Home Defense System

[pfch1977]

I want to have a primary home defense system for my residence besides the usual pistols.

I feel a pistol is not enough where as a rifle or shotgun is simply too much. The rifle round simply overpenetrates and who knows where it will stop from a miss or accidental discharge. The shotgun's blast and sound would certainly disorient the user although I do feel it to be an effective solution.

I have come up with the CX4Storm Carbine in .40. I feel this home defense system is the best. The 9mm version we all know the problems with it. This carbine will be able to shoot the .40 much faster then through a pistol. Shot placement will be improved as well through better accuracy. A 16 inch barrel has been proven the best in CQB situations.

What do you think of the CX4storm as a good home defense system?

[Allstar]

I have never used it myself but I have heard good things. But practice a lot with the 16 in barrel. I personally don't like doing house clearings with something that long. But best of luck, let us know how it shoots for ya.

[xrocket]

I think it will work just fine for HD & PD. I would encourage you to have a pistol, perhaps the px4 in the same .40cal. Won't they use the same mags? That way you could work on transitions and manual of arms and concentrate technique.

Good shooting.

[pfch1977]

A good long gun is essential to any home defense system. When you have time to prepare, then a nice long gun is essential whether it be the shotgun, rifle or a nice .40 carbine.

However, two reliable compact pistols safely placed in two strategic locations are also essential to the home defense system.

I am a big fan of the Springfield Armory and its 1911 products. I was the author of the Long barrel 1911 thread that got shut-down by some underhanded Glock thugs. However, I feel two of those cheap Glock compacts are good picks. They are reliable and easily stashable. Since they have no safety, you can put them into the mix fairly quickly.

My long barrel 1911 is a good defense system and a weapon of mass destruction, but I might have to defer to the compact glocks as a good backup to the overall defense system.

[TexasSeaRay]

Guess based on my experience, I'm just too old school.

Never ask a rifle to do a handgun's job, and never ask a handgun to do a rifle's job.

There is still no better "home defense system" than a shotgun. The versatility and combination you have with choice of shot, length of barrel and action are virtually unlimited.

But if the sound and/or blast will "certainly disorient the user," then the user needs more practice and preparation.

Jeff

[DMK]

The rifle round simply overpenetrates and who knows where it will stop from a miss or accidental discharge.

I have come up with the CX4Storm Carbine in .40.

I got news for you, 223/5.56, .40, 9mm, 12ga buckshot, they will all penetrate through sheetrock and plywood housing materials. There is no magic bullet that penetrates badguys, but won't shoot through your walls.

I like a carbine the best because it allows you to shoot with better precision. Rifles can also have better sighting systems. I can't shoot a handgun nearly as accurate as a rifle and I'd rather keep track of one projectile at a time rather than the 9 from a 12ga.

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot1.htm

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot3.htm

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot14.htm

[oystermick]

The cornerstone of any effective "primary home defense system" is a dog with heart. Even the stealthiest of intruders will be unable to bypass this early warning system.

[Stevie-Ray]

But if the sound and/or blast will "certainly disorient the user," then the user needs more practice and preparation.

With respect, how is this accomplished? Nobody in their right mind will suggest practice without ear protection, and I certainly don't know anybody that will don muffs to go investigate a bump in the night.

[ActivShootr]

If you are comfortable with the CX4, or any carbine for that matter, by all means use it.

With respect, how is this accomplished? Nobody in their right mind will suggest practice without ear protection, and I certainly don't know anybody that will don muffs to go investigate a bump in the night.

Of course not. However, if you choose to use a shotgun for HD you must bear in mind that it will be LOUD and there will be a reeeally big flash. I think it is more along the lines of mental preparation than training without hearing protection.

[Paladin156]

I was concerned with the overpenetration issue when I had a 357 S&W. I wasn't totally satisfied with chambering 38's in it either. For anything up close it's hard to beat a heavy, relatively slow moving bullet. I sold the 357 and bought a 45 Colt Gold Cup. I have to admit though, it's hard to beat the intimidation factor of a shotgun. I have a 12 gauge Mossberg model 88 Maverick. Even with #7 birdshot it feels like firing a howitzer but it is pump action and holds 6 shells. I guess the bottom line is that the ideal system depends on the situation you are faced with.

[pfch1977]

Take a closer look at the box o truth. The .45 goes through one less pine board then the 9mm. The 5.56mm in the M16 goes through 12 pine boards and then keeps going.

Ok, so maybe all the rounds would make it through the first wall, but the .45 is less likely to make it through as many walls as the 9mm or the 5.56mm. I wonder how many pine boards the .40 would make it through?

[evan1293]

My long barrel 1911 is a good defense system and a weapon of mass destruction, but I might have to defer to the compact glocks as a good backup to the overall defense system.

Can you explain why your long barrel 1911 is a "weapon of mass destruction?" You said this in the other thread and Im a little cofused as to how any handgun could be considered this...unless your joking, I just missed the joke.

Thats a fine home defense weapon too, don't get me wrong. Personally to answer the OP I would choose a sidearm 9,.40, or .45 and a 12gauge shotgun. After doing some FOF I've found that I really don't want to go searching my house after hearing a "bump in the night." I'd probably choose to wait it out in my room, behind cover, with a shotgun. If I had to move (if I had kids or what not), then I would take the pistol. This is a bit more manuverable around corners and runs less of a risk for a disarm.

I think rifles are only essential if its either an offensive mission or you live on a ranch or something like that.

[Kenpo]

The cornerstone of any effective "primary home defense system" is a dog with heart. Even the stealthiest of intruders will be unable to bypass this early warning system.

Glad someone said it. Oystermick, I couldn't agree more.

It's clear from the dogs reactions what tool I need to grab. My primaries though, are my CZ P-01 and my 870 as back up. I have several other pistols in .40 as well as some carbines, but those two would be my first choice.

[leathermanwave]

I don't think sound blast will be a problem. While hunting i never notice the recoil or sound from a rifle and i think your adrenaline will be off the chart when something goes bump in the night so your 12ga will feel like a .22.

[.351winchester]

The pistol cal. carbine fill this niche well. They have better ballistics than a handgun, yet more accuracy (being a long gun), less muzzle blast and flip, etc. .223 softpoint let alone 40 gr. JHP does not penetrate any worse than 9mm FMJ, but is not as mild to fire indoors as a .40 carbine. These carbines are easy to train beginners on-even those not interested in guns can quickly become proficient with this weapon.
I've actually read a number of folks who had a Storm and a High Point Carbine, prefered the HP. I think the Ruger PC-4 (now OOP) would be the way to go, was gonna get one for my wife. Kinda would like a Vector Uzi Carbine, but just as a toy, a cheap SR-41 too for plinking fun, but that both could work for HD/SD.

IMO, the two ideal HD handguns: a GM-sized 1911A1 .45, and a .44 Special DA revolver (a 4".44 Mag would give it 6 rounds, and provide SD in the outdoors). Both are low pressure, subsonic rounds (well, .44 Spl. make good use of Magsafe and Glaser).
And a 20 gauge for HD purposes, is just as good if not better than a 12 gauge, offering greater controllability.

I'm currently renting a trailer while saving for a house. Have not found a suitable gun. A .177 pellet could pass thru every wall. Currently live alone , but trailers to either side are less than 10 ft. apart, and a lot of windows.

[Erik]

Many a law enforcement entity has found that their pistol carbines out-penetrated their M16s with commonly accepted duty ammunition.

That said, what ammunition are you thinking of using?