Your favorite firearm for home defense and why

[LargeBreastFan]

"Racking a shotgun will scare the intruder away?"

Maybe in a comedy movie

No - they just found out homeowner is armed. Homeowner also gave away his location.

I like a Glock 21, .45 acp.

[Bajaranger]

I like my glock 23 .40 caliber... it's compact and easy to shoot loaded with hollow points... also as a laser just in case

[DFWhobbyguy]

Originally Posted by mtabsw

I agree about shotgun being a good home defense weapon especially over a handgun because of its efficiency - i.e. people who get hit stay down.

But I also have to point out a few facts vs legends.

"Point and shoot" - not really - at 12-15' you're getting a circular pattern around 2.5 - 3.5 inches in diameter. Please aim.

"Don't have to worry about penetrating walls" 00 to #4 buck will go thru FOUR dry walls - 8 sheets of sheetrock.

Take a look at this website - https://www.theboxotruth.com/the-box...e-box-o-truth/

Also, you'll probably have permanent hearing damage from discharging a shotgun in confined space such as a living room or hallway. Still better deaf than dead says I. Shotgun or large caliber revolver for home defense.

[thebear69]

4 very large and very well trained german shepherds, don't have to aim just let these incredible dogs do what they were trained for.

[JustaDawg]

This is what I have. Beware anyone that walks into my house uninvited.
http://www.defensereview.com/kel-tec...al-operations/

[oeb11]

1986 NFA law - shotgun barrel length required at least 18". The Kel-tec KSG - link above is a bull-pup design with a shorter effective length but legal barrel- easier to handle in close quarters. Short -barrel shotguns may be legally transferred under NFA law with $200 tax stamp and and approval of BATFE. Takes likely six months. Must go through an FFL with Class 3 weapons license.
Short barrel advantage - easier in close quarters to handle and a wider shot dispersion. I would avoid a traditional long-barrel shotgun in a home.
oeb11

[Crock]

Originally Posted by mtabsw

"Point and shoot" - not really - at 12-15' you're getting a circular pattern around 2.5 - 3.5 inches in diameter. Please aim.

Good call on the link to the Box O' Truth. That's the site that changed my mind on the AR being appropriate for home defense.

With regards to the shotgun being point and shoot, the nature of a long arm makes it much more intuitive to literally point your support hand at your target. While I wouldn't recommend for a beginner, I'm able to close my eyes and get six slugs into a target from 15 yards.


Handguns, with their incredibly small sight radius, are MUCH harder to aim intuitively and I do NOT recommend them for someone who isn't going to take it to the range every now and then.

In a high stress situation, you want every advantage on your side. The more simple it is to aim and manipulate your gun, the more likely you are to be successful. The more you practice, the more appropriate it would be to get a gun that is harder to shoot.

[nwss00]

I've a shotgun for home defense with 7 rounds of either birdshot or buckshot.

I don't use slugs as they're too powerful.

[fred_flinstone]

In the driveway is parked my pickup with NRA stickers on it. That's good enough around where I live.

[Cdeezy817]

I like my 357 revolver with hollow tips, that scare the hell out of a intruder, or remove a leg if needed

[Poppa_Viagra]

Some points here need thinking through.

If the bad guy is in your house, anything you do to give away your position is advantageous to the intruder. If you rack a pump gun and the intruder is armed, he knows you are armed and either retreats or decides to shoot you on sight. He sees you first, game over. If you swing a laser around you do an even better job of giving away your position and indicating that you are armed.

Got a gun, get training and USCCA or equivalent insurance.

Practice on a consistent basis , dry firing and range time, are critical to build and maintain a safe level of competence with whatever firearm you choose to rely upon. Same with dogs, got to work the dogs to keep them prepared.

Under stress your adrenaline dumps and your fine motor skills crap out. As above, practice.

Preemptive action saves more trouble than being armed to the teeth: Lights, obvious cameras, burglar alarm signs, really good door locks, leaving minimal valuables in sight, don't have outcalls to your dwelling, don't go places you feel like you'd need a gun.

Opinion: My AR with 30 rounds of frangible ammunition will do just fine if the door locks fail.

[Vivienne Rey]

Sig Sauer P238.

[TXHUNTER66]

I generally keep a 1911 .45 with nite sights on the night stand. Short barreled 12ga is good also with bird shot for close range and where over penetration by projectiles could be a issue. Screw racking the slide that's for the movies. Loaded with safety on is the way to go in a situation with somebody intruding on your residence. The judge pistols are ok but you need to use 000 buck or Winchester pdx rounds. Still range is very limited with these guns because the barrels are rifled and spread is great. Got one and generally only carry it when bow hunting when snakes are out works great on them. Would not be my first choice for home defense. I will take a .45acp over a 9mm any day for home defense both are great rounds but each has its place.
The new Mossberg Shockwave would be an outstanding option and they are legal in Texas no special license or tax stamp required.
https://www.mossberg.com/category/series/590-shockwave/

[Dallaslonely]

Originally Posted by LargeBreastFan

"Racking a shotgun will scare the intruder away?"

Maybe in a comedy movie

No - they just found out homeowner is armed. Homeowner also gave away his location.

I like a Glock 21, .45 acp.

Couldn't agree with you more. Whatever you use make sure your prep is as silent as possible.
I keep .45(glock) and a .22(ruger) pistols in the nightstand along with 2 machetes in reach.
I would agree with the group on a short barreled 12ga, I would go with 00 buck or T shot.

[waterfalllover]

Benelli M4 Super 90

Fastest Shotgun in the World.

https://www.google.com/search?q=bene...hrome&ie=UTF-8