When considering pump shotguns for home defense, some of the things you should consider is the recoil, overpenetrating, having to actually pump between shots, still have to actually aim (common spread is about 1"/10yards), it's long so it may be difficult to manuever around the house and corners, may be limited on shots so you might have to reload more often, and if you decide to carry in the future you have to get another gun.
Suggestions for home protection firearm
- Thread starter Hokiefyd
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Originally Posted By: wkcars
When considering pump shotguns for home defense, some of the things you should consider is the recoil, overpenetrating, having to actually pump between shots, still have to actually aim (common spread is about 1"/10yards
All of these reasons are valid and why I typically recommend a 20 gauge semi-auto, the Remington 1100 most often. In 20 years of competitive shotgunning, I am convinced a semi is far more reliable and easier to learn to shoot well than a pump, when user-induced failures are considered. Even guys that have duck hunting for decades still short-stroke their pump guns on occasion.
I realize this recommendation fails the "macho" test, but 1 oz of #3 buck packs far more wallop than any handgun round. If a 20 doesn't stop the bad guy, a 12 wouldnt have either.
So, compared to a 12 gauge pump, a 20 gauge semi is lighter, easier to shoot, kicks MUCH less and for all practical purposes hits just as hard.
When considering pump shotguns for home defense, some of the things you should consider is the recoil, overpenetrating, having to actually pump between shots, still have to actually aim (common spread is about 1"/10yards
All of these reasons are valid and why I typically recommend a 20 gauge semi-auto, the Remington 1100 most often. In 20 years of competitive shotgunning, I am convinced a semi is far more reliable and easier to learn to shoot well than a pump, when user-induced failures are considered. Even guys that have duck hunting for decades still short-stroke their pump guns on occasion.
I realize this recommendation fails the "macho" test, but 1 oz of #3 buck packs far more wallop than any handgun round. If a 20 doesn't stop the bad guy, a 12 wouldnt have either.
So, compared to a 12 gauge pump, a 20 gauge semi is lighter, easier to shoot, kicks MUCH less and for all practical purposes hits just as hard.
Shotgun..no doubt. I have a 12 gauge HD 5 shot 18.5" Rem. 870.. LOVE IT. for the price it's awesome.
If your wife or daughter might ever need to use it in a HD situation I would get a Rem. 870 Youth 20 Gauge..nice versatile, inexpensive and can be used by a smaller framed people..still has "shot gun" stopping power..
I'd get a 20G Youth for a family protector, should you not be home and heaven forbid, the wife needs to protect herself and you child..she could...
Dusty
PS target shooting with GFs, my 12g bruised them pretty good, so I get the 20g and have a great time..
If your wife or daughter might ever need to use it in a HD situation I would get a Rem. 870 Youth 20 Gauge..nice versatile, inexpensive and can be used by a smaller framed people..still has "shot gun" stopping power..
I'd get a 20G Youth for a family protector, should you not be home and heaven forbid, the wife needs to protect herself and you child..she could...
Dusty
PS target shooting with GFs, my 12g bruised them pretty good, so I get the 20g and have a great time..
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
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.
Tell that to Bobby Kennedy, James Brady, Wojciech Frykowski...etc...Ronald Reagan was closer to death from a .22 gunshot than most people realize. A mm from fatal.
I hear and read it all the time, You can't use a .380....your 9mm can't stop an intruder...etc... If you subscribe to half of the internet nonsense, you would assume that you absolutely must have a .454 Casull or you are a dead man.
All I know is that if I empty a magazine of +P+9mm hydra-shoks into an intruder and he's still coming at me, we must be in "The Matrix" and that's an agent. I had better run and start looking for a rotary phone.
I don't like the .25ACP and know that it is not a particularly powerful round, but I still respect the fact that it is deadly.
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.
Tell that to Bobby Kennedy, James Brady, Wojciech Frykowski...etc...Ronald Reagan was closer to death from a .22 gunshot than most people realize. A mm from fatal.
I hear and read it all the time, You can't use a .380....your 9mm can't stop an intruder...etc... If you subscribe to half of the internet nonsense, you would assume that you absolutely must have a .454 Casull or you are a dead man.
All I know is that if I empty a magazine of +P+9mm hydra-shoks into an intruder and he's still coming at me, we must be in "The Matrix" and that's an agent. I had better run and start looking for a rotary phone.
I don't like the .25ACP and know that it is not a particularly powerful round, but I still respect the fact that it is deadly.
Your first gun ever? Shotgun. Pump action, 12 gauge- or even a 20 gauge will do. Barrel length 18 to 20 inches, cylynder bore. Regular type buttstock, *not* folding & for sure not just a pistol grip.
Practice mostly with low cost, "low brass" birdshot loads- you'll probably find those most easily in shot sizes of #6, #7 1/2, & #8. For house duty, load with buckshot. In 12 ga, use regular 2 3/4" length shells (no 3 inch magnums needed) in #1, 0, 00, or 000 buck. Even #4 buck should do OK at house ranges. For 20 ga, the standard load used to be #3 buck- or you can get #2 buck in 3" shells. In 20 ga, I might even load with slugs for house duty. Don't worry about long magazines, fancy sights, or "tactical" anything. Standard length magazine tube & bead front sight will do just fine. Or if you find something with some bells & whistles & like it, go ahead. They're fine, just not required.
Mossberg & Maverick both make perfectly serviceable guns. Locally, the Maverick is usually available for less than $200 brand new. lots of other makers these days too.
Alternative- shotgun, double barrel, with short barrels, often called a "Coach Gun"- as in stagecoach. Same recommendations on ammo.
At house distances, you will probably be surprised at how small the patterns are. So don't count on the TV/Movie scenario of blasting out a whole wall with one shot.
Practice mostly with low cost, "low brass" birdshot loads- you'll probably find those most easily in shot sizes of #6, #7 1/2, & #8. For house duty, load with buckshot. In 12 ga, use regular 2 3/4" length shells (no 3 inch magnums needed) in #1, 0, 00, or 000 buck. Even #4 buck should do OK at house ranges. For 20 ga, the standard load used to be #3 buck- or you can get #2 buck in 3" shells. In 20 ga, I might even load with slugs for house duty. Don't worry about long magazines, fancy sights, or "tactical" anything. Standard length magazine tube & bead front sight will do just fine. Or if you find something with some bells & whistles & like it, go ahead. They're fine, just not required.
Mossberg & Maverick both make perfectly serviceable guns. Locally, the Maverick is usually available for less than $200 brand new. lots of other makers these days too.
Alternative- shotgun, double barrel, with short barrels, often called a "Coach Gun"- as in stagecoach. Same recommendations on ammo.
At house distances, you will probably be surprised at how small the patterns are. So don't count on the TV/Movie scenario of blasting out a whole wall with one shot.
Originally Posted By: AlienBug
I typically recommend a 20 gauge semi-auto, the Remington 1100 most often. In 20 years of competitive shotgunning, I am convinced a semi is far more reliable and easier to learn to shoot well than a pump, when user-induced failures are considered.
I realize this recommendation fails the "macho" test, but 1 oz of #3 buck packs far more wallop than any handgun round. If a 20 doesn't stop the bad guy, a 12 wouldnt have either.
So, compared to a 12 gauge pump, a 20 gauge semi is lighter, easier to shoot, kicks MUCH less and for all practical purposes hits just as hard.
My thoughts exactly, I traded in my hardly used 12ga 870 Rem wingmaster for a 1100 20ga. Recoil when trap shooting the 12ga was punishing, even with light sport loads.
In the original posters situation however cost could be an issue. He seems to be looking for something "just in case". The Remington 1100 is pricey, short barreled police or tactical models even more so
Perhaps a 18 inch barrel, 20ga 870 would be a good compromise. Reasonably priced, light and relatively easy to swing in closed quarters.
870 express with 7 round mag extension and a $30 rebate looks like a good buy:
http://www.remington.com/products/firear...ic-7-round.aspx
I typically recommend a 20 gauge semi-auto, the Remington 1100 most often. In 20 years of competitive shotgunning, I am convinced a semi is far more reliable and easier to learn to shoot well than a pump, when user-induced failures are considered.
I realize this recommendation fails the "macho" test, but 1 oz of #3 buck packs far more wallop than any handgun round. If a 20 doesn't stop the bad guy, a 12 wouldnt have either.
So, compared to a 12 gauge pump, a 20 gauge semi is lighter, easier to shoot, kicks MUCH less and for all practical purposes hits just as hard.
My thoughts exactly, I traded in my hardly used 12ga 870 Rem wingmaster for a 1100 20ga. Recoil when trap shooting the 12ga was punishing, even with light sport loads.
In the original posters situation however cost could be an issue. He seems to be looking for something "just in case". The Remington 1100 is pricey, short barreled police or tactical models even more so
Perhaps a 18 inch barrel, 20ga 870 would be a good compromise. Reasonably priced, light and relatively easy to swing in closed quarters.
870 express with 7 round mag extension and a $30 rebate looks like a good buy:
http://www.remington.com/products/firear...ic-7-round.aspx
I've got a 12 guage with 00 Buckshot, along with a Springfield XDM 45 ACP loaded with Speer Gold Dot HP... A shotgun would be a good choice.
Wow -- tons of responses. Thanks to all.
Yes, North Carolina recently passed legislation much more friendly to gun owners. That's part of why I'm starting to get interested in owning one. I know I may not spend 3 years in court trying to defend my action. Under previous law, you had to demonstrate that the intruder was there to harm you. There to steal my TV? I had to watch him do it.
Multiple recommendations of a 20ga shotgun. Even a "youth" shotgun. Interesting recommendation, and certainly one I'll look into. I would hope a gun would be simply a "visual" defense measure...perp sees a gun and runs. If he's in there with a knife and I have nothing but my PJs, or even a baseball bat, I'm no doubt in a worse situation.
We live in a fairly safe neighborhood. All of our exterior doors have double dead-bolts. All of our windows are mechanically-locked (and wooden, so many are stuck anyway). Our backyard is fenced and the gates don't have any exterior handles. We seem pretty well protected with engineering measures, but I figure that if anyone's in the house, they've gotten through enough barricades to really WANT to be in here, so "stop thief" probably won't work.
Our daughters are 6 and barely 3, and I guess having kids changes you in interesting ways. As the dad, I guess one wants to be able to protect the brood.
Keep the recommendations coming. Oh...I suppose I'd spend up to $500 for a gun. It is a "just in case" measure, but I can see myself enjoying shooting it for pleasure/practice once I have one, so I don't want a Walmart special.
Yes, North Carolina recently passed legislation much more friendly to gun owners. That's part of why I'm starting to get interested in owning one. I know I may not spend 3 years in court trying to defend my action. Under previous law, you had to demonstrate that the intruder was there to harm you. There to steal my TV? I had to watch him do it.
Multiple recommendations of a 20ga shotgun. Even a "youth" shotgun. Interesting recommendation, and certainly one I'll look into. I would hope a gun would be simply a "visual" defense measure...perp sees a gun and runs. If he's in there with a knife and I have nothing but my PJs, or even a baseball bat, I'm no doubt in a worse situation.
We live in a fairly safe neighborhood. All of our exterior doors have double dead-bolts. All of our windows are mechanically-locked (and wooden, so many are stuck anyway). Our backyard is fenced and the gates don't have any exterior handles. We seem pretty well protected with engineering measures, but I figure that if anyone's in the house, they've gotten through enough barricades to really WANT to be in here, so "stop thief" probably won't work.
Our daughters are 6 and barely 3, and I guess having kids changes you in interesting ways. As the dad, I guess one wants to be able to protect the brood.
Keep the recommendations coming. Oh...I suppose I'd spend up to $500 for a gun. It is a "just in case" measure, but I can see myself enjoying shooting it for pleasure/practice once I have one, so I don't want a Walmart special.
Quote:
Our daughters are 6 and barely 3, and I guess having kids changes you in interesting ways. As the dad, I guess one wants to be able to protect the brood.
Keep the recommendations coming. Oh...I suppose I'd spend up to $500 for a gun. It is a "just in case" measure, but I can see myself enjoying shooting it for pleasure/practice once I have one, so I don't want a Walmart special.
I hope you take my previous post to heart, esp. in light of the kids safety. I can not stress enough to get your training (which should include safety measures like a quick access gun safe, with young ones in the house) first, before buying. Another aspect that I failed to mention came to mind when you said that getting it would be a "just in case" measure.
Responsible firearms ownership includes regular use of it. It's the only way you can be effective if you should ever encounter a "dynamically critical situation".
Think of it this way: How good of a driver would you be if all you did was receive drivers training and then only drove maybe once a year or less? Would you be ready for that child running out in front of you, or someone texting and driving abruptly change lanes cutting you off, or knowing what to do when weather or road conditions abruptly change? These skills can only be acquired through years of experience.
The same holds true in firearms ownership. Part of responsible firearms ownership (especially if you are looking to use it for self defense measures) dictates that you practice, practice, and more practice. It is nearly impossible to be effective in home defense unless you and the firearm are the "best of friends". Trust me, when the Adrenalin is surging during a dynamically critical situation, you must have complete mastery over that firearm. As we like to say; "Real gun control is the ability to hit your target with the first shot".
Please don't hesitate to PM me if you have any questions...
Our daughters are 6 and barely 3, and I guess having kids changes you in interesting ways. As the dad, I guess one wants to be able to protect the brood.
Keep the recommendations coming. Oh...I suppose I'd spend up to $500 for a gun. It is a "just in case" measure, but I can see myself enjoying shooting it for pleasure/practice once I have one, so I don't want a Walmart special.
I hope you take my previous post to heart, esp. in light of the kids safety. I can not stress enough to get your training (which should include safety measures like a quick access gun safe, with young ones in the house) first, before buying. Another aspect that I failed to mention came to mind when you said that getting it would be a "just in case" measure.
Responsible firearms ownership includes regular use of it. It's the only way you can be effective if you should ever encounter a "dynamically critical situation".
Think of it this way: How good of a driver would you be if all you did was receive drivers training and then only drove maybe once a year or less? Would you be ready for that child running out in front of you, or someone texting and driving abruptly change lanes cutting you off, or knowing what to do when weather or road conditions abruptly change? These skills can only be acquired through years of experience.
The same holds true in firearms ownership. Part of responsible firearms ownership (especially if you are looking to use it for self defense measures) dictates that you practice, practice, and more practice. It is nearly impossible to be effective in home defense unless you and the firearm are the "best of friends". Trust me, when the Adrenalin is surging during a dynamically critical situation, you must have complete mastery over that firearm. As we like to say; "Real gun control is the ability to hit your target with the first shot".
Please don't hesitate to PM me if you have any questions...
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jetmech1, I appreciate your sincere thoughts and absolutely take your suggestion to heart. I know a gun instructor at church who instructs police and military trainees on this very aspect, so if I haven't mentioned training, it's because I have a path forward for that. I agree that responsible gun ownership includes knowing the firearm and becoming proficient with it. My neighbor has a miniature arsenal in a gun safe under his staircase, and has a CC permit, so he's also helping me along.
I called my dad tonight, to see what he has and how he likes shooting it. He said he's got a 12ga pump action shot gun that he actually doesn't carry anymore; it's been sitting at his dad's house for years. He said it's been shot maybe twice or three times. If I can figure out how to ship it, I can have it. So I might get my feet wet on that. This is a full-sized shotgun, so I will certainly need some training on how to handle it. He said when he carried it, he would actually keep snake shot in as the first round, then buck shot after that. He echoed a few of the earlier comments on here: a .357 or similar will go right through someone and through every wall in the house, so he considers it a more dangerous weapon than a shotgun. He said the last thing you want to go is try to shoot someone in the heat of the moment and have it go through them and into one of the other bedrooms.
He thinks it's a Remington with a six-round clip. Definitely pump-action. Probably bought new in the 1998-1999 timeframe.
I called my dad tonight, to see what he has and how he likes shooting it. He said he's got a 12ga pump action shot gun that he actually doesn't carry anymore; it's been sitting at his dad's house for years. He said it's been shot maybe twice or three times. If I can figure out how to ship it, I can have it. So I might get my feet wet on that. This is a full-sized shotgun, so I will certainly need some training on how to handle it. He said when he carried it, he would actually keep snake shot in as the first round, then buck shot after that. He echoed a few of the earlier comments on here: a .357 or similar will go right through someone and through every wall in the house, so he considers it a more dangerous weapon than a shotgun. He said the last thing you want to go is try to shoot someone in the heat of the moment and have it go through them and into one of the other bedrooms.
He thinks it's a Remington with a six-round clip. Definitely pump-action. Probably bought new in the 1998-1999 timeframe.
+10 on taking a class to get some basics down. You'll likely have a much better idea of what to buy after the class, too.
With kids in the house, storage of loaded guns (and they need to be kept loaded) is a very serious concern that you will have to figure out. You can buy small pistol safes that can be programmed for your fingerprints so you can gain access to the firearm quickly, yet your kids can't They aren't terribly expensive either.
I have quite a few firearms to choose from and my go to "home defense" gun is a Glock 23. My wife has practiced enough with it, too, that it works for both of us. I think she shoots better than I do!
With kids in the house, storage of loaded guns (and they need to be kept loaded) is a very serious concern that you will have to figure out. You can buy small pistol safes that can be programmed for your fingerprints so you can gain access to the firearm quickly, yet your kids can't They aren't terribly expensive either.
I have quite a few firearms to choose from and my go to "home defense" gun is a Glock 23. My wife has practiced enough with it, too, that it works for both of us. I think she shoots better than I do!
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Wow -- tons of responses. Thanks to all.
Multiple recommendations of a 20ga shotgun. Even a "youth" shotgun. Interesting recommendation, and certainly one I'll look into. I would hope a gun would be simply a "visual" defense measure...perp sees a gun and runs.
Our daughters are 6 and barely 3, and I guess having kids changes you in interesting ways. As the dad, I guess one wants to be able to protect the brood.
Keep the recommendations coming. Oh...I suppose I'd spend up to $500 for a gun. It is a "just in case" measure, but I can see myself enjoying shooting it for pleasure/practice once I have one, so I don't want a Walmart special.
In your neck of the woods its highly unlikely you'll ever have to use a firearm in a defensive situation. However, as they say: Better to have a gun and not need it then to need a gun and not have it.
As for a youth model they have shorter stocks, may not be a good fit for a man.
Also, considering young children are in the house a shotgun may be the safer option.
For small curious hands a shotgun would be far more challenging to fire than a loaded revolver. Multiple steps involved: Disengaging the trigger lock, then pressing the slide release while working the action to chamber a round. Along with it being big, heavy and intimidating to a child.
For practice and recreation a shotgun would be more versatile as well, throw on a 28 inch barrel and go trap shooting with the same gun.
Wow -- tons of responses. Thanks to all.
Multiple recommendations of a 20ga shotgun. Even a "youth" shotgun. Interesting recommendation, and certainly one I'll look into. I would hope a gun would be simply a "visual" defense measure...perp sees a gun and runs.
Our daughters are 6 and barely 3, and I guess having kids changes you in interesting ways. As the dad, I guess one wants to be able to protect the brood.
Keep the recommendations coming. Oh...I suppose I'd spend up to $500 for a gun. It is a "just in case" measure, but I can see myself enjoying shooting it for pleasure/practice once I have one, so I don't want a Walmart special.
In your neck of the woods its highly unlikely you'll ever have to use a firearm in a defensive situation. However, as they say: Better to have a gun and not need it then to need a gun and not have it.
As for a youth model they have shorter stocks, may not be a good fit for a man.
Also, considering young children are in the house a shotgun may be the safer option.
For small curious hands a shotgun would be far more challenging to fire than a loaded revolver. Multiple steps involved: Disengaging the trigger lock, then pressing the slide release while working the action to chamber a round. Along with it being big, heavy and intimidating to a child.
For practice and recreation a shotgun would be more versatile as well, throw on a 28 inch barrel and go trap shooting with the same gun.
I myself came to a forum close to 2 years ago asking the same question. (3wheeler website LOL) i had never shot a gun before, wanted something for Home defense and something i could enjoy as a hobby and stuff too.
I spent around 10 months researching and joining gun specific forums before I made my choice. I bought a pump action 12 gauge. (can be seen in a thread a recently started about pump actions)
I was concerned because I have a disability that slightly affects my balance and i was worried about the recoil of a 12 gauge.
I now have been shooting for a little over a year now and have shot everything from .22 rifles to .44 magnum revolvers. I am very happy with my choice of gun and have well over 1200 rounds threw it.
The 12 gauge shotgun is a very effective Home defense weapon that is easy to get started in, the gun is easy to use and maintain, ammo is available everywhere, and most shotguns are easily customized to fit your needs as far as weight, recoil, length ect... The shotgun 12 gauge or 20 are both very effective and very lethal weapons when loaded with the right ammo. Stopping power is not an issue and will end a bad situation very quickly
another great part about a shotgun is the ammo. you can practice alot with cheap birdshot thats low recoil and easy to shoot then use your choice of Home defense rounds when the gun is on duty. I myself keep my gun loaded with full power OO buckshot with a flite control wad to reduce spread, but low recoil rounds are available for a more manageable recoil if thats what you need. I myself dont mind the recoil even being physically disabled and if I had an intruder in my house recoil would really not be noticed.I do have a recoil pad on my gun that helps make the gun much more comfortable and more fun to shoot.
I agree about Joining the NRA too. I joined and its a great way to get started and involved into the gun world and the benefits of being a member only expand from there.
I spent around 10 months researching and joining gun specific forums before I made my choice. I bought a pump action 12 gauge. (can be seen in a thread a recently started about pump actions)
I was concerned because I have a disability that slightly affects my balance and i was worried about the recoil of a 12 gauge.
I now have been shooting for a little over a year now and have shot everything from .22 rifles to .44 magnum revolvers. I am very happy with my choice of gun and have well over 1200 rounds threw it.
The 12 gauge shotgun is a very effective Home defense weapon that is easy to get started in, the gun is easy to use and maintain, ammo is available everywhere, and most shotguns are easily customized to fit your needs as far as weight, recoil, length ect... The shotgun 12 gauge or 20 are both very effective and very lethal weapons when loaded with the right ammo. Stopping power is not an issue and will end a bad situation very quickly
another great part about a shotgun is the ammo. you can practice alot with cheap birdshot thats low recoil and easy to shoot then use your choice of Home defense rounds when the gun is on duty. I myself keep my gun loaded with full power OO buckshot with a flite control wad to reduce spread, but low recoil rounds are available for a more manageable recoil if thats what you need. I myself dont mind the recoil even being physically disabled and if I had an intruder in my house recoil would really not be noticed.I do have a recoil pad on my gun that helps make the gun much more comfortable and more fun to shoot.
I agree about Joining the NRA too. I joined and its a great way to get started and involved into the gun world and the benefits of being a member only expand from there.
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I know a gun instructor at church who instructs police and military trainees on this very aspect, so if I haven't mentioned training, it's because I have a path forward for that. I agree that responsible gun ownership includes knowing the firearm and becoming proficient with it. My neighbor has a miniature arsenal in a gun safe under his staircase, and has a CC permit, so he's also helping me along.
Wow! I wish my church had one of those instructors. You don't know how glad I am to know you are going to exercise those resources. I'm pretty sure that UPS or Fed-EX can ship that shotgun. If you have a Fed-EX Kinkos nearby or a UPS Store, they should be able to fix you up. I don't think an FFL will have to be invoved when it's between family members, but don't quote me on that as I haven't had any experience in that area.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned is a AR-15 styled tactical rifle. Notice I say tactical and not assault? True assault weapons are full auto. The up side is they can be outfitted with laser for quick aim from the hip. (of course a semi-auto pistol with picatinny rail can be too). They're also great for hunting and target practice, so they're multi-functional. The down side is, of course, the projectile can go quite far. Your neighbor with his collection should be invaluable in helping you select. Just remember, everyone has their favorites and you will too. Time is on your side and there's no hurry.
Good Luck and have fun!
I know a gun instructor at church who instructs police and military trainees on this very aspect, so if I haven't mentioned training, it's because I have a path forward for that. I agree that responsible gun ownership includes knowing the firearm and becoming proficient with it. My neighbor has a miniature arsenal in a gun safe under his staircase, and has a CC permit, so he's also helping me along.
Wow! I wish my church had one of those instructors. You don't know how glad I am to know you are going to exercise those resources. I'm pretty sure that UPS or Fed-EX can ship that shotgun. If you have a Fed-EX Kinkos nearby or a UPS Store, they should be able to fix you up. I don't think an FFL will have to be invoved when it's between family members, but don't quote me on that as I haven't had any experience in that area.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned is a AR-15 styled tactical rifle. Notice I say tactical and not assault? True assault weapons are full auto. The up side is they can be outfitted with laser for quick aim from the hip. (of course a semi-auto pistol with picatinny rail can be too). They're also great for hunting and target practice, so they're multi-functional. The down side is, of course, the projectile can go quite far. Your neighbor with his collection should be invaluable in helping you select. Just remember, everyone has their favorites and you will too. Time is on your side and there's no hurry.
Good Luck and have fun!
IMHO, with children the worst thing you can do is keep it a secret you have guns in the house. When you get something to shoot take them along to the range once, at least the six year old anyway. Proper exposure will help prevent the next "Kids killed by gun found in closet" story from being you and yours.
Well if you are in the dark, full of adrenaline, and not accustomed to pistols....its going to be hard to hit someone. A shotgun sure helps that angle. And some number 4 buck will go through a lot less walls than a miss from a hot 357 mag
Keep in mind a pistol is the most difficult to hit a target with, even at close range. A carbine or shotgun would be a significantly better home defense weapon.
If you rarely drove a car and usually walked everywhere, would you buy a motorcycle so that once in a lifetime, with no practice, you could ride 120 mph to work? That's what pulling a rarely used pistol out of a drawer for protection would be like.
If you rarely drove a car and usually walked everywhere, would you buy a motorcycle so that once in a lifetime, with no practice, you could ride 120 mph to work? That's what pulling a rarely used pistol out of a drawer for protection would be like.
Stoeger has some good and inexpensive defense pistols (based on beretta) as well as shotguns
http://www.stoegerindustries.com/firearms/stoeger_defense.php
A Mossberg 500 or 590 would also be a good pump for ya
http://www.stoegerindustries.com/firearms/stoeger_defense.php
A Mossberg 500 or 590 would also be a good pump for ya
Originally Posted By: calvin1
IMHO, with children the worst thing you can do is keep it a secret you have guns in the house. When you get something to shoot take them along to the range once, at least the six year old anyway. Proper exposure will help prevent the next "Kids killed by gun found in closet" story from being you and yours.
Thank you! I'm glad someone said it. I agree 100%. They are going to be curious about a guns, fire, knives, etc. Teach them young the correct and safe way. If U don't they will "experiment" on their own...not good. I also agree on the 20 gauge pump or semi using small birdshot like 6,7 1/2, or 8 shot or smaller. Anything larger will over penetrate walls at distance. Keep in mind not ALL that shot will hit your intended target, some will miss and go elsewhere. U hit a person with birshot at close range game over for them, no need for buckshot here. I would never recommend a pistol for someone who has never owned guns before, and with no training and without constant practice...just plain stupid for obvious reasons.
IMHO, with children the worst thing you can do is keep it a secret you have guns in the house. When you get something to shoot take them along to the range once, at least the six year old anyway. Proper exposure will help prevent the next "Kids killed by gun found in closet" story from being you and yours.
Thank you! I'm glad someone said it. I agree 100%. They are going to be curious about a guns, fire, knives, etc. Teach them young the correct and safe way. If U don't they will "experiment" on their own...not good. I also agree on the 20 gauge pump or semi using small birdshot like 6,7 1/2, or 8 shot or smaller. Anything larger will over penetrate walls at distance. Keep in mind not ALL that shot will hit your intended target, some will miss and go elsewhere. U hit a person with birshot at close range game over for them, no need for buckshot here. I would never recommend a pistol for someone who has never owned guns before, and with no training and without constant practice...just plain stupid for obvious reasons.
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