The absolutely best handgun for home defense

[MikeJ]

I was talking with a gun buddy of mine the other day and the conversation turned into what is the absolutely, postively, best, without a doubt handgun for home defense so I thought I would post this thread. A couple of things before we get started; I hope this doesn't turn into a bashing others opinions thread but rather have some fun and maybe learn a thing or two along the way. I'll start by listing my reasons and why I think so and then welcome you to do the same. My choice is the Beretta 9mm Centurion DAO for these reasons:
1. It is a natural pointer for me and I shoot it well.
2. I like the simplicity of revolvers and the DAO trigger provides that without being too light. By the way, it is buttery smooth.
3. I like having the hi-cap 15 round mags. I don't subscribe to the spray and pray method but I do believe that in an adrenaline fueled hectic scenario the chance of missing is much greater and I like the idea of having more rounds available, particularly if there are multiple adversaries.
4. I am very comfortable with the 9mm round as one that I can handle quite well for follow up shots.

Now please, don't tell me why I am all wrong in my choice, just give the reasons for your choice. Thanks and best regards, Mike

[Bobarino]

if this gun were to just stay at home for home only defense and would not be carried, i'd have to go with the H&K USP Tactical with the UTL and night sights. and if i lived in a state that allowed it, i might put a supressor on it too, just to preserve my hearing should i ever have to use it. my reasons are: 12+1 rounds of .45, it looks big and mean to the bad guys which can be a great deterent in itself, way more accurate than i am, tough as nails, feeds anything. i would probably load it with a +P load of some sort in the 165-185 grain range. i'm a fan of lighter, faster bullets, just a personal preference.

Bobby

[telewinz]

The Best? A .44 Magnum (Special) loaded with shotshells. They will inflict extreme pain upon the felon, generate an intense desire in the felon to depart the scene rapidly, and it gets more lethal the closer the felon comes. Minimal penetration through the walls.

But if the 9mm works for you, go for it.

[gumshoe4]

Also, then you get to tell the judge that you didn't use lethal force, because you only meant to shoot the bad guy a little bit.

:rolleyes:


Anyway, depends upon the situation. I like short-barrelled K or J frame revolvers with oversized grips in some applications, because the grips give you something to hang onto and the short barrel makes attempts to take your gun away problematic.

Large revolvers and automatics also have their place in this scenario, because you're not concerned about concealment and because larger size means greater weight which translates to greater recoil recovery and shorter shot-to-shot times. I like my Ruger P95DC for that application, but other brands work just as well.

If you're concerned about overpenetration, as you should be, you can use Magsafe or Glaser Safety Slugs. These are intended to transmit stopping power into the target, but have the added advantage of dissipating in sheetrock or construction materials. Primary disadvantages are that they are expensive, may not provide enough energy to adequately cycle an autoloader and do not necessarily penetrate real deeply on target.

[Mastrogiacomo]

For me, my permit restricts the type of gun I can buy. I did have a revolver but got rid of it. My Beretta compact Ms are actually more comfortable to use, more accurate with very gentle recoil. Unlike the L (but not that I felt a huge difference...) the M has a slender grip that fits very nicely in the hands. The revolver didn't leave pleasant memories so I'm happy with the single/double action choice although I shoot double action very well with my M too.:D

[gbelleh]

I'm in the process of building my ultimate home defense pistol. H&K USP 45 Compact with night sights and Hogue grip (current home defense pistol), soon to have an M6 laser/illuminator added with the GG&G rail adapter. Next, a suppressor (Impuls II-A from CCF Swiss Inc.) will be added along with a threaded barrel. I might also have to install some USP Tactical night sights on it in order to use the sights.

I also have a Surefire M3 as an option if I don't want to use the pistol light. That should work well for most any home defense situation I can imagine. But it will also be fun to put all that together! The ultimate Tactical Poser gun! :D :o :uhoh:

[Al Thompson]

Having a light helps bunches too.

My criteria:

Accessable
Reliable
Accurate
Powerful

And in that order (IMHO).

YMMV - :D

[HSMITH]

Al, no laser radar rangefinding heatseaking triple barrel automatic self loading super dooper bad guy annihiliator??

For me it would be a good 357 but I want to be able to hear after the bad guy goes to the other side, so I use 38 specials and 45acps. Reliable and easy to shoot, that is all I need.

[Hkmp5sd]

Glock 18.

[Topgun]

.38 spl, 357 mag, 44 spl, 45 ACP, or 45 Colt.

357 is only magnum I would recommend. Likely to stay in target more so than larger magnums.

Autos are fine but revolvers are easier to use in an emergency and especially if there is a chance that someone in your family who is not a shooter may have to use it.

One single reco? S&W M66.

[Jim March]

S&W did a short run of the 8-shot 357 N-frame in a 2.5" barrel.

That has some merit...

[10-Ring]

For the last couple of years, I've been rotating between my USP 45 & USPc 9 because I feel comfortable with both and shoot both well.

[Ala Dan]

Well, best handgun for home defense is very
subjective; alive and well in most peoples mind's.
I would have to say that your choice of the Beretta
Centurion in 9m/m is an excellent choice.

However, I'm a member of "the bigger is better crowd";
so with that said, my choice for best would have to
be the .45 caliber SIG-Sauer P220A without
a doubt!

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

[Standing Wolf]

Mine's a .44 magnum revolver. No one else shares my mail box, or I might have to think about a twelve-bore shotgun.

[CWL]

Absolutely the best handgun? :rolleyes:

The .45 I have access to, or the 9mm backup, or the .32ACP or any of the guns I can get out of the safe.

I'd really prefer a shotgun.

I won't knock anyone's choice of firearm but I think that the approach is wrong.

Training, not equiptment makes encounters survivable. The one time I needed a handgun, it was borrowed.

[Zundfolge]

The absolute best "handgun" for home defense is a Heckler & Koch MP5-40SD ... 30 rounds of .40S&W at full auto and a suppressor to keep your ears from bleeding :)


seriously, if the gun is home defense only then a shotgun is probably the best choice. But you said handgun so lets be reasonable.

I'd say a .357mag revolver (pick your favorite brand). It's reliable and can sit in a drawer for years and still go bang when you pull the trigger ... plus pretty much anyone can use it (you, the wife, junior). You can load it up with .38 special and get everyone to shoot it, then stuff it full of high velocity .357mag rounds for if you need it.

If you prefer a semi auto, then I'd say go with a full size 10mm (Colt Delta Elite or Glock). It has the same advantages as the .357mag (there's real weak "FBI" loads for 10mm and extremely powerful self defense rounds that are almost as hot as a .44mag).

[Captain Bligh]

One more vote for a snubby of one variety or another. In addition to the short barrel that could aide weapon retention and a trigger pull good for the task, it's unlikey to jam and it's small enough to slip in the bathrobe pocket if you have to answer the door at 2:00 AM.

RJ

[gryphon]

I hate having to list a specific brand of firearm in these kind of threads because the firearm that is "best" for me is not necessarily the best for someone else.

My criteria for "best" in the generic sense would be:
1. It is reliable - fires every time the trigger is pulled
2. You can fire the firearm with enough accuracy to do the job you need it to do.

[New_comer]

A revolver in 357 mag would be the better choice for non-active shooters. Just leave it holstered in the night drawer and just forget about it. It'll still go bang years after.

A GP100/SP101/SW65-66 are all fine choices.

For autos, I love my USP9. But your choice of a Beretta is most excellent.

But my ultimate HD gun is most defintely my Rem 870P. The racking sound would definitely send chills down any perps' spine! :D:D:D

[Stevie-Ray]

Lots of great choices on here. For me it will be my H&K USPc .45 and it will soon sport a laser or tactical light, I haven't decided which. Maybe both.:D Right now it's my Kimber Ultra CDP.

[chaim]

TC Contender in something .223 or larger. Just kidding:neener:

You want simplicity. Who wants to wake up to their front door being broken down or a window broken at 4am and have to deal with safeties while trying to wake up or try to remember if they have a round chambered or not?

You want reasonable stopping power. You don't want to shoot someone and have them keep on coming so no .22s.

Conversely, you don't want too much power because you don't want your rounds going through the intruder and hitting whatever may be behind him as well.

You don't want a too high pressure round. You are shooting inside your home and possibly in a hallway so the noise of even a .22lr could be nearly deafening.

You don't need hi-capacity (debatable for carry, but for home defense it really is unneeded). First, even while on the streets most encounters are only one or two bad guys, a home intruder is almost always alone. Second, you are at your home, you can very easily have more guns around so you only need enough rounds in the bedside gun to get to your backup/second gun (hopefully a long-gun, either a .223, pistol caliber carbine or shotgun).

You need a gun that can be kept loaded for a long time period. Many people want to be able to "load and forget" their home defense gun. You don't want to worry about springs weakening lessening your reliability. This is all the more important if your HD gun and carry gun (if in a CCW state) are one and the same since the mags will never get a rest.

All this together point to a revolver, loaded with .38spls (or +Ps) or .44spl with a good modern HP bullet. My choice for home defense is a K-frame or L-frame (or equivelent) .357mag loaded with .38spl or +Ps (one of my favorites is a .38spl load, the other is +P), though nothing wrong with a K-frame .38 either.

[PeacefulWarrior]

What's the best handgun for home defense? Keep It Simple- The one that you have in your hand when you need it.......

[sm]

I use my CCW (s)

They fit me, I shoot them well, I shoot low and no light drills, and they are "an extension of me". If an situation occurs I want what I'm used to. Enough ambient light around my place, and my eclectic decor, is replete with shooting lanes. I don't use nightsights (none of my guns do, or will have). One caliber is bigger than the other...shot placement is the key.

[V-fib]

My first choice for a HD handgun would be my Moss 500 12ga 18" bbl.
Well, it is in my hand:D

If I couldn't have the SG, it would be my Ruger Sp101 in .357. :cool:

[arinvolvo]

The best one is the one you have in your hand 2 seconds after you hear the unexplained thump in the night....Just make sure you know how to shoot it...

[standingbear]

i saw a light attachment yesterday(i wasnt curious enough to ask who made it) on a p226.it looked like it attached to a rail but no rail(it covered up the entire bottom front of the gun).it attached via the triggerguard-great for dark confrontations.the decock lever is very easy to reach(it doesnt just let the hammer slam home on the rotating "bar" like the beretta models)seems much more safe.i like this decock lever because i can lower the hammer slowly and safly should i not need to fire- without changing my grip to reach the lever on other guns.its very accurate too.

[ruger357]

S&W 649.

[Double Naught Spy]

There is no absolute best handgun for HD. Aside from the obvious aspects that handguns are far from ideal for HD, what determines whether one is more ideal or not will depend very specifically on the HD conditions, ability of the HD shooter to handle the given gun, type and number of the threat, structure of the home (for over penetration issues), etc.

Obviously what is the more ideal gun for HD in one home would not be the same in another.

[longeyes]

There are many good ways to go. My preferred handgun for HD is my Glock 30, with Trijicon night sights, full-up with Cor-Bon .45acp Pow'RBall. In the vicinity is my old Colt Lawman Mk III with six 158g LSWHPs in .38spl.

[MikeJ]

First of all, thanks for the responses but I have to say that I was really hoping for more of your own individual rationales as to why you chose whatever gun it is for your home protection. I know that each and everyone one of us has had to put some thought into why we decided one gun would suit our needs better than another. Sorry if I didn't make that clearer. I really enjoy hearing about these reasons and the thought process behind the decision and figured others would enjoy this as well. Best regards, Mike

[Schuey2002]

Glock 18.
... with a pile of loaded 32 round mags and a Surefire Flashlight.:D

[curt]

if i had my druthers it'd be my AR15,but since i got 3 young kids i don't have any druthers any more :)

Mine used to be a Sig P228 with 15 rd 226 mags, mainly because i liked the decocker and the long first trigger squeeze cause i thought i needed them for safety.

Later after i got more comfortable with it i switched to a Glock 35 .40 with extensions on the mags bringing capacity up to 20, MMC night sights and an attached IT M3 light. Rationale:
-Simple operation means less to fumble with while dealing with sleepy kids and massive overdoses of adrenaline
-.40 is for me just as quick for followup shots as a 9 but more potent
-grip fits my hand very well, no problem with retention or shooting one handed
-integral light means i can illuminate, hold gun and hold kids with only 2 hands.

I'm considering a glock 21 .45 with heinie straight8 night sights that i have had a grip reduction done on however, not as quick on the followup, even with the grip reduction i still like the 35's grip better, its an older model with no light rail so there would be some cost to put my light on it.

[Blackhawk]

I agree with re1973. I want to be as familiar as possible with my tools in a HD situation, and they are my CCWs.

[aerod1]

I like a 357 mag, of the likes of a 4 or 6 inch Ruger DA revolver because of the simple operation and dependability.
Jim Hall

[Sam]

The ideal home defense handgun for me would be the Ithica Auto & Burglar. Plenty of power, easy hittability, little in the way of overpenetration problems.

Sam

[tetchaje1]

The best HD weapon would be a DSA SA-58 Carbine (.308) with 155gr AMAX rounds...

:evil: ...just be sure to have electronic ear protection... :evil:

http://juni0r.orcon.net.nz/SA58MiniFALcarbine.jpg

The best handgun for HD is very subjective, but I would have to say anything that you can control well and everybody in your family can handle. :)

Personally, I have a SIG 220, a SIG 239, and an HK USP Compact all at the ready for unforseen events... :uhoh:

[Longbow]

Taurus 608! It's what I'm considering for an HD weapon. I currently have a S&W model 10 for that purpose, but the thought of an 8 round revolver is tempting.

[Kahr carrier]

G21 -High Capacity and 45Acp.:)

[twoblink]

For Home D, I like Revolvers. Simple. You hear a click? Pull the trigger again!

But that said, whatever you shoot best with is the best gun.

My home D was a Ruger SP101 2" Snubbie loaded with 125 Grain 357 JHP's. :D

[sanchezero]

Either the glock 18 with 30 rnders and an attached light or the MP5 PDW with 30 rnders and an attached light.

[tlhelmer]

Loaded with 15 rounds of 180 gr. Winchester Ranger T-series:what:

[hawk0484]

Thursday night a 67 year old widow shot an intruder. Her husband had been a SEAL, and had trained her well. Her weapon of choice was her .357. She didn't use her shotgun because "he was in the kitchen and I didn't want to ruin my new countertops when I shot him". She didn't kill him, as her intent was only to stop him (unfortunately, as local taxpayers are paying for his stay in Intensive Care). I guess the ideal weapon depends on your situation.

[Flying V]

My ideal home defense handgun/ammo combination doesn't exist:
Gun: 5" Super Redhawk .480
Load: 400 grain dead soft pure lead HP at 850 fps.

Reasoning: The size and appearance of this revolver maximize its deterrent effect. Should deterrence fail, that load should have massive stopping power.

[COK]

For me, a .357 revolver ( GP-331) backed up by a trusty Remington 1100 12 GA.

[caz223]

My favorite posterior-at-home gun would be the H&K usp compact .45 with night sights.

[Dr.Rob]

I've used revolvers and autos and I've found one thing comforting about choosing a revolver. If it's sitting around loaded there is no pressure on any springs, unlike your average SA autoloader. I don't really like DA/SA autos (only have one and its a .380... ) but they do share the ability to stay 'relaxed' well, except for the magazine springs.

If you use an auto: make sure you rotate your mags once in a while, watch for bullet set-back as you load and unload. And even if you choose a revolver, make sure you shoot the ammo you stoke it with and know its point of impact and flash in low light.

I've used a snub nosed 357, a 1911, that DA/SA 380 and an FEG Hi-Power for nightstand duty over the years, and I lean more towards the HP because I shoot it more than the others. It's my competition pistol, and I shoot it a LOT. I know I can trust it to go bang every time and I trust the 9mm to be enough gun if the need should arise, especially when stoked with 115gr PMC starfires or winchester silvertips. I beleive in a minimum of doo-dads. Night sights? Not a bad idea. A flashlight on the pistol? Not for me. I keep a flashlight on the nightstand with my cell phone.

[stevelyn]

The best HD handgun?

It is the one that will be within reach when you need it. The one you are most proficient with. And the one that you will be able to operate instinctively while under stress, juggling a cell phone, a flashlight, and controlling an adrenaline dump.
Now, go forth and seek the one you and others in your household can be comfortable with and practice, drill, drill, practice......

Oh I might add that a HD gun is specifically dedicated to the task and as a rule should be stored in the same location all the time.
Nothing worse than being woke up in the middle of the night by gremlins and stumbling in the dark trying to remember with a foggy brain where the house boarder-repellent is located. :confused:

[Nick96]

Home Defence -

.357 DA revolver (preferably S&W or Ruger), loaded with .38 Spl. Why:
1. Revolver reliability - In my experience, every Auto I've shot extensivly has jammed at one time or another. No revolver has ever failed me. Just one less thing to worry about with a revolver.
2. .38 rather than .357 - .357 has too much blast and flash in a confined area. Penatration is also a factor (something too to consider with 9mm). Not to mention brisk recoil depending on the weight and frame size of the revolver.
3. Simple to use - You may be familiar with the operation of an Auto under stress. But what if you are incapactated? Your S.O. or whom ever could pick up a revolver and figure out how it works in about 2/10's of a second.
4. Statistically, 5 or 6 rounds is going to be more than enough to save your bacon ( in a HD or any other likely SD situation).
5. .357 rather than .38Spl only revolver - A .357 will shoot any .38 Spl - not visa versa. You might want to shoot .357 some time - so why not have the platform for it?