As a new member who is contemplating buying a firearm for home defense purposes only I would like to ask the forum for some advice.I live in New Jersey and am waiting for the proper documentation necessary to purchase either a handgun or a rifle or both.What I would appreciate knowing is what this forum would advise as a suitable weapon for the purpose of home defense only.My wife and I are 75 years old and concerned about the possibility of " home invasion".While serving as an MP in the US army during the 1950's I carried a 45 Caliber Colt model 1911A1.
Home Defense
- Thread starter joeg
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General Geoff
Member
You can most certainly start with what's familiar, by buying a 1911 pistol. There are dozens of manufacturers who make them. My favourites are Springfield, Kimber, Dan Wesson, and Para Ordnance.
1911s are great firearms, and an especially good option for a New Jersey resident, as there's a magazine capacity limit of 15 in your state. Most 1911s are single-stack magazine weapons, usually having seven or eight round capacity.
1911s are great firearms, and an especially good option for a New Jersey resident, as there's a magazine capacity limit of 15 in your state. Most 1911s are single-stack magazine weapons, usually having seven or eight round capacity.
davidjblythe
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1911. Especially because you are familiar with it and there's no sense in learning a whole new weapon platform when the 1911 is perfect for home defense.
General Geoff
Member
Also, while shopping for a 1911 (if that's the route you decide to pursue), since this is a home defense weapon and not a daily carry weapon, don't worry about getting a "compact" model. Stick with full 5" barrel models. 
OAKVILLE SHOOTER
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First off, WELCOME to THR.
If this weapon is to be used only for home defense, may I suggest a pump action shotgun, such as a Remington 870.
As General Geoff said, familiar is a good option as well. The 1911 is one of, if not the best combat pistols ever made in my opinion, and since you are already familiar with it, it would be a good choice as well.
Also, is this something that only you would use, or is there a chance that your wife may shoot it as well? This could have a big impact on your choice of purchase.
If this weapon is to be used only for home defense, may I suggest a pump action shotgun, such as a Remington 870.
As General Geoff said, familiar is a good option as well. The 1911 is one of, if not the best combat pistols ever made in my opinion, and since you are already familiar with it, it would be a good choice as well.
Also, is this something that only you would use, or is there a chance that your wife may shoot it as well? This could have a big impact on your choice of purchase.
Starter52
Member
No offense, joeg, but I would never recommend a .45 ACP to a 75-yr-old. Did you say the most recent experience you had with the 1911 was 50+ years ago? If so, you might want to consider a gun with less kick.
The 1911 in .45 ACP is not an easy gun to shoot. For home defense I'd recomment a .38 revolver and a 20 ga pump shotgun.
The 1911 in .45 ACP is not an easy gun to shoot. For home defense I'd recomment a .38 revolver and a 20 ga pump shotgun.
General Geoff
Member
^^never had a problem with .45acp recoil. A full size 1911 tames the recoil of .45acp quite a bit, to the point where I find it far more tame than most polymer pistols chambered in 9mm or .40.
Citroen
Member
Is Moving out of the question?
I too, would suggest a revolver. I am 70 and that is what I carry every day. It is also what I use for USPSA shooting. It is simple, easy to load and unload, always goes "bang" when I press the trigger and is easy to clean.
Given the option, I think my second choice would be to move to a less criminal friendly state.
Good luck.
JOhn
Charlotte, NC
I too, would suggest a revolver. I am 70 and that is what I carry every day. It is also what I use for USPSA shooting. It is simple, easy to load and unload, always goes "bang" when I press the trigger and is easy to clean.
Given the option, I think my second choice would be to move to a less criminal friendly state.
Good luck.
JOhn
Charlotte, NC
hrgrisso
Member
Revolver
I believe Starter pegged it. JEOG and GENERAL I don't mean to project but I know my dad when he was in his seventies had a hard time racking the slide on a 1911 and had to switch to a revolver with a lightened and smoothed trigger. .38 Special should be just right. Not a magnum manstopper but has stopped enough bad folk to have to be considered. Also don't let a salesman sell you on a snubby, since this is for HD get a 3-4 inch barrel and get comfortable with it.
I don't believe that a shotgun on an elderly shoulder would be a must, I would instead get a GOOD flashlight, either a Streamlight or a Surefire, get something blindingly bright and combing it with a revolver.
Good luck and good shooting!
I believe Starter pegged it. JEOG and GENERAL I don't mean to project but I know my dad when he was in his seventies had a hard time racking the slide on a 1911 and had to switch to a revolver with a lightened and smoothed trigger. .38 Special should be just right. Not a magnum manstopper but has stopped enough bad folk to have to be considered. Also don't let a salesman sell you on a snubby, since this is for HD get a 3-4 inch barrel and get comfortable with it.
I don't believe that a shotgun on an elderly shoulder would be a must, I would instead get a GOOD flashlight, either a Streamlight or a Surefire, get something blindingly bright and combing it with a revolver.
Good luck and good shooting!
bluestarlizzard
Member
their is a lady on the W&G forem who is older and has arthritis. she prefers larger pistols in .45 because the recoil, while heavy, is even unlike the snappier recoils of other rounds. the larger heavier gun reduces felt recoil and spreads out the impact, which is easier on her hands.
joeg, if i were you i would find a range and experiment a bit.
joeg, if i were you i would find a range and experiment a bit.
weisse52
Member
The 1911 is an excellent platform for a HD handgun. Even if it was 50 years ago, you will have no problem getting back in the swing.
A shotgun is always a good pick for HD.
A shotgun is always a good pick for HD.
fearless leader
Member
What kind of physical shape are you in? Are you one of those guys like my Dad who was 75 but looked and acted 60?
A .38 Special is hard to beat for low recoil and effect on target, if you use a full size STEEL gun, but a snubby will be challenging, especially the new titainium and aluminum frames.
A .38 Special is hard to beat for low recoil and effect on target, if you use a full size STEEL gun, but a snubby will be challenging, especially the new titainium and aluminum frames.
RON in PA
Member
I'm a young whipper-snapper, only 66, but before you invest in a 1911 try to shoot one. Your 75 year old hands and arms may or may not like the gun and also how's your grip. you do need to be able to rack the slide.
I personally think that a 38 special revolver is a better bet, something like a Smith and Wesson model 10 or a Ruger equivalent.
Just having the gun is not enough, you also need to do some practice. You need to find a shooting range or club.
I personally think that a 38 special revolver is a better bet, something like a Smith and Wesson model 10 or a Ruger equivalent.
Just having the gun is not enough, you also need to do some practice. You need to find a shooting range or club.
Get some sort of .38 special revolver (or .357 loaded with .38s), but not any of the ultralight stuff. They feel great in the store, but are not fun to actually shoot. A medium frame with three to four inch barrel would be great. I have a Ruger GP 100, and I consider it to be about perfect for what you need. I am not sure if it would not be too big for your wife though. That would be a good place to start. Ruger also has the SP101 which is a bit smaller. Other options include Smith and Wesson and Taurus, but they both make so many different models that I couldn't tell you where to start looking with them.
I want to thank you all for your great advise especially Oakville Shooter whose recommendation of a shotgun brought back an old memory.In 1954 while doing my first 8 weeks basic training at Dix one duty I had to perform was "prisoner chasing".Our barracks were right across from the stockade and they took a bunch of us recruits into a room and showed us a very short film on prisoner chasing.After the film ended the officer instructed us as follows:
"Most of these guys in the stockade are head cases so be very alert when guarding them.If they give you any **** tell them to stand at attention.If they don't do as you order -shoot them.This was the old Army and I sincerely doubt that any officer would dare issue those instructions today.But the point I want to make is that we were given a 12 GA Winchester pump shotgun loaded with 00 buckshot to guard these prisoners with.I had five of them in the back of a 3/4 and I can tell you that no one tried to be a smart ass.
The moral of this story is that I am going to purchase a 12 GA MODEL 870 Remington Express Deer shotgun and a box of 00 buckshot.
I thank you all again for your advice.
"Most of these guys in the stockade are head cases so be very alert when guarding them.If they give you any **** tell them to stand at attention.If they don't do as you order -shoot them.This was the old Army and I sincerely doubt that any officer would dare issue those instructions today.But the point I want to make is that we were given a 12 GA Winchester pump shotgun loaded with 00 buckshot to guard these prisoners with.I had five of them in the back of a 3/4 and I can tell you that no one tried to be a smart ass.
The moral of this story is that I am going to purchase a 12 GA MODEL 870 Remington Express Deer shotgun and a box of 00 buckshot.
I thank you all again for your advice.
shotgun
joeg: Sir; 12 gauge scatter gun for around the house work. The Miss'ss will not have a problem loading pointing or letting it go bang. Sir; it's not you that I worry about.
My preference; a pump. second a 'coachgun' shorter and will cover a hallway very well. 6 shot or 4. Six shot would be better for the Miss'ss.
Revolver would serve you well; nothing wrong with a 1911 but if the Miss'ss hasn't any experience with it; it become use-less
joeg: Sir; 12 gauge scatter gun for around the house work. The Miss'ss will not have a problem loading pointing or letting it go bang. Sir; it's not you that I worry about.
My preference; a pump. second a 'coachgun' shorter and will cover a hallway very well. 6 shot or 4. Six shot would be better for the Miss'ss.
Revolver would serve you well; nothing wrong with a 1911 but if the Miss'ss hasn't any experience with it; it become use-less
jakemccoy
Member
I'd go with a simple pump shotgun and a simple handgun. Start by looking at a Remington 870 and a Glock 19. You'll probably have to look no further. Ideally, get two of each (4 total), whatever you decide. Get a safe to protect against kids, wandering guests and undedicated thieves.
DoubleTapDrew
Member
Good choice. You might want to pick up a few boxes of ammo to familiarize yourself with the gun and pattern it at across-the-room distances so you know where and how it'll shoot. I'd also recommend some of the reduced-recoil buckshot loads like Remington managed recoil. It kicks significantly less but still packs plenty of punch. No need for 3" magnum loads.
Robert Hairless
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Joeg, wise decision. But buy yourself several boxes of Remington Reduced Recoil #00 buck, not the standard loads. You will find it just as effective as the standard load for home defense distances and a pleasure to shoot.
The reason why I suggested several boxes is that you need to get your game back. Remember that a pump shotgun is easy to short stroke, so you really do need to get back into the groove.
Besides that, since you were at Fort Dix in 1954, once you get the rhythm back you can have one heck of a lot of fun watching the expression on the young folk when you shoot. This is not an opportunity that should be missed. It's good for you to do, of course, but it's even better for them to see. Expands their horizons. Changes their world view dramatically.
The reason why I suggested several boxes is that you need to get your game back. Remember that a pump shotgun is easy to short stroke, so you really do need to get back into the groove.
Besides that, since you were at Fort Dix in 1954, once you get the rhythm back you can have one heck of a lot of fun watching the expression on the young folk when you shoot. This is not an opportunity that should be missed. It's good for you to do, of course, but it's even better for them to see. Expands their horizons. Changes their world view dramatically.
jfh
Member.
I'm 63 (or very soon to be), and I picked my father poorly--he died when he was 59, and I have some health problems. As much I love shooting my 1911s--and I have had a S&W 4046 as my bedstand gun for twelve-fifteen years--I am changing out to revolvers.
As for the shotgun loads--for home defense scenarios, joeg could even get by with #6 / # 4 shot, and avoid the possiblity of over penetration in tight neighborhoods.
Jim H.
As for the shotgun loads--for home defense scenarios, joeg could even get by with #6 / # 4 shot, and avoid the possiblity of over penetration in tight neighborhoods.
Jim H.
The Cavalry
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Joeg- if Somerset is within driving range for you, let me know and we'll let you take my .45 Commander for a test drive at the range.
Doggy Daddy
Member
Suggest you make sure you get a short barrel (18 1/2") for maneuverability indoors.
Uh, that's on the shottie... not the handgun. <G>
Uh, that's on the shottie... not the handgun. <G>
loose cannon
Member
if you cant pull the slide on a 1911 how well will you do with a pump shotgun?
my father toward that age prefered a hammerless double barrel shotgun with 18.25" barrels he loaded it with 1.5" aguila minishells buckshot load whick kicks like a 3"410 load but puts out 4 number 1 buck pellets as well as 7 number 4 buck pellets. he backed it up with a s&w model 15 8 3/8ths barrel 38spl which he become good at single action shooting with.
never had to test it but im sure he would do well if he did.he orphaned a bunch of north korean and chinese kids back in the early 50s
my father toward that age prefered a hammerless double barrel shotgun with 18.25" barrels he loaded it with 1.5" aguila minishells buckshot load whick kicks like a 3"410 load but puts out 4 number 1 buck pellets as well as 7 number 4 buck pellets. he backed it up with a s&w model 15 8 3/8ths barrel 38spl which he become good at single action shooting with.
never had to test it but im sure he would do well if he did.he orphaned a bunch of north korean and chinese kids back in the early 50s
Treo
member
Why Would Anyone?
Why would anyone pass up a perfectly good oppurtunity to buy a new 1911 ? That said I'd recomend a Rock Island Armory Mil-Spec 1911. They're well made reasonably priced & you'll swear it 's your old issue sidearm
Why would anyone pass up a perfectly good oppurtunity to buy a new 1911 ? That said I'd recomend a Rock Island Armory Mil-Spec 1911. They're well made reasonably priced & you'll swear it 's your old issue sidearm
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