home protection

[Guy B. Meredith]

Remember that you will probably loose whatever weapon used in HD to the police evidence locker so make it something you can do without for a while.

I would feel more comfortable with a cheap shotgun than handgun unless I had a long history with it.

 

[bestseller92]

It's hard to beat a good (Ruger, Smith or Taurus) 4" medium frame .357. You can load it with everything from wadcutter .38s to full power 125 grain "hammer of God" .357s, it's accurate, safe, reliable, and it's very simple to operate.

 

[Outlaw Man]

My first impression would be to get a .357 loaded with .38spl. She will not only have room to upgrade once she gets more comfortable with the gun, but the added weight of the .357 (depending on what you get, of course) can help with recoil a bit.

But the more I think about it, a double action auto like a Glock or XD in 9mm might be the better choice. They're as simple to use as a revolver (simpler, if she gets used to cocking the revolver before shooting) and gives a few more rounds capacity, which might make the difference if she panics and lets loose a few errant rounds.

I think the advice to find something she's most comfortable with is the best. A .44mag would be great, but if she's afraid to shoot it it's only a club that can be taken away and used on her.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

If you have several shotguns, get several one-gun wall racks and keep a gun in each room.

 

[Sec421]

Yeh, you gotta use your head when thinking security. There's a myriad of things you could do. The pistol is just one concept <see the BG, shoot the MF> I will always recommend frontline defense before actual bullet slinging. Motion sensors maybe even as far as a few Cams. A few bells and whistles for the other entry portals <ie: windows> Saftey and Security is a frame of mind. Which is something that can be learned.
As for the firearm, 4" revolver. preferably .357/.38

 

[Ichiro]

Locks on your doors. Two or more layers, preferably.

Then whatever type of gun you are comfortable keeping handy.

I'd like to have a long gun or three available, but am not comfortable stashing them about the house.

.38 revolvers are much more handy, more easily stored, and more easily hidden.

 

[schultz's honor]

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all of the input.

 

[DawgFvr]

"I own shotguns but the blast is so loud in a home that it would be defening to the ears! "

Loud? Compared to what?

"The recoil of the 12 Guage is absolutely horrid"

That is why we use (low recoil) 00 Buck. Very low recoil...and veryeasy on the ears and very, very deadly to the target. The reason why you will continue to hear SG as the best home defense weapon...is because it is the best home defense weapon, bar none.

"not as easy to maneuver".

Ok...I'll give you that; albeit, I have a short barrelled and appropriately sized stock fitted just for me. I maneuver very well with it due to constant practice.

 

[Byron]

When my wife and I were young marrieds(had our 36th Anniversary yesterday) she had never been around guns.In training she could handle a 357 but did not care for the recoil. Some years ago she settled on a G26 and was capable with both 38/357 and 9mm. Byron