Handgun for Home Defense

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JJJJ

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I live in New Orleans and was looted after I evacuated with my family during Hurricane Katrina. Now, I want a gun for home defense. Any suggestions as to caliber, specific models, etc. will be much appreciated.

An obvious initial consideration is revolver or semiauto. I am a former Marine who was familiar with the Berretta 9 mm but have not shot anything in the 13 years since my discharge. I think I could refamiliarize myself with a semiauto without too much trouble but know that revolvers (which I've never shot) are simpler and work better when not cared for. I anticipate shooting perhaps twice a year or so (moreso initially to familiarize myself with the new gun). Much of the advice I see is for absolute beginners who will not shoot often or is for people who will shoot much more frequently than me. I'm more in the middle.

I am not concerned about compact size for CCW purposes.

I live in a townhouse that connects to neighboring units and have a wife and small baby, with another baby or two perhaps in the future - how concerned should I really be about overpenetration (I know hitting and stopping the target is the main priority and will slow down the projectile a lot more than sheetrock, but misses do happen)?

I am used to having a manual safety on the Berretta but can live without one in a home defense gun. I will want to secure the gun in some way until my children are older - an integrated lock seems like an added bonus but is not essential; I can use a safe and/or a cable lock instead in addition to education and not making it forebidden so as to arouse curiosity. (I know that many who are more involved with guns than I seem to be opposed to manual safeties, integrated locks and the like - don't want to start anything there - I'm against government imposition of any such features - I know don't pull the trigger if I don't want it to go off, etc. - I just envision a situation where perhaps there is a noise in the yard and I go out to investigate and stick the gun in my coat pocket but might not feel comfortable doing that with a round in the chamber and no safety on, for example - again, concealed carry is not my focus but some limited application of it may happen as in that example).

I'm a 6'1" and 175 lb. male with what I guess are normal size hands, perhaps slightly small hands - way too much information I'm sure, but sometimes I see people talking about a person's features as a consideration for weapon size and caliber.

Thanks for your advice. I need to get out to the range and rent some different models and see what feels best for me but wanted to ask for some guidance from those of you with far more experience than me. Sorry if I sound a bit clueless. Thanks again.
 
Get a mossberg 500 persuader... 20 or 12 gauge... load it with birdshot(doesnt go thru walls as well) Pistol grip or folding stock.

Good for home defense....

Failing that, get a revolver, 3" barrel, 357 or 38 (maybe a ruger gp100) or a taurus or used smith and wesson.... then get regular rounds and some glaser saftey slugs; they are basically copper jackets full of pellets... devastating to people, but disintegrate in wallboard, wood, etc...

I like gp100s cause the are inexpensive 350-400 range, reliable, built like tanks...
 
A few things to think about. If this gun is strictly for home defense, nothing really beats a shotgun. The gauge of the shotgun is up to you, but I'd suggest a 12 ga. Remington 870. Thats what I personally use to guard my house.

If you're set on getting a handgun, the best thing to do is to try a few out at the range. The 9mm, is the easiest handgun caliber to shoot IMO. Why not get a Beretta 92FS since you're somewhat familiar with the M9 you were issued. There are many handguns out there, only true way to know what works for you is to either go to a gunshop and handle a few, or go to a shooting range and rent a bunch of handguns; both in semiauto and revolver flavor.

Other9mm semiautos to look at are: SIG 226/228/229/225, CZ 75 or PO1, Glock 17/19, HK USP or P2000. If this is going to be your only gun, besure to get quality. These are firearms that will save possibly your life or your family's. Don't skimp out on quality to buy something cheaper.

I wouldn't worry too much about which caliber to get. The 9mm caliber is one of the cheapest to shoot. It is still effective as a home defense weapon, and the ammunition is cheap enough that you can practice on a regular basis.

If you do decide to get a revolver, look into either the Smith and Wesson 686 or a Ruger GP100, both with a 4 inch barrel. They're very durable and fits most people pretty well.

Lastly, many guns require maintenance. Don't neglect a gun that will save your life and your families. Be sure to lube them on regular intervals. Don't just throw them into the sock drawer and forget about them.

BUT.... Glocks require the least maintenance. But they still do.... require maintenance.

Good luck. :)
 
Welcome to THR JJJJ. Semper Fi brother!

I hope your family is doing well in the aftermath. You will be getting a whole lot of advice and opinion here. Take it all in and then make up your own mind.

In general, the best home defense gun is the one that you will be able to use effectively in that situation. Revolvers are more reliable than autos. Anything above .38cal is going to give you adequate force. Also consider a shotgun.

Revolvers are cheaper to aquire. They also are in my opinion, more reliable. I have had stoppages in every auto I've owned. I have never had a revolver fail to go bang. My recommendation would be a used .357magnum with a minimum 4" barrel. You can fire .38special or .357 with it. A good condition used revolver is going to serve you well and not cost too much. Stick with Colt or S&W and you won't go wrong. In this forum under the revolver section there is a sticky on how to buy a used revolver. Excellent reading before you buy.

If you want an auto, stick with a quality name. There are lots of good autos out there along with some junk. The important thing is to buy a gun that works for you. My preference is Sig Sauer. Many will swear by Glock, while others won't touch anything that isn't a 1911. Buying a used auto is a little trickier than a used revolver. More small moving parts and springs mean more wear concerns. If you don't know what you are doing, stick with something new unless you know a shooter you would bet your life on.

A shotgun is also a good home defense weapon. You can get an escort 12guage for under $200.00. They are relatively easy to hit things with at close range and shot won't go too far past your walls. There is also the psychological effect of a shotty that may decrease the chance you will need to fire it.

Whatever you get will be of no use without practice. Practice safety, practice loading, practice shooting. At first you want to devote some time to developing habits and muscle memory, just like grass week on the rifle range. Practice until it is second nature. Then shoot often enough to maintain your edge.

A word about kids; There is no place in your house that you could "hide" a weapon that your kids won't find. Many will argue the point but, in my opinion, loaded weapons should be locked up. I keep two handguns loaded in a guick access safe that my wife and I have access to. A 100lb German Shepherd is in charge of entertaining intruders while we retrieve weapons. In addition to securing the weapons, educate your children at the appropriate age about the guns and gun safety. Take away the curiosity and instill respect.

Good luck. Let us know what you get.
 
matthew.g.george said:
Get a mossberg 500 persuader... 20 or 12 gauge... load it with birdshot(doesnt go thru walls as well) Pistol grip or folding stock.

Good for home defense....

Failing that, get a revolver, 3" barrel, 357 or 38 (maybe a ruger gp100) or a taurus or used smith and wesson.... then get regular rounds and some glaser saftey slugs; they are basically copper jackets full of pellets... devastating to people, but disintegrate in wallboard, wood, etc...

I like gp100s cause the are inexpensive 350-400 range, reliable, built like tanks...
Click to expand...

If you're willing to put in the time to learn to use it properly, get the GP100. I concur 100 percent here. I don't like shotguns because they're ungainly in close quarters. They can be wrestled away from you fairly easily, but they're one heck of an intimidator to the bad guy and a long arm isn't near the pain to learn to use effectively, especially a scattergun.

For my own home defense, I have a snubby Taurus .38 special. Nothing else in my house is readily accessible. I don't have immediate neighbors, so I have it loaded with 125 gr +Ps. Glasiers and Mag Safes are great for home defense in neiborhoods or appartments or where there are little ones in adjacent rooms or such.
 
First of all, let me express my sadness to all the victims of hurricane
Katrina. I know this is not an enjoyable season this year, for the many that
are displaced or left homeless.:(

IMHO, nothing beats the overall performance of a scattergun (shotgun) for
home D'. I too, suggest a good 12 gague pump stoked with #6 shot for the
first three rounds, and topped off with #4 buckshot. The #6 shot won't
over penetrate and possibly injure (or kill) your next door neighbor; unless
he/she runs directly into the business end of the shotgun. Likewise, the
shotgun will not be as portable as a good handgun. Since you are
familiar with the operation of the M9 Beretta, I would stick with a semi-
auto as an option. I prefer the .45 ACP caliber, over that of the 9m/m.
Therefore, I would recommend the world class .45 ACP SIG-SAUER P220A.
It offers a double-action first shot capeability, followed up by sucessive
single-action shots. Magazine capacity is normally seven rounds; but
eight rounds magazines are available. The P220A has NO manual safety,
and NO "lawyer lock". It is a "combat" firearm, that is used widely in
law enforcement; and by some major military organizations. Its my
personal choice for a "home D' handgun"~!:D
 
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Thanks for serving and best of luck getting it all back together after Katrina.

As suggested above, a .357 like a Ruger GP100 would do nicely. To keep it away from children, you can get a GunVault safe (I think they are sold under a different name now) that pops open quickly with a finger-groove combination. I've seen them for $100 lately. Get the larger size and you can put other valuables inside (or the Beretta you'll eventually get).

With children, I personally like the extra safety of an autoloader. You can choose to have it cocked & locked with one in the pipe, you can have an empty chamber so the slide must be racked or you can remove the magazine and keep it separate from the gun -- all depending on circumstances.

Either should serve your needs, but be sure to get out and practice. Maybe even look into competing. It sure beats golf or bowling! And shooting has practical applications in the real world.

Can't disagree with a shotgun, but they are more difficult to safely keep ready to go with children around.
 
I would suggest getting a gun that either you or your wife could use - Unfortunately a Berretta is a awfully big handgun and many people with small hand have difficulty using one. I would probably recommend a full size 357 from either Smith and Wessen or Ruger loaded with good 38 special +p loads for a handgun.

Of course a handgun was really designed for those situations where you could not grab something better. My suggestion would be for a 12 or 20 gauge auto-loading shotgun with the stock cut to fit your wife (you can still shoot a weapon cut shorter than ideal for you). Possibly a Remington 11/87 or equivalent from a similar manufacuter. Less chance for an operator induced error than with a pump as well as reducing the felt recoil by increasing the time over which the force is applied to the shooter.

Of course you are already familiar with the AR-15 series of weapons - you could get a M-4 look alike and have a weapon that you are already familiar with.
 
JJJJ said:
I want a gun for home defense.
An obvious initial consideration is revolver or semiauto.
I am not concerned about compact size for CCW purposes.

I live in a townhouse that connects to neighboring units and have a wife and small baby, with another baby or two perhaps in the future - how concerned should I really be about overpenetration (I know hitting and stopping the target is the main priority and will slow down the projectile a lot more than sheetrock, but misses do happen)?
I will want to secure the gun in some way until my children are older - an integrated lock seems like an added bonus but is not essential;
Click to expand...

CHEAP: Used police 12 gauge, (or Rem 870 with a smoothbore slug barrel) The shorter barrel makes it easier for indoors. Not the worst for overpenetration with bird shot - Ala Dan's ammo choices sound good.

CHEAP: Used S&W Model 10, .38 SPCL. With +P HP's you'll have an effective caliber, but might already be seeing some overpenetration issues. In a townhouse I might consider getting some frangible ammunition.

BETTER: Sig 220, .45 ACP pistol. You still have overpenetration issues, but in a much more effective gun.

BETTER: M4 style AR-15. Not as good as a pistol for maneuvering around the house, but (surprisingly) lower overpenetration issues than most other options if you're using anything without a steel penetrator in the bullet.
 
the shotgun idea is probably the best way to go, when your dreary in the middle of the night who could aim a pistol at a quick moving target, giving them an advantage. a shotgun would eliminate the need for birds eye precision. then again i have no children and can have a gun lying around within reason
 
Since you stated that you will probably only be shooting a couple of times per year the only gun I would recommend is a revolver. If it is going to sit in a drawer 360 days or more out of the year you want something that is totally reliable without regular maintenance and virtually fool proof, no offense meant by that, ;) . I would get a .357 and personally would be comparing the 2 1/2" or 4" S&W models 686 or 66 and the 3" or 4" Ruger GP100. You would then have the option of a great variety of ammo choices in both .357 and .38 special.

I would not recommend a shotgun to someone that is not going to go out and practice with it.

As you can see there are a lot of varying opinions here and you ultimately have to weigh the pros and cons of these suggestions and how they would work best for you. Best of luck and I am sorry for your misfortune.
 
My first choice in close quarters housing where penetration of walls is an immediate and grave concern, I would get a Remington 870 of some tacti-cool persuasion (short barrel, long magazine tube) and load it with #6 3" magnums. These will be devastating at close range, but will lose most of their lethality after passing through a wall or two.

If it has to be a handgun, I'd go with a .357 (Ruger or Smith, 3 or 4") and load it with some screamin' 110 grain JHP's. They aren't likely to get the desired 12" of penetration on a human target, but are far less likely to go through wall after wall as the 125 or 158 gr. pills will.

If you really want a 9mm pistol for this purpose, find a friend who handloads and get him to cook you up some super-fast 90 grain loads using Speer Gold Dots. I did some extensive testing with these bullets leaving my 92 FS and Baby Eagle with an average velocity of 1640 FPS. They were absolutely devastating on the ballistic clay (only 6.5" penetration, though) but would not even get through one side of a cinderbrick. They began to come apart after a copuple layers of sheetrock as well.

So basically, if it has to be a handgun, I would recommend using lightweight hollowpoint bullets at extremely high velocity. They will be fairly effective against and invader, but less likely to exit your home.
 
I would suggest a large frame auto with an accy rail, (and then buy a shotgun to back it up.)

I like 1911s, myself, but they can be cost prohibitive, problematic and most have a limited capacity.

You are comfy with the M9, why not get a Model 92, (9mm) or a Model 96 (.40S&W)? They can be had with an accy rail, which allows you to use a light and still have a free hand for the cell phone, moving a child out of the way, opening closing doors, etc.

You may also find the CZ75 to your liking, and if you don't mind Double Action, take a look at SIGs. The 226rail is an excellent choice.

As for a shotgun, it offers some outstanding versatility of projectile selection, but it is a two-handed weapon, and without a weapon light, that is a BIG disadvantage. With a pistol, even a revolver you can use a handheld flashlight.

So a shottie is great to have, but I think if you can afford it, a pistol offers greater flexibility.

For child safety, get a gun vault, they are about $100.
 
I would probably recommend a full size 357 from either Smith and Wessen or Ruger loaded with good 38 special +p loads for a handgun.
Click to expand...

+1 on the above advice.

There are tons of reasons for you to get a new revolver, but you being a new shooter who might need to grab the piece in the dark when you aren't fully awake is probably the first and best. Easy and reliable.

Look at Smith 686 or Ruger GP100, but I prefer the Smith.
 
Hi there JJJJ,

Welcome to the THR Forum!

First off, I am in a similiar situation involving having kids at home, a non-shooter wife and also live in a townhome, but with brick veneer walls.

My first suggestion is your last statement. Go to the range and see what works the best for you.

I have both revolvers and semi-automatics. My choice (and not necessarily yours) is a Browning High Power in 9mm. I would also feel very well armed with a medium framed S&W .38 special/.357 magnum revolver.

If my wife had to have access to a handgun, my choice would be a revolver for mechanical simplicity, i.e. point and pull the trigger.

I also would be inclined to think that a Glock with Night Sights would also be a admirable candidate for your situation. I also own a M-23 in .40 S&W, but shoot better with the High Power.

Good luck and again Welcome.

Chris
 
I think the people who are recommending shotguns are not paying attention to what happend after Katrina in New Orleans. While a shotgun might be a great weapon for defense, it is also a long gun, and therefore cannot be concealed or hidden at all, and this is very important.

The police collected all the guns they could find. If they see you outside with your shotgun, they are going to take it from you, even if you are on your own property and causing no problem. Heck, they even kicked down doors, body-slammed old women, and took guns away from them in their homes.

The lesson that should be learned from this is that we can expect our law enforcement agents to disarm us in the wake of a disaster. If you want to stay armed, then you need to be able to keep your gun hidden. You can't do that with a shotgun.

I am not poo pooing the shotgun's abilities. It certainly is a formidable weapon. But I don't think you should underestimate the importance of concealability of a hand gun.

As to style and caliber of the handgun, it doesn't really matter and is a point more of personal preference.
 
First I would like to thank you for serving our country in the USMC.

Sounds like your the kind of guy that can handle anything. The key question is "what can your wife handle?" Predator always go for the weakest target. It will be the wife that YOU need to make a decision for on what to buy.

Also you don't need a .357 mag for HD (too much noise, too much muzzel flash, too much recoil) .38 spec. works just fine.
Shotguns are great it she can shoot it.
Also consider some of the Ruger 9mm 40cal pistol caliber carbines for your wife. Low recoil rapid fire easy to control =
 
One thing I like about revolvers for home defense is they sit up better. Some autoloader's magazine springs can "take a set" after a few years sitting loaded. I rotate ammo in any auto every couple of weeks if it stays loaded for very long. Some will function fine after sitting. Double stack magazines are the worst about this. Revolvers will ALWAYS work and there really is no need for an autoloader in the home defense roll. With a revolver, you just pick it up and squeeze the trigger and it goes bang. Not as much training involved to be proficient. At 2:30 in the morning, you might not be thinking on top of your game. The revolver is simpler.

I often carry my snubby in lieu of my autos. I don't feel under gunned. I don't feel I'll need more ammo. I'm not going to war, after all. I carry a speed loader and Bianche Speed Strip for spare just in case. I also like the intimidation factor of staring at the business end of that revolver, looking at those nasty little hollow points in the cylinder.
 
I am in a similar situation to you, and went with a revolver as a primary handgun for these reasons:

1. A handgun is going to be a lot easier to use if you need to use your other hand at the same time you are armed. Why would you need your other hand? Grab your kids, dial a phone, open a door, etc.

2. A handgun is concealable, a long gun is not (for the most part). You might want to conceal it if you are out in the yard, answering your door late at night, or hiding it from illegal seizures.

3. Revolver is easy to use for a non-shooter. My wife chooses not to shoot, and relies on me to protect her. If there was ever a problem and I was not home, she would probably hide under the bed. However, if someone was to come under the bed after her, I want her to be able to protect herself. I'm not sure she would remember how to operate a semi-auto, but a revolver is much easier.

4. 357 revolver will shoot common rounds (38 special), but is built very robust. Furthermore, if ammo is scarce you have the ability to shoot 38 or 357. I recommend 38 special +p.

Good luck.
 
Hi JJJJ,

Semper Fi from one to another.

My home defense choices are
for my wife, a Taurus 605 with Crimson Trace laser grips. It's a DA/SA with .38 hollowpoints. The DA is long, but smooth and the laser grips take lot of guesswork out of the equation. It's her bedside weapon (almost said gun and I'm too old for that many pushups).
For me, I like my CZ P01, with an M3 light on the rail. It's also DA/SA, with 9mm hollowpoints.

I have confidence in both these weapons and Mrs.Scarface and I try to stay current with them.

Be Well,

Scarface
 
Hi JJJJ,

Semper Fi from one to another.

My home defense choices are
for my wife, a Taurus 605 with Crimson Trace laser grips. It's a DA/SA with .38 hollowpoints. The DA is long, but smooth and the laser grips take lot of guesswork out of the equation. It's her bedside weapon (almost said gun and I'm too old for that many pushups).
For me, I like my CZ P01, with an M3 light on the rail. It's also DA/SA, with 9mm hollowpoints.

I have confidence in both these weapons and Mrs. Scarface and I try to stay current with them.

Be Well,

Scarface
 
Like others with kids, keeping a loaded shotgun handy is not a good option for me. It's around (in the safe upstairs), but the gun I have to hand is a 9mm Glock with nightsights. We just had a local night-shooting IDPA style match last weekend at a local range, and the experience reinforced what I already had learned: if you stand a chance of shooting a gun in a dark place, you want a flashlight (or weapon mounted light) and you want nightsights.

The other important part of the equation is the handgun safe. To feel like your handgun is doing its job, and to protect your kids from a terrible accident at the same time, you NEED one of the several kinds of well-made quick-open handgun safes (w/button combo opening devices that can be operated fast, in the dark).

Edited to add: I'm a revolver guy by day, and sympathize with the many good reasons to get a wheelgun; but getting nightsights on a sixgun is a relative pain in the thing, and my point is: a bedside gun needs nightsights.
 
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