Choice of handgun for Home Defense - Page 3

David spargenator · December 22, 2013, 12:03 AM

At home, you have the advantage of going with a bigger gun. Personally I would pick my benelli nova shotgun. For me, that's the easiest weapon I can use. If your more comfortable with a handgun, then go with a handgun. Glock 17 for me. Just whatever feels natural to you. Because your best gun, is the gun you know how to use.

Cirdan · December 22, 2013, 12:39 AM

For middle of the night, you're really going to want a light on it. I'd suggest a Glock 19 with a light and 124 grain JHP.

Personally, I have a Beretta PX4 Storm (9mm) with a light.

Practice, Practice, Practice!

RBid · December 22, 2013, 12:43 AM

I only keep 1 firearm ready to go. Since I carry, that means my carry weapon is also my HD weapon. Glock 19 Gen 4 plus a spare does it for me. I have two copies, and I shoot and dry fire those and a 23 Gen 4 very regularly. Live fire 100/week lately, plus dry fire 3-4 days/week.

peacefulgary · December 22, 2013, 02:42 PM

Quote:

For middle of the night, you're really going to want a light on it.

Maybe if you live alone.

But if you have kids or a wife or a girlfriend or room-mates, then just keep a flashlight near your pistol.
That way you don't have to point your pistol at one of your loved ones just to light them up.

And you can keep the flashlight away from your body, since a bad guy might just shoot at the light.

DannyB1954 · December 27, 2013, 02:47 AM

I have a Ruger SR9C among many others. When I get to bed, I take out the 10 round magazine and put in the 17 round.

armsmaster270 · December 27, 2013, 06:48 AM

My preference is my carry pistol a Sig 226 in 357Sig and a handheld flashlight.

jamaica · December 27, 2013, 10:44 AM

XD 45. 13 rounds of 45 is awesome.

As others have noted, you will want to try some guns and find one you can both shoot and carry. Practice.

For me, there are plenty of guns in the safe. The day you need one at home, it would take too long to open the safe and load. So the home defense piece is the everyday carry piece. For me that is the Ruger LCP. Small, light and easily carried in a pocket anywhere.

monkeyfist · December 27, 2013, 05:00 PM

My choice is my Ruger SR1911. I'm a newbie, so that's my only choice besides a S&W MP22 that I own.

I keep it in my nightstand, BUT I don't keep it cocked and locked as a sort of safety against my sleepiness - just a magazine full of JHP's. But should I worry about it? Am I being too much of a paranoid newbie by not keeping it cocked and locked?

Mastrogiacomo · December 27, 2013, 05:25 PM

I have a Beretta 92FS Vertec....but since it's no longer available I'd recommend a good revolver - such as a S&W 686/586 4". Very reliable and wonderful sights.

Laura

IRock · December 28, 2013, 06:56 PM

12 gauge

rickmelear · December 28, 2013, 10:36 PM

Glock 17

TennJed · December 28, 2013, 11:03 PM

Beretta PX4 9mm

Hunter Customs · December 29, 2013, 11:50 AM

What Wyosmith told you in post #9 is very true and very good advice, I agree with what he says.

Here's my thoughts on what gun to purchase other then a shotgun, however a good short barrel 12ga pump is pretty hard to beat as a home defense weapon.

You made the statement whatever you choose may be for home defense as well as concealed carry.

If there's a gun store with an indoor range near you that rents guns, go rent and shoot as many different models as possible.
If this is not possible contact friends that may have several different types of handguns in different calibers and see if they will let you shoot them.
The ideal is to try as many different calibers and handguns as possible to find what works best for you.

Whatever you choose, practice using your handgun until the handgun is an extension of yourself and you are very proficient with it, this includes safe handling skills.

If you do this, guns with safeties are not a problem.

As a matter of fact if you choose a double action gun with a heavy trigger pull and don't practice you will most likely shoot low with it and miss what you are shooting at completely, this is not good in a gunfight.

Follow the advice Wyosmith gave you in post #9, along with that you can't train to much for a bad situation, and when things get bad use what's between your ears, keep thinking.

In closing I hope you are never faced with having to take a life to defend a loved one or yourself, it's not a pleasant thing.

Best Regards
Bob Hunter
www.huntercustoms.com

Tactical Jackalope · December 29, 2013, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkeyfist

My choice is my Ruger SR1911. I'm a newbie, so that's my only choice besides a S&W MP22 that I own.

I keep it in my nightstand, BUT I don't keep it cocked and locked as a sort of safety against my sleepiness - just a magazine full of JHP's. But should I worry about it? Am I being too much of a paranoid newbie by not keeping it cocked and locked?

Yes. You are. Load it up properly and keep the safety on. Top it off with a +1 as well. Come on buddy!!!

machuee · December 29, 2013, 11:06 PM

I have several that my wife and I like. I have a new ( to me) H&K USP 40 Compact. Just got it and I love it. Going to shoot it tomorrow. Used to have a full size and loved that one so I know I will like this one.

ScottyB · December 30, 2013, 02:34 PM

FNP-45 USG 14-15 rounds (depending on the magazine) of 45ACP with a veridian green laser

Walther P99 AS 15 rounds of 9mm with a veridian light

SIGSHR · December 30, 2013, 03:32 PM

A 4" .357 that you have practiced with and are familiar with will do nicely 95% of the time-the other 5% will addressed in the graduate seminar. Make sure you have comfortable grips.

SteelChickenShooter · December 30, 2013, 10:09 PM

I agree a S&W 4 inch 357 is a very good choice. As far as ammo, I have a variety with no particular loyalty. Corbon, Speer, Hornady, Winchester, Remington would all do the job. Since I happen to have a drawer with a variety of ammo I load mine with a pair of Speer 135gr, a pair of Winchester 145 Silvertips and a pair of Magtech 158gr.

Auto5 · December 30, 2013, 10:37 PM

For a home defense handgun, I like a full size service or duty weapon since weight or concealment isn't an issue. Since you did mention that it may also serve as a carry gun down the road, I would look at some of the mid sized choices (i.e. Commander, g19, k-smith, etc.).

DannyB1954 · December 30, 2013, 11:35 PM

The OP asked for
best choice of handgun for Home Defense with the possibility of concealed carry down the road

Forget the shotguns, and possibly the full size range guns. Find the gun that you would actually consider carrying, and it most likely would work at home as well.

If you do get more than one gun, I would suggest getting them in the same platforms, (same type of safeties, same type of triggers).

KyJim · December 31, 2013, 11:38 AM

I usually carry a .45 acp 1911 when I can but my bedside gun is a SW Model 65 loaded with +P .38s. As others have noted, 3 a.m. is no time to worry about safeties and such. Simplicity is the key.

Cirdan · December 31, 2013, 11:53 AM

"But if you have kids or a wife or a girlfriend or room-mates, then just keep a flashlight near your pistol.
That way you don't have to point your pistol at one of your loved ones just to light them up."

Rule #3

Derbel McDillet · December 31, 2013, 01:35 PM

A verbal challenge (who's there!) works just as well - unless you have a deaf person in the house. This way you don't have to wait until you're at the brink of using deadly force to identify friend from foe.

sheepman · January 1, 2014, 02:40 PM

Choose a service caliber hand gun that you shoot well and are comfortable with it's operation. Then get some good training so you don't get you self killed while protecting your family.

Sam06 · January 3, 2014, 05:54 PM

G30SF with a light.

December 27, 2013, 06:48 AM	#56
armsmaster270 Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2008 Location: California Posts: 1,951	My preference is my carry pistol a Sig 226 in 357Sig and a handheld flashlight. __________________ http://www.armsmaster.net-a.googlepages.com http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/f...aster270/Guns/ Retired LE, M.P., Sr. M.P. Investigator F.B.I. Trained Rangemaster/Firearms Instructor & Armorer, Presently Forensic Document Examiner for D.H.S.

December 27, 2013, 05:25 PM	#59
Mastrogiacomo Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2002 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,297	I have a Beretta 92FS Vertec....but since it's no longer available I'd recommend a good revolver - such as a S&W 686/586 4". Very reliable and wonderful sights. Laura __________________ "Luctor et Emergo" - Struggle and Emerge

December 30, 2013, 02:34 PM	#66
ScottyB Junior Member Join Date: February 10, 2013 Posts: 8	We have 2... FNP-45 USG 14-15 rounds (depending on the magazine) of 45ACP with a veridian green laser Walther P99 AS 15 rounds of 9mm with a veridian light

December 30, 2013, 10:37 PM	#69
Auto5 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2013 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 662	For a home defense handgun, I like a full size service or duty weapon since weight or concealment isn't an issue. Since you did mention that it may also serve as a carry gun down the road, I would look at some of the mid sized choices (i.e. Commander, g19, k-smith, etc.). __________________ At the young age of five, a bear told me that I was the only person who could prevent forest fires. Why I was chosen, I'll never know.

January 1, 2014, 02:40 PM	#74
sheepman Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2007 Location: Moses Lake WA Posts: 395	training trumps weapon chose Choose a service caliber hand gun that you shoot well and are comfortable with it's operation. Then get some good training so you don't get you self killed while protecting your family. __________________ The best gun is the one you have when you really need one

December 22, 2013, 12:03 AM	#51
David spargenator Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2013 Posts: 131	At home, you have the advantage of going with a bigger gun. Personally I would pick my benelli nova shotgun. For me, that's the easiest weapon I can use. If your more comfortable with a handgun, then go with a handgun. Glock 17 for me. Just whatever feels natural to you. Because your best gun, is the gun you know how to use.

December 22, 2013, 12:39 AM	#52
Cirdan Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2013 Location: Tahoe Posts: 363	For middle of the night, you're really going to want a light on it. I'd suggest a Glock 19 with a light and 124 grain JHP. Personally, I have a Beretta PX4 Storm (9mm) with a light. Practice, Practice, Practice!

December 22, 2013, 12:43 AM	#53
RBid Senior Member Join Date: March 10, 2012 Posts: 1,059	I only keep 1 firearm ready to go. Since I carry, that means my carry weapon is also my HD weapon. Glock 19 Gen 4 plus a spare does it for me. I have two copies, and I shoot and dry fire those and a 23 Gen 4 very regularly. Live fire 100/week lately, plus dry fire 3-4 days/week.

December 27, 2013, 02:47 AM	#55
DannyB1954 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2013 Location: Pahrump Nv USA Posts: 480	I have a Ruger SR9C among many others. When I get to bed, I take out the 10 round magazine and put in the 17 round.

December 27, 2013, 10:44 AM	#57
jamaica Senior Member Join Date: March 24, 2006 Location: Northern Utah Posts: 705	XD 45. 13 rounds of 45 is awesome. As others have noted, you will want to try some guns and find one you can both shoot and carry. Practice. For me, there are plenty of guns in the safe. The day you need one at home, it would take too long to open the safe and load. So the home defense piece is the everyday carry piece. For me that is the Ruger LCP. Small, light and easily carried in a pocket anywhere.

December 27, 2013, 05:00 PM	#58
monkeyfist Member Join Date: August 25, 2012 Posts: 62	My choice is my Ruger SR1911. I'm a newbie, so that's my only choice besides a S&W MP22 that I own. I keep it in my nightstand, BUT I don't keep it cocked and locked as a sort of safety against my sleepiness - just a magazine full of JHP's. But should I worry about it? Am I being too much of a paranoid newbie by not keeping it cocked and locked?

December 28, 2013, 06:56 PM	#60
IRock Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2001 Posts: 291	12 gauge

December 28, 2013, 10:36 PM	#61
rickmelear Senior Member Join Date: October 8, 2005 Location: palm beach county, fl Posts: 257	Glock 17

December 28, 2013, 11:03 PM	#62
TennJed Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2010 Posts: 1,536	Beretta PX4 9mm

December 29, 2013, 11:50 AM	#63
Hunter Customs Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2005 Location: Osborn, Missouri Posts: 2,697	What Wyosmith told you in post #9 is very true and very good advice, I agree with what he says. Here's my thoughts on what gun to purchase other then a shotgun, however a good short barrel 12ga pump is pretty hard to beat as a home defense weapon. You made the statement whatever you choose may be for home defense as well as concealed carry. If there's a gun store with an indoor range near you that rents guns, go rent and shoot as many different models as possible. If this is not possible contact friends that may have several different types of handguns in different calibers and see if they will let you shoot them. The ideal is to try as many different calibers and handguns as possible to find what works best for you. Whatever you choose, practice using your handgun until the handgun is an extension of yourself and you are very proficient with it, this includes safe handling skills. If you do this, guns with safeties are not a problem. As a matter of fact if you choose a double action gun with a heavy trigger pull and don't practice you will most likely shoot low with it and miss what you are shooting at completely, this is not good in a gunfight. Follow the advice Wyosmith gave you in post #9, along with that you can't train to much for a bad situation, and when things get bad use what's between your ears, keep thinking. In closing I hope you are never faced with having to take a life to defend a loved one or yourself, it's not a pleasant thing. Best Regards Bob Hunter www.huntercustoms.com

December 29, 2013, 11:06 PM	#65
machuee Junior Member Join Date: December 20, 2013 Posts: 3	I have several that my wife and I like. I have a new ( to me) H&K USP 40 Compact. Just got it and I love it. Going to shoot it tomorrow. Used to have a full size and loved that one so I know I will like this one.

December 30, 2013, 03:32 PM	#67
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,700	A 4" .357 that you have practiced with and are familiar with will do nicely 95% of the time-the other 5% will addressed in the graduate seminar. Make sure you have comfortable grips.

December 30, 2013, 10:09 PM	#68
SteelChickenShooter Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2011 Posts: 863	I agree a S&W 4 inch 357 is a very good choice. As far as ammo, I have a variety with no particular loyalty. Corbon, Speer, Hornady, Winchester, Remington would all do the job. Since I happen to have a drawer with a variety of ammo I load mine with a pair of Speer 135gr, a pair of Winchester 145 Silvertips and a pair of Magtech 158gr.

December 30, 2013, 11:35 PM	#70
DannyB1954 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2013 Location: Pahrump Nv USA Posts: 480	The OP asked for best choice of handgun for Home Defense with the possibility of concealed carry down the road Forget the shotguns, and possibly the full size range guns. Find the gun that you would actually consider carrying, and it most likely would work at home as well. If you do get more than one gun, I would suggest getting them in the same platforms, (same type of safeties, same type of triggers).

December 31, 2013, 11:38 AM	#71
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	I usually carry a .45 acp 1911 when I can but my bedside gun is a SW Model 65 loaded with +P .38s. As others have noted, 3 a.m. is no time to worry about safeties and such. Simplicity is the key.

December 31, 2013, 11:53 AM	#72
Cirdan Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2013 Location: Tahoe Posts: 363	"But if you have kids or a wife or a girlfriend or room-mates, then just keep a flashlight near your pistol. That way you don't have to point your pistol at one of your loved ones just to light them up." Rule #3

December 31, 2013, 01:35 PM	#73
Derbel McDillet Junior member Join Date: September 6, 2013 Location: Kitsap County, Washington Posts: 316	A verbal challenge (who's there!) works just as well - unless you have a deaf person in the house. This way you don't have to wait until you're at the brink of using deadly force to identify friend from foe.

January 3, 2014, 05:54 PM	#75
Sam06 Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2008 Location: Fayettenam Posts: 1,086	G30SF with a light. __________________ The two most abundant elements in the universe are hydrogen and stupidity.

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