Budget home defense rifle

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To repeat what several posters have already said, do not use birdshot in a shotgun used for self-defense.

Birdshot does not penetrate deep enough to reach the vital organs necessary to stop a human attacker. Most experts recommend a projectile that penetrates at least 12 inches in flesh. NONE of the birdshot rounds will do this consistently and #4 Buckshot BARELY penetrates to 12 inches consistently. That is why most experts recommend 00 Buckshot in the 12 Gauge shotgun and #3 or #2 Buckshot in the 20 Gauge shotgun. 00 Buckshot is not the only buckshot size, but I will not go below #1 Buckshot in the 12 Gauge.

IMO/IME a 20 Gauge shotgun will best meet your friend's needs for home protection, along with hardening of the dwelling to slow down or stop a determined invader from getting inside in the first place.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr
 
Practice and practice the gun you choose. Learn the basics in fast reloading and how to fix jamming problems. Could mean life and death in the moment of truth. Have another firearm of choice as secondary backup in case no 1 fails.
 
We've touched on the attitude. We'll have to discuss it further.

Also, she isn't totally lacking experience with guns. She says that she's grown up around them, but hasn't shot anything in quite a while.

I'm also seeing a lot of recommendations for single shot shotguns and rifles. I have never seen that anywhere in my life. They are cheap, but it seems like it would require a lot of dexterity and muscle memory to be able to load quickly. Especially in the stress of a life or death situation.
 
00 buckshot penetrates almost DOUBLE that 12" penetration depth.

BB is a much better home defense load. It penetrates more than the common small birdshot calibers, while not penetrating as much as the (horribly overpenetrative) 00. For reference, a BB is .177".

Someone else said you "couldn't go wrong with heavy and slow". That's exactly the opposite of true, if you're trying to minimize penetration. Most .357 defensive loads will penetrate much less than .45 hardball, because they're light, fast, and designed to expand.

John
 
Most .357 defensive loads will penetrate much less than .45 hardball, because they're light, fast, and designed to expand.
Click to expand...

I don't think that's a fair comparison. I wouldn't use a solid .45 bullet unless it's all I had. I'd probably go with hollowpoints or some other defensive ammunition.
 
All projectiles will penetrate no matter what they say. Just test a .22 LR hypersonic or standard velocity rounds and they can penetrate metals and sheetrocks easily. You d be surprise how walls could be no protection at all. Just imagine if it goes through and kill someone.
 
#1 or 00 buck remains my preference for a defensive shotgun. Where penetration is a concern I make it #4 buck.
 
Hi Point carbine in 9mm....

Inexpensive to buy.
Mine has been nearly 100% reliable (1500 rounds +-)
Will handle +P if you desire.
Short and easy to manage in a confined space.
The ability to mount lights and or lasers.
No BS guarantee from the maker. This includes a rifle you bought used.
Cheap mags, lights, sights and all shipping from the maker is free.

Mine daughter looked at this little ugly thing cross eyed the first time we went to the range with it. But she warmed up to it quickly and even gave it a pet name. We found it fun to shoot, the recoil is nothing and the reliability is quite amazing.

8120578427_1d1b44fbf3_z.jpg
 
I plan on taking her with me to a gun store so she can hold some things and see if she likes the way they feel and shoulder and point.

Whatever we decide on though, I'm thinking that it's a good idea to buy some snap caps so she can practice loading, unloading, the mechanics of the gun, and what to do if it jams. What do you all think?
 
The thing about shooting before buying, is that I don't have the sort of guns we're looking for to let her try. I don't have a lever-action rifle, a carbine, or a tactical shotgun.

I must say though, I'm definitely liking the shotgun idea. I'm just a little concerned about the recoil. Is it more manageable with reduced recoil loads? I've only ever fired birdshot.
 
I must say though, I'm definitely liking the shotgun idea. I'm just a little concerned about the recoil. Is it more manageable with reduced recoil loads? I've only ever fired birdshot.
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Where are you located? I have one of everything and would be happy to let her try stuff out.
 
The easiest to train someone is with a shotgun. Ammo shells are easier to find in these difficult times. And it wont break the bank. Besides the shotgun is not that expensive to find and buy.
 
The way to deal with over penetration issues is to be aware of what the possible shooting lanes are in the apartment and what lies beyond them. Sometimes it may be possible to put a backstop such as a book shelf full of books to provide a more substantial barrier than wallboard.

A short barreled shotgun with a carefull selection of load would seem to be the best option I've seen suggested here so far for your friend. Just stay away from the real known over penetrators regardless of the final decision. I can't believe I saw a recommendation for an SKS for apartment use in this thread. I hope whoever suggested that has no neighbors.
 
I can't believe I saw a recommendation for an SKS for apartment use in this thread. I hope whoever suggested that has no neighbors.
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Again..... There are proper defensive loads made in 7.62x39 that will penetrate less than JHP pistol rounds and 00 buckshot....
 
Please post a video of this technique. I can unload my 7- shot pump in 3-4 seconds, and I'm an old man.

Unloading and effectively hitting your target are two different issues, not to mention what kind of target rich environment would call for emptying your gun that quickly.

But I will clarify that I mean effectively hitting your intended target.

2: 20 gauge creates less recoil making easier for most women to shoot it.

Quite to the contrary loads such as Winchester Featherlites (nice for practice) have far less recoil than the 20 ga.
 
Most .357 defensive loads will penetrate much less than .45 hardball, because they're light, fast, and designed to expand.
Click to expand...

If you were practicing with a defensive gun, wouldn't you want something with the same recoil?
 
What are you talking about? Who said anything about using more than one?

eta: like Warp, your meaning escapes me.
 
i've seen quite a few mentions of a single shot rifle/shotgun. for a farm, truck or camp gun they're fine. even with the extra muscle that's needed to rack the action on a pump shotgun, i would guess that most women would be able to rack the action with a lot more consistency and reliability than being able to reload a single shot rifle/shotgun in time if a follow up shot were needed.

i'd likely choose the platform she'll be most comfortable/consistent with, then worry about the best applicable cartridge.
 
i believe the OP is referring to BSAs post about winchester featherlite loads being great for practice.

and yes, i would practice (at least 75 percent of the time) with what you intend to have loaded for defense.
 
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