CoRoMo
Member
I need a dedicated office/shop gun cabinet.
What would make a good "shop" gun?
- Thread starter SuperMagnum
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nalioth
Member
1) If it's not on your person, Mr Murphy is gonna make very sure you are as far away from it as you can be when it is needed.
I recommend a 38 snubby in your pocket. Some of the modern ones made out of 'wonder metal' are very light.
I recommend a 38 snubby in your pocket. Some of the modern ones made out of 'wonder metal' are very light.
If the budget provides for it, buy and carry any handgun you find comfortable. I like the .45 but its not for everyone. After you have the handgun buy a smartcarry and wear it around the shop, I find my own carry gun practically unnoticeable. If there is still cash to spend buy a 12 gauge and hide it near your main work table. Remember to research whatever you buy, 100% reliability (or close) is key.
runrabbitrun
member
The one YOU decide works for you, I'd hope.
Glockman17366
Member
Glock 19: plenty of firepower, relatively cheap, robust design and easily replaceable.
deputy tom
Member
I'd also go with a couple of cheaper used pump shotguns like mossberg 500s or maverick 88s.Those placed in stratigic locations coupled with a 4' .357 or .38 in the desk drawer and a seecamp or other small auto in your strong side front pocket you would be set for most situations requiring a firearm.The light sensors/alarms would be good as well.I'm kind of wary of having a dog there due to customers getting too close for safety or the BG shooting the poor critter.YMMV.tom.
Last edited:
yakkingallover
Member
I don't know what kind of work you do, most here have assumed automotive which is what I do also and I can relate to your needs. In regards to a revolver I would say no simply for the fact that we used to have a driving range/bar next to our shop and the owner was jumped by four guys and I love my M&P 340 but 5 shots is not enough in that situation because under stress I feel I might miss at least once. For cheap and dependable I carry my S&W sigma in 9mm. On a creeper under a vehicle it is on the ground with all the other tools I naturally reach for if the need arises and in my toolbox is a High Standard 12ga. pump that fits perfectly in a long drawer of my Matco toolbox. 16+1 will get me to the shotgun and 6+1 of 00 buck will do the rest. If I am working at the Bridgeport or the lathe I lay the Sigma on a bench with half an arms reach both were cheap and dependable.
SuperMagnum
member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2009
- Messages
- 30
Thanks for the replies everyone. I am definately working on a security/surveillance system both for when I'm there and when I'm not. Last night I had some music on and was working on my air compressor...only to nearly crap my pants when I look up and see two large men in my shop. Fortunately they were cops, and they weren't looking for me. If they had bad intentions however, I would probably be dead now. I always lock the door when I'm in there...except this ONE time, LOL.
So far I've been open carrying my GP100, but it's too heavy and I keep bashing into things with it. (maybe I just need a better holster) I do think I want to keep one on me though, rather than the shotgun idea. Then again I want a shotgun just for fun too...so I might just get one and store it at the shop.
As for practice, I'm hoping to build my own private shooting range in there, as soon as I can get the proper permits...
If they had bad intentions however, I would probably be dead now. I always lock the door when I'm in there...except this ONE time, LOL.So far I've been open carrying my GP100, but it's too heavy and I keep bashing into things with it. (maybe I just need a better holster) I do think I want to keep one on me though, rather than the shotgun idea. Then again I want a shotgun just for fun too...so I might just get one and store it at the shop.
As for practice, I'm hoping to build my own private shooting range in there, as soon as I can get the proper permits...
nalioth
Member
Well, you know what they say . . .SuperMagnum said:
"A handgun exists to get you to a long gun."
woad_yurt
Member
I chimed in with the P3AT recommendation because it's so light, small and thin that it's no effort at all to carry in your pocket. Another, larger, more powerful gun would be good to have close by but may be a hassle to carry while trying to work so the P3AT should give you enough time to get to your big boomer if the need arises.
I carry one 24/7, in crawlspaces, on roofs, etc, without any problems whatsoever. It's always in my right front pocket.
I carry one 24/7, in crawlspaces, on roofs, etc, without any problems whatsoever. It's always in my right front pocket.
Well, maybe you should consider the Taurus Judge.
Shoots both .45 Colt as well as .410 shot shells. It's also close to the size of the Detective Special, so its easily carried.
I use one as a trail gun, since it's great for both a snake gun and a regular shooter. I've found #4 shot to be pretty effective against bigger Diamondbacks, but a load of 00 in the chest would dissuade most, even from a .410. And if not, you can have up to 4 more .45 LCs in reserve.
sm
member
Back in the day...
I and mine bought good used police trade in Model 10s mostly, with some Ruger Six series.
Loading was standard pressure 158 gr, LSWC.
What I did, was have employees come out, and shoot a variety of guns and then see what worked best "across the board".
Model 10s allow a lot of choices for stocks, to assist in gun fit.
The employees had all the ammo they needed for quality lessons, and practice.
So these guns were in the business in various places, and on person.
Anyone from the 15 year old part time help to the 90 something year old could use these guns.
Shotguns were most often 20 bore, and fit for the smallest person that might have to use it.
A bigger person can effectively use a smaller shotgun, where a smaller person cannot effectivley use a bigger shotgun.
Lever Action 30-e0s were the other long guns.
Back up and last ditch, were Beretta Jetfire, and Beretta Bobcat, in .22 lr and NAA Mini Revolver , 1 1/8" barrel with the factory lanyard ring.
The NAA allowed one to wear around the neck, and with some "custom tailoring" or "alteration " other places about the person.
Ditto for sharp object.
Concern was being able to access if serious happened, with hands tied in front, or in back.
--
Time passes, and Kel-Tec P-11 has replaced many of the old classic revolvers.
A P-11 is nothing but a double action only plastic "revolver that takes its load up its butt".
Youth model Mossberg [Bantam] 20 bores and some folks (depending) use the Mossberg Maverick.
Hey, let us hope we never have to use these, still if they are, they will be taken in by first responders, and who knows how long they will be in Evidence?
Lee Lapin shared with me, a $13 Rayovac LED. I never got one for me, still need one, still folks have added these to "tools in the toolbox" for workplaces.
Training is the key, with quality practice.
NAA is still recommended.
My rule, nobody goes with a BG. That NAA is taught to be shot, with hands cuffed/tied.
For girls especially, if overpowered, and hands going where they are not to go, a 40 gr , solid, standard pressure lrn into a eye, or Adam's Apple, or ear, or...
High Noon has in the past and I am sure still does, have "blemished" holsters.
To heck if I can find the blemish...
So a 13 year old girl can conceal IWB, or with cover garment for sure, a OWB while she is in the workplace, or goes to take out trash, or whatever.
She can work the Bantam...
Another gun is the Kel-Tec rifle...
Beretta CX4 Storm, in 9mm is another choice, and again Lee Lapin gets credit for that suggestion.
Just considering budgets and what works for across the board for everyone.
Again...take into account the smallest person that might have to employ a firearm.
"Small" is not used in a derogatory manner.
Just being a realist, a 13 year old is not as big as others.
Add folks physcially limited in some way, even recovering from a minor surgery or coming back from maternity leave.
H&R Topper , Youth, 20 bore Single Shot, is just a given to have around the premise.
Get the one with factory recoil pad, and contour it, to be more friendly to how ladies are built.
(girls have parts guys don't).
Or, Pachmayer Decelarator recoil pads.
Used holster bins, allow for holster that can be screwed under desks, behind doors, or anywhere.
Always, always, always , have a gun near any walk in vaults, and in them.
Ditto for freezers, and other storage areas.
That is where they will take the girls to have their way.
That is where they will take folks and leave them...
Stick a oxygen tank in such places so folks will not suffocate, and hide a landline telephone in there.
Also, install a battery light and alarm that will show and sound exterior, that can be tripped from a vault, freezer, or other area where one can be locked inside.
Get a plan together, run it, and have someone critique it. Layered defense, and practice this with employees.
Guns, are just part of the toolbox, not the toolbox.
Keep in mind:
Mdse is insured.
Nobody gets taken out of the business.
None of the ladies get raped in the backroom
Everyone goes home, and everyone survives a threat.
I and mine bought good used police trade in Model 10s mostly, with some Ruger Six series.
Loading was standard pressure 158 gr, LSWC.
What I did, was have employees come out, and shoot a variety of guns and then see what worked best "across the board".
Model 10s allow a lot of choices for stocks, to assist in gun fit.
The employees had all the ammo they needed for quality lessons, and practice.
So these guns were in the business in various places, and on person.
Anyone from the 15 year old part time help to the 90 something year old could use these guns.
Shotguns were most often 20 bore, and fit for the smallest person that might have to use it.
A bigger person can effectively use a smaller shotgun, where a smaller person cannot effectivley use a bigger shotgun.
Lever Action 30-e0s were the other long guns.
Back up and last ditch, were Beretta Jetfire, and Beretta Bobcat, in .22 lr and NAA Mini Revolver , 1 1/8" barrel with the factory lanyard ring.
The NAA allowed one to wear around the neck, and with some "custom tailoring" or "alteration " other places about the person.
Ditto for sharp object.
Concern was being able to access if serious happened, with hands tied in front, or in back.
--
Time passes, and Kel-Tec P-11 has replaced many of the old classic revolvers.
A P-11 is nothing but a double action only plastic "revolver that takes its load up its butt".
Youth model Mossberg [Bantam] 20 bores and some folks (depending) use the Mossberg Maverick.
Hey, let us hope we never have to use these, still if they are, they will be taken in by first responders, and who knows how long they will be in Evidence?
Lee Lapin shared with me, a $13 Rayovac LED. I never got one for me, still need one, still folks have added these to "tools in the toolbox" for workplaces.
Training is the key, with quality practice.
NAA is still recommended.
My rule, nobody goes with a BG. That NAA is taught to be shot, with hands cuffed/tied.
For girls especially, if overpowered, and hands going where they are not to go, a 40 gr , solid, standard pressure lrn into a eye, or Adam's Apple, or ear, or...
High Noon has in the past and I am sure still does, have "blemished" holsters.
To heck if I can find the blemish...
So a 13 year old girl can conceal IWB, or with cover garment for sure, a OWB while she is in the workplace, or goes to take out trash, or whatever.
She can work the Bantam...
Another gun is the Kel-Tec rifle...
Beretta CX4 Storm, in 9mm is another choice, and again Lee Lapin gets credit for that suggestion.
Just considering budgets and what works for across the board for everyone.
Again...take into account the smallest person that might have to employ a firearm.
"Small" is not used in a derogatory manner.
Just being a realist, a 13 year old is not as big as others.
Add folks physcially limited in some way, even recovering from a minor surgery or coming back from maternity leave.
H&R Topper , Youth, 20 bore Single Shot, is just a given to have around the premise.
Get the one with factory recoil pad, and contour it, to be more friendly to how ladies are built.
(girls have parts guys don't).
Or, Pachmayer Decelarator recoil pads.
Used holster bins, allow for holster that can be screwed under desks, behind doors, or anywhere.
Always, always, always , have a gun near any walk in vaults, and in them.
Ditto for freezers, and other storage areas.
That is where they will take the girls to have their way.
That is where they will take folks and leave them...
Stick a oxygen tank in such places so folks will not suffocate, and hide a landline telephone in there.
Also, install a battery light and alarm that will show and sound exterior, that can be tripped from a vault, freezer, or other area where one can be locked inside.
Get a plan together, run it, and have someone critique it. Layered defense, and practice this with employees.
Guns, are just part of the toolbox, not the toolbox.
Keep in mind:
Mdse is insured.
Nobody gets taken out of the business.
None of the ladies get raped in the backroom
Everyone goes home, and everyone survives a threat.
Mr.510
Member
I have a fabrication shop in a heavy industrial area of South Seattle. I work there at night. The area is completely deserted at night except for the occasional crack head looking for something to steal or hooker turning a trick in my driveway. 
I carry an XD45 Compact with night sights and a laser in an MTAC under a T shirt ALL the time. I smack, bash, and bang the XD into all sorts of stuff at least a couple times a night. It doesn't care. It's only visible wear is from rubbing in the holster. If I'm working in or around a car I will often tuck my T shirt but just where the gun is. That helps to keep it from scraping up all sorts of gunk. The MTAC is a "tuckable" IWB but I only use the feature when working upside down or laying that "impossible weld" that requires me to be a contortionist to get to it. I carry the XD nearly dry with maybe 1 drop of oil spread on the rails and that's all. I have tested it and it functions 100% when totally dry. I keep it almost dry so it doesn't pick up as much grinding dust or weld smoke. I clean it every couple of weeks "for real" but unload it and blow the dust bunnies out at least weekly with an air nozzle. I suggest a polymer auto in an IWB. When you do bash it into things it goes "thud" not "clank" and doesn't generally leave dents or creases in whatever it hits.
I carry an XD45 Compact with night sights and a laser in an MTAC under a T shirt ALL the time. I smack, bash, and bang the XD into all sorts of stuff at least a couple times a night. It doesn't care. It's only visible wear is from rubbing in the holster. If I'm working in or around a car I will often tuck my T shirt but just where the gun is. That helps to keep it from scraping up all sorts of gunk. The MTAC is a "tuckable" IWB but I only use the feature when working upside down or laying that "impossible weld" that requires me to be a contortionist to get to it. I carry the XD nearly dry with maybe 1 drop of oil spread on the rails and that's all. I have tested it and it functions 100% when totally dry. I keep it almost dry so it doesn't pick up as much grinding dust or weld smoke. I clean it every couple of weeks "for real" but unload it and blow the dust bunnies out at least weekly with an air nozzle. I suggest a polymer auto in an IWB. When you do bash it into things it goes "thud" not "clank" and doesn't generally leave dents or creases in whatever it hits. sm
member
XDs are getting quite popular with shop folks as well...
Thanks for bringing that up.
Thanks for bringing that up.
benEzra
Moderator Emeritus
Definitely get yourself some perimeter alarms and/or motion sensors. The basic "home security special" package from x10.com actually works well and would allow you to cover the full perimeter of most shops for $100 or so.
http://www.x10.com/promotions/ds7000e_bonus_mdk_steps_burst_l_dod.html
The advertising is tacky, but they sell a good product at a very reasonable price. With that system, you can arm just the perimeter for when you're there, or the perimeter and motion sensors when you're not; you can also set it to merely chime when a door/window is opened, which may be handy during the day. The system is wireless except for the primary console, so installation is a cinch, and you can run it from a key fob.
The fact that the unit will call you if there's a perimeter breach is nice, but from a defensive standpoint, the most important thing it will do for you is warn you the instant someone tries to breach the perimeter, making it less likely that you'll be caught unawares. The kit also includes a lamp module that can flash an incandescent light (up to 300 watts) in case the shop is too noisy to hear the alarm at times.
If you're using it primarily as a perimeter alarm, I probably wouldn't put up the stickers, so that anyone breaching the perimeter won't be planning around the alarm.
http://www.x10.com/promotions/ds7000e_bonus_mdk_steps_burst_l_dod.html
The advertising is tacky, but they sell a good product at a very reasonable price. With that system, you can arm just the perimeter for when you're there, or the perimeter and motion sensors when you're not; you can also set it to merely chime when a door/window is opened, which may be handy during the day. The system is wireless except for the primary console, so installation is a cinch, and you can run it from a key fob.
The fact that the unit will call you if there's a perimeter breach is nice, but from a defensive standpoint, the most important thing it will do for you is warn you the instant someone tries to breach the perimeter, making it less likely that you'll be caught unawares. The kit also includes a lamp module that can flash an incandescent light (up to 300 watts) in case the shop is too noisy to hear the alarm at times.
If you're using it primarily as a perimeter alarm, I probably wouldn't put up the stickers, so that anyone breaching the perimeter won't be planning around the alarm.
chuckusaret
member
I have a shop in an industrial area where we keep a race car and our tools and work on it mostly at night. Gets spooky. I cc a Makarov 9mm because it is, cheap, will take abuse and reliable. I carry it under a levi shirt not tucked in or in the tool box that is close by at all times.
iiibdsiil
Member
When I'm at the shop alone at night, I keep my Glock in the tool cart drawer or on a table near by, slightly hidden. My shop is only 600 sq feet though...
sm
member
benEzra,
Thank you for your post above!
My fault, still somehow I thought the original poster had a alarm system and one with perimeter and zone features.
Thank you for your post above!
My fault, still somehow I thought the original poster had a alarm system and one with perimeter and zone features.
chuckusaret
member
What do you use all that square footage for?, my shop is only 14' W X 25' L=350 sq ft.
Deltaboy1984
Member
The Mak or a j frame 38 will get it done. Just try them out and pick your tool. My dad keeps a old mod 10 in his back pocket and a single shot 12 hid above the door.
RapidFireBeak
Member
Stay away from the Taurus Judge. It's a silly gimmick weapon that they're deceptively trying to market as ideal for home/car defense.
.410 shotshells are not ideal for use against people. Combine that with the 5-round capacity, slow reloading, and inability to mount a light and you've got a sure loser on your hands.
Check out http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot41.htm for a review of the Judge's efficiency.
I would recommend a Glock 19 or Glock 30 with a Streamlight TLR-1 weaponlight. Alternately, a Remington 870 12GA with a 7-shot magazine and light.
.410 shotshells are not ideal for use against people. Combine that with the 5-round capacity, slow reloading, and inability to mount a light and you've got a sure loser on your hands.
Check out http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot41.htm for a review of the Judge's efficiency.
I would recommend a Glock 19 or Glock 30 with a Streamlight TLR-1 weaponlight. Alternately, a Remington 870 12GA with a 7-shot magazine and light.
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