which semi to buy for house protection

joseph2031 · April 2, 2002, 10:07 PM

I would like some info on which semi to buy for self defense in my house. I own some very old 1911's but do not trust them to protect my famly. I would like to stay with something in the 45 cal and i have 400 to 500 to spend.
I just bought a Tanfoglio witness 45 blue steel compact to keep on me and in the car.

thanks for the help
joe

dsk · April 2, 2002, 10:25 PM

A 1911 in excellent mechanical condition, even an old one will protect your home as well as any modern firearm. Our GI's had to go through even worse hell than what you might encounter inside your home, and the old .45's served them just fine. If I had to, I'd use my 1918-vintage 1911 without hesitation.

Aside from that, it's a matter of what you like and shoot best. Your ability to manipulate the weapon, even after having been startled awake is of greater importance that what exact model and type of firearm you're using. If you're used to 1911s, go with that. Otherwise, choose something that you can shoot well and work the controls without being slowed down figuring out how it operates. A lot of folks would say choose a Glock. As long as it's kept chamber empty it'll be fine. Otherwise, most other worthy candidates are going to run above $500.

BTW if you have kids put a LOT of thought into safe storage!

Shmackey · April 2, 2002, 11:25 PM

Obviously, you want something extremely reliable, accurate, and "safe."

In that price range, I'd say the CZ 97B is a big winner.

flinch_of_gt · April 2, 2002, 11:30 PM

A Glock is perfectly safe with one up the pipe. Practice good handling and it's no more dangerous than a cocked and locked 1911.

1911's are fine, as long as you practice and understand the manual of arms. Forgetting to wipe off the safety before getting into a gunfight is a bad thing. Some 1911's are fussy with some brands of JHPs, so test out a prospective defensive load before using it for personal protection.

In your price range, a used Glock 30 would be a possibility, perhaps a used Sig 220. NIB, you can go with the aforementioned CZ97B or any of the Ruger P-series pistols in 45ACP.

Hemicuda · April 3, 2002, 09:44 AM

For home protection, a Shotgun is always best... so, for a Semi, I'd reccommend a Remington 1187 or 1100....

ojibweindian · April 3, 2002, 10:16 AM

Joe

As dsk said previously, as long as those old 1911's are in good working order, you're fine.

If you cannot, or do not, want to use them I would suggest, based on my very positive experiences with the Ruger P95, a Ruger P97.

Kentucky Rifle · April 3, 2002, 10:20 AM

..is what's beside my bed. It's (for me) very accurate. I assume that the .45ACP models are also. If you're set on a .45ACP, you probably can't go wrong with a G30 equipped the same way. Providing, of course, no kids are likely to pick the pistol up. Gotta consider that. I've been extra paranoid about kids since I went to the doctor a couple of days ago. A little girl about as tall as my knees just walked out onto a busy street, without looking and with no concern for cars. I would have NEVER seen her over the hood of my truck! Luckily, everyone just stopped. I drove the short distance to my docs office at less than 20 MPH. Scared the **** out of me!
I don't like to drive anyway and this did NOT help.

KR

Huntersix · April 3, 2002, 10:23 AM

There is nothing wrong with using either your 1911A1's or that new Witness of yours for homedefense. Here in the land of "may" issue ccw, I can't get a carry permit, need an employment need to have one, I have a EAA/Tangfolio Witness 10mm that I use for home defense along with 2 large dogs.

Kermit · April 3, 2002, 10:58 AM

I've had a shotgun for home defense for a while. Simple, reliable, effective and my son can use it quite effectively if he needs to.

Ala Dan · April 3, 2002, 11:24 AM

but extremely reliable is the Sig-Sauer P220. With
it's double action first shot, and decocking device its also
extremely safe. It would be my 1st choice for a HD hand-
gun if all my household member's were familiar with self
loaders.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

foghornl · April 3, 2002, 11:32 AM

Not familiar with the Tangfolio (never seen one), but if you are looking for a new sub-$500 45ACP, I like (and own) the Ruger KP90. Alloy frame, matte finish SS uppers, decent white-dot sights (3-dot), and was $420 in my local gunshop.
As for ammo, everything I have tried feeds in my gun, and goes BANG! when I mash the trigger. Comes with 2 8-rd mags. The only "extra" I have added is a set of Hogue grips...about $15

See pic below

Indy · April 3, 2002, 11:42 AM

I like 1911's. Glocks are OK also. I'll take either so long as it's a .45

. I used to think that shotguns were the way to go but lately I've second guessed that. Yes, great pattern and you will most likely hit the target BUT, I find them difficult to negotiate corners and rather awkward. I have a strong preference fro teh handgun now. I feel that you have to be a little more awake to use the handgun than the shotgun thus forcing you to be a little more crtical of your target (aware and identify.)

Of course many would argue my opinion isn't even worth $.02

LOL

Redlg155 · April 3, 2002, 11:54 AM

Quote:

I just bought a Tanfoglio witness 45 blue steel compact to keep on me and in the car.

OK..so why not use the same pistol? You trust your life to it outside of the home, why not at home?

If you really want another weapon, go with a shotgun. Nothing says "Get the hell out of here" better than a pump shotgun. Well, unless you have one of my new bedside toys...A 9mm Pre Ban AR15.

Good Shooting
RED

JimmyDee · April 3, 2002, 12:35 PM

I'm curious: why do you "...not trust [some very old 1911s] to protect [your] family?"

I guess I'd spend the money ensuring one of those was entirely reliable. Let's face it: whether new or used and despite the model's reputation, a gun that's new to you has to be tested before you trust it. The purchase price can be just the beginning. You've already got these guns on hand, so...

USGuns · April 3, 2002, 12:36 PM

How about an affordable 9mm carbine like the KelTec Sub2000 ?
http://www.kel-tec.com/prod03.htm

Under pressure, it might be easier to aim than a handgun.

vesuvius · April 3, 2002, 12:55 PM

The best firearm for home 'use' is a shotgun. Keep it simple.

Rickmeister · April 3, 2002, 01:05 PM

Do you want the typical, uncompromising "Whatever works best for you" answer that often crops up on this board?

I didn't think so.

Get the CZ-97B

steelerfan · April 3, 2002, 09:01 PM

Glock 21

Bulldog44 · April 3, 2002, 09:15 PM

In a home defense scenario, I would use whatever I could get my hands on first. However, if given a couple of extra seconds, I'm going to reach for the 12 gauge.

blades67 · April 3, 2002, 09:21 PM

Get a new Charles Daly then.

Mannlicher · April 3, 2002, 10:03 PM

I like my short barreled Remington 1100 semi auto with 00 buck . whoops, did you mean handgun? lol

joseph2031 · April 3, 2002, 10:32 PM

thanks for the replies, my 1911 is very reliable with full metal ammo but I need to try some different types of JHP the winchester 230Gr JHP do not work well in my gun. I'm going to check out some ruger p and see if I can find one that feels like my 1911.

joe

dsk · April 3, 2002, 10:38 PM

Try some of the following loads:

Remington 185gr. JHP
Winchester 185gr. Silvertip JHP
Federal Personal Defense or Hydra-Shok

As long as a JHP bullet has a rounded, hardball-shaped ogive it should feed in your old 1911. You are wise to check though. I'd use 230gr. FMJ if I had to, but I prefer not as I'm not one of those "they all fall to hardball" believers.

BTW if you're using old GI-spec mags they may also cause problems. They were originally designed to feed ball ammo, not JHP. Try out a Wilson or Metalform magazine instead.

val7 · April 4, 2002, 12:34 AM

I'm Suggesting a 12 guage pump as others did, which is your best bet by a landslide. As far as .45's go with a reasonable cost I can think of plenty. My first choice is a nice used Sig P 220,they don't come any better. S&W 4516's can also be had very reasonable. The Sig imported Mauser M-2 .45 is a real nice gun in the brand new category as well as the Charles Daly by Bull of Israel. Nothing wrong with the affordable Ruger and the CZ's are always excellent choices. All in all I'd go with the Remington 870 Police magnum for $279. I'm a dealer and I'd be happy to help you with all of your needs.

Tol · April 4, 2002, 12:51 AM

Just to offer a radically different answer from what you wanted:

Smith & Wesson 686

This is chambered in .357 Magnum and will certainly do the trick as a defensive weapon, while requiring less attention than a Glock, Sig, etc. You can load it up, and it'll fire reliably 5 years later.

The auto, while a phenomenal weapon, will require that you rotate magazines on a regular basis. While spring steel has improved, it will not take well to being compressed for years on end. An auto will also require more practice to be comfortable monkeying with safety, slide release, decocking lever etc.

A revolver lacks the capacity of an auto, but has simplicity and lack of hassle on its side.

Just a thought, now the answer you were looking for:

I think you should go shoot everything you are considering and buy what fits your hand and you shoot well. I have a Glock 23 that I shoot very well. You might not be able to hit the broad side of a barn with it, yet could spank me with something else. Ultimately, you'll be happy with any of the better pistols out there. Glock, Sig Sauer, Heckler & Koch are all great, can't-go-wrong guns.

Good luck, make sure it's something you enjoy shooting so you'll shoot more and get better at it.

April 2, 2002, 10:07 PM	#1
joseph2031 Junior Member Join Date: March 27, 2002 Posts: 9	which semi to buy for house protection I would like some info on which semi to buy for self defense in my house. I own some very old 1911's but do not trust them to protect my famly. I would like to stay with something in the 45 cal and i have 400 to 500 to spend. I just bought a Tanfoglio witness 45 blue steel compact to keep on me and in the car. thanks for the help joe

April 2, 2002, 11:30 PM	#4
flinch_of_gt Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2001 Location: Snow Bunny Country Posts: 371	A Glock is perfectly safe with one up the pipe. Practice good handling and it's no more dangerous than a cocked and locked 1911. 1911's are fine, as long as you practice and understand the manual of arms. Forgetting to wipe off the safety before getting into a gunfight is a bad thing. Some 1911's are fussy with some brands of JHPs, so test out a prospective defensive load before using it for personal protection. In your price range, a used Glock 30 would be a possibility, perhaps a used Sig 220. NIB, you can go with the aforementioned CZ97B or any of the Ruger P-series pistols in 45ACP. __________________ "If Plan A is taking multiple .308 hits to the back, I suggest a Plan B."

April 3, 2002, 09:44 AM	#5
Hemicuda Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2001 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,757	For home protection, a Shotgun is always best... so, for a Semi, I'd reccommend a Remington 1187 or 1100.... __________________ Hemi. gun and car collector. Rare cars, and rarer guns.

April 3, 2002, 10:20 AM	#7
Kentucky Rifle Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 1999 Location: Louisville, Kentucky Posts: 2,687	A Glock 27 with night sights... ..is what's beside my bed. It's (for me) very accurate. I assume that the .45ACP models are also. If you're set on a .45ACP, you probably can't go wrong with a G30 equipped the same way. Providing, of course, no kids are likely to pick the pistol up. Gotta consider that. I've been extra paranoid about kids since I went to the doctor a couple of days ago. A little girl about as tall as my knees just walked out onto a busy street, without looking and with no concern for cars. I would have NEVER seen her over the hood of my truck! Luckily, everyone just stopped. I drove the short distance to my docs office at less than 20 MPH. Scared the **** out of me! I don't like to drive anyway and this did NOT help. KR

April 3, 2002, 11:24 AM	#10
Ala Dan Member in memoriam Join Date: August 13, 1999 Location: In The HOT, Humid, and Mu Posts: 6,116	At a little extra cost but extremely reliable is the Sig-Sauer P220. With it's double action first shot, and decocking device its also extremely safe. It would be my 1st choice for a HD hand- gun if all my household member's were familiar with self loaders. Best Wishes, Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

April 2, 2002, 10:25 PM	#2
dsk Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2001 Posts: 1,603	A 1911 in excellent mechanical condition, even an old one will protect your home as well as any modern firearm. Our GI's had to go through even worse hell than what you might encounter inside your home, and the old .45's served them just fine. If I had to, I'd use my 1918-vintage 1911 without hesitation. Aside from that, it's a matter of what you like and shoot best. Your ability to manipulate the weapon, even after having been startled awake is of greater importance that what exact model and type of firearm you're using. If you're used to 1911s, go with that. Otherwise, choose something that you can shoot well and work the controls without being slowed down figuring out how it operates. A lot of folks would say choose a Glock. As long as it's kept chamber empty it'll be fine. Otherwise, most other worthy candidates are going to run above $500. BTW if you have kids put a LOT of thought into safe storage!

April 2, 2002, 11:25 PM	#3
Shmackey Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2001 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,117	Obviously, you want something extremely reliable, accurate, and "safe." In that price range, I'd say the CZ 97B is a big winner.

April 3, 2002, 10:16 AM	#6
ojibweindian Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2000 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 1,198	Joe As dsk said previously, as long as those old 1911's are in good working order, you're fine. If you cannot, or do not, want to use them I would suggest, based on my very positive experiences with the Ruger P95, a Ruger P97.

April 3, 2002, 10:23 AM	#8
Huntersix Member Join Date: April 1, 2002 Location: Peoples Demokratic Republik of Minnesota Posts: 41	There is nothing wrong with using either your 1911A1's or that new Witness of yours for homedefense. Here in the land of "may" issue ccw, I can't get a carry permit, need an employment need to have one, I have a EAA/Tangfolio Witness 10mm that I use for home defense along with 2 large dogs.

April 3, 2002, 10:58 AM	#9
Kermit Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2001 Location: California Posts: 3,020	I've had a shotgun for home defense for a while. Simple, reliable, effective and my son can use it quite effectively if he needs to.

April 3, 2002, 11:42 AM	#12
Indy Member Join Date: April 10, 2001 Posts: 27	I like 1911's. Glocks are OK also. I'll take either so long as it's a .45 . I used to think that shotguns were the way to go but lately I've second guessed that. Yes, great pattern and you will most likely hit the target BUT, I find them difficult to negotiate corners and rather awkward. I have a strong preference fro teh handgun now. I feel that you have to be a little more awake to use the handgun than the shotgun thus forcing you to be a little more crtical of your target (aware and identify.) Of course many would argue my opinion isn't even worth $.02 LOL

April 3, 2002, 12:35 PM	#14
JimmyDee Member Join Date: December 30, 2001 Location: Memphis, Tennessee Posts: 79	I'm curious: why do you "...not trust [some very old 1911s] to protect [your] family?" I guess I'd spend the money ensuring one of those was entirely reliable. Let's face it: whether new or used and despite the model's reputation, a gun that's new to you has to be tested before you trust it. The purchase price can be just the beginning. You've already got these guns on hand, so...

April 3, 2002, 12:36 PM	#15
USGuns Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2001 Location: Washington state, USA Posts: 321	9mm carbine? How about an affordable 9mm carbine like the KelTec Sub2000 ? http://www.kel-tec.com/prod03.htm Under pressure, it might be easier to aim than a handgun. __________________ "We should be exporting freedom, not importing people." USGuns

April 3, 2002, 12:55 PM	#16
vesuvius Member Join Date: March 28, 2002 Location: southeast FL Posts: 18	The best firearm for home 'use' is a shotgun. Keep it simple. __________________ Toro -- "Everyone steals in commerce and industry. I've stolen a lot myself. But I know how to steal." -Thomas Edison

April 3, 2002, 01:05 PM	#17
Rickmeister Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2001 Location: Texas Posts: 797	Do you want the typical, uncompromising "Whatever works best for you" answer that often crops up on this board? I didn't think so. Get the CZ-97B

April 3, 2002, 09:01 PM	#18
steelerfan Member Join Date: June 30, 2001 Location: Charlottesville, VA Posts: 29	Glock 21 __________________ Eat My Justice!! Glock 21, 27, 30 Springfield 1911-A1

April 3, 2002, 09:15 PM	#19
Bulldog44 Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 571	In a home defense scenario, I would use whatever I could get my hands on first. However, if given a couple of extra seconds, I'm going to reach for the 12 gauge. __________________ "A government big enough to give us everything we want is a government big enough to take from us everything we have." - President Gerald R. Ford

April 3, 2002, 09:21 PM	#20
blades67 Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 1999 Location: Chandler, Arizona, USA Posts: 6,014	Get a new Charles Daly then. __________________ Guns cause crime like spoons cause Rosie O'Donnell to be fat! I hunt, therefore I am.

April 3, 2002, 10:03 PM	#21
Mannlicher Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2001 Location: North Central Florida & Miami Posts: 3,209	I like my short barreled Remington 1100 semi auto with 00 buck . whoops, did you mean handgun? lol __________________ Nemo Me Impune Lacesset "The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.".........Ronald Reagan

April 3, 2002, 10:32 PM	#22
joseph2031 Junior Member Join Date: March 27, 2002 Posts: 9	thanks for the replies, my 1911 is very reliable with full metal ammo but I need to try some different types of JHP the winchester 230Gr JHP do not work well in my gun. I'm going to check out some ruger p and see if I can find one that feels like my 1911. joe

April 3, 2002, 10:38 PM	#23
dsk Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2001 Posts: 1,603	Try some of the following loads: Remington 185gr. JHP Winchester 185gr. Silvertip JHP Federal Personal Defense or Hydra-Shok As long as a JHP bullet has a rounded, hardball-shaped ogive it should feed in your old 1911. You are wise to check though. I'd use 230gr. FMJ if I had to, but I prefer not as I'm not one of those "they all fall to hardball" believers. BTW if you're using old GI-spec mags they may also cause problems. They were originally designed to feed ball ammo, not JHP. Try out a Wilson or Metalform magazine instead.

April 4, 2002, 12:34 AM	#24
val7 Member Join Date: March 16, 2002 Posts: 21	Home Defense Guns I'm Suggesting a 12 guage pump as others did, which is your best bet by a landslide. As far as .45's go with a reasonable cost I can think of plenty. My first choice is a nice used Sig P 220,they don't come any better. S&W 4516's can also be had very reasonable. The Sig imported Mauser M-2 .45 is a real nice gun in the brand new category as well as the Charles Daly by Bull of Israel. Nothing wrong with the affordable Ruger and the CZ's are always excellent choices. All in all I'd go with the Remington 870 Police magnum for $279. I'm a dealer and I'd be happy to help you with all of your needs.

April 4, 2002, 12:51 AM	#25
Tol Member Join Date: November 21, 2001 Posts: 92	Just to offer a radically different answer from what you wanted: Smith & Wesson 686 This is chambered in .357 Magnum and will certainly do the trick as a defensive weapon, while requiring less attention than a Glock, Sig, etc. You can load it up, and it'll fire reliably 5 years later. The auto, while a phenomenal weapon, will require that you rotate magazines on a regular basis. While spring steel has improved, it will not take well to being compressed for years on end. An auto will also require more practice to be comfortable monkeying with safety, slide release, decocking lever etc. A revolver lacks the capacity of an auto, but has simplicity and lack of hassle on its side. Just a thought, now the answer you were looking for: I think you should go shoot everything you are considering and buy what fits your hand and you shoot well. I have a Glock 23 that I shoot very well. You might not be able to hit the broad side of a barn with it, yet could spank me with something else. Ultimately, you'll be happy with any of the better pistols out there. Glock, Sig Sauer, Heckler & Koch are all great, can't-go-wrong guns. Good luck, make sure it's something you enjoy shooting so you'll shoot more and get better at it.