There is hope.

[reagansquad]

Here's the story of my fiance and guns...

Two months into our relationship she saw my grandad's old Remington 700 and almost dumped me. It was my only rifle at the time. I explained that it was unloaded, and hadn't been fired in 30 years. After a few more months of having it not jump out of the closet, sprout legs, and murder us in our sleep, she started to realize that having a gun around wasn't so bad.

That Christmas, we happened into Big 5. They had an 870 express home d model that I really liked. It just so happened that the same week there was a mad rapist running around breaking into houses, and she had a nightmare in which she ended up defending herself with a shotgun. I figured that the stars had alligned in my favor, so I went out and bought the thing. She told me I could but if I did I shouldn't tell her about it... I ended up telling her about it.

After taking the shotgun to the range a few times, I impressed upon her how much fun I had just shooting targets and how I'd really like some company out at the range. I told her that I wanted to buy a .22 and she could come out with me and shoot that. If she didn't like it, she never had to go again and I would return the rifle. She was hesitant at first until I showed her how small a .22 cartrige was. She KOed some bowling pins, and had an ok time.

Fast forward to today. We go to the range, she's going to shoot the .22 and I'm taking my shotgun and my SKS... Well, I accidently forget the magazine for the .22, and she is kinda bummed out about loading 1 .22 per shot. I tell her that the SKS doesn't kick and that she's more than welcome to shoot it. She tried it out, and after a bit of practice was having a pretty good time!!! Here's where the real stunner occured. "Hey, this could be MY home defense weapon." I was totally floored by this statement. Even though we live in an apartment, just having her have some sort of weapon to scare off baddies when I'm not home would be great. I might load it up and have her read a pamphlet on when use of force in home/self defense is 'ok'.

Is there a rifle load that would be less likely to go through a wall? Right now all I have for it are wolf hollow points because they were on sale.

 

[4570Rick]

Congrats.
Not to rain on your parade, but if she wants a home defense gun (any caliber), you should get her in a home defense class and not just get her a pamphlet. Again, this is no slight at you, but in my many years as an instructor, I have seen many wives and girlfriends try to learn from husbands and boyfriends. Often, it is less then ideal.
Just a thought

 

[Stickjockey]

I agree with you about not using the SKS as a home defense weapon in an apartment. Fast-moving rifle bullets + thin apartment walls = bad juju.

Maybe some light target loads for the scattergun?

 

[Reno]

I definately would advise against the SKS for an apartment defense weapon. Something along the lines of #2 loads for the 870 would be good in my opinion.

 

[reagansquad]

I agree 110%. Just asking if there was a way to make the current situation better.

 

[Preacherman]

Indeed there is! If she likes the SKS, next step is to let her try an AK-47 ("But, honey, it shoots the same bullets as the SKS!" ). When she decides she likes that, buy her a Saiga shotgun, based on the AK-47 action, probably in 20ga. to minimize recoil.

Amazing what evil minds can do, isn't it?

 

[MrMurphy]

Get her a 20ga bantam-stocked 870 to match yours "but honey, it kicks less, and it's a his and hers deal!" The 20ga buckshot load will do the job on someone and it's easier to handle for many women.


5.56mm softpoint loads will generally stop in a wall faster than anything else even pistol JHPs, but a 20ga load is reasonably close. A 7.62 just keeps going.

 

[Beren]

Sounds like it's time for you and the wife to build an 5.56mm AR together. Order the stripped lower from eaglefirearms.net (sent to the FFL of your chocie), a lower parts kit from J&T Distributing, the buttstock of your choice (maybe an ACE Skeleton M4 stock?), and a complete upper of your choice. (Preferably a 16" lightweight from Bushmaster.)

Then you can order a cute Troy Industries suppressor. That way, she won't go deaf if she ever has to fire it indoors without hearing protection. (Note: be sure to investigate and work out the relevant NFA issues. Suppressors are controlled items requring CLEO signoff, a $200 tax stamp, and other hoops. You also might need to incorporate to share it with your wife legally, not sure.)

Most of the data I've read indicates that 55gr-62gr 5.56mm ammo is going to be more safe to use indoors than a pistol, shotgun, or higher-caliber rifle.

http://www.olyarms.com/223cqb.html

Maybe some of the more "in the know" folks could elaborate for us.

In the meantime, get her in some training classes. Keep that interest burning.

Preacherman's suggestion to purchase a Saiga-20 is also excellent. Do that, too. They're alot of fun to shoot! (At least, my Saiga-12 is fun.)

 

[reagansquad]

How much would a little home made AR like the one you mentioned cost?

 

[MrMurphy]

Aside from the suppressor you can build your own AR from parts for $500-600.

 

[Standing Wolf]

...if she wants a home defense gun (any caliber), you should get her in a home defense class and not just get her a pamphlet.

I'll second that. I'd guess she has residual fears. It'd probably be a good idea to help her find a defense class for women.

 

[Mumbles_45]

No one has mentioned glaser safety slugs yet, they make those in 7.62x39. They were designed for use in airliners, and if nothing else should be safer than wolf HPs for the time being. there kind of expensive but you dont have to use them up on targets at the range

http://mysite.elixirlabs.com/index.php?uid=12665&page=1983