Best Home Protecter

[RichardC]

I have always thought the best and most efficient tool to use against a home intruder is a 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun. I'm interested in any comments about this pro or con.

[#18indycolts]

i agree

[comn-cents]

I like dogs better. Good chance the BG will be scared off before you need your shotgun. I like handguns better when it comes to HD. One with a light attached so its easier to open doors or use the phone etc. Nothing wrong with a shotgun that's for sure.

[Dwight55]

If I had my absolute druthers, . . . give me my 1911 any day, . . . it is more manuverable, . . . carries more rounds, . . . is more quickly reloaded, . . . and I can grab it and be up & on the way before I can even reach for my shotty.

OTOH, . . . if I lived in the desert southwest with no neighbors nearby, . . . I would have a ranch house, . . . one hall to my bedroom, . . . and a M1A socom with 25 round magazines would then be the preferred piece. Not any wall in the place could stand that round, . . . wherever Mr. Bg shows his carcass, . . . that is where the deputies will find his carcass.

This subject has been beaten to death on this forum, . . . and it all boils down to 2 things: personal opinion and the particular application. Shottys are fine if you don't need over 6 or 7 rounds. After that you are on your own with a long funky club.

May God bless,
Dwight

[Lee Lapin]

The operator is more important than the tool... most any gun will do, if YOU will do.

lpl

[WeedWacker]

Shotguns, IMHO, almost always work for a home defense situation. Barricade yourself in, don't go through the house, your life being more valuable than anything beyond that bedroom door. A shotgun provides some of the heaviest firepower while allowing for less penetration in the form of shot. And as far as reloading goes, you don't need to wait for it to be empty before starting to reload. Two shots out, two shots in. And lets face it, how many people do you expect to break in? With a sidearm in tandem with that shotgun, you could hold off quite a few if you play it smart and stay in the bedroom. Say a 1911 and 2 mags with a Remington 870 (I prefer pumps) and a tube extension to, say, 7 rounds total with a 6 round side saddle, take cover and you can hold down the fort until the police arrive.

[fisherman66]

Barricade yourself in, don't go through the house, your life being more valuable than anything beyond that bedroom door.

I'm guessing you don't have children.

I'll take a well trained dog and ANY firearm over just a shotgun every time. That said, I have a shotgun with high brass duck loads and two not so well trained dogs.

[CWPinSC]

A loud dog and a good alarm system is best. If the situation gets beyond that, the best weapon is you. Use what you shoot best and feel most comfortable with.

[BillCA]

If you have room to swing a long gun around, I might be tempted to suggest a 16-20" barreled AR-15 in 5.56mm or 6.8 SPC. Low recoil, lightweight (without all the tacticool goodies), easy to use and plenty of ammo.

For a shotgun, if other members of the house will be using the shotgun for defense, it may be a 20-gauge semi is the better deal. Lower recoil, faster shooting, no need to remember to pump (or short-stroke) the action, etc. Less intimidating and abusive to women, elderly and youngsters who may be forced to use it.

A shotgun's effectiveness depends on how many hits you make with buckshot (not birdshot). At close range a shotgun wound more resembles an artillery wound than a gunshot wound. Even a 20-ga with #3 buck gives you twenty .25 caliber pellets moving like a train.

For years, I used an .30 caliber M-1 Carbine and never felt undergunned... with a 30-rd magazine. ;) Light, small, easy to handle but the round is somewhat underpowered for a rifle. But at close range it'll work fine.

As others have mentioned, it's not always the right choice. If you're a single parent with small kids, you will need a free hand to carry the youngster(s) to a safer room. If your house is very dark at night and you need a flashlight, a handgun is more versatile when combined with a flashlight (and still allows a free hand). Apartments, townhomes, condos may all dictate a lower powered firearm like a handgun to reduce hazards to neighbors.

A good dog that will bark if it hears someone approaching the house or fiddling with a door/window makes ownership well worth it. That noise can give you the seconds needed to deploy a long gun. Couple that with motion detector lights near entrances and you'll likely be left alone.

[jrothWA]

whatever hits the hand.

Do think a M1 Carbine is about right, using the soft-nosed ammo.
My daughters (College) can handle.
Stores nicely with butt-pouch and two 15's inside.

[RNB65]

The best home protector is the weapon that you're most familiar with, have a lot of practice with, and can operate with absolute self confidence under very high stress conditions. The answer will vary widely from person to person but coming face-to-face with an armed intruder is not a good time to discover that in the heat of the moment you forget to disengage the safety. It may well be the last thought you ever have. My choices are a Glock 17 backed up by a Rem 870.

[Buzzcook]

Shotgun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMs9NudasVI

After good locks and a noisy dog, a shotgun is pretty hard to beat for home defense.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

Your training and mindset are more important. The shotgun is not a wonder weapon because it has a big hole in the end.

And as stated before this is a classic debate that gets filled with cliches. I get racked with pain every time I read a shotgun debate.

A quality handgun in 38 SPL, 9mm or greater and a good light + tactics/mindset will work as well as as a newbie with a shotgun.

If not, please reference incidents were it is clearly established that the homeowner came to ill because he or she didn't have a shotgun?

[Dave R]

Dog is probably the best deterrent with the least likelihood that you will have to face legal troubles from deterrent.

[besafe2]

Lots of good answers, but I can not argue against a shotgun:)

[mrt949]

BUZZCOOK =that's the BEST ALARM SYSTEM EVER :D

[Terry A]

Of the guns I own, the XD-45 is my first choice for inside the house. The shotgun or AR type carbines take two hands most of the time. Cornering is a problem. With the .45, I get plenty of firepower and if needed, can free up a hand to do other things that will need done in such a situation.

If I was 'hunkered down" in the basement with the family, I would take my M4 because of the added rounds. If I was outside for some reason, like Dwight, I'd like the Socom.

As others have stated, this is mostly everyone's personal preferances. Whatever YOU are comfy and good with, THAT should be your choice. If it's the venerable .12ga, so be it!

[Skans]

I'll take a handgun over a shotgun any day for home protection. I can store it easier, it's concealable, it's quieter (no cha-chink), it holds more rounds, it's more lethal than some of the birdshot loads people use for home defense, it's more manouverable, and it doesn't totally mess up your entire house.

Other than the "cha-chink", which I know some people just love, I don't see any reason to use a shotgun for home defense.

[markj]

My 4 dogs can and will deter anyone from staying on my place if I tell em to get em off. (the dogs).

[jgcoastie]

As noted many times above, the best home protector is you. Whoever you are, to be the best home protector possible you should have some form of hand to hand and weapons training, a gun of some sort, and the proper defensive mindset. Everything after that just makes things easier for you (alarm system, floodlights, CCTV system, dogs, 6" steel exterior doors, 3' deep concrete walls, "bulletproof" windows, whatever suits your fancy). The most important part of the equation is you and your family (those that are old enough to handle and understand the severity of firearms used in SD/HD) being armed and ready.

FWIW: My main HD gun is my Glock G22 - .40S&W, outfitted with a Glock laser/light rail combo.

[bigghoss]

the very best weapons are illegal or highly restricted in this country. AA-12 or MP5-k would be best:D

[confirmed shooter]

Every-one knows the sound of a 12 guage being put into battery. That with a dog so you can at least get your pants on makes for a safe house, at least as safe as is leagle.

[Kyo]

i agree with dog. dog should scare any threat off. if not, i say someone has a mental problem or is armed so they aren't scared of the dog.
Dog>shotgun>rifle>handgun. in close quarters handgun moves up to just behind the dog.
And although I agree everyone knows what a shotgun rack sounds like, I would say 100% of the people at your door know that the loud barking is a dog unless they are mentally unstable like I mentioned before. I know from experience that the dog is a way better deterrent than anything else you have.

[wvshootist]

I keep my pump shotgun with one in the chamber. I don't want to make that noise of it being stroked into battery. Both my shotgun and Colt commander are within arms reach and ready to go. All I need to do is click off the safety.

[Mark Milton]

Too big, too bulky, to slow to move in confined spaces, not to mention slow to fire when dealing with multiple attackers.

It looks great in movies but in the real world the one-hand gun was designed for CQB for just those reasons.

Plus, most people dont' realize double ought buck will go through about three or four walls before stopping. If you have people in your family, in your house, you could hit them as easily as an intruder.

One of my friends homes was riddled in a drive by about 30 years ago. The pellets went through the outerwall, went through the bedroom wall, went down the hall, went through the bathroom wall and stopped against the far side of the house, which had a brick rear wall.

[#18indycolts]

Too big, too bulky, to slow to move in confined spaces, not to mention slow to fire when dealing with multiple attackers.

It looks great in movies but in the real world the one-hand gun was designed for CQB for just those reasons.



But if you want to stop the intruder the shotgun is the way to go. My 870 isnt too big or bulky. Granted this article is 10 yrs old, but still good reading.

http://www.firearmstactical.com/briefs10.htm

[Rich Keagy]

My two dogs (both big breed boys) will notify everyone of anything unusual after dark. They are my alarm.
ANY firearm is better than nothing when facing trouble.
That said, I'd recommend against auto-loading shotguns unless shooting high quality ammunition (factory or carefully reloaded \ tested for chambering).
Pump action shotguns are more reliable. Take out the magazine plug if the gun is to be used strictly for home defense.
I used a over/under 20 gauge shotgun for HD for a few years, but now it's a backup to my 1911 .45. If there's trouble brewing, I grab the pistol while the wife goes for the shotgun filled with lots of #4 shot.

[Glenn Dee]

WOW a ten year old thread.. Still as interesting as the day it started. I have two firearms dedicated for home defense. First is a stevens 311 side by side with 18" tubes. I have several shot loads sitting next to it, 00buck, 12ga slugs, and birdshot. I also have a Colt detective special loaded with 2 rnds snake shot, 2 rnds frangibles, and 2 rnds of Jhp. Just in case ya know?

[skydiver3346]

A loud dog of any kind..... :eek:

Guns: The .12 GA shotgun with buckshot would be my first choice, followed by the .20 GA shotgun as my next choice. After that, my model 1911 or Glock 21 in .45acp.

Of course any gun is better than no gun, so .38 special, 9mm, etc would certainly be adequate for self defense if needed.

[GeauxTide]

870 is next to the night stand. Pistols and revolvers placed strategically throughtout the house.

[Pyzon]

I agree with those that emphasize the best security around the house first, including dogs and alarms. Good locks (on doors and windows), good lighting with motion detecting capability pointing away from your house, keeping your garage door closed when not working out in it, and getting to know the other folks in the neighborhood and around your house will make it much less likely you will ever have to resort to defending youself and familiy after the boogie man is inside. (Whew, what a run on sentence)

[Stevie-Ray]

A loud dog and a good alarm system is best.I have to agree. Beyond that I prefer security lighting and my EDC, a Kimber UCDP in .45 ACP. It's what I'm most comfortable with and what I shoot best.

[BikerRN]

As I'm reading through this thread, there is one thought that comes to my mind.

There is no one "best" approach to solving the problem and it is solved by a multi-faceted appraoch. I have locks on my doors, bars on my windows. I have three dogs that alert to strangers and strange noises. I have a handheld flashlight and a handgun. I also have a 12 Guage Pump that is for my use from a barricaded position. I also have an M4 that is fast finding a place in my home defense rotation.

All weapons require training, even the mighty Guage. Contrary to popular belief, you do have to aim the blunderbus. :) Depending on where I am, who is in my home with me, and what the problem is, as well as what information I have regarding the problem will help me to determine what approach I use to solve the problem.

Biker

[SAIGAFISH]

big angry dog;;;his name is buster

[tshadow6]

I believe the best home protector is a large, barking dog followed by a 12 gauge pump. Nothing gets your attention like the sound of a 12 gauge being racked.

[dannydesiliva]

It's hard to beat a Remington 870 Express 12 Gauge Shotgun for home protection.

[Blue Grass]

I have 2 Yorkies that will let me know if someone is around. Also have motion detector lights and dead bolts on doors. Also have a home security system.I keep a Winchester 1300 12ga with 18.5" barrel on my side of the bed loaded with #4 shot. Wife has .38 Dick Special between mattress and box spring on her side. We both have Mag Light and cell phone on our night stands. No gun fits all situations so train with what you plan to use.

[Nnobby45]

I have always thought the best and most efficient tool to use against a home intruder is a 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun.

Hard to argue with, but arming one with a pistol can usually be accomplished much quicker. On a time permitted, say, barricaded defense, I'd agree. Don't agree that the Shotgun is necessarily a better SD tool in the home with all factors considered.

As Ayoob put it, the pistol is Infantry. The Shotgun is artillery.

Artillery is good when you have time to use it.

The Military doesn't keep one available to the exclusion of the other.

Why should we?

[greensteelforge]

Dogs are definitely the best way to go. My landlord used to have problems with drug dealers, vandalism, and burglary until he started letting tenants keep dogs. Now he tries to keep at least one large breed dog owner in each duplex, and hasn't had a single incident since the change. Criminals are looking for an easy target, and an 85 pound redbone mix with a slight attitude problem and a healthy distrust of strangers isn't it. Combine that with the audible clack of a 12GA, and a verbal warning to vacate the premesis, and you'll likely never have a problem. Besides, the world isn't that scary, and if the place you live is, it's probably worth considering a change of venue.

[glockman55]

A lot of good advice, My Dog, My Glock...but the rack of a shot gun..Too much TV guys..:confused:

[comn-cents]

glockman55 "but the rack of a shot gun..Too much TV guys.."
What do you mean. If you were a BG outside my window and heard me rack the 12 gu. It would have no affect on you? I beg to differ. I did this once and it worked like a charm. BG turned white and could not get out of my back yard fast enough. It just like the barking dog, who wants to mess with one if the neighbor doesn't have one?

[Nnobby45]

I did this once and it worked like a charm. BG turned white and could not get out of my back yard fast enough...............


That's right. Everyone knows that criminals who've spent time in prison are a bunch of sissies. If one enters your home and you rack your shotgun, he'll pee his pants and start screaming "don't shoot". No chance he'll open fire immediately toward the sound. The one incident you were involved in proves the point. :rolleyes:

[Mastap]

Some say dog, some say shotgun. The true "best home protector" comes when the dog and the shotgun work together.

[Firepower!]

I always have a Kalashnikov with 70 rounds of 7.62x39 next to the bed alongwith other goodies.

[feldspar13]

I prefer a 357 revolver and a coachgun for home defense

[BikerRN]

Speaking of Coach Guns, I was playing with a Speedloader today for the Coach Gun.

It's a plastic gizmo that's inexspensive enought to be able to afford, and lets you easily carry a reload as you mount the Coach Gun to your shoulder. I found it best to carry it in the support hand. Since I like to shoot CAS I favor the Coach Gun. The only thing I don't like is the lack of ammunition.

http://www.blackweaponsarmory.com/magento/special-items.html

If you are going to keep a Coach Gun for Home Defense you may want to check these out.

Biker

[minniedog2]

Dogs, a gun you have practiced with and trained with.

[Levers]

1- German Shepard
2- Colt
3- Mossberg

In any order the perp wants it. Although I'll put my money on the GS to be first to take a chunk out of his butt.

[bdturner]

As the other posters have pointed out protection comes in layers. Exterior lights dog alarm system. You can even use your cars panic alarm for a makeshift light and sound device. Interiour protection I don't believe anyone would argue with the use of a shotgun. You will need to identify your target before you shoot a tactical light is something I consider a must for a HDW.

[trooper3385]

Well with the black and white patrol car parked at the front of the house and the Doberman in the backyard that doesn't bluff, you would have to have a pretty big package to try and come in my house. But if they do, I have an 870 with 000 that should do the trick.
Hearing that shotgun rack will send most thugs running for the hills. I've had 2 people pee there pants when I racked a shotgun on them on felony stops. One of those two that I got in a stolen car told me he had never been so scared in his life as he was when he heard that shotgun rack, and this was a pretty hardened crook that had been sent up several times already.

[KD5NRH]

No chance he'll open fire immediately toward the sound.

If I'm being attacked by superninjas who can accurately aim at sounds in the dark, I just need to leave and call for an airstrike. Otherwise, he's doing a far better job of confirming his location and intentions.

[J.Netto]

Best Home Protector:

Me

[P97]

What works for me, and I'm completely confident with it: I have three outside dogs that will definitely warn me when I'm at our summer home on the Ranch, or at my home in town, with a fenced yard. My CCW is my house gun, but if I go outside the house at night, I usually have a 12 ga. pump with .00 mag. buckshot in it. Dogs is the best alert system, and I feel more comfortable with my CCW (.45ACP Auto), than I would a shotgun inside the house.

[zombieslayer]

Locked doors, an alarm (good for disorienting BG's), and some good firepower and knowledge and mindset to defend myself and my home

[wy1ble]

3 large dogs starting at 80 lbs, a P95 next to the bed, and a 357 stage in the center of the house.

The handgun leaves me with one hand free to keep my kids behind me.

[Old Grump]

Best home protector I ever saw was my little stray mutt dog who adopted us and my grandma. She never made it to 5' even on her tiptoes but she could shoot that 30-30 like nobody's business and I seen her use it twice. once on an intruder and once on a deer who made the mistake of thinking her cabbage was his for the taking.

As for my house its me and Mr. Mossberg or Mr. Winchester, I'm not fussy.

[stargazer65]

I think I would prefer a handgun for ease of carry, but I don't have one now. At this time I use a 12 gauge pump, a semiauto 20 gauge, and 7 buff orpingtons for an alarm.

[AZAK]

Best Home Protecter

What about dogs carrying shotguns?

First they bark.

If need be, then they rack.

And still if need be, they shoot.

(For those who like bright lights, could fit the dogs with head lamps!)

Best of all worlds, you get your barking, racking, blinding, and shooting canines.

Heck, this might open up a whole new obedience school market. Not to mention tooling up for canine shotguns and headlamps. Who needs stimulus packages with ideas like these!?

[Rangefinder]

My FIRST line of defense is my dog. Although he has the idea that everyone is in love with him, and not an attack dog in the least, he makes more noise than a freight train when someone approaches the house. If someone is stupid enough to try to get in after the dog sounds the alarm, well---that could lead to anything from my 870, mossberg 20ga., S&W .40, AK, a whole bunch of other firearms to pick and choose from, all the way down to a viking bearded axe, maybe a schimitar, sabres galore, claymore (heavy broadsword, not a mine :D), katana of multiple choosing, or even a Scotish Lochaber (6' polearm with a heavy blade and a nasty cavelry hook). I guess it just depends on what kind of mood I'm in to what kind of punishment I'll extract upon a wanna-be intruder. God help 'em, because I'm gonna send 'em that direction.

[mrnkc130]

for my situation (on acerage) I prefer an AR-15, 10 inch or under. I have been looking into getting a dedicated HD shotgun too though, SBS most likely. I like my HD weapons small light and maneuverable, but more than a pistol if possible, barn is several hundred feet from house...

[zombieslayer]

What about dogs, and bees? And dogs, that when they bark, they shoot bees out at you??:D

[Stevie-Ray]

What about dogs, and bees?For the answer to that, see The Great Santini. Didn't work out too well in that movie.

[Parapliers]

I never see anyone else bring up claymores or foo gas.
My dogs are Belgian Assbites. They usually go right for the giblets but people will instinctively do a quick turn around getting the assbite in the process.
Grandmas are still the best.

[LightningJoe]

My wife's favorite (only) gun is a pump-action 12 gauge. So, that'd be it, I guess. Unless I were there. (What idiot would break in while I was there?) But if I were home, I'd just grab the same snubnose .38 I carry everyday.