Need opinions on first handgun/home defense

For the love of god, folks, this isn't Compton. Its called a magazine!

 

X2 ^^^

I would agree on the revolver statement. also you have to consider others in your house (wife) who may need to use it. the revolver is by far a simpler device to use than a semi auto. point and shoot.

That being said, of the revolver calibers, I would consider a .357 caliber because you can familiarize your self with it using the smaller .38 cal ammo. (which is kinder to wallet and wrist.) If you want a larger more "home defense" geared pistol, take a serious look at the Taurus judge. you can shoot .45 cal or .410 shotgun shells out of it! the shotgun shell is a much "friendlier" ammo when it comes to wall penetration which should always be a consideration when talking in terms of home defense.

if you are truly stuck on a semi-auto, I like the Springfield XD, and the Taurus Millennium Pro .45. Semi-autos are a "feel and shoot" item. in other words, try them out, pick the one that feels the best - most natural in your hand. don't get too hung up on brand specifics.

Finally remember these words.. your pistol should be the means in which allows you to get to your true home defense weapon which is the 12 gauge shotgun..

my .02

Best of luck on your selection, and please please please, get some formal training on how to handle a firearm.

 

My bad TacoTabe, you are 100% correct. A clip is used to put ammunition into a magizine, and they are not the same thing @ all. I only used that term because the poster is unfamilier with firearms. I'm kind of a moron. Sorry

 

Still haven't had a chance to get to a gun range and try out different hand guns.
Positive note- Hobos left. No sign of them.

 

No worries. I don't know why that is a pet peeve of mine, but it is. When I hear/see someone refer to a magazine as a 'clip', I assume they hold they're gun sideways and only shoot from slow-moving late model cars. While wearing solid colors. With gold teef.

 

Even a BB gun, true story

 

I've killed ants and wasps with my son's BB gun

 

Everything I have read on the subject says shotgun for home defense for a couple reasons, close range, easy to hit target, and it doesn't go through walls and kill sleeping neighbors, pets, gas lines... ETC.

 

Everything I've read says an AR-15 is best so it comes down to what you feel comfortable with. I like a .45 with a light but I also keep a 10.5" AR-15 handy.

 

I keep a .357 revolver by the bed. You can shoot .38 through it which is nice (less bang). Revolvers dont jam, so the reliability of a revolver is something to consider

My wife shoots a 9mm and keeps that bedside as well. The 9mm ammo is cheap and easy to shoot/control

I would advise against a shotgun for home defense. Yes it is great for a point an shoot scenario, but the minimum length for a shotgun is somelike like 18" (or something like that). Moving around a house with an 18" barrell might prove difficult in tight corners, etc.

However with that said...there is nothing more "heart stopping" that being on the business end of a shotgun...especially when its gets "racked'. Probably one of the most recgonizible sounds ever!

 

Get a glock, they are IMO the "ak" of handguns, meaning they are very reliable. A Glock 17 or 22 should suffice. The 22 is a little more snappier though. Also invest in a good guard dog or 2;



Another factor if you're just open to all weapons is your neighborhood layout, your floor layouts, even furniture. Everyone praises the shotgun for a all around home defense weapon but in certain situations a bb-gun would be more practical. Consider points of entry, retreat, surroundings; I.E: other houses, woods, etc. Some people just go out and buy a 12 ga but when it comes time to defend your self you're already panicing with no plan and in that scenario your firearm is just a hunk of metal. So have a plan.

 

Having read this entire thread...... One forgets that the OP is in the state of Kalifornia!!!

The most important things said have been:
Try out any and all guns if you can.
Practice, Practice, Practice after you have one.

Do not get a gun based on what is recommended here or on any internet forum.

With that said I say stay away from the LCP for a HD gun. (I own one and it is a great little gun, but it's little, hard to hold.)
A full size 9mm would work best. Yes, every one says .40/.45/.50.......
But the recoil of the 9mm in a full size gun can be handled well.
You may look into a .357/.38sp revolver as noted too.

If for some reason you can not find a range in the Inland Empire that rents guns, make a trip to the Free State of Arizona (Just a few hours away ) and here we do have gun rentals....

Good luck and I am sorry to read Redlands has gotten so bad. I lived there when I first moved on on my own 30+ years ago...

Yuma Taco,

 

First of all let me start by saying I love guns and as I sit here typing this comment have my Glock 33 sitting beside me. Living is southeast Dallas, TX. a 911 call will get you emergency help about 40 minutes after your family has been brutalized by some crack head. If moving is not an option then take steps to protect yourself. Second can you say over-penetration (not a sexual term)? A .357 or just about any large caliber hand gun will easily penetrate your intended target and very probably the wall behind them and then possibly one of your loved ones or a neighbor by accident. If you think not then try setting up some fake walls and check it out. The best weapon for home defense has always been a 12 gauge shotgun. Try a Mossberg Defender loaded with double ought buck. Nothing slows down a perp like the sound of a shotgun slide action.. just point and pull the trigger.

 

Amen, brotha. Know your target and whats beyond it.

 

Exactly what I was trying to say earlier - this is a huge concern of mine living in an apartment complex.

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