offered to chat on the phone or PM. Just remember, Bruce, everyone is different and you need to make this decision based on your own needs and comfort level. When it comes to defensive weapons, one size most definitely does not fit all.

Good Luck - B.B.S.

X2

B.B.S. has summed it up perfectly.

Choosing a defensive weapon is like choosing a cigar. One mans super premium is another mans dog rocket. Sample many, choose the best fit. Then practice, practice, practice.

 

[NullSmurf]

All sea stories start with "this is no shit!", though I doubt you not, Doc. Wifey steadfastly rejected the shotgun idea. I think she wants something smaller. We'll make our choice at our local shooting range. From what I've read, they do this all the time to help customers chose.

 

[AVB]

While I would have said a shotgun, not a legal one mind you, but something in a 12 gage that has a thumb hole stock with a 6" barrel loaded with #6 shot. Good spread at inside distances, #6 shot in most cases won't go through a wall and out the other side and the short barrel makes it easy to point. In my area no jury will say squat about shooting someone with a sawed off if they are in your home. YMMV.

If it has to be a pistol then a small frame Glock 38 or 39 (45 GAP round) will fit the bill. The Glock 30 in 45 ACP will work too if you need a slightly wider frame. All are small enough for the wife's hands and easy to conceal when and if you want to. Just my opinion.

 

[Devil Doc]

All sea stories start with "this is no shit!", though I doubt you not, Doc. Wifey steadfastly rejected the shotgun idea. I think she wants something smaller. We'll make our choice at our local shooting range. From what I've read, they do this all the time to help customers chose.

Well, since she's decided on a handgun, my recommendation is, don't get involved in a gun fight with anything that doesn't start with the number 4. Oh, and I did exagerate a bit, she weighs about 125, bone dry.

Doc.

 

[Wurm]

BUMP... OK Smurfy, what are you thinking about doing?

 

[NullSmurf]

Well Kathy doesn't have any low mass issues, nor is she the least bit squeamish about firearms. She rejected the 1911 Next up is most likely a .380 or .40. After we settle on HER pistol, we'll go shopping for MINE.

 

[rectifythis]

<snip>
Who knew that this many cigar smokers were gun owners.
Fish

Well Howard, we have got to protect our cigars!

My personal choice has been to avoid the 12 ga as I feel there is less manuverability in a house with it...the wife and I prefer the Springfield XD and Kimber 1911.

 

[Devil Doc]

Well Kathy doesn't have any low mass issues, nor is she the least bit squeamish about firearms. She rejected the 1911 Next up is most likely a .380 or .40. After we settle on HER pistol, we'll go shopping for MINE.

The .380 is an anemic cartridge. It's apt to just piss off the perp. You'd be better off with a 9mm.

Doc.

 

[mmburtch]

Well Kathy doesn't have any low mass issues, nor is she the least bit squeamish about firearms. She rejected the 1911 Next up is most likely a .380 or .40. After we settle on HER pistol, we'll go shopping for MINE.

The .380 is an anemic cartridge. It's apt to just piss off the perp. You'd be better off with a 9mm.

Doc.

In addition to what Doc says, I find most 380 frames so small I end up with two tracks between my finger and thumb where the slide has removed most of the skin.