[bigjhomerun]

Sorry I'm sure there are plenty of threads like this but couldn't find one for my situation.

I live with my mom and we are both looking for a good Home Defense first timer gun. I'm very comfortable with guns because of my dad, But my mom has just recently started to go to the indoor gun range and try out different guns. All she has tried is a 9mm. What I'm wanting to know is what is a good gun that is easy to use/cheap but will stop someone in there tracks.

[ScareyH22A]

Oh no, I can see this as becoming a caliber headbutt.

But if she's comfortable with a 9mm, she should try a .45. Obviously in a fullsized pistol. They're not THAT much different in recoil if you shoot through a nice pistol. And a lot of folks have been recommending the XD .45's to me for good reason. And they're priced right along the Glock's price range.

As for practice ammo price, 9's are hard to beat. But I say get a .45 for home and a .22 for the range. Check ammo prices and you'll see why .22's are so fantastic for practice.

Also, a 9mm Federal HST ammo is one helluva man stopper. Don't underestimate 9mm. But then again, .45 Federal HST is pretty darn nice too.

[Pistol Toter]

A 20 ga. pump shotgun. Hand guns are not the best to stop an attack just the "handiest" since it is your hand. A 9mm will work as will .38 spl, a .357mag, a.44 spl., a .45 acp, even a .44mag; all will do the job provided you do your's. The best will greatly depend on what you can handle proficently. The question can not be simply answered as you asked it.

[bigjhomerun]

Also, Besides the calibur what gun Brands/Models should we be looking at.
Yes, we are already going to get a Shotgun, but were confused about handguns.

[10-Ring]

I know a lady who emptied a 10 round 22lr magazine into an intruder -- he was stopped pretty good....when the PD took the pistol as evidence, she went out & bought a 357/38 wheelgun. 38 specials for practice & 357 magnums for HD -- lots o' value there ;)

[xstuntman]

If your on a budget you could look at the Heritge Rough Rider revolvers. They usually go for around $160 and come with the extral 22mag cylinder. If money isn't a problem i'd sure go with a S&W.38 snubbie. X

[Pistol Toter]

what gun Brands/Models
S&W, Ruger, Glock, Springfield,.... Revolver or Semi-automatic? The best you can afford. Like many other comodities you get what you pay for.

[Auburn1992]

The Magnum Research Baby Eagle is a pretty good gun for the money (~$450). I've got one and it's been totally reliable, does not have to much kick, and has a great feeling single action trigger.

I would recommend one in any caliber (9mm, .40, .45 - though apparently the .45 has some problems) to anyone.

[bigjhomerun]

Thanks for all the help

can you link me to some good sites to buy guns on?

[Pistol Toter]

can you link me to some good sites to buy guns on?

Where are you? Do you not have any local gun shops? There are sites but you still will need an FFL dealer. I would strongly suggest you try to stay local until you have enogh experience to buy pig-in-the-poke style.

[ScareyH22A]

www.budsgunshop.com was recommended a few times to me. I never bought a gun over the net before tho.

[memphisjim]

glock 19

[sniper5]

I think everyone that has posted is right. Shotguns are more powerful than pistols. There is no pistol that is guaranteed to "stop someone in their tracks". Quality counts. Most major manufacturers make good products. And I'll add one more: Fit is EVERYTHING. Try as many as possible and find the one that fits your hand and seems to function naturally for you and points naturally. When you handle a variety of them, you will pick one up that feels like an extension of your finger. THAT's the "best" one. It's different for everyone. For me: Browning HP. For my tiny wife: 6" .357 GP100 Ruger with small grips and light springs (surprises people when they see her "BIG GUN" but when you listen to her tell you why it fits her it makes sense). That's the one she wants to shoot all the time. Hates mine, loves hers. I am not a big revolver fan. It's different for everyone.

[Confederate]

Well, in my opinion the .38 Spc. revolver is the best in-home defense, and I'd probably choose a .357 and resist the urge to load it for bear. The .357 would offer a bit more weight and control, plus it would take the more stout loads later if you wanted to travel extensively on the road or in rugged outdoor areas.

Properly loaded with a 148-gr SWC or lead hollowpoint, it will do just fine for self defense. I also think revolvers are a bit more safe all around than autos.

[jad0110]

Kudos on getting yourself a shotgun. I have a S&W revolver or 1911 handy at all times, but if I can safely get to my shotgun I will be doing so.

Try as many as possible and find the one that fits your hand and seems to function naturally for you and points naturally. When you handle a variety of them, you will pick one up that feels like an extension of your finger. THAT's the "best" one. It's different for everyone. For me: Browning HP. For my tiny wife: 6" .357 GP100 Ruger

Excellent advice, take it to heart. It is like buying a pair of shoes. Until you find your favorite brand and exact size, ordering sight-unseen isn't a good idea. I can order online New Balance size 12 1/2 E width sneakers with a few mouse clicks only because I have purchased a few pairs in stores, having tried them on.

Revolvers and 1911s simply work for me, so I have ordered a couple online.

I will say that revolvers offer the advantage of a near infinite number of grip combinations, particularly if you are any good at shaping wood; you could make your own wood grips.

Good luck in your search!

[shotgunjoel]

You want a fullsize gun with lots of capacity and stopping power. You don't need to worry about size and weight really because you aren't going to be carrying it.

[mbt2001]

I always recommend getting a .38 revolver for your first gun...

It doesn't get much more simple or much more reliable than that.

[blendingnoise]

buy some better locks and secure the home first. Would suck to come home to a broken into home and a stolen firearm.

[David E]

If she's happy with and can control a 9mm, it sounds like the gun/caliber has already been selected.

[Philip Marlowe]

BUY USED.

In my opinion, there are a number of handguns which can be bought used without any worry.

HK, Glock, Ruger (revolvers) are just a few. I own all used guns (except one) and they've all been flawless. That's also because I don't buy secondhand Taurus' or Sigmas (I know some of you get lucky).

Just my .02. No need these days to pay full price.

Go with someone who knows the pistol of your choice if possible...

Good luck!

[woad_yurt]

An ol' K-frame is user-friendly for just about everybody. I have a beater Model 10 by my bed. .38 SPL is a good in-the-house caliber.

[dscottw88]

My sister and her husband just got their first handgun. They settled on a Subcompact Glock 26. The recoil is very manageable and they like practicing with the cheaper 9mm ammo. She also tried a .38 snub, glock 19, makarov, and glock 27.

[christcorp]

best home defense gun is a revolver. As already mentioned, 357 magnum revolver, 4" barrel; loaded with 38 special, working up to 38 special +P, with the capability of 357 magnum if wanted later. It's easy for anyone to use. It doesn't kick that much. It's safe and reliable. The "K" frame S&W is definitely one of the best. You DON'T need LOTS of capacity. You need LOTS of practice. Unless you're anticipating a gang war with a lot of attackers, 6 rounds is plenty for home defense. And a 38 Special/357 magnum has plenty of stopping power. And as a backup/2nd gun in a different location in the house in case you can't get to one gun or the other, I'd choose a shotgun. If it's ONLY for home defense, I'd get a 20 gauge. If you think you MIGHT want to use it for hunting or trap/skeet/playing; then get a 12 gauge.

[Mp7]

You have a shotgun.

add a cheap .38 revolver.

That´s enough to drive anyone off - just make sure you hit the target.

[Dark Skies]

I'd go with a fairly lightweight double-action revolver in .357 magnum. In a tense situation you want something reliable that goes bang when you squeeze the trigger. You don't want something that you might forget to rack, leave the safety on, or might jam second shot. You'd be surprised how the mind can make you make stupid mistakes when under immense stress.

[xtralogic]

shotgun is good for holding down the fort in one spot...i like the option of holding down the fort and waiting for LE...but if i have to move around the home IMO would like a handgun..... look at sp101 3' by ruger or a judge by taurus if its just for home defense....i can think of others i like but these are good and cheap around here

[Deanimator]

shotgun is good for holding down the fort in one spot
A shotgun is good if you have room to effectively employ it. I don't.

I'm not going to barricade my bedroom door and call the cops every time I hear a noise in the living room. Eventually, their response time will be calculable in hours, if not days, nevermind that they'd have to kick the door in EVERY time they came.

[David E]

A shotgun is a good firearm for the "safe room," when you KNOW there are badguys in the house.

But we all hear noises that don't sound "right," but it's not enough to call the cops for. Still.........we can't fully relax until we check it out.

For that task, a reliable handgun that you are skilled with, .38/9mm or larger is the weapon of choice.

[xtralogic]

david e said what i was trying too :rolleyes:

[EHL]

first time gun, go with a revolver. Simple, effective, nuff said.

[Ben86]

Right now my home defense gun is a Glock 19 because both the caliber and the size of the gun is easily controllable by my wife's hands but enough for me to feel like I have enough gun.

Find a caliber and gun model you are both comfortable with. And don't go with a revolver just because it is simple. Revolvers also have some the heaviest and often longest trigger pulls and often take years of practice to master. Not to mention crappy sights.

Get a simple striker fired automatic like a Glock, M&P and XD without a manual safety and not only will it be simple like a revolver, but easier to shoot and with more firepower. More rounds in the mag= larger margain of error.

[Clarence]

The best kept secret is the .44 Special in a S&W N-frame. It shoots incredibly soft and has the same stopping power as the .45 ACP

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to someone for home defense.........I think a DA revolver is ideal in a home defense handgun, especially for someone who doesn't shoot a lot.

[ArmedBear]

That is so not true. The best marketing tool ever invented. I can name 100 different products where that isn't true. Is a Buggatti Veyron a better daily driving car than a Honda? One costs $1.7 million. The other doesn't. Which is better for hauling groceries?

Exactly.

One has to understand that there are handguns made for shooting sports, that can be really expensive. Their expensive features can actually be detrimental to defensive use in many ways.

There are also handguns made as ornaments, and then you pay for something pretty that doesn't work any better than the plain version -- in fact, it may require much more careful handling.

You only "get what you pay for" when you're comparing apples to apples, and that's not always easy, even for the well-versed.

The best kept secret is the .44 Special in a S&W N-frame. It shoots incredibly soft and has the same stopping power as the .45 ACP


And if you handload, you might even be able to stoke it with ammo...

That's the real secret: where all the .44 Special ammo is.:D

[Red State]

Lots of good points by previous posters.

I agree that a shotgun is the best home defense gun, but sometimes it is not as "handy" has a handgun. For example, a handgun is easier to keep in a quick access safe like the gunvault or DAC sportsafe.

Assuming that the OP knows that he wants a pistol instead of (or in addition to) a shotgun, here is what I would pay attention to (regardless of whether or not you choose a revolver or semiauto):

Reliability - S&W or Ruger for revolver. Sig, Glock, HK, S&W, SA, for semiauto

Ergonomics - a grip that fits you and controls that are intuitive and simple

Shootability - assuming it is not too heavy, a large frame gun will most likely be easier to shoot well and will help to manage recoil

Accessories - either night sights or a rail for a light/laser would be nice options for a home gun

[ArmedBear]

I have night sights on my "home gun." But I am not sure why I need them. I'd hate to shoot someone if it's too dark to see anything. That's how friends, neighbors, relatives and roommates get shot.

I think I'd spend the money on a really good high-end flashlight to keep with the gun, before I bought night sights.

I did a little hip-shooting yesterday when I was testing some handloads and wanted to shoot out some that I didn't want to keep anyway. At in-home distances, I'd use sights, but I wouldn't worry if I didn't see them too well, given that I could hit a human attacker without lifting the gun past my waist.

[JImbothefiveth]

Let your mom pick the gun. Just make sure it's reliable, and in a good caliber. I myself think glock is a good brand, however, your mom might not like them.

Also, even though you probably already know the rules of gun safety, here they are:
Rule 1: Always treat all guns as if they are loaded, always, even when they are empty.

second rule: never let a gun point at or close to anything you don't want destroyed

rule 3: finger off the trigger until ready to shoot

4th rule: always know your target and what's behind it. Make sure little Johnny isn't behing that bullseye, and that that deer isn't someone in a deer costume.


I'd hate to shoot someone if it's too dark to see anything.
There are some times when you can see the target and not the sights, or, if someone breaks in and you and everyone in your house is in a safe room.

They settled on a Subcompact Glock 26. The recoil is very manageable
I like glocks. Especially subcompact glocks. First handgun I ever shot. However, I'm not sure this would be the best option. The grip is small, I don't think I can get more than 3 fingers on it. It will often, especially with the grip extension, "bite" my hand. The recoil doesn't hurt too bad, however, the rise is terrible. Follw-up shots are not going to be fast until you get in some good practice.

[Red State]

Armed Bear,

That is a fair point on the night sights. I agree that a flashlight is a must - I think that I would prefer it to be weapon mounted.

[ArmedBear]

I have mixed feelings about that.

As a hunter (not The Great White Hunter, but someone who does hunt:) ), I think of a scope. It is both poor practice as well as potentially illegal to use a scope to glass around for game. It can be illegal if you find another hunter in the brush, and you're pointing the gun at him to look and see whether he's a deer. In Idaho, aiming a firearm at someone "without malice" is a misdemeanor, even if you're "just using the scope to look around."

If the weapon-mounted light is the first time you see who your target is, that probably means you have your finger on the trigger and you're ready to fire before you know who you're about to shoot.

That's not good.

However, having a bunch of crap in your hands when you might need a gun to defend yourself against one or more armed attackers in the dark, in a confined space, sounds like a very bad idea.

So a separate flashlight might be the last thing you want to be fiddling with.

I wish I knew a great answer to this dilemma.

[EHL]

If the weapon-mounted light is the first time you see who your target is, that probably means you have your finger on the trigger and you're ready to fire before you know who you're about to shoot.

That's not good.


I disagree. If someone is going through my house in the dead of night and it's just me and my wife in the house, I know that whoever this other person is doesn't belong. I'm not going to hope that my flashlight is going to stop them. I know that Mr. 1911 will have a better chance of doing that.

So a separate flashlight might be the last thing you want to be fiddling with.


Exactly.

[GRIZ22]

A 4" 38 or 357 revolver is ideal for a house gun. Easy manual of arms and you can load it with whatever the person can handle from wadcutters to full bore magnums.

Revolvers are better for someone that doesn't handle guns a lot. Shotguns are good but there is a recoil factor that someone who doesn't shoot them often won't get used to.

A pistol caliber carbine is another possibility as recoil is nil. That would have to be a semi-auto as you wopuld just want to pull the trigger and not worry about manipulating a slide or lever.

[Ligament]

I'd suggest a used Glock 17 with the factory 32 round magazine. That will give you:
1. Reliable
2. Cheap
3. Plenty of firepower
4. accurate

There is no handgun that will reliably and consistently "stop somebody in their tracks." There are few rifle rounds that will do that on a reliable and consistent basis.

[aderden]

i recommend a mossberg 500. bought mine for 150 dollars at a gun show, and is easy to maintain and operate. the safety is located at the top, like a hammer would be on a revolver, granting easy access, and with a pistol grip and short barrel (mines 18.5 inches) you should have no problems maneuvering around your home (which should never be a problem unless your junk piles are large enough to fall on the intruder. know and maintain your perimeter.) and a light can be mounted w no problems. i imagine 6 rounds of birdshot should serve you well (yeah holes in the wall, but if live in close quarters like i do, in a townhome, you have to worry about shooting your neighbors through the walls. shotshell won't go too far).

[ArmedBear]

I'm not going to hope that my flashlight is going to stop them.

Who said anything like that?:rolleyes:

If you're in a situation where you can safely assume that anyone in your house can be shot, then why give away your position, looking around with a flashlight, including a gun-mounted flashlight?

Until you point the light directly at the attacker, the light allows him to know where you are in the dark, but doesn't let you know where he is.

It would seem to me that the best option is to have the gun up and ready, and turn on the light switch.

[jdub102003]

I would consider a .380 or a 9mm for caliber. But what ever you 2 choose if it is going to be a home defense gun i can't express the importance of pratice enough....Shoot the gun and learn to know it inside out because when and if a situation was ever to arise the weapon you choose is your only friend...just know 9mm ammo is cheaper and found alot easier.

[Deanimator]

That is a fair point on the night sights. I agree that a flashlight is a must - I think that I would prefer it to be weapon mounted.
I'll never have a light mounted on a handgun.

1. I don't want to be using a light which also requires me to point a loaded firearm at somebody if I want to use it AT ALL. Mistake, bad report, malfeasance, for whatever reason it might be the cops in my house. Point a gun at them, right or wrong, and you pretty much guarantee a gunfight.

2. I don't need or want to provide an intruder with an aiming point. If "tracers work both ways", that's DEFINITELY the case with a flashlight.

[Kleanbore]

I'll never have a light mounted on a handgun.

1. I don't want to be using a light which also requires me to point a loaded firearm at somebody if I want to use it AT ALL. Mistake, bad report, malfeasance, for whatever reason it might be the cops in my house. Point a gun at them, right or wrong, and you pretty much guarantee a gunfight.

2. I don't need or want to provide an intruder with an aiming point. If "tracers work both ways", that's DEFINITELY the case with a flashlight.

Both very, very good points for anyone with two hands, in my opinion.

[Just One Shot]

One that goes bang when you pull the trigger!
:D

[Wildyams]

If you want something inexpensive.. just take a tape recorder to your local gun shop and record the sound of someone cocking a remington 870... and if that doesn't scare them away, I would recommend a revolver because if your mother isn't experienced with guns, there is so much less that could go wrong with a revolver compared to an auto. A 357 would be nice so you can also shoot lighter cheaper 38's at the range

[dat2]

go with what ever she has a chance to practice with often and is comfortable with shooting

[kmrcstintn]

when I don't keep active with training, I feel that a .357 magnum steel framed revolver loaded with Remington Express 158gr lead semiwadcutter hollowpoint .38 spl +p to be a hard combination to beat...:D

[Matt Dillon]

+1 kmrcstintn! With a 4" barrel!

[Rifleman 173]

To me, it depends on which gun you practice with a lot...

I use the Mozambique shooting concept so just about any caliber works for me. So I practice with a number of different guns to be effective.

[dmazur]

I'm trying to get my mom to address a gun for protection, and she is quite inexperienced...

So, even though I favor 1911's, I'm suggesting a .44 Special revolver for her to try out. I know the S&W's are quality, but something like a Bulldog will probably also work as well.

I agree with the .44 Special being a best kept secret.

[Karo]

Benelli Tactical Shotgun for the home, Walther PPS .40cal for Conceal carry. Nuff said. Worked twice both ways for me in Florida. Nothing wrong with a Taurus judge either. Good luck finding one though and buckshot to go with it.

[tprice]

Even though I doubt the original poster isn't checking this thread...

I would vote for a S&W Model 10. If my grandmother asked me for a handgun for home defense, it's the one I would trust her to be able to use and fire accurately. The frame is large enough to dampen the recoil of the 38 special round and it's an easy pointer.

Not so sure about the shotgun posts -- my grandmother's pacemaker is in the armpit she'd use for the shotgun and I don't think 12 gauge recoil and medical implants go well. :rolleyes: