gbran
Member
Carbine vs. Pistol for Home Defense?
- Thread starter Jhag
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trstafford
Member
Nice photo I was going to suggest the Kel-Tec PLR-16 in .223 cal.
Testing has shown that the .223 with soft point bullets will not penetrate a person when most pistol calibers will. The bullet will also fragment because of light weight and high velocity where slow/heavy pistol bullets will ricochet. Of course muzzle blast would be atrocious from a rifle caliber compared to a pistol inside a house.
Testing has shown that the .223 with soft point bullets will not penetrate a person when most pistol calibers will. The bullet will also fragment because of light weight and high velocity where slow/heavy pistol bullets will ricochet. Of course muzzle blast would be atrocious from a rifle caliber compared to a pistol inside a house.
GarandOwner
Member
I'm a big supporter of the ethics vs legality issue. Sure in some states (Like Florida) if someone breaks into your house, you can shoot and kill them "legally" id you think your life was in danger, but as to not hi-jack your thread, I vote Carbine
I prefer my M1 carbine for home defense, it is a small enough caliber that it wont over penetrate to much, but has far greater accuracy than my 1911 pistol. Don't get me wrong, i would trust my life to my 1911, but for home defense, Id wait in my room with my carbine trained on the door, and wait for the police to arrive. If you don't know how many perps are in your house, its best to be in a defensive position then try and go on offense.
I prefer my M1 carbine for home defense, it is a small enough caliber that it wont over penetrate to much, but has far greater accuracy than my 1911 pistol. Don't get me wrong, i would trust my life to my 1911, but for home defense, Id wait in my room with my carbine trained on the door, and wait for the police to arrive. If you don't know how many perps are in your house, its best to be in a defensive position then try and go on offense.
alittle_edgy
Member
Have you considered a pistol caliber carbine? Ruger makes a nice one, and an old Marlin camp carbine would fit the bill. I think a handgun with a weaponlight would be easier to retain and you are already confident with it. Don't shoot the neighbors though.
chieftain
Member
Darwin has a place for folks who CHOOSE TO go to gun fights with handguns. When you know or believe your going to be in a fight and you have a choice, you had better be toting a long arm.
In your home environment, you should know the difference between someone in the house and a "bump" in the night. If you don't, the weapon with you isn't your primary problem. KNOW YOUR GROUND!
"I can excuse an officer being defeated in combat, I cannot excuse an officer being surprised in combat." IIRC it was Lewis (Chesty) B. Puller LtGen. USMC
I couldn't agree more, particularly when you are on your home Ground. Taking a pistol to check a "Bump" in the night is fine. "Clearing" your house, Tactically unsound as it is, should be done with a weapon that can bring maximum fire power to bear. That means a long arm.
If after a "bump" in the night you believe you must "clear" the dwelling, you need to call the cavalry. Retreat to your strong point, and dig in.
The poster recommending the dog has it right. Frankly any half way properly trained dog would do. But the concept of the strong point still applies. The deeper and more active the defenses, the better.
I am armed virtually all the time at home for convenience. Read that sidearm. In another forum a thread asked, if sitting at your computer right now can you literally reach and grab a weapon? They made a very solid and valid point. Any increase in threat will get a long arm deployed.
I have always enjoyed the rationalization of taking a handgun to a gun fight. A "bump" in the night isn't a potential gun fight. The door or window etc, being kicked in is. There are varying degrees of this, but if a bad guy can get inside your dwelling without you knowing it, your primary problem isn't about weapons selection.
You have GOT TO know and own, your own ground.
Go figure.
Fred
In your home environment, you should know the difference between someone in the house and a "bump" in the night. If you don't, the weapon with you isn't your primary problem. KNOW YOUR GROUND!
"I can excuse an officer being defeated in combat, I cannot excuse an officer being surprised in combat." IIRC it was Lewis (Chesty) B. Puller LtGen. USMC
I couldn't agree more, particularly when you are on your home Ground. Taking a pistol to check a "Bump" in the night is fine. "Clearing" your house, Tactically unsound as it is, should be done with a weapon that can bring maximum fire power to bear. That means a long arm.
If after a "bump" in the night you believe you must "clear" the dwelling, you need to call the cavalry. Retreat to your strong point, and dig in.
The poster recommending the dog has it right. Frankly any half way properly trained dog would do. But the concept of the strong point still applies. The deeper and more active the defenses, the better.
I am armed virtually all the time at home for convenience. Read that sidearm. In another forum a thread asked, if sitting at your computer right now can you literally reach and grab a weapon? They made a very solid and valid point. Any increase in threat will get a long arm deployed.
I have always enjoyed the rationalization of taking a handgun to a gun fight. A "bump" in the night isn't a potential gun fight. The door or window etc, being kicked in is. There are varying degrees of this, but if a bad guy can get inside your dwelling without you knowing it, your primary problem isn't about weapons selection.
You have GOT TO know and own, your own ground.
Go figure.
Fred
I am in the handgun camp. If you need to carry toddlers, open doors, etc., you can do that much more easily with a handgun in one hand. Sure a pump gun will be better in a firefight, but try using it one-handed. If you are living alone, or have a spouse to provide backup for collecting the kids, one of you should have a long gun in hand. Once the family is collected, the long-gun definitely comes out.
Just make sure the handgun is one with sufficient pursasive powers.
Just make sure the handgun is one with sufficient pursasive powers.
It's great that you're comfortable with your sidearm, but your home is basically the ideal place to use a carbine.
The whole reason one has a sidearm at all, is to carry for reactive use against unforeseen attacks. In your home is where your longarm should already be, and if you have an emergency, you should have it in your hands.
John
The whole reason one has a sidearm at all, is to carry for reactive use against unforeseen attacks. In your home is where your longarm should already be, and if you have an emergency, you should have it in your hands.
John
Squidward
Member
"I have had extensive close quarters pistol training. I like the pistol a lot, because I'm able to move around corners easily. If someone is hiding by a doorway, I can do a quick peek and pop em without worrying about them grabbing the barrel of my gun the way they would if I were carrying a 16" civilian carbine. In addition, I am fairly confident that I can place my shots well with a pistol, since I have had the most training in it.
It sounds like you already know the answer!!!
It sounds like you already know the answer!!!
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