I am considering getting a gun for basic home protection. Our neighborhood isn't really "dangerous", and there are few-to-no B&E reports around. But I'd like to have a gun for basic self-preservation.
I have never shot a gun in my life. Not that anyone in our family is against guns (dad has a few), but I just haven't had the ocassion to shoot one. So I'm an absolute rookie at this. I have a few basic questions.
1) I suppose I'm looking at a handgun/pistol here, and not something like a shotgun, right? Again, not looking to kill a bear, just basic self-defense.
2) In talking with others at work, I probably want something bigger than a .22, maybe something like a .357 or a 9mm. Folks have said that a .22 will barely sting to a crazed drugged intruder with adrenalin pumping.
3) Not having been a part of the gun world at all, is there risk in buying a used gun from a reputable gun store? I could tell anyone what to look for in looking at a used car, but know relatively little about guns, or what to look for.
Thanks in advance!
Suggestions for home protection firearm
- Thread starter Hokiefyd
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Go to a gun store with a range. For fifty bucks you can probably spend an hour and shoot a few different guns and get a feel for what you'd want.
I'd still consider a shotgun. They're handy, versatile and hold their value.
The risk in a good used gun from a reputable store is that you save almost nothing off of new.
Dont get too hung up on cailber. Anything from .38-.45 is a nice happy place. I have seen lots of people shot. None of them were too happy about it regardless of weapon used. None were like "That 9mm was weak!I will take a lap and get back in the fight!". Far from it. Some were dead, some were alive. None were happy. Bottom line....what you shoot best. Night sights are good. Get a decent, well known brand. Get some good training.
You should take a safety course if you have no experience with a gun. For a newbie a revolver would be best, so get a 357 Mag. You could use lower recoil 38 specials in it if the 357 Mag is too much.
Check your local laws too. For some reason the 2nd amendment does not apply to all parts of the country, so if you live in a blue state be aware. Aware of the law and especially folks around you!
A pump shotgun with number 4 buckshot or larger is the worlds best gun for those who are not experienced with guns.
If you go with a handgun I recommend a 357 magnum as well. I would get a fairly heavy one for home protection. All steel. There are several makers out there making "lucky 7" seven shot wheelguns. A heavy 357 mag with lighter grain JHP ammo is a proven manstopper.
You can practice with cheaper 38 special to learn how to aim and to get accustomed to the fundamentals.
Glocks are simple, no manual safety, all you have to do is point and pull the trigger. I have a glock 19 gen 4 that i keep chambered and loaded in a holster that covers up the trigger, all i have to do is pull it out of the holster and it's ready to go. Maybe a smith & wesson m&p, ruger sr series, fnherstal fnx, or springfield xd/xdm if you are looking for additional safeties, many others like sigsauer or h&k have good guns too some may be too pricey. Think about if you want full size or compact or subcompact if you intend to ccw in the future. Good hollow points makes caliber not much of a big deal these days so I like 9mm, maybe .40s&w for more rounds you can carry. If you are on a budget there are very good guns out there in the $300-400 range, but most guns are around $500 or so, there are guns like around $150 like the hi-point but some people don't like hi-points. If you know someone in law enforcement maybe they can help you get a discount on the price. Some manufactureres also run promotions during the year where you can get rebates or free magazines so keep an eye out for that.
Search on youtube for video reviews on models that you are interested in, there are tons of reviews out there. Maybe check www.galleryofguns.com or www.budsgunshop.com or other online shops to compare prices and then go to a local gun shop to look at some and compare size, fit, weight, price etc and maybe rent some to shoot if you are willing to spend money on renting, or if you know someone with some guns that you can borrow...but if you know what you like already skip the renting and put that money towards the purchase and ammo to practice with.
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Honestly it's not what you shoot, it's how you shoot it. A .22, 9mm, or .45 handgun all have the capacity to kill if you aim well.
For home defense- i would get a pump action shot gun- just the sound of the racking of the chamber will scare most bad guys away- also will tell them you mean business. With a shotgun- you do not need to be dead on- just close as the buckshot or home defense load will get a peice of them as long as your in the general area.
Originally Posted By: Robenstein
A pump shotgun with number 4 buckshot or larger is the worlds best gun for those who are not experienced with guns.
If you go with a handgun I recommend a 357 magnum as well. I would get a fairly heavy one for home protection. All steel. There are several makers out there making "lucky 7" seven shot wheelguns. A heavy 357 mag with lighter grain JHP ammo is a proven manstopper.
You can practice with cheaper 38 special to learn how to aim and to get accustomed to the fundamentals.
With one additional point - wheel guns have no complex "manual of arms" - safety, slide, jam-clearing, etc...just pull the trigger...
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You must live near Fayetteville ?
Originally Posted By: tdpark
For home defense- i would get a pump action shot gun- just the sound of the racking of the chamber will scare most bad guys away- also will tell them you mean business. With a shotgun- you do not need to be dead on- just close as the buckshot or home defense load will get a peice of them as long as your in the general area.
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Shotgun in a house...gotta start thinking collateral damage. Not so sure I'd go that route.
JHZR2
Staff member
A few really is better than one. I'd start with a revolver, probably a .38 so you can operate with .357 and have ultimate capability. Pistols are nice, but slightly more complex to maintain. Revolvers are ultra reliable.
Even if you live in the country, no need to put 15+ rounds through your walls and floors.
I always hear the thing about racking the pump shot gun, but my question is always "Exactly why was one not already in the chamber if you are keeping it for home defense?"
The .22 as a defense pistol is a hot button item on the firearm forums, but when I hear things like "will barely sting to a crazed drugged intruder with adrenalin pumping" I wonder things like "Has the respondent ever shot an intruder (drug crazed or otherwise) with one?". (I have not and I don't recommend one (.22) for home defense, although it is certainly better than nothing, but I still question the statement)
None the less for any home defense weapon one must be committed to learn it's use and become proficient, how much time and training you are willing to commit, as well as whether you think you may ever want to carry it concealed (legally of course) can impact the type of weapon.
Something like a small or medium frame Smith & Wesson would probably be a good choice...
Also, when considering used, find out if the manufacturer will honor the warranty for someone other than the original owner.
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I would first sign up for a Safety class with an NRA approved instructor.. just to know you're going to get a solid and fundamental education.
THEN think about a handgun for self defense.
1) Pump shotgun (12 Gauge with 00 Buckshot, most effective)
2) Revolver (.38 Snubbie will work just fine)
3) Ka-Bar (If you've played Modern Warfare too much)
consider a 12 gauge pump action shotgun, since there is a lot of margin for error. unless you have experience in firefights, i.e., trained in military or a large city cop, where crime is common ... you WILL miss your target with a handgun,in a panic situation, even at a 10-15' range.
even an expert marksman would likely miss his target. being in the comfort of a shooting range is much different than being face to face with a criminal, if you interrupt his attempted theft. paper targets do not shoot back.
that's why a shotgun is the ideal weapon for home defense. if you feel that it is too long in a possible close quarters situation, then check out your local laws, and cut down the barrel to about 1" over what is allowed.
bottom line is you will increase the odds greatly of putting a criminal down with a shotgun. it's key that you kill an intruder, as there will be less legal hassles.
good luck on your decision, and i hope that you never have to use a weapon for home defense.
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You should take a safety course if you have no experience with a gun. For a newbie a revolver would be best, so get a 357 Mag. You could use lower recoil 38 specials in it if the 357 Mag is too much.
Check your local laws too. For some reason the 2nd amendment does not apply to all parts of the country, so if you live in a blue state be aware. Aware of the law and especially folks around you
i was too late to edit my post. i omitted the obvious. whatever weapon you choose, you MUST learn how to handle it in a safe manner.take care.
I agree with many, that a shotgun is a GREAT home defense weapon. In addition to being easy to use and hard to miss (it's easy to aim, you just point the barrel), it is almost impossible for someone to take it away from you (this happens often with a handgun), they have to grab the barrel, not a great move for them!
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