Dedicated HD pistol - Opinions

[Theohazard]

I think we all can agree that handguns and long guns each have their places in a home-defense role; they're not mutually exclusive. But the OP asked specifically about handguns.

 

[Skribs]

I think we all can agree that handguns and long guns each have their places in a home-defense role

If we could all agree, this forum would be boring

 

[C0untZer0]

They don't make the 17L anymore (at least not at the moment), but the 34 is basically the same thing but with a slightly shorter slide. Though if he finds a used 17L that would be a good choice too.

I know they are hard to find but I have a lot of fun with mine. I imagine the next batch they make would be Gen 4, if history is any predictor, there would only be 500 or so 17L pistols shipped to the U.S. but I like mine so much I would consider getting another one.

 

[Bobson]

If you're stuck on pistols, and firmly against 9mm, I'd only consider a Glock 22, 23, or 35. I prefer Glock over S&W M&P and the XD or XDm.

I'd also give a shotgun some serious consideration. Pistols are designed to help you reach a long gun, so IMO, there's no reason to get a handgun specifically for the HD role (maybe for HD backup, but that's not what we're talking about). So you may as well start with that long gun. I'd say get an AR, but with your budget, you could be stuck with a Franken-15. Not my first choice for HD, so that leads us to the shotgun.

A Mossberg 590A1 is available within your budget, and will last the rest of your life and put down any attacker who enters your home with far greater reliability than a pistol ever could.

 

[RON in PA]

S&w m&p45.

 

[FAS1]

I carry a G26 IWB and P3AT in my pocket all the time regardless if the G26 comes off at home.

My dedicated HD gun is a G17 w/night sights.

 

[malakili]

Once you get into "huge size is okay," why not opt for a compact carbine using your preferred cartridge?

I will say my top recommendation for an HD weapon is a military-style rifle (i.e. AK or AR-15 platform) and my next recommendation is a semi-automatic shotgun.

I like the idea of having a free hand for shepherding/holding my toddler, holding a phone, etc. I already have an AR and an 18.5" shotgun in the big safe, but the little pistol safe on the top shelf of my closet is quicker and easier to access at night, or any time.

I'd choose any Glock in 9mm since you already have the G-26. With todays better bullets you gain little or nothing with 40 or 45. This way you only have to stock one caliber, and the longer G-19 or G-17 mags work in the G-26.

The lack of ammo is a temporary thing, and except for 22's, is over. 9mm will always be cheaper and easier to find. The answer is to stock up on ammo when available.

I have 17 round mags I stick in the G26 with an x-grip adaptor, and this is okay for now, but I still kind of feel like I'm compromising for no reason with the short barrel vis a vis muzzle velocity and sight radius. Probably won't play a part but who knows.
As far as availability, I usually buy 9mm at walmart when they have it in stock, because they're always cheaper than everywhere else. But since they don't usually have it in stock, I know I can at least buy some .40 there (always ungodly amounts on the shelf) for the same price everyone else charges for 9mm. 45 ACP costs even more than .40 but again, it's always in stock unlike 9mm.

A concealable handgun is ideal for the first situation. It should be accessible to you on your way to the door. It allows you to deal with potentially suspicious people safely and discretely.

Always have my 5-shot LCR .38 in my pocket no matter what, but if I do have time to grab something stronger with around 15+ on board, that's very desirable.

Thanks for the suggestions so far guys. So far the idea of a G21, 22, or 35 sounds very logical. But the CZ P-09 and FNX-40 look good, and the XDm .40 with 16+1 makes a lot of sense too.

 

[Thompsoncustom]

I would pick a big heavy all steel gun for HD. Idk what I would tell you for 40 or 45 maybe the fnx since it holds 15rds of 45 but still a light polymer gun. For 9mm probably the sp-01 which weights 41ish ozs

 

[Skribs]

I like the idea of having a free hand for shepherding/holding my toddler, holding a phone, etc. I already have an AR and an 18.5" shotgun in the big safe, but the little pistol safe on the top shelf of my closet is quicker and easier to access at night, or any time.

Slings and pistol grips on the long guns help with this, but I agree the best reason for handgun over long gun is that hand guns can be more easily stored in close proximity to the bed (or carried around the house while you’re awake) than long guns. Yes, you CAN store long guns by the bed, but it’s easier to do so concealed and/or locked with a hand gun.

 

[LeonCarr]

Glock 17 or 34 with a light attached. With either one of those you can also use the Glock Factory 33 Round Magazine in case your home invasion involves multiple multiple assailants .

For the first time in 2 years I saw 9mm ammo sitting on the shelf at my local Wal-Mart this past weekend.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[Zaydok Allen]

XDm 45 great option

I like my HK45, but that won't be under $650, that's for sure.

 

[meanmrmustard]

Glock 23/32

 

[1911 guy]

If you're happy with Glocks, find a model of Glock that fits your needs. Don't discount the 9mm if capacity is high on your list, with modern bullet design it holds its' own with the "big boys". But I agree, that .40 or .45 is generally better unless there's a reason to choose 9mm.

A handgun is good for having a hand momentarily free, but plan on running the gun two handed. Have a place to stow the cell phone, have a plan to (with force, if needed) shove the kiddo out of the way.

I'm not a fan of the Glock grip angle, but I do like the XD. But you may prefer the former since you already have at least one.

Have a place to stick a spare mag in the "bump in the night belt", as well as the cell phone.

 

[Kiln]

9mm is in supply all over the place around me and online in several places. I'd say grab a Springfield XDM 9mm. It is in your price range, has a 19+1 capacity, can accept standard lights/lasers, has aftermarket sights available, has a 4.5" barrel length available, and carries a lifetime warranty so you can shoot the crap out of it without worrying about breaking it (even though I doubt you could anyways).

They're great guns. I own both the 9mm and the .40 Smith versions and both are extremely reliable as well as durable. Maintaining them is also incredibly simple. If you're dead set on the .40 S&W the capacity is 16+1.

 

[Thompsoncustom]

ah just break down and buy a open gun 20 or more rounds of 9mm pushed right next to .357 mag ballistics. Upside? Power, capacity, control. Downside? Super load and flash in the face. Oh and they like to run about the 3k price range.

 

[malakili]

ah just break down and buy a open gun 20 or more rounds of 9mm pushed right next to .357 mag ballistics. Upside? Power, capacity, control. Downside? Super load and flash in the face. Oh and they like to run about the 3k price range.

LOL, that looks good, but for that money I can buy three Colt 6920s. One in each hand and an extra slung on my back.

I did test a friend's M&P Pro (the longslide competition version) in 9mm last night, and was getting cloverleaf groups at 7 yards with it. Far less effort to shoot accurately with it than my G26. Don't know if it was the longer sight radius, the lighter trigger break, or maybe my hand liked the grip better. Very nice pistol, and S&W makes it in forty.
What I didn't like was not being able to feel when the trigger reset at all, something I think is cool about the Glock trigger. Gives me instinctive feedback for when I can press again. I know you can get the Apex trigger upgrades for the M&P that gives it a noticeable reset, but I'm not sure if this is worth the cost or possible legal ramifications. This might be a small thing, but if I'm gonna make the investment, might as well get as close to ideal as I can.

My next step is testing another buddy's XD .40 and seeing how that feels/shoots for me.

Sorry for the rambling post, thanks all.

 

[benzy2]

Honestly, any of today's double stack 45's would be a good option. I liked the Gen3 21 SF I found for a good price and bought it. The XD was another good option. While I'm a big fan of the M&P in 9 and 40, the 45's reduced capacity was a little bit of a drawback. It does seem to be the most reliable of the M&P family though. Sigs, FNs, or HKs would all work well too.

For me, the Glock wins for a couple reasons. First is that everyone makes parts for them and Glock offers replacements openly to the market. If something goes wrong on the Glock it will be easy to fix. Also, mags are widely available locally here and they are under $30 each. I like having plenty of mags and when some of the other pistols listed run closer to $60 each, the cost adds up. If I'm grabbing and additional 8-10 mags, that's a $250-$300 total cost difference. Then comes availability. Most of the other options are all mail order items, which in today's world isn't a huge deal but it's also not overly quick to get a replacement if you need it now.

I don't think any option listed so far would be a bad option. They all are quality pistols and they all will put holes in what ever you point at. Weigh the pros and cons of the details from one to another and pick what works best for you.

 

[Shifty]

Anything reliable and 9mm or above that is legal in your area is what I would recommend as a backup to your PRIMARY weapon. Anything a pistol can do for home defense, a compact, reliable long gun can do better.

 

[Shifty]

Wait. To clarify, I was talking about the actual act of defending. Not advocating pulling a shotgun on every person that knocks on your door unexpectedly. Yes a concealed pistol has it's uses in HD.

 

[gamestalker]

I keep a multitude of firearms at the ready, for both my wife and I.

Next to my head beside the bed is my HD 870 with 3" 00 buck and a couple 3" slugs. Under my pillow is a .357 snub K frame loaded with full house 158 gr. Gold Dots, then within reach in my dresser drawer are several other's, a Beretta 92 FS loaded with 124 gr. Gold Dots, an SCCY CPX1 115 gr. XTP's, an XDM .40 155 gr. Gold Dots, I wouldn't need to feel for one in the dark, plenty for my hand to land on.

On my wife's side keeps her Charles Daily 870 clone HD SG loaded with 3" 00 buck, her little SCCY CPX1 on the night stand loaded with 115 gr. XTP's, she loves that thing. And in her night stand is a Taurus PT-111 another favorite of her's, also 115 XTP's.

Than at our ready is an old folding stock AK47, and my AR, both are ready to rock and roll. Home invasions are on the increase out here. And the chance of a neighbor hearing anything is next to nothing, properties are 5 - 40 acres in size.

We're ready for most anything!

So I think to address your question, hope for the best, and be ready for the worst situation. Think handgun, shotgun, and long gun, this should cover most bases. What those are, well, you really need to shoot some with loads and see how things go. But I sure wouldn't want to put all my apples on relying on an AL as my only handgun. A revolver will not lock up or fail to feed when you need it most. Maybe have one of each, but I don't consider my AL's as the only handgun for this type defense, IMO.

GS

 

[Skribs]

What I didn't like was not being able to feel when the trigger reset at all, something I think is cool about the Glock trigger. Gives me instinctive feedback for when I can press again. I know you can get the Apex trigger upgrades for the M&P that gives it a noticeable reset, but I'm not sure if this is worth the cost or possible legal ramifications. This might be a small thing, but if I'm gonna make the investment, might as well get as close to ideal as I can.

Getting a bit off-topic here, but let me tell you that the APEX kit makes a night-and-day difference in the M&P. That one piece of equipment makes the gun so much better it's worth the cost.

As to potential legal ramifications, I think a lot of that is internet scare. I've never heard anyone provide a concrete example of where a professional after-market modification made a difference in legal proceedings.

Now, if you disable a safety, reduce the trigger pull to 2 pounds, or something to that effect, I could see a case being made against you. But an APEX kit doesn't sound like it could be used in court against you any more than the fact you're using a semi-auto.

 

[Warp]

Under my pillow is a .357 snub K frame

Why in the heck would you do that?

 

[TimboKhan]

I also disagree. A shotgun or a carbine are both perfectly acceptable in that situation. Without going into a long diatribe about proper planning, tactics and the rest, if the situation dictates that I need a gun then having to worry about managing a phone is the last thing on my mind. Either my wife is on the phone, or its on the floor so they can hear what's going on, or I wait until the threat is over until I call. What I am not going to do is attempt to defend family and home while trying to discuss the situation with a dispatcher. Obviously, I have more on my mind at that exact moment.

Now then, as far as answering the question goes, having shot a bunch of pistols in my day, I have settled on a Springfield XD, although I like 9mm as opposed to the .40. For me it basically boils down to fit and how I shoot it as opposed to any specific feature or reason as to why I think it is superior. In fact, I don't know I could truthfully say that it is superior in any technical sense to a Glock, or a Beretta or a S&W or whatever else. It just fits me nicely, I shoot it well, and everything control wise is right where I want it to be. I also bought a Streamlight (TLR1, I think? I dunno. Its just a light, not a light/laser combo) to mount on it and by god, I like that light as well.

 

[Armor Snail]

SAR K2-45 fits that criteria perfectly.

14+1 .45ACP
Feeds jhp reliably
Can use MecGar P14+2 mags for 17 round total at the ready.
Has a rail for a light.
All steel construction makes it a tank but with very little recoil.
Keep it ready in your choice of either condition 1 or 2.

Priced right to boot.
Under $500 for the polycoat model or add some more for a stainless slide under $700.

The classic CZ derived design fits perfectly in the hand.





http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/mobile/product/76461/eaa_k2_pistol___45__acp_45

 

[Fuzzball]

Home defense

Problem that seems to be overlooked is that no one is going to be on target under home invasion circumstances. So, if you miss, will the 9mm or .45 go into the neighbor's house, or car, or?

Idea posed was a short barrel shotgutgum. My favorite is a 20 or 14 gauge. If it misses, the loads stay local. For a pistol, the Judge, or the the S%W copycat model. Carbine like the Rossi lever action in .45LC and/or 14 gauge..

Fuzzball