Schwing
Member
I think people put way too much worry into this. Some don't feel comfortable unless they have a .50 caliber AA gun in the closet. Personally, anything from a 5 shot .38 to an 18 shot 9mm to a 13 shot .45 is good enough for me.
Best handgun for self defense and home invasion
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chieftain
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Amazing stuff here. I have been in multiple gun fights with both semi auto's 45acp, and a Victory Model S&W in 38spl (WW II model 10). These were military fights, and in every case I had an empty rifle in my other hand. Most often a M-14.
My problems these days is the arthritis in my arms and hands, and it progressing. I can still run a semi auto without problems, but repeat application of the double action trigger, which I prefer, causes problems, I have had my trigger finger swell up like a sausage, and be ver difficult to bend, or in this case, pull the trigger. Let alone with any precision. Also I am losing strength in my hands. The problem with the trigger is the distance, not the weight.
So the solution, is going back to my Colts and other 1911's. I have found that the very ergonomic HK P30 & P30L and the Walther PPQ's still work well with the nod going to the Walther's.
So if I go with a 9mm these days it will most likely be one of my PPQ's. I no longer carry or shoot my SIG's. Not withstanding my SIG P228 has over 35,000 rounds through it.
My current CCW/EDC is my Colt 21st Century LtWgt Commander (Wiley Clapp) with additional work by Eric Zinn of Ghost Products. (Yes you CZ folks! that Ghost Products.)
For me shooting a properly set up Colt (for me), is very comfortable, even 230gr 45 cap. I use standard strength 230gr Gold Dots for my carry/fighting load.
My advice is as some have stated, "prepare your ground", have a gun. I Keep extra magazines around the house at key points, you will also find a shotgun and/or a carbine, flashlights and several go bags too where ever safe to keep.
Get training, get more training, then practice, with what ever you plan to use.
My last line of defense is a S&W 642 revolver with a Crimson trace grip in a snapped Bianchi #55 Lightning holster. Hammer less of course so as to shoot from under the covers if necessary.
Just my way and some of the why. Remember in the end it is the Indian, not the arrow that will carry the fight.
I no longer fight the NVA, now I fight the VA. - ME
Fred
My problems these days is the arthritis in my arms and hands, and it progressing. I can still run a semi auto without problems, but repeat application of the double action trigger, which I prefer, causes problems, I have had my trigger finger swell up like a sausage, and be ver difficult to bend, or in this case, pull the trigger. Let alone with any precision. Also I am losing strength in my hands. The problem with the trigger is the distance, not the weight.
So the solution, is going back to my Colts and other 1911's. I have found that the very ergonomic HK P30 & P30L and the Walther PPQ's still work well with the nod going to the Walther's.
So if I go with a 9mm these days it will most likely be one of my PPQ's. I no longer carry or shoot my SIG's. Not withstanding my SIG P228 has over 35,000 rounds through it.
My current CCW/EDC is my Colt 21st Century LtWgt Commander (Wiley Clapp) with additional work by Eric Zinn of Ghost Products. (Yes you CZ folks! that Ghost Products.)
For me shooting a properly set up Colt (for me), is very comfortable, even 230gr 45 cap. I use standard strength 230gr Gold Dots for my carry/fighting load.
My advice is as some have stated, "prepare your ground", have a gun. I Keep extra magazines around the house at key points, you will also find a shotgun and/or a carbine, flashlights and several go bags too where ever safe to keep.
Get training, get more training, then practice, with what ever you plan to use.
My last line of defense is a S&W 642 revolver with a Crimson trace grip in a snapped Bianchi #55 Lightning holster. Hammer less of course so as to shoot from under the covers if necessary.
Just my way and some of the why. Remember in the end it is the Indian, not the arrow that will carry the fight.
I no longer fight the NVA, now I fight the VA. - ME
Fred
Alarm, Cameras, Dog. The gun will differ according to who you ask. Once 5 people are in your home, it really doesn't make a hell of a lot of difference what you use to get them out, the main thing is to deter them from form coming in to begin with. All these things are subjective and unless you are there you really can't predict how they will end.
Usually a gunshot indoors will send everyone out a door or window. But if you are in a Apartment on a high floor, everything changes, so speculating about these things is endless. Usually once a plan goes wrong, it's every man for himself.
Usually a gunshot indoors will send everyone out a door or window. But if you are in a Apartment on a high floor, everything changes, so speculating about these things is endless. Usually once a plan goes wrong, it's every man for himself.
Back to the topic, Post 40 contains some sage advice.
You still have to decide whether you will conceal the firearm. In general, the easiest ones to conceal are the most difficult to shoot effectively, so the question is one of compromise.
I don't think it would be very prudent to rely on the assumption that those who would do you grievous harm would necessarily depart upon the sound of a shot. That perp in the other room may think it was his buddy who fired the shot.
And we all should realize by now that a single handgun shot may not stop an attacker.
Five shots? Not for me.
You still have to decide whether you will conceal the firearm. In general, the easiest ones to conceal are the most difficult to shoot effectively, so the question is one of compromise.
I don't think it would be very prudent to rely on the assumption that those who would do you grievous harm would necessarily depart upon the sound of a shot. That perp in the other room may think it was his buddy who fired the shot.
And we all should realize by now that a single handgun shot may not stop an attacker.
Five shots? Not for me.
RustyShackelford
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5 people?...
I agree that in critical incident, you do not have the firearm you want, it's the firearm you have.
Years ago, I read a gun press item where a gun writer(retired LE officer & author) was asked what type of handgun he'd want if he knew he'd be in a firefight. He answered; "a rifle".
I don't think most home owners would have "five people" or more stage a home invasion. 1 to 3 seems more realistic.
"Take-down" type armed robberies are common in my metro area but I rarely heard of any large groups or gangs involved in home invasions.
As posted, if you feel a 15/20 round DA only pistol would be better for home protection, then have at it. My point is that a .38spl revolver could do okay & it's better than nothing.
FWIW: if you go the pistol route, get a full size, duty type weapon with a bright "white-light"(Surefire, Streamlight, etc). A bright red or green laser aimer isn't a bad idea either.
These add-ons can help prevent accidents or mishaps(having a neighbor or family member come by unexpected).
Home invasions or crimes have a lot of stress, chaos & volatile acts. To be 100% sure you can ID your threat(s) & deal with it is important.
I agree that in critical incident, you do not have the firearm you want, it's the firearm you have.
Years ago, I read a gun press item where a gun writer(retired LE officer & author) was asked what type of handgun he'd want if he knew he'd be in a firefight. He answered; "a rifle".
I don't think most home owners would have "five people" or more stage a home invasion. 1 to 3 seems more realistic.
"Take-down" type armed robberies are common in my metro area but I rarely heard of any large groups or gangs involved in home invasions.
As posted, if you feel a 15/20 round DA only pistol would be better for home protection, then have at it. My point is that a .38spl revolver could do okay & it's better than nothing.
FWIW: if you go the pistol route, get a full size, duty type weapon with a bright "white-light"(Surefire, Streamlight, etc). A bright red or green laser aimer isn't a bad idea either.
These add-ons can help prevent accidents or mishaps(having a neighbor or family member come by unexpected).
Home invasions or crimes have a lot of stress, chaos & volatile acts. To be 100% sure you can ID your threat(s) & deal with it is important.
ACP
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I would agree with some of the previous posts in that a home invasion is very rare, often involving drug dealers targeting other drug dealers, or a group targeting a well-known and wealthy business owner.
I would make three suggestions for you:
1. another revolver; you have just doubled your capacity for a few hundred dollars from the used section at any local gun shop
2. any hi-cap 9mm semiauto. you'll have to go through all the reliability break-in and find one that fits your hand.
3. a semi-auto shotgun, such as a Mossberg or Remington.
My preference is for a handgun on my person outside of the home, and a long gun inside the home. But it must be instantly accessible since home invaders usually do not knock or otherwise give advanced notice.
I would make three suggestions for you:
1. another revolver; you have just doubled your capacity for a few hundred dollars from the used section at any local gun shop
2. any hi-cap 9mm semiauto. you'll have to go through all the reliability break-in and find one that fits your hand.
3. a semi-auto shotgun, such as a Mossberg or Remington.
My preference is for a handgun on my person outside of the home, and a long gun inside the home. But it must be instantly accessible since home invaders usually do not knock or otherwise give advanced notice.
sgt127
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"Home invasion robberies"
To put it in perspective, based on a few years (30) of law enforcement in a major metro area.
A true home invasion robbery is exceptionally rare. Every one I have ever worked has certain common denominators.
Asian family that own thier own business. Old school asian families don't trust banks, keep large amounts of money in the house.
Drug dealers. Once you have entered that world, all bets are off.
We are, however, having a spike in daytime burglaries of occupied homes. So many people are out of work, its less common to find an unnocupied home. The call usually comes in as "Someone knocked on the front door and, as the resident was going to the front door, they heard the backdoor being kicked, they screamed, suspects fled."
These burglars are generally not armed and, have no desire to run into someone, they are trying to find an empty house and are generally as surprised as the homeowner when they run into each other. That is not to say they are not dangerous, but, they just want to grab the big screen and the Playstation.
To put it in perspective, based on a few years (30) of law enforcement in a major metro area.
A true home invasion robbery is exceptionally rare. Every one I have ever worked has certain common denominators.
Asian family that own thier own business. Old school asian families don't trust banks, keep large amounts of money in the house.
Drug dealers. Once you have entered that world, all bets are off.
We are, however, having a spike in daytime burglaries of occupied homes. So many people are out of work, its less common to find an unnocupied home. The call usually comes in as "Someone knocked on the front door and, as the resident was going to the front door, they heard the backdoor being kicked, they screamed, suspects fled."
These burglars are generally not armed and, have no desire to run into someone, they are trying to find an empty house and are generally as surprised as the homeowner when they run into each other. That is not to say they are not dangerous, but, they just want to grab the big screen and the Playstation.
Deaf Smith
Member
Yogo M92 PV Pistol Krinkov & SB-47 Arm Brace...
If I was really worried about such, that would be my 'pistol' along with a Aimpoint mounted and maybe a flashlight.
Jazzed up with a flash hider to!
Deaf
^^^
As much as I would like that for a bedside gun, it was pointed out earlier that preparing only for middle-of-the-night invasion is short sighted. A carry weapon is the best recommendation. It happens fast... can you be ready to fire in 3 seconds or less?
As much as I would like that for a bedside gun, it was pointed out earlier that preparing only for middle-of-the-night invasion is short sighted. A carry weapon is the best recommendation. It happens fast... can you be ready to fire in 3 seconds or less?
Well, btg3, as I said, that suppressed .45 is my idea of a home invasion defense gun. It's certainly not a carry gun. I usually carry (depending on how I have to dress) a PF9 or an XDm 9mm holding 20 rounds.
The best gun to have in an actual gun fight is, in order:
1 An automatic rifle.
2 A semiautomatic rifle
3 Any available rifle.
4 A submachinegun.
5 A carbine.
6 A shotgun.
7 A handgun.
Most of us use our carry guns, assuming we can carry a gun where we live, so we're usually stuck with option 7.
If I was expecting trouble in my neighborhood, I'd be in a hotel, far away. If I couldn't manage that, I'd have my suppressed .45, a couple of ARs and my tricked-out SKS handy. And a set of electronic ear protectors.
The best gun to have in an actual gun fight is, in order:
1 An automatic rifle.
2 A semiautomatic rifle
3 Any available rifle.
4 A submachinegun.
5 A carbine.
6 A shotgun.
7 A handgun.
Most of us use our carry guns, assuming we can carry a gun where we live, so we're usually stuck with option 7.
If I was expecting trouble in my neighborhood, I'd be in a hotel, far away. If I couldn't manage that, I'd have my suppressed .45, a couple of ARs and my tricked-out SKS handy. And a set of electronic ear protectors.
TreeDoc
Member
Snubby is fine, but would have back up New York reload if needed. A NAA 22 mag is always with me. Not very effective unless at bad breath range, but it is always with me and may allow me time to get to the shotgun. I tend to believe a shot of any kind in the direction of would be home invaders would, at first attack, dissuade most except the most determined.
Here is some good info on Home Invasions,http://www.homeinvasionnews.com/category/home-invasion-statistics-2/
tuna
member
I'd recommend 2 guns to purchase, and the best part is that you won't need to buy a different box of bullets.
A .38 derringer - I hear good things about Bond Arms. I have a .22Mag Davis/Cobra. That is my "sweatpants gun". If I'm not carrying my own Model 60 (no dash - I'm dashing enough), I've got this with me. That will get me to my CCW - in your case your M-60.
Once you've got your CCW, if the bad guys haven't fled from the first two shots as they get through the door, you use it to get to your rifle.
Your rifle? A Rossi M92 or Marlin 1894 in .38/.357. If you need more than this - I don't know what to tell you.
Problem with High-Cap HD guns is the same thing with High Cap CCWs - they are big, heavy and easy to set down. Laugh at my .22 derringer in my PJs - but it is THERE when I need it.
A .38 derringer - I hear good things about Bond Arms. I have a .22Mag Davis/Cobra. That is my "sweatpants gun". If I'm not carrying my own Model 60 (no dash - I'm dashing enough), I've got this with me. That will get me to my CCW - in your case your M-60.
Once you've got your CCW, if the bad guys haven't fled from the first two shots as they get through the door, you use it to get to your rifle.
Your rifle? A Rossi M92 or Marlin 1894 in .38/.357. If you need more than this - I don't know what to tell you.
Problem with High-Cap HD guns is the same thing with High Cap CCWs - they are big, heavy and easy to set down. Laugh at my .22 derringer in my PJs - but it is THERE when I need it.
Gun Master
Member
Original Question
The most reliable and most available one you have, after much study and practice. That's usually a S&W Model 10, JHP .38 Special +P.
Actually, my best home defense weapon is my Mossberg Model 500A 12ga. with 00 Buck, next to my SKS, next to my Hi-Point 9mm carbine......etc., depending on the situation, if I have the amount of time needed.
The most reliable and most available one you have, after much study and practice. That's usually a S&W Model 10, JHP .38 Special +P.
Actually, my best home defense weapon is my Mossberg Model 500A 12ga. with 00 Buck, next to my SKS, next to my Hi-Point 9mm carbine......etc., depending on the situation, if I have the amount of time needed.
Gun Master
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ugaarguy
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Actually, this is really poor advice. He already has a 5 shot, double action, model 60 that weighs 22.5 oz and has decent sights. Why would he trade down to a 20 oz bond with worse sights, a smaller grip, and two shots that must be fired single action? A 13.5 oz Ruger LCR or 15 oz aluminum frame S&W J-Frame would be a far better choice if j1 wanted a lighter gun.
However, j1 wants a handgun with more capacity, and we should honor that request.
I'm also a strong proponent of carbines for HD because of their superior terminal ballistics, increased stability from 3 points of contact, low recoil, and fast follow up shots: But that's a discussion for Rifle Country if j1 has an interest in that avenue.
Zaydok Allen
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You aren't kidding. Terrible idea
gamestalker
member
Unless someone has a good amount of SD training with an AL, I would feel far more confident with a good ol wheel gun, and, or a SB pump shotgun. When the pressure is on, not all individuals will be able to focus on their hold, and limp wrist can occur. 15 or 20 rounds is useless if the firearm doesn't cycle them reliably.
My Daughter in law has this problem with her XD .40. It's only when she has the time to focus on her hold that it cycles reliably. My Son and I thought it might be the firearm or the loads, but it runs perfect for us under all conditions. We also put our XD's in her hands, and again, limp wrist occurs. AL's aren't always the right choice, and even with training, it's a issue and concern for some individuals.
GS
My Daughter in law has this problem with her XD .40. It's only when she has the time to focus on her hold that it cycles reliably. My Son and I thought it might be the firearm or the loads, but it runs perfect for us under all conditions. We also put our XD's in her hands, and again, limp wrist occurs. AL's aren't always the right choice, and even with training, it's a issue and concern for some individuals.
GS
shooter1
Member
If I could have but one firearm for both carry and home defense, it'd be a Glock 19. Small enough to carry, doesn't require much hand strength to operate, and 16rds on tap.
str1
str1
tuna
member
Didn't know the Bond was so heavy - not readily available in Mass.
I still stick with a small gun that you'll have on you. The Model 60 seems small, but the weight is enough to notice. Maybe an LCR or small .380 would go in place. Key is to have the gun on you - not put down someplace.
I still stick with a small gun that you'll have on you. The Model 60 seems small, but the weight is enough to notice. Maybe an LCR or small .380 would go in place. Key is to have the gun on you - not put down someplace.
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