Home defense with a 1911

[gym]

I found this and it really sums it up, I have a 12 gauge in my closet on the door, next to the bed, I recommend them highly for HD.
This guy summed it up well.
Quote:I have 34 years in Law Enforcement. I shoot at least one match a month. I regularly carry a Colt's SAA with a couple of extra rounds. If a person feels they need a 15 shot Semi-auto and 2 or 3 extra mags that's fine with me. I was in 6 standup gunfights in my career and never fired more than 4 rounds.
I don't feel under gunned with a SAA. If I knew I was going to be in a fight I'd take a shotgun, wouldn't we all? :end quote.
A decent pre owned shotgun can be bought for $200.00. It really is worth the investment you are covered as long as you don't have little ones running around. Your chance of a hit are better and no one sticks around when a shotgun comes out.

 

[tomrkba]

Gym,

I do use revolvers and I drop a J-Frame into my pocket when appropriate. I love my N-Frames in 44 and 45 calibers. The problem I have is with your static thinking. Technology has marched on and the result is guns that are easier to shoot. I learned over the course of a year that revolvers require some serious dedication to trigger and recoil control in order to shoot at an average level in action pistol competition and defensive situations. I was not able to achieve competency through my K18, but was able to improve using my Ruger 22/45 and Glock and SIG 22 conversion kits. The average person will achieve a higher level of proficiency in a shorter amount of time with a modern semi-auto than with a revolver. Add a snubby revolver to the equation and a casual shooter will have a very difficult time with the gun. There is no doubt in my mind that a revolver will perform well and will inflict lethal damage. The problem, as it has always been, is the shooter.

I will attend a dedicated revolver course this fall. I will take my 629 and 24 and shoot approximately 400-500 rounds of 44 Special under the watchful eye of the instructor. Revolver instructors are rare at this time and the secrets of revolver shooting and operation are being lost. Putting it into a book is insufficient; range time with an instructor is required for training. This is a function of economics -- too few people use them as their primary carry gun. I know guys who do not think twice about carrying a small semi-auto in 380 with six or seven shot capacity, but will never carry a revolver with a more powerful cartridge. The large places like Gunsite will get attendance, but small instructors have to scramble to find students. Running a range that offers tactical training is very difficult and the number of students willing to shell out $300-400 for tuition plus ammo, gear, travel and hotel is small compared to the number of shooters on the public lanes. Filling training courses is difficult enough without throwing revolvers into the mix.

 

[gym]

Ok that's fine, there are too many other things to worry about, whatever works for you is best for you. I in no way diminish the importance or record of any gun, if it gets the job done then it's worth having.

 

[TestPilot]

My source is my own gunfights, one with 5 men in 1979, what's yours. After the first round it was over. They ran like little girls. I am not saying that more is worse, only that if you have 6 and a reload, you can manage just fine. ...

If you are suggesting that hoping 5 opponents armed with guns will just run away after a single shot is supposed to be a good tactical plan, I disagree.

I've been in combat, and this is exactly the problem with some people with combat experience. Some of them draw weird conclusions out of it. They get lucky, then confuse whatever they did, good or bad, with good tactical practice.

I was in 6 standup gunfights in my career and never fired more than 4 rounds.

That is meaningless. There are many documented cases of much more rounds being fired without the officers shooting not just spraying and praying. I recommend people to read Jim Cirillo's books if they are interested in this issue. In one case, Cirillo and his partner Allard had to shoot 22 rounds in to two suspects. That was not just 38 Special. That was including shotgun slugs, buckshots, and 45ACP. When police commisioner asked why they shot 22 rounds, Allard said "I ran out of bullets."

 

[gym]

I don't know Jim or you, I do know who came to my door 35 years ago, and what happened thereafter. The other comment was a quote from a cop on another forum, you will believe what you choose to. War is not street crime.

 

[kvtcomdo]

Bedside HD weapon

Use a 1911 @ the bedside along with a 5.56 Carbine.

Love the 45 ACP and have never felt undergunned or worried about enough ammo to do the job.

Can't remember the source but average gunfight over in 2-3 rounds.

Think it was Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch who was quoted as the purpose of a handgun is to get you to a rifle.

 

[5thSFGroup]

Holster

Along with most of you, yes I keep a Sig next to my bed. A personal opinion on one of the comments though....I do not think leaving any weapon in a holster is a good idea.....it traps moisture. Not to mention it adds a step. I personally use leather hosters when I carry but I absolutely never store a pistol in a holster. Just my opinion.

 

[45crittergitter]

Is the mag capacity in an HD situation lower than in any other locale, including 2 world wars?

 

[Agsalaska]

gym, I get your point and agree with you. My home defense pistol changes from time to time, lately do to loaning out pistols to relatives. One of the two handguns loaded in my house right now is a revolver. I am not too concerned about it only holding six. I am lights out with it. My other is a G32. It holds 14 or so. I wouldnt grab it over the revolver though. And it is all cover til I can get to my 12 gauge.

To the OP, I do not keep a 1911 loaded for HD. But I did for years keep a Kahr k40 with a 7 round magazine for that purpose. I have lots of other guns but that thing is like an extension of my hand. I never even really thought about 'only' having 8 rounds. I loaned it to my mom.

 

[onthehunt]

I have a six shot .45 for home protection.. Ruger Redhawk. That should be enough..

 

[Aceoky]

As for "what worked in the 60's and 70's ...

Gang activity has skyrocketed since then, multiple armed attackers now are "the norm" not the exception , and lest we forget folks are "Big Mac" bigger today by a large extreme. IMO it's not wise to "actually expect" anyone to "flee" when they see a gun or even when the shooting starts. We see often enough the shootings in "gun free Chicago" (and other such places) fact is these gang members are not afraid of getting shot at or even shot (badge of honor)

IF you have 50 rounds on hand and only need 3 that is awesome!!! IF you only have 5 and NEED 15 - you're in major trouble and may not live to see the next day

I keep a couple 1911's near the bed,(one with a 10 round CMC power mag "topped off" for 11 rounds) plus wife has a couple .40's on hand- two is one and one is none

 

[leprechaun50]

5thSFGroup

"Peace" is that brief, glorious moment in history when everybody stands around, and smart people are reloading."

Great line!

 

[David E]

Can't remember the source but average gunfight over in 2-3 rounds.

You should stop citing this "stat" because its WRONG.

Think it was Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch who was quoted as the purpose of a handgun is to get you to a rifle.

Clint says a lot of, um.....cute things....