small caliber for home defense?

[natman]

I’m looking at options for home defense specifically.
Yesterday I shot a S&W 38+P ultra light revolver with a 2” bbl. ... The .38 bruised my knuckles and almost flew out of my hand. I don’t think I could be sure of hitting a man size target at any range with that gun, unless I had a lot of practice.

If you want a gun just for home defense you DON'T want an ultra light pistol. They offer ease of carry but at the expense of extra recoil - as you have discovered.

You do not want to rely on getting 9 or 10 shots of 22 off. You should get a larger, heavier pistol. You don't have to carry an HD pistol very far. Get it in the largest, most powerful chambering that you can hit with.

You will find that a heavy barreled 4" 6 shot 38 special is a pussycat to shoot, as opposed to the featherweight you shot before.

 

[ball3006]

Look at it this way.....ANY hole in a bad guy is good. Who wants to get shot? A 22 can kill you as fast as any other caliber. Multiple holes in a bad guy is better. Sure, it would be better to have a large caliber pistol but you have to go with what you got. I carry small caliber pistols sometimes because my dress at the time dictates it. But, I am proficeint with all my guns. The word "practice" is not out there for nothing.....chris3

 

[TGReaper]

If your .22/45 feels good to you and you shoot well with it,perhaps you might want to look at a full size 1911 chambered in 9mm.
Also they can be carried easier than a revolver of comparable power of the need comes up.
TGR

 

[JTH]

Shotguns are one of your most versatile choices with varying loads and they won't break the bank. The thing about many shotguns they are just too long to be efficient in close quarter encouters. Check out this Mossberg 12 tactical without the shoulder stock,sells for about $250.
JT

 

[Cosmoline]

ultra light revolver with a 2” bbl. .... The .38 bruised my knuckles and almost flew out of my hand. I don’t think I could be sure of hitting a man size target at any range with that gun, unless I had a lot of practice.

Ultra light = More recoil. The problem isn't the cartridge, it's the size of the firearm you're using. You can increase to a standard steel J frame in the 20 oz range and you'll find recoil somewhat easier to deal with. Increase weight to 30 oz and .38 special is very easy to control.

For CCW the size of the firearm is obviously a factor, but by adjusting carry methods you should be able to conceal a 25-30 oz firearm without undo recoil problems.

For home defense you don't need to worry about making the thing small. Just use a shotgun. But get one WITH the shoulder stock. You will thank me for it if you do ;-) PGO shotguns are real painful.

 

[rstull85]

I would recommend a decent 9mm that is easily accessible and then either a shotgun or some type of carbine kept in a safe or closet. Right now I am using a Sigma 9mm (i don't carry that often because the sigma is a bit bulky) and a Mossberg 500 with a 18.5" barrel.Once I finish school I am going to pick up a few Glock 9mm's, 17 for home defense (great mag capacity and you can easily throw a flashlight on it) the 19 and 26 for ccw. Mags are interchangeable between them and they all three function the same. The 19 would probably be a good in between that you could use for both home defense and carry. Just my .02

 

[pioneer461]

Self defense isn't necessarily about killing. It is about stopping an attacker. Will a .22, .32, or other small caliber pistol kill someone? Yes, they have been known to kill, but in most cases death is a result of blood loss after several minutes of bleeding. Consider the amount of damage a doped up attacker can inflict in the time it takes him, or her to bleed out.

History has shown that the most effective pistol calibers against aggressive attackers are generally larger, heavier bullets, that because of physics and shot placement, can cause quicker incapacitation. Generally.

The better choice for defense is a rifle or shotgun, with proper ammo, but they tend to be a bit more difficult to deploy in tight spaces.

Is a .22, .32, .380 better than nothing? Sure they are, but so is an aluminum baseball bat.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

If it's just for home defense, why all the snubby recommendations? Get a 4" service revolver or semiauto.

OP should also try some semiautos. It looks like he only shot revolvers. I personally find that 9mm semiautos recoil less than .38 Special revolvers of comparable size and weight.

 

[Nushif]

this is a bit of a tough issue, but there is one common thread throughout arguments like this, and that is the rule to go as high in caliber as you feel comfortable and then get good with it.

So my advice is to feel out where you like sitting in terms of caliber, and then going with that.

As an example I've settled into the 9mm for pretty much all my "serious" shooting. Also, I reload for it.
My wife, on the other hand likes her .380 and oddly enough her .32. She reloads for hers as well.
The difference is that in the time I can fire two rounds, she can fire three with similar accuracy. So frankly I'm not worried.

I've found in taking out a bunch of people for the first time, and teaching some of my less "martial minded" nugs to shoot that avery large factor in shooting well is comfort level. My PMI confirmed this, when he showed us his long distance shooting hold on an M4. I swear the average NRA instructor would have had a heart attack.
And too often comfort gets ignored. We don't go work out in our jeans and down jacket, so why would we get a gun we can't shoot with?

 

[skoro]

please share your knowledge and ideas

As others have already mentioned, a S&W 38spl revolver with a 4" barrel makes an excellent home defense gun. For HD, there's no need for small, ultralight snubnose revolvers. As you found out, they kick like a mule (I know, because I have one) and they make a good carry weapon, but a HD gun doesn't need to be compact or super light.

In a service size revolver, 38spl is very easy to handle and to shoot accurately. The S&W Model 10 has been the standard for most of the past century. And with good reason; it's a tremendous handgun. They're readily available on the used market in good shape at reasonable prices.

 

[bt3128]

A lot to think about.

I never really considered a shotgun in my circumstance – only had a couple of chances to use one before now. Fortunately I have been invited to try to “bust some clays” this week end so I’ll have an opportunity to get familiar, if not comfortable, with a 12 gauge. Gotta see that Mossberg up close! CPL instructor will be supplying 9mm or .38 for class, so will have more data there also. As I look at what has been recommended in light of what my real needs and perceived capabilities are, I expect I’ll be looking seriously at a .327, 9mm or .38 special for the night stand and a smallish carry gun like an LCP or similar or a Bersa Thunder if its not too bulky for a pocket. I’m going to have to hit a rental range to try ‘em. I have no prejudice regarding revolver or semiautomatic for the home, but slimness seems good for carry. Shotgun seems like a lot of firepower for the comparatively close quarters of my house, (awesome intimidation factor though) but I’ll know more next week. I guess I am better prepared than I thought I was. I already have an aluminum baseball bat. I am extremely grateful for all the excellent, thoughtful input. This is the best forum on the web.

 

[Ole Coot]

Get a 20ga coach or pump and use low brass ammo. Anything #6 shot or heavier is fine for in the home. I DO not recommend any defensive shotgun without a shoulder stock, too many reasons to list. The heavier the revolver, yep a revolver the less felt recoil and a 4" bbl is about right. Use what you can hit with above a 380. A regular 38 load at 158gr LSWCHP will serve you well. Skip semi auto pistols unless you are very very familiar with shooting under stress.

 

[rstull85]

I have to agree with Ole Coot on the shoulder stock. Pistol grips are pretty much useless and a 20ga will do for HD. I personally use a 12 because there are more options for guns and ammo but either one will stop an intruder. I do have to disagree with you on the autos though. Revolvers are a great option for home defense and CCW as long as you practice with it and are comfortable. The OP might have an easier time learning how to properly handle a decent auto. You get higher mag capacity, faster reload time and they are very simple to operate in a stressful situation. There are also many more options for home defense with autos. Not trying to step on anyones toes but thats just my opinion.

 

[Moose1995]

Ammunition is not very readily available for the 32H&R magnum. I'd stay away from that one. Have you considered maybe an FN five seven? The 5.7 X 28mm round is well suited for personal defense, is becoming popular enough to be able to find ammo, and has VERY minimal recoil. Although, the guns themselves are kind of pricey. If not, the tried and true 9mm has pretty low recoil, and has a ton of ammo options not to mention firearm options.

 

[doc2rn]

If you can shoot a .32 H&R Mag (my personal favorite by the way), then you should do well with a S&W mod 10 in .38 spc or GP100 in .38 spc. I have physical issues from war wounds that limit me to medium calibers. I would also recommend the FNP-9.
These 3 choices are hands down gonna outlast me and I shoot them every chance I get. You can even get a Marlin 1894 to match the .38s, there is something about a matching pair

 

[mdauben]

I’m looking at options for home defense specifically.

I vote for a full sized .357 like a 4-inch S&W 686. Load it with .38 +P ammo and you will be well served with minimal recoil problems. If you put enough rounds throug the gun that you feel comfortable with a stouter load, you can jump to full-bore magnum rounds with no problem.

There is no reason to consider small frame or ultralight guns except for CCW.

Have you considered maybe an FN five seven? The 5.7 X 28mm round is well suited for personal defense, is becoming popular enough to be able to find ammo, and has VERY minimal recoil.

Is there any reported news on actual street performance of the 5.7? I've hear conflicting "theoretical" opinions on the round and wonder how it has worked out in real life.

 

[thorn726]

I really like the .32 myself, small yet not tiny, very easy to handle, low recoil but expensive ammo. slightly less chance of going into a neighbor's apt in the small space, I'd not feel safe with anything bigger myself although even a .32 will go through the wall

 

[Ole Coot]

I have to agree with Ole Coot on the shoulder stock. Pistol grips are pretty much useless and a 20ga will do for HD. I personally use a 12 because there are more options for guns and ammo but either one will stop an intruder. I do have to disagree with you on the autos though. Revolvers are a great option for home defense and CCW as long as you practice with it and are comfortable. The OP might have an easier time learning how to properly handle a decent auto. You get higher mag capacity, faster reload time and they are very simple to operate in a stressful situation. There are also many more options for home defense with autos. Not trying to step on anyones toes but thats just my opinion.

I agree with the semi auto for someone really familiar with one. I carry a 45 myself and the only revolvers I carry are J frames and a 12ga defender with 8rounds is for the house. No children so no problem there. My personal opinion only is with a heavy steel revolver as a 357 using 38spl or +P if it can be handled is much easier(just pull the trigger) than learn the semi auto. It takes far more practice with more felt recoil and if recoil sensitive consider the limp wrist stovepipe jam. My opinion only on the revolver vs semi auto.

 

[PoserHoser]

kel Tec pmr 30 30 rounds of .22 magnum low recoil and a lotta bullets

 

[rstull85]

Ole coot, definitely right on the stovepipe with an auto. Revolvers are much more reliable than autos. But couldn't the trigger pull be an issue for the shooter. The pull on a double action revolver is pretty hefty. I know its much less if it's fired single action but that could be a little more difficult in a stressful situation. Ultimately I guess it just comes down to personal preference. Do you go with a revolver that won't jam, has tremendous power (with the ability to jump upmto .357 if desired). But has a heavy trigger and slower reload time or do you do with an auto where you get higher mag capacity, lighter recoil (depending on caliber) and faster reload times but run the risk of jams and have less power. Either way as long as the shooter is proficient it doesn't really matter either way.
Also I would recommend that the op stay away from the smaller pistols for home defense. Small frame revolvers and sub compact pistols are intended to be used for ccw, I would try to stay with at least a 4" barrel. The added weight will help with recoil. I wouldn't go with anything smaller than a 9mm for home defense and .380 for CCW. .22's are better than nothing and they can kill, but I have heard a ton of horror stories where a .22 didn't do the job and it got ugly. One in particular I remember, a guy walked upnbehind someone at a bar and shot him in the back of the head with a .22. The guy that got shot responded by taking the .22 away from the shooter Ns proceeded to beat the crap out of him with the pistol. I know that wasn't being used in a defensive manner but it shows that a .22 isn't the best option for personal protection. My brother in law also accidentally shot himself in the leg with a .22. The bullet went in and tumbled around and actually ended up pointing the opposite way it entered and he wasn't really sure that he had shot himself till he dropped his pants to check and found blood.

 

[mdauben]

kel Tec pmr 30 30 rounds of .22 magnum low recoil and a lotta bullets

I wouldn't care to rely on "volume of fire" in a self-defence situation. One or two .45ACP slugs are much more likely to stop an agressive attacker than a whole magazine of .22's. Reports of non-performance of even large numbers of .22 shots are too common to consider a .22 as anything but an absolutly last resort when something more effective cannot be employed.