Best handgun for home defense

[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.