Handguns, Handguns, Handguns... Stupid investment?

I shoot Handuns mainly and really don't feel you'd be undergunned if you used them as self defense weapons.
Most of the argument for long rifles as defense tools are made because arguably they work betteragainst a 400 pound machette and shotgun wielding Marine trained methhead with a kevlar helmet and body armor.
As to why he's breaking into my student apartment and stealing my XBoxwhen he can afford a vest and shot and a machette and made a decent living with the Marines already, I don't know.

Ultimately you have to look at what you're preparing to do. And if you're just looking to have a last ditch means of lethal force to protect your own or another life, I don't think you're underguuned with a handgun.

Do I own handguns exclusively? No. I do own a .22 rifle a "real" rifle and a shotgun as well. But by far the handguns see the most rounds. Followed by the shotgun.

great comment there Nushif !
(the "scenario constructs" on gun forums do get pretty silly at times)

OP
not every cop on the beat is on the SWAT team
but every cop on the beat carries a sidearm
why shouldn't you, too ?
when you desperately need the cop on the beat (with a sidearm) within seconds, he is most probably minutes distant

I think any weapon is a fine investment. It may save your life oneday. I like to think of it as insurance. It give me peace of mind. I may not survive, but I will not go down easy and without a fight.

My pistols outnumber my long guns by about 10 to 1. I don't see anything wrong with that. I get much more satisfaction from my pistols for some reason. The long guns tend to sit in the safe untouched for months at a time, while a pistol or two goes out with me every day.

It is an stupid investment, but I don't claim being all that smart.

Don't use police as an example of which weapon to grab. Their policies reflect political correctness and fears of public perception as much as what is the best option to save the life of the user. In other places in the world where violence is much more likely than here, the police carry rifles.

Sounds like you are a handgun guy, welcome aboard the club!

Nothing wrong with liking handguns just make sure you get all the basics covered. I'm happy with my 870 for a shotgun and aren't really interested in getting another shotgun (Maybe that Kel-Tec KSG ) and once I finally get a AR 15 or something like that I'll be all set with rifles for now. BUT handguns are what I plan to be building my collection with mostly.

I've got a shotgun and a 30.06 deer rifle for long guns and they cover my needs. All my other guns are hand guns and are used for CCW and for the most part plain old fun shooting at the range. I ain't skeerd of no zombies.

We have handguns, rifles, shotguns...
All of our handguns are carry guns.
.44 specials, 1911s, 10mm, .38 Super, .44 magnum...
I have no need of a handgun that I cant carry.
Rifles in .22, .308. 7.62x39, .300WM, .45-70... bolt, semi-auto, and lever action.
All shotguns are 12ga, but they are in break action, pump, and autoloader.
I sleep at home with a 10mm, .45acp, and 12ga next to the bed.
My wife has .44 special and mag, .38 super, .45acp, and 12ga on her side of the bed.
If I know someone is in the house and shouldnt be... a heavy loaded Benelli 121 M1 is what will be used to greet them.
If you will get use out of it... or will be able to turn it for a profit... then I see pretty much any firearm as a good investment.
Dont put yourself in a position to not buy food or pay bills however... I have seen people do that also.

When I am home from working out on the road, I generally have at least 1 handgun and a short rifle or shotgun with me.


Jim

I love AR15's, but handguns are the most likely to be used and practical self defense weapons for obvious reasons.

As I said on the thread you mentioned, they are different tools for different jobs. It's pointless to try to cut a tree down with a hammer, or drive nails with a chainsaw. I'm not saying that you can't possibly do either, but it really makes no sense.

Regarding investment value, if that's your purpose then look at them, make sure they're lightly oiled, and keep them with the original box and papers. Don't shoot them. All of this runs against the grain with me, I shoot everything I've owned, but collectors will pay more for the pristine "safe queens".

Here's the rub - if you have to sell in hard times, you're most likely going to get skinned, so it isn't a good investment. If you have a faux pas and the police take your guns (very easy when in a "domestic violence" 911 call the man is always wrong), you may lose your whole investment. However ... if you're clever with what you buy and how you care for it, you stand to make a good deal of money.

All of my guns are working guns, although I've often had to sell them to make ends meet (and often lost money because I has to sell them during hard times); however, I bought them to use, not as investments, although they retained most of their value. If I'd bought gold bouillon bars as an investment I doubt I'd have drug them down the road on a rope, and while I'm good to my guns I do use them (I don't drag them on a rope, but they do get a nick or two). Guns are a different thing than bouillon, but if you care for them the same way and buy with the same caution as to price paid and projected value, I'd say you're good.

I've gathered a few snow globes, bottles of sand and sea shells over the years. None of those things could be mistaken as an investment but some have become a collection. Nothing wrong with collecting what makes you smile and in your case what can be used to protect yourself if need be.

I've heard that handguns are for those who weren't good enough to make the rifle count and followed that logic for several decades. I now buy what I want and let others think what they will.

If you really want a house gun for HD grab a Marlin lever in .357 and call it a day, it points fast, shoots fast, clears corners in narrow hallways, has knockdown power and a common to wheelgun cartridge. It's also fairly easy to find on the used rack for less than most descent pistols will cost you. All this of course if you're feeling the need to fit the mold or are feeling out-gunned with what you have.

Last thought, it's not likely the POORLY PAID Marine who's breaking down your door, it's likely the crack addict intent on getting $40 for your X-Box at the pawn shop. He may not be trained or armed but he'll surely be intent on his purpose.

Stay safe.

ha, i totally get the OP. for a long time now even though i know a shotgun, long-range scoped rifle, or AK would provide much more versatile and well-rounded use than another handgun, i still find myself totally wrapped up in handguns. idk why

Everyone can like what they like. There's no need to justify what you PREFER to anyone. If you prefer handguns, buy them in all shapes, sizes, calibers, and colors. And for your wife, Shoot the heck out of them. Become an expert on your favorite models, take an armorer's course for it. The more we buy, the more pull we have as an armed community.

That doesn't necessarily mean they are the best option for everything.

And for your wife, Shoot the heck out of them.

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mljdeckard, I just had to laugh 'cause I saw Utah for your location;-). A little late night rewording, perhaps???

I'm in a different hemisphere.

Wrong "Utah", that explains the terra-formed zone! Keep up the good work over there, it just read funny in my brain, sort of like the Les Baer feels like a man's tool quote. No offense meant, hopefully none taken sir.

Nope.

Nushif said:

I shoot Handuns mainly and really don't feel you'd be undergunned if you used them as self defense weapons.
Most of the argument for long rifles as defense tools are made because arguably they work betteragainst a 400 pound machette and shotgun wielding Marine trained methhead with a kevlar helmet and body armor.
As to why he's breaking into my student apartment and stealing my XBoxwhen he can afford a vest and shot and a machette and made a decent living with the Marines already, I don't know.

Ultimately you have to look at what you're preparing to do. And if you're just looking to have a last ditch means of lethal force to protect your own or another life, I don't think you're underguuned with a handgun.

Do I own handguns exclusively? No. I do own a .22 rifle a "real" rifle and a shotgun as well. But by far the handguns see the most rounds. Followed by the shotgun.

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i myself keep a shoulder launched tactical nuke i think the guy called it a davey crocket or betty crocker something like that anyway,so far nobody has recovered from a forced entry attempt.i traded it for an old x-box with one copy of halo 3 he had on camo BDUs body armor,and a kevlar hat and said huuu-rah a lot,but he didn't have any spare projectiles(anyone have some laying around)till then i'll just keep the glock 30 with .45 JHPs and the light on the rail under the pillow,in the car/trk etc. there is a plethora of stuff in the safe big bore and small,short barreled long guns,long barreled short guns much to my bride of 40 yrs chagrin.buy them it's easier to get forgiveness than permission.

Buy what you like. It's your money. Don't worry about what you're 'supposed' to buy.

Am I "giving up" a edge when all I have is Handguns for Home Defense?

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Vs. a rifle or shotgun? Yes. Handguns have their place, but the terminal ballistics are just plain inferior. I keep one on the night stand because it's easier to grab when I'm jolted from sleep at O'dark-thirty, and it's easier to conceal if I need to answer the door without knowing if it's a threat or perhaps a SO deputy for whatever reason. But if I KNOW there is a hostile intruder in my home, you can bet I'll be concealed behind the bed, covering the entryway to the room with the AR.

Is a shotgun overkill in a apartment type residence? I know a rifle is. (I'm not that stupid)

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No, it's not. Aside from slugs, shotgun loads are less likely to leave your residence than handgun bullets. The same is true of 5.56mm ammunition (especially frangibles).