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  #51  
Old 03-04-2014, 03:17 PM
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I doubt that home-owners insurance would cover the amount of collateral damage that you're likely to incur with a shotgun. If you have to actually shoot an intruder in you living room, not only will you splatter blood & tissue all over the ceiling and walls, you will ruin the carpet as well. You may say that it was a small cost to pay for your family's safety, but I prefer a .22 magnum. Chances are, you won't immediately kill your target and he might make out the front on his own power. The bark & bite of a .22 magnum will scare the heck out of any but the most whacked-out intruders. You may have to shoot more than once, but you can do so without destroying your house.
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  #52  
Old 03-04-2014, 04:11 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike McLellan View Post
...splatter blood & tissue all over the ceiling and walls,...

The bark & bite of a .22 magnum will scare the heck out of any but the most whacked-out intruders.
You have been watching too many movies.
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  #53  
Old 03-04-2014, 05:01 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike McLellan View Post
I doubt that home-owners insurance would cover the amount of collateral damage that you're likely to incur with a shotgun. If you have to actually shoot an intruder in you living room, not only will you splatter blood & tissue all over the ceiling and walls, you will ruin the carpet as well. You may say that it was a small cost to pay for your family's safety, but I prefer a .22 magnum. Chances are, you won't immediately kill your target and he might make out the front on his own power. The bark & bite of a .22 magnum will scare the heck out of any but the most whacked-out intruders. You may have to shoot more than once, but you can do so without destroying your house.
The idea of self defense shooting is that things have gotten to the point where you need to STOP an action you reasonably perceive as threatening right NOW. Killing is incidental, but the scene you paint could just as easily have the target "make it to you on his own power." Not what the outcome you're looking for.
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  #54  
Old 03-04-2014, 05:12 PM
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[QUOTE=crofoot629;136239316]
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Originally Posted by letjimdoit View Post
I am looking at the governor for carry. How does it shoot? Have you tried 420/45 combo in rapid fire? Does the gun heat up making it hard to reload quickly? Is it a heavy gun?

You may have to look rather long and hard for anyone here to endorse such a handgun for self defense.

In short you're better off with most conventional revolvers or in my opinion an auto loader. It's hard to beat a Glock 19. There may be other preferences, but your not going to "beat" it.

Emory
Well, my friend, you failed to look very hard at posts #9 and #18. I don't own a Governor, but I think it would make a good self defense handgun choice, especially within the confines of a home or other structure. My bedside handgun is a 2.5" 66 that sits next to a Surfire Combatlight. My loaded 12 ga. pump is four steps from the bed.

Like others have said, pick what works for. Practice point shooting, since your attacker will likely be within 21 feet. You will very likely not have the presence of mind to seek a clear sight picture in a tense confrontation with an adrenalin dump in your system.
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  #55  
Old 03-04-2014, 08:01 PM
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How many really depend on their laser pointing sights batteries? Just a thought
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  #56  
Old 03-04-2014, 09:58 PM
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You will very likely not have the presence of mind to seek a clear sight picture in a tense confrontation with an adrenalin dump in your system.
This is why practice is so important. The idea is to ingrain the acquisition of the sight picture, even if using the flash sight picture, so that it takes no thought and is an automatic reaction.
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  #57  
Old 03-04-2014, 10:19 PM
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It's all about the bullet. Load it with Lehigh Defense and it'll know when its been shot. Also, consider aiming for the lower stomach about belly button level.
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  #58  
Old 03-04-2014, 11:15 PM
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My home defense is a Glock 17. I shoot it best of all my guns, and it has next to nothing recoil, and holds 18 rounds. Can't ask for anymore..
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  #59  
Old 03-04-2014, 11:19 PM
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K-frame 3" or 4" barrel in 38 Special, Streamlight rechargable flashlight. If in a different part of the house, may be a J-frame 38 with an LED flashlight.
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  #60  
Old 03-05-2014, 09:26 AM
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Special thanks to Rastoff for serving as fruit bat wrangler/BS sifter for page two of this thread.

So far we've got an alleged LEO that believes weapon mounted lights change POI, somebody who thinks the .22 magnum is the answer because a 12 gauge will destroy your house and insurance won't cover it, and someone who believes point shooting is the answer because you can get a sight picture due to the adrenaline dump. What's next? Someone is surely about to profess wearing pink body armor, fuzzy slippers, LED lights mounted on a nascar ball cap and a Draco with a 75 round drum is the answer. The rationale: anyone who sees you will be too busy laughing to mount an effective attack.
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  #61  
Old 03-05-2014, 07:48 PM
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I will second the CA Bulldog, I also have a Taurus 44 spec 5 shooter tucked away as well as a 12 gauge double with short barrels and stock. I should be able to make it to the gun safe with those. Seldom any kids in my house and as I built it myself and have some special spots away from other hands.
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  #62  
Old 03-11-2014, 05:19 PM
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Default S&W M65-3" round butt

Next to my Glock 19 and two .45s, I think the 3" k-frame is one of the most practical defensive wheel guns ever made. Mine no longer sees a lot of use but I won't part with it.

A home defense gun, as opposed to a carry gun, should be all steel, to better absorb recoil, have a barrel of 2.5 to 4 inches and a minimum capacity of 6 rounds. As this is a home defense gun, you don't need carry convenience, which may reduce a handgun's effectiveness.

Ammo: use the most powerful ammunition that you can handle comfortably and which is safe to use in your particular handgun.
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  #63  
Old 03-11-2014, 05:25 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by forrestinmathews View Post
Special thanks to Rastoff for serving as fruit bat wrangler/BS sifter for page two of this thread.

So far we've got an alleged LEO that believes weapon mounted lights change POI, somebody who thinks the .22 magnum is the answer because a 12 gauge will destroy your house and insurance won't cover it, and someone who believes point shooting is the answer because you can get a sight picture due to the adrenaline dump. What's next? Someone is surely about to profess wearing pink body armor, fuzzy slippers, LED lights mounted on a nascar ball cap and a Draco with a 75 round drum is the answer. The rationale: anyone who sees you will be too busy laughing to mount an effective attack.
After reading all of this I think I'll just randomly install Claymore mines throughout the house and call it a day.
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  #64  
Old 07-05-2014, 06:52 PM
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I really love S&W revolvers, I own a whole safe full of them, but my bedside gun is a Glock 17, with a +2 magazine (19+1 total) with a weapon light mounted and a Mossberg 20 gauge (#3 Buck) with an 18" and weapon light mounted. There's nostalgia and then there's survival.
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  #65  
Old 07-05-2014, 11:19 PM
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For me it'll be my full size 5" 1911 loaded with 230gr Remington Golden Sabres. 2 mags ready to go for a total of 16rds.
If the fight isn't over after those 16rds I have a not so sharp sword that I can stab the guy with or I'll be picking up my tv or anything else I can mash a guy over the head with... I need more guns... And also a few 10rd mags for my 1911..

Theres hundreds of different makes and models of guns out there, and many that are equally accurate, reliable, and ergonomic (which depends more on the individual using the gun anyways) so I think it's silly to think there could be one single best handgun for HD. Tons of choice that you can't go wrong with. Just got to find what you shoot best and what feels right in your hand.
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  #66  
Old 07-05-2014, 11:21 PM
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Charter Arms Bulldog .44spl
X2 .....& x3!
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  #67  
Old 07-06-2014, 12:45 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Badge130 View Post
I really love S&W revolvers, I own a whole safe full of them, but my bedside gun is a Glock 17, with a +2 magazine (19+1 total) with a weapon light mounted and a Mossberg 20 gauge (#3 Buck) with an 18" and weapon light mounted. There's nostalgia and then there's survival.
Totally agree. I intend to get more S&W revolvers, but I don't think any will replace the Glock 34 with Trijicon night sights and Glock light, along with a separate flashlight.
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  #68  
Old 07-06-2014, 01:08 AM
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Default Not in the house........

I don't use full .357 magnums for HD because we want to keep our hearing. I load a low end .357 that is just some hotter than a .38 +P. That doesn't change the gun, though. Whatever model, I'd like it chambered in .357.

I wouldn't be adverse to using a model 10 with +p for an HD gun. It was made for such situations.

I prefer a DA revolver because you just point, shoot and take great pictures.

I'd also keep a 9mm DA semi auto with one in the chamber and ready to go. Anything that needs manipulation.....nah.
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  #69  
Old 07-06-2014, 01:30 AM
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HD is a FS M&P 9mm Backup an N-frame 357mag revolver.

I agree the light is better than night sights.

Last edited by BobC357; 07-06-2014 at 01:32 AM.
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  #70  
Old 07-06-2014, 08:39 AM
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Home defense gun is a cocked and locked, 5" Colt 1911 in .45acp; has been for over 30 years.
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  #71  
Old 07-06-2014, 08:46 AM
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My go to is M&P 9 FS with night sights, my wife keeps a Ruger 357 with 38s in her bed stand. Backup is my Mossberg Pump about 2 feet away.

Other rooms besides the bedroom contain various configurations from 22s to 45s
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Old 07-06-2014, 08:54 AM
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This question is like "What's the best thing to put on hot dogs?"

I plan to grab whatever happens to be closest. At night, in my bedroom, it's a Glock 17 with a Glock laser/light on the rail. At night still awake, could be the Mossberg 12 gauge, could be the Governor. During the day, about the house, could be the Mossberg, the Governor, the Kel Tec in my pocket, the Glock 26 in the truck, whatever is close with ammunition.

Concentrating on one firearm for home protection is short sighted. Learn to use several well, and have them available with a minimum of effort.

My motto has always been "Your little gun is to fight your way to your big gun."
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Old 07-06-2014, 09:01 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Muss Muggins View Post
This question is like "What's the best thing to put on hot dogs?"

I plan to grab whatever happens to be closest. At night, in my bedroom, it's a Glock 17 with a Glock laser/light on the rail. At night still awake, could be the Mossberg 12 gauge, could be the Governor. During the day, about the house, could be the Mossberg, the Governor, the Kel Tec in my pocket, the Glock 26 in the truck, whatever is close with ammunition.

Concentrating on one firearm for home protection is short sighted. Learn to use several well, and have them available with a minimum of effort.

My motto has always been "Your little gun is to fight your way to your big gun."
I agree with everything you said but there is one gun that I shoot best and has been the most reliable as far as malfunctions and that's the M&P 9, so while I feel comfortable with any of the guns I mentioned in the above post, the M&P is my "sweet baby"...
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Old 07-06-2014, 09:06 AM
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I keep a 642 on me at all times, even when I'm home. When I'm sleeping I have an 870 under my bed. Ideally, I'd love to have a Glock 26 or Glock 19 on me at home, but I have to wait until finances align. I have a few other shotguns and a bolt gun I keep unloaded and stored. Doubt I'll ever use my Remington 700 or break actions in self defense: my go-to firearms are the 642 on my hip and an 870 under the bed.

(I live alone, no children are ever in my apartment, etc etc)

Last edited by 5wheelin'; 07-06-2014 at 09:07 AM.
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  #75  
Old 07-06-2014, 09:06 AM
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I agree with everything you said but there is one gun that I shoot best and has been the most reliable as far as malfunctions and that's the M&P 9, so while I feel comfortable with any of the guns I mentioned in the above post, the M&P is my "sweet baby"...
I agree that everyone has/should have a "go to" gun. Mine is the Glock platform, yours is the M&P. I'd be good with my 66 or my 28 and some speedloaders, and it may come to that, as I have them available as well. Be good with all your guns. Be great with one.
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Old 07-06-2014, 09:27 AM
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We keep K frames here, a 66 and 15 snubbies and a couple J frames. Easy to put into use and revolvers are the only guns my wife knows how to handle and shoot. I keep my light separate from my guns too.
I might use a 1911 too if my wife knew how to handle one but has no interest in anything but my revolvers and she may be home alone sometime.
A shotgun is near at home as well. No neighbors to be concerned with and no children at home either.
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Old 07-06-2014, 09:29 AM
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FIREARMS FOR HOME DEFENSE ? NO, NO, NO !!
1. straight razor
2. tomahawk
3. chain saw (if electric-a really long extension cord)
4. hand grenade
5. flame thrower
my house is wired with explosives where with a push of a button the entire house goes up in a big ball of fire.

*** if you are in the market for a great real estate deal, all the other houses in my block are vacant due to the neighbors moving away.

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Old 07-06-2014, 09:50 AM
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Got my ruger p95 as my first handgun with its intended role HD. Currently have a 20 and 3 15 round mags with 124+p pdx.
Really considering a 40 that has hi cap mags available.
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Old 07-06-2014, 09:52 AM
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I don't know what handgun is best, but I feel comfortable with my Model 19, 4-inch barrel, loaded with JHP 357mag, and with a Crimson Trace laser in the grip. With a small tactical flashlight next to the gun, I feel that I am reasonably ready to respond to the crash in the middle of the night.
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Old 07-06-2014, 10:06 AM
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Interesting thread revival yesterday.

Our HD pistols are M&P FS 9's with weapon mounted lights and night sights. Mine are VTAC, so can see well with the light on or off.

Backup is the AR with light and 30 rounds of .223 goodness. There are other options as well, but if I'm in that deep we're going to have to make it up as we go along. Plan A and B ain't working, it's gonna be a long night and I need to rethink some things.
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Old 07-06-2014, 10:15 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by forrestinmathews View Post
Special thanks to Rastoff for serving as fruit bat wrangler/BS sifter for page two of this thread.

So far we've got an alleged LEO that believes weapon mounted lights change POI, somebody who thinks the .22 magnum is the answer because a 12 gauge will destroy your house and insurance won't cover it, and someone who believes point shooting is the answer because you can get a sight picture due to the adrenaline dump. What's next? Someone is surely about to profess wearing pink body armor, fuzzy slippers, LED lights mounted on a nascar ball cap and a Draco with a 75 round drum is the answer. The rationale: anyone who sees you will be too busy laughing to mount an effective attack.
This from the guy who says in his first post that he has "limited experience" and doesn't believe short barrel firearms are safe because he might shoot himself.
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Old 07-06-2014, 10:48 AM
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If you really want a handgun, take a look at the TRR8 if you can find one. 8 rounds of .357 or .38spl+P, a rail to mount a light and revolver dependability. I back mine up with a 12 ga pump. To me a handgun is something that lets you fight your way to a serious weapon.

Last edited by Florida J Frame; 07-06-2014 at 10:50 AM. Reason: grammer
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  #83  
Old 07-06-2014, 10:59 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by steelslaver View Post
I will second the CA Bulldog, I also have a Taurus 44 spec 5 shooter tucked away as well as a 12 gauge double with short barrels and stock. I should be able to make it to the gun safe with those. Seldom any kids in my house and as I built it myself and have some special spots away from other hands.
The CA Bulldog 44 Special is my backup HD weapon, and one of my two carry revolvers. My HD is a S&W Colt 45 625-5 six shot revolvers. I know it makes big holes, from my practice with
it, but I would have to check to see if my insurance covering my belongings, has a catastrophic big hole damage exclusion.
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  #84  
Old 07-06-2014, 11:01 AM
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Originally Posted by Mike McLellan View Post
I doubt that home-owners insurance would cover the amount of collateral damage that you're likely to incur with a shotgun. If you have to actually shoot an intruder in you living room, not only will you splatter blood & tissue all over the ceiling and walls, you will ruin the carpet as well. You may say that it was a small cost to pay for your family's safety, but I prefer a .22 magnum. Chances are, you won't immediately kill your target and he might make out the front on his own power. The bark & bite of a .22 magnum will scare the heck out of any but the most whacked-out intruders. You may have to shoot more than once, but you can do so without destroying your house.
I plan to make a claim to my state's Crime Victim's Compensation Fund . . .
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Old 07-06-2014, 11:14 AM
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My favorite home defense weapon:

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Old 07-06-2014, 11:41 AM
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GP100 4 "
loaded with 134 gr gold dot 38 P+s
Goes bang every time
Easily absorbs recoil
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Old 07-06-2014, 11:41 AM
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One you can afford, to include the cost of ammunition.

A firearm that you WANT to shoot. Unfortunately for some of us, that's becoming an expensive proposition.

Me? I have a Governor, 686-6, FNS40, SCAR16, M1A, M15 and my choice of my wife's entire collection (hint: better than mine).
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Old 07-06-2014, 11:52 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike McLellan View Post
I doubt that home-owners insurance would cover the amount of collateral damage that you're likely to incur with a shotgun. If you have to actually shoot an intruder in you living room, not only will you splatter blood & tissue all over the ceiling and walls, you will ruin the carpet as well. You may say that it was a small cost to pay for your family's safety, but I prefer a .22 magnum. Chances are, you won't immediately kill your target and he might make out the front on his own power. The bark & bite of a .22 magnum will scare the heck out of any but the most whacked-out intruders. You may have to shoot more than once, but you can do so without destroying your house.
*
Ugh. Let me make a contrary argument.

The least of my concerns regarding a serious UOF incident in the house is cleanup, and I am actually reasonably confident that such should be covered by insurance. Given that at least one of my dogs is going to a very good job at creating nasty wounds and blood trails, it does not matter what I shoot them with, if it even becomes an issue. There will be a company coming to do a biohazard cleanup regardless.

The first step is to make your home less appealing to intruders. Lights, fencing, etc. The second is to make it physically harder to enter - good windows and doors, etc. Associated with both of those is a canine alarm system. Notice is good, and dogs are better company than alarms. A big one, even if not likely to go full landshark on an intruder, sounds like a bad idea to an intruder.

If someone determines to continue after those levels of discouragement, the last thing to consider is choosing a weapon with "not making a mess" as a criterion. Choose a weapon/weapons that delivers as much as you can control; the best typically is an AR. Good ergonomics, less risk of over penetration than pistol rounds, and even less risk because you will shoot it better and dump as much energy as possible into the offender. While some offenders who face a gun or receive wounds will in fact change their path, some will not. Depending on the good judgment or good will of someone who has neither based on what you are already experiencing is not a course I would advocate.
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Old 07-06-2014, 11:55 AM
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Originally Posted by vito View Post
I don't know what handgun is best, but I feel comfortable with my Model 19, 4-inch barrel, loaded with JHP 357mag, and with a Crimson Trace laser in the grip. With a small tactical flashlight next to the gun, I feel that I am reasonably ready to respond to the crash in the middle of the night.
Replace those 357s with 38spl +p gold dots
You don't want the experience of shooting 357s without ear protection in your home
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Old 07-06-2014, 12:01 PM
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In home defense situations I'm always worried about multiple perps. My preference tends to lean towards more high capacity offerings.


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Old 07-06-2014, 12:09 PM
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was using my governor but recently picked up a (gasp) Glock 41. not a short bbl but easy to shoot, night sights, Arrendondo mag extension for a total of 17 rounds of Powerball goodness... should do. if not, my 327PC loaded with 158 gr. sjwc in standard .38spl is not to far away...
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Old 07-06-2014, 05:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Will Carry View Post
I'll second the 44 special Bulldog by Charter Arms.
Out of the box, what's the trigger pull like on these?
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Old 07-06-2014, 05:18 PM
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Originally Posted by forrestinmathews View Post
Special thanks to Rastoff for serving as fruit bat wrangler/BS sifter for page two of this thread.

So far we've got an alleged LEO that believes weapon mounted lights change POI, somebody who thinks the .22 magnum is the answer because a 12 gauge will destroy your house and insurance won't cover it, and someone who believes point shooting is the answer because you can get a sight picture due to the adrenaline dump. What's next? Someone is surely about to profess wearing pink body armor, fuzzy slippers, LED lights mounted on a nascar ball cap and a Draco with a 75 round drum is the answer. The rationale: anyone who sees you will be too busy laughing to mount an effective attack.
WELL, I NEVER !!
And just what is wrong with pink body armor, fuzzy slippers, pink purse, and a revolver with pink grips ??? Its guys like you that vote "NO" when I apply for membership in the "Real Men's Club".
Jimmy
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Old 07-06-2014, 05:21 PM
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Originally Posted by RalphMP9FS View Post
My favorite home defense weapon:

No worries, ma'am. It's not loaded . . . If it was, it might go off, and we'd have trouble, but as it is, enjoy!
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Last edited by Muss Muggins; 07-06-2014 at 05:29 PM. Reason: ad hominem dig
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Old 07-06-2014, 05:22 PM
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BUMP IN THE NIGHT ?
I wake my wife (Penny) and send Her to investigate while I hide in the closet. Penny is armed with a heavy wooden rolling pin and don't take prisoners.
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Old 07-06-2014, 11:58 PM
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Originally Posted by rlongclu View Post
After reading all of this I think I'll just randomly install Claymore mines throughout the house and call it a day.
Very sound tactical thinking, but do you think the insurance company will cover the clean up?
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Old 07-07-2014, 07:44 AM
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Originally Posted by Matt_G View Post
The best home defense handgun is the one that is loaded that you can actually get your hands on when the need arises.
^^^ This ^^^ Nail, meet hammer.
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Old 07-07-2014, 08:27 AM
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I wonder how bad the sound will damage my hearing if I fired my 357mag, or even a 38+p indoors without hearing protection. Maybe for home defense I need to use a semi-auto with a silencer. Anyone know where I can get a silencer for my Ruger P97?
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Old 07-07-2014, 08:35 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sousana View Post
For me it's simple. My wife and I just had a custom home built for us and I made sure that a biometric safe was built into every singe wall in each and every room in the home. Inside the wall safe is:

1. 1 Smith & Wesson 325 Thunder Ranch Revolver with built in rail under the bbl fitted with a Viridian laser in .45acp

I also use one as my nightstand pistol. Why? When your woke from a dead sleep, revolvers require less to get into action than semi-autos.
WOW! You must own a LOT of S&W 325 Thunder Ranch Revolvers!
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Old 07-07-2014, 08:45 AM
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....full auto Uzi.....probably not the best choice.....but I've always wanted one
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