Suggestions for home protection firearm

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The CZ75 is a really nice shooting pistol, but the thing I don't like about it for a self defense gun is the very shallow slide that provides half the width to grab if you need to cycle the action by hand. It takes some getting used to for sure.
 
Originally Posted By: jjjxlr8
The CZ75 is a really nice shooting pistol, but the thing I don't like about it for a self defense gun is the very shallow slide that provides half the width to grab if you need to cycle the action by hand. It takes some getting used to for sure.



True that is the trade off for a lower profile gun with a better center of gravity and increased slide to frame interaction for accuracy.

But with a good gun, good mags, and keeping your ammo fresh, that should not be too much of a concern.
 
An inexpensive 12gauge or 20 gauge shotgun can be had for around $200. Check out skeet and trap ranges where you are to get a lot of fun practice with it (think about getting something with chokes).
A long gun will always beat a handgun as far as stopping someone doing what they are doing.

A single shot 20 gauge loaded with #3 Buck at indoor distances will put any handgun caliber to shame.

As far as a handgun goes. I have great respect for Police/Prison Guard trade ins (Both S&W and Ruger come to mind here). There are quite a few DAO revolvers on the market that can be had for around $250-$300. Most are in .38, but a few can be found in .357mag.
They will have lots of holster wear, but their internals will be almost perfect, and due to them being used for qualifications and practice for a decade or so their actions will be smooth as butter.

The firearm is only the beginning. Save some for ammunition to burn at the range, and professional firearm instruction.
 
I have many high quality pistols and I must say that if my life depended on just one it would be my CZ75B in 9mm. This is a heavy,well made piece that you can be proud of for a lifetime. I keep mine loaded with 15 rounds of self-defense hollow points with one in the chamber,ready to fire and safety off. No big deal since the first shot is double action and the rest are single action. The weight of this fine firearm tames the snappy recoil of the hot 9mm considerably allowing precise rapid fire follow up shots. I have shot thousands of rounds through mine using every type of ammo around including [censored] Wolf Russian and never...I repeat NEVER EVER had a malfunction of any kind!!!
 
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
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!


Hokiefyd,

If you want a no non-sense house gun I recommend a revolver in the 38 special caliber. Because it's a house un all you really need is a used gun and not a new one unless yu want one. Just have a gun smith check the internals out well for you.

Durango
 
After carrying Glocks for 5 years going to the Glock armorers course last week, I can say that Glocks are a pretty smart investment. They don't rust, don't jam, they hold tons of ammo, they have lots of sighting/lighting options and they shoot straight. Also----they are so simple it's ridiculous.
 
I have changed my mind about this. I would now recommend a pistol caliber carbine. A carbine is no longer than a Weaver-type stance with a pistol, and the longer barrel will give a useful boost in muzzle energy. Also, the carbine will be easier to learn to "point and shoot", and it's easier to become good with.
What is unchanged is the requirement to practice, practice, and practice some more. Another thing I am going to do shortly is get a half-hour of time with an attorney to get the straight info about the circumstances of a good shoot, what to say/not say to the police, and what will actually happen after I shoot an intruder.
 
One thing to consider is over-penetration, especially if you live in a populated area. We always recommended #7 or 8 shot for people who live in town. 1oz of lead is pretty devastating at 10ft but shouldn't be able to reach your neighbor if you miss- unless you live in a paper-thin walled apartment building.
 
Originally Posted By: dbassk1ng
One thing to consider is over-penetration, especially if you live in a populated area. We always recommended #7 or 8 shot for people who live in town. 1oz of lead is pretty devastating at 10ft but shouldn't be able to reach your neighbor if you miss- unless you live in a paper-thin walled apartment building.


Once again, modern ballistics testing has shown that birdshot will not work. Anything that needs to penetrate a bad guy enough to shut him down will go through walls.

As another poster mentioned, if he does want a pistol caliber carbine, the Kel Tec SUB 2000 would be a great choice. Takes Glock pistol mags and folds for easy storage. Pop a light on that bad boy and you would have a good carbine. And if he gets a Glock 9mm later, he can use the same ammo and mags for both.
 
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
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!


I bought a Walther PPQ 9mm today having tried other makes and calibers. It's comfortable to shoot with, to me at least and good for both target and home protection, as long as you select the correct ammunition for each application.
 
I have a shotgun already, but am planning on buying handguns for the wife and I. She isn't comfortable with the shotgun if she were to need it, and I want something to carry if I want to.

For her, I'll probably be getting a S&W .38 revolver. Just need to have her pick which one feels right in her hand.

For me, I am leaning toward a S&W M&P Compact in 9MM. I just need get around to going to a range that offers one for rental. I might also try out an H&K P2000sk or a Sig P239, but they are quite a bit more dough.
 
If you go for the S&W MP you might want to ensure that you get one whithout the safety since, in the heat of the moment, God forbid, it is one more thing to remember. I was given this good advice from the guy I bought my gun from ... basically, if you come face-to-face with an intruder and the adrenalin is pumping, you may forget to flip the safety off. In his words, "you are the safety".
 
Originally Posted By: VicVinegar
I have a shotgun already, but am planning on buying handguns for the wife and I. She isn't comfortable with the shotgun if she were to need it, and I want something to carry if I want to.

For her, I'll probably be getting a S&W .38 revolver. Just need to have her pick which one feels right in her hand.

For me, I am leaning toward a S&W M&P Compact in 9MM. I just need get around to going to a range that offers one for rental. I might also try out an H&K P2000sk or a Sig P239, but they are quite a bit more dough.


I got my wife a Taurus 38 a few yrs ago. I can't remember the exact model but it was titanium and had a ported 3" barrel. I can tell you that the blast wave from those barrel ports on your head and chest made it no fun to shoot. It reduced felt recoil but thumped your body while shooting it. I didn't even like to shoot it. I was shooting a 44 mag Ruger single action and it was easier and less abusive to shoot than that little Taurus. We tried semi autos but my wifes hands are small and weak and she couldn't rack the slide on any of them very well. We took the 38 back and stuck with a 20 guage shotgun for her. FYI.
 
Originally Posted By: 95busa
After carrying Glocks for 5 years going to the Glock armorers course last week, I can say that Glocks are a pretty smart investment. They don't rust, don't jam, they hold tons of ammo, they have lots of sighting/lighting options and they shoot straight. Also----they are so simple it's ridiculous.

You also forgot they typically have very light recoil in comparison other semi-autos of similar size and caliber.
My Glock 21(.45 acp), an exceptional home defense gun, has the same if not less recoil than a buddies Berretta 92(9mm). Both shooting WWB ammo.
 
Originally Posted By: Whitewolf
If you go for the S&W MP you might want to ensure that you get one whithout the safety since, in the heat of the moment, God forbid, it is one more thing to remember. I was given this good advice from the guy I bought my gun from ... basically, if you come face-to-face with an intruder and the adrenalin is pumping, you may forget to flip the safety off. In his words, "you are the safety".



That's a great point...and part of why I like wheelguns for home defense...the simpler the "manual of arms" - the more likely it can be employed effectively...

If you go the auto route, then I would take Whitewolf's advice and get one without a safety...that's why many LE versions of auto-loaders have a stronger trigger pull and no safety...even trained LEOs forget the safety in the heat of the moment...
 
Originally Posted By: dbassk1ng
One thing to consider is over-penetration, especially if you live in a populated area. We always recommended #7 or 8 shot for people who live in town. 1oz of lead is pretty devastating at 10ft but shouldn't be able to reach your neighbor if you miss- unless you live in a paper-thin walled apartment building.


I am with Robenstein on this one...birdshot is great for killing birds...goes in to about 2-4" of bird. But they're a lot different than people...

IF you're trying to stop a man-sized intruder, the projectile(s) needs to reach vital organs to be effective. Sure, the birdshot will hurt, but it will not stop a determined assailant...if that assailant is armed, you just gave him a chance to shoot back, and you have no means by which to kill him...all you can do is keep hurting him with birdshot.

Let's face it, if lethal force is justified, it needs to be lethal, like buckshot (and bucks are about as hard to kill as people...similar structure and penetration needed...)not just wounding, like birdshot.

Manage the over penetration concern by learning to hit your target. Any round that has already gone through the bad guy won't be punching through your neighbor's walls...
 
Shot placement with a shotgun is needed too. If U intend to use birdshot aim for the head/neck region. I'd defy any man to argue that a 5-10ft shot to the head/neck with high base 12 guage #4 or 6 shot, this guy will be going nowhere! I'm not talking longer shots like Cheney's buddy either. He was alot farther than 5 or 10ft. Blood loss from a head/neck shot at that range not to mention loss of sight (ie NO FRIGGIN' EYES LEFT) will without any doubt put a quick end to his night even though he may not die right away. I'm not sayin' a shotgun with birshot is the best gun and round combo out there but its far better than a pistol you rarely shoot and shoot well under pressure period, end of story!
 
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