For house protection...Ruger .380 or S&W 9mm?

I think that's a good choice. It's an effective caliber. You'll almost always be able to find ammo and it's tame enough that your wife should be able to shoot it. Also because it's tame you'll learn to line up a second and third shot quickly. That is very important in defense situations. Here's my favorite read on ammo for self defense. http://www.chuckhawks.com/ammo_by_anonymous.htm. Practice and have fun.

 

There was a thread earlier about 9mm vs AK for home defense.
- Ammo that won't penetrate drywall are ineffective against people.
- Attacker may enter your home through your kid's room. A shotgun may not be precise enough if there are family nearby.
- There could be multiple attackers, so get high-cap mags if legal in your state.

 

... ^^^ ... Ditto ... You might not even have to shoot if the bad guy hears you "racking" that shotgun ...
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Not the answer you are looking for, but I'd recommend a revolver, .38 or larger.
No confiusion in high stress situation! no chambering of rounds, no safety to remember to switch, highly unlikely to jam. Pick it up, point, and pull trigger.
Racking an auto will alert an intruder, maybe scare him away, but, maybe just forwarn him.
Good luck, hopefully you will never need to use either of them.
Steve W.

 

none get a 10mm

 

one of the reasons I chose the 9...no safety (no panic or cunfusion during a stressful moment). I also wanted double action only. I just think they are safer and much less likely to misfire, due to no hair-line trigger. Trigger a little harder to pull but that would not be an issue in a stressful moment. pretty simple gun.

 

http://www.northcarolinasportsman.com/details.php?id=577

 

i would agree with shotgun too but, if you must get a 9mm or .380 for home defense use Hornady Critical Defense or Winchester Bonded PDX1.

 

x2

 

pistol grip shotgun with a mounted laser/flashlight and low recoil shotshells and keep it loaded.Teach your children to keep away from the firearms without your supervison.You can also mount the gun to the underside of your bed for quick access when needed.I think a company makes fingerprint i.d. trigger locks now so the kiddies won't get to it!

 

The 380 is CCW only... Nice little pocket gun, but for home use bigger is better. B/T the two go with the 9, but DanO is right... Household Protection is best achieved with a shot gun (...and better yet, a German Shepard).

I have many and all have purposes.., the LCP is a great little carry, but inadequate for household protection. I also have a 38+P, but not enough for home...,45ACP for that...

Either way, something is better than nothing at all..., JUST KEEP IT LOCKED IF KIDS ARE AROUND!!!