My number one home defense revolver is my model 10 4 inch heavy barrel. I shoot this revolver the best. My round is the old reliable LSWCHP 158gr +P. I like the Remington round but I have used the Buffalo Bore round.
I do have a back up J frame. My old model 36. I have used for a round the Federal Nyclad 125 HP. Great round for a snubbie.
Regards,
Howard

I've been an LEO since the late 70s. In that time I have owned 3 Model 60s and 1 Model 649. I've carried them as back-up, duty and off duty weapons.

I'm not a big fan of the .357 or 38+P in the smaller guns. I like the standard velocity ammo best. Just personal preference.

Its hard to beat a J Frame S&W

And that is the answer to what is the best weapon for self-defense. In other words, the one that you are trained, practiced and proficient with. Any other information can just be fill-in-the blank.

As you may know, Mr. Ayoob feels the FBI load of .38 SWCHP +P is a valid defense load.

I used to think so...but over the past several years, I have read many articles that say the opposite is true. It isn't the compression that weakens the magazine spring, it is the flexing of loading and unloading. Think of a metal coat hanger...if you want to break one, you bend it back and forth and the wire will break at the point of the bend. Many people have reported finding magazines that have been stored loaded for many years (perhaps an elderly relative's gun) and the magazines worked just fine.

I think a revolver is probably easier to operate under stress for someone not used to handling a handgun of any kind; a revolver is not likely to jam or malfunction (limp wristing, for example) in the hands of an inexperienced user. Every individual is different, though, and he or she should train and practice with the defensive gun to be used.

You CAN use a snub-nosed J-frame revolver for a nightstand gun, but that doesn't mean you should. The fact is, if this is strictly a "house gun" we're talking about, there's no good reason to limit yourself to 5 rounds and a short barrel. This all goes back to the old adage, "use the right tool for the job." Snub-nosed revolvers are a compromise to conceal-ability. When concealment isn't a concern, there are better tools.

It's true that the .38 Special is a valid defensive caliber, but much more so when fired from a 4" or greater length barrel vs a snubbie. I would suggest choosing a 4" or 6" barreled six, seven, or eight-shooter. You'll be better armed with more rounds, a longer sight radius, and superior ballistics over what the J-frame snubbie can provide.

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Steve
NJ State Trooper (rtd)

Well said. My BS gun is an 870 riot stuffed with 8 rounds of 00 Buck. I keep a Springer .45 and a model 66 snub as the weapons to let me or my wife get hold of the 870 if I/we have the time. With the 870 in hand you have a HUGE advantage over any handgun! I have mine attached to the box spring under the sham with velcro. Well hidden and easy to pull up the sham and rip the gun through the 2 velcro straps.

Them snubs take practice to be effecient with and you would be much better served with a K frame with a barrel length of 4 inches or less. It will help control the recoil of a +p .38 or .357 being a heavier weapon and is way more accurate IMO.

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V/R
Roger / SG

I like the way you think!

Coincidentally, my nightstand guns are a Mossberg 930 SPX riot gun loaded with 8 rounds of Federal LE reduced recoil 00 buck, a Beretta Px4 Storm .40 S&W loaded with 18 rounds of Federal LE tactical bonded 165gr HPs, and my PC 627 UDR stoked with 8 rounds of Winchester PDX1 .357 Magnum 125gr BJHPs.

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Steve
NJ State Trooper (rtd)

I use a Contender fully loaded with a BB cap.

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NRA Benefactor

I have a 3" 64 on my side and my bride has a 637 Airweight on her side...same loads in both. Speaking of range time, she doesn't score much in the 10 ring, but I can guarantee a perp would rather take 5 rounds to the noggin than where she hits, slightly below the belt, consistently. Maybe she is trying to tell me something.

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For God and Country
Rick

Wife and I both prefer our 3" K-frames as bedside guns but J-frames would be fine.

My wife is a crack shot with my 16-4 but her "go to" is now a 642 with CT laser. She handles it really well.

I leave two guns out for home defense. My 642 and my 870 20 inch with bird shot and No 6. I carry two CC so some times I don't put that one away.

Back at ya sir! You're set up very well there with your choice of weaponry!

I can get to my 870 REALLY fast if I need it. The BEST home defense weapon ever invented! My setup works like a champ and you would never know it's there. To make one for your Mossberg (great shotgun BTW) you'll need 2. 8"- 10" strips of velcro. Mate em together and using a heavy needle and thread tack two corners of each corners of velcro to your box spring AFTER you have found a good spot for your weapon and a good position for the velcro. I have mine rigged so that the muzzle is past my head. Open up the velcro and place your shotgun between them and press firmly. If you need it lift your box spring sham and yank on the weapon. Voila, shotgun ready to go.

You being an ex trooper know how dangerous it is to clear your home by yourself. It's extremely dangerous even if you know what you're doing and have a partner. I keep the cell phone by my wife so she can call 911 and the Springer right on the night stand with a Surefire under the trigger for easy access. I'm old school and don't like lazers or mounted lights. We are empty nesters and I'll let em come to us before trying to clear the house with the 870 or .45. I have it loaded and the first two rounds to fire being Federal Tactical then 6 rounds of Winchester 00 high brass ammo. Should get the job done if I do mine with no need of the Springer or the 66. The Springer is loaded with 230 gr. Speer GD's and Chip McCormick mags. I try to shoot it at least once a week and rotate my mags out for longevity.

Here's a biggie for home defense IMO. A good yapping dog will scare away most BG's. If you can afford an alarm system or buy the signs you have helped yourself out as criminals don't like em.

In my case they first have to get by my security system, then my 105 lb American Bulldog, Bruno before reaching our bedroom door, where we'll be waiting on them.


Bruno


That being said I still don't believe in using a J frame for a home defense weapon. Beats a knife but they are hard to shoot under ideal conditions for someone who has not mastered them. Your hands will be shaking and that short sight radius and the heavier trigger on a J frame is not condusive for precise shooting. Your wife would be much better off with a 4" revolver in .38 special or a reliable semi auto that fits her hand and she can shoot well. Better yet would to buy her a cheap Mossberg 500 in 20 gauge. They are bulletproof, have very little recoil and will beat ANY handgun for self protection.

JMHO

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Roger / SG

In a close quarters fight, gun retention is a HUGE issue. A woman (and many men for that matter) will have a much better chance of retaining and/or using a handgun than a long arm inside a small room.

For perimeter defense, at night, with moving targets, NOTHING beats a good shotgun. Well... maybe a Claymore...

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Centennial Every Day

Good point sir. In my case I or my wife have our alarm set during the daytime and have our dog who's always following us close by. He'll alert us then tear into an unwanted guest, possibly giving us a few extra steps or time. I use my .45 to get to my 870 as I wear it daily and put it on the nightstand before bed. If I can't get to the 870 I'll still try to seek cover then engage. If I can't seek cover I'll start defending myself with my trusty .45 immediately. So many scenerios here to consider. If she's not wearing it she'll have to run to the room where the weapon is stashed and most woman don't pack on themselves at home, mine included.

IF she has time to make it to her weapon go for the handgun first, then if there's time grab the shotgun. That's my plan and I have my wife and I practice it. Weapons retention is a whole different part of the equation. If he gets that close hopefully she knows how to fend off the BG and get her shots off. Fact is most woman are weaker than men and the criminal has the upper edge on grabbing the weapon from them if at arms length.

Most women AND men I know who pack or own weapons don't go to the range nearly enough. I take my wife with me once a month minimum, have her shoot 36 rounds for target practice and run her through some drills with the remaining rounds from the 50 rd. box. One is jogging in place for 60 seconds, grabbing the 66 and getting off 6 shots at the target 3-7 yards away. Your accuracy goes way down after getting pumped up from my experience. I include the shotgun into the jogging drill and she shoots it more accurately than the 66. I definately wouldn't want to be staring her down with that big hole pointed towards me as I know she can hold her own with the 870 and the 66 loaded with 135 gr. Short Barrel Gold Dots. Actually with the mean stares she sometimes gives me I haul butt to the garage to work on a project.

I forgot to tell ya I have a few Claymores mounted at waist level beside our doors and one at the end of the hallway to our bedroom. Haven't set one off YET but not so with our alarm system.

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V/R
Roger / SG

Depends on after you shoot all 5 what then? Better two guns two knives and two stun guns also right by your bed. How many for the first guy how many for the second guy etc...maybe they all run after the first shot. Maybe they run when they see you. I guess prepare for the worst and be prepared to get cut or shot in the process. Remember the little lady recently that put all 5 into the naked guy after her and the kids and didn't put him down..she hid in closet?. Lots of people are huge really big and need center hits or head shots and deep penetration. Id say use the 5 shot as your second gun and go to a bigger gun as your main gun. Learn to use full power loads no matter what. Sissy or not woman or man push yourself toward the most powerful load you can control. this is good stuff we all need to discuss these ideas, we learn from one another here.....

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US ARMY
Viet Nam 70-71

I might add I would probably just look over the top of the gun and not use the sights in dim light cant see them and I dont know Id like a laser. Watching laser sighted gun shooting that red dot goes everywhere. Its confusing. Maybe its best on the shotgun or AR or Mini where it will be more still. All three of those are devistating at home distances.

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US ARMY
Viet Nam 70-71

The round count is less important than how well the gun fits your wife's hand. I would bet that a K-frame with the proper grip would feel much better to her than a J-frame. Yes, the Model 60 with a 3" barrel can be fit with grips that will fit your wife's hand just as well but the feel is still not quite the same. But the ultimate judge should be your wife. Let her try several guns at a local range and choose what she likes best.

As far as a load, check out the Buffalo Bore load 20C. 38 Special standard pressure, duplicates ballistics of the well-regarded "FBI load." Easy on the shooter, recognized effectiveness.

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"Sacramento" Bruce Conklin

I have a loaded 642 wearing a full-finger grip in my nightstand specifically for home defense. I have spent considerable range time with it, and I am deadly accurate at 10+ yards. I believe this DA only revolver is sufficient for home-defense, and I sleep better knowing it's there. Unless you live on the Gaza Strip, I believe anything larger is just over-kill.

when i'm not about, my wifey has a 36 3" for night work. she carries a 637 as EDC so it's a familiar platform. i would not want to be a an outline down a hall with her on the trigger. she's a bulls eye shooter, and the 158 FBI loads in the 36 will work just fine as a light switch... when i'm home, my remington r1s with a couple of chip mc cormic 10 rounders are my go to. we also keep a set of electronic ear muffs in the drawers so we can hear the 911 operator if need be.

I would go along with a 38 as well. Firing a 357 at night will damage your ear drums and the flash will make you go blind for a few seconds....might also blow the roof off. I keep my 13-3 loaded with 38+P with a speed loader near by. Even a 22 is good if you can get off 10 shots in 2 seconds. You just can't put a gun on the night stand and say you are protected...you got to train train train and be able to get that muscle memory working.

The 12 is on the wall and my every day carry near by.
What ever I have been packing is my bed side gun.
I feel that what ever you have is better than nothing.
I love my J frames and sometimes so much that I carry two.
There are low flash rounds made today and may be worth looking into.
I think a lot of us don't have a chance to practice in low light. We should do it so we are familiar with how it will effect out night vision.
My neighbors would wonder why I stopped shooting in the early evening.
As for the laser , each to his own. I have some but wonder about the usefulness besides as a cat toy. If it is complexly dark it is just a red dot on black. I would prefer a Streamlight and paint my front sight white. Which I do have.

As you can see, Kahrn, whether intentional or not, you've poked the hornet's nest. This subject is right up there with brand and caliber wars in terms of bringing everybody out of the woodwork. Personally, whatever I'm carrying on that particular day is what goes on the nightstand at bed time. If it's the J frame, that's what'll greet Mr. Bad Guy should he decide to come visit.

I have a 4"HB 66 (LE trade in) as a bedside gun with Hogue mono-grips on it. Slightly heavier barrel than my old duty weapon & same grips. Right now it has Silvertips in it but I'm going to swap for +P 38 Defense Ammo as soon as I can find some. Instinctive handling with enough weight to soak up recoil particularly one I find the +Ps.
I would be happy with any K frame, 3-4" heavy barrel, 38/357 though I tend to prefer 357 because they tend to be slightly heavier. It's not going to be carried so weight is no issue for me, now.
When I was still working, I would have just left my duty gun there.

BTW, enough about guns. What other preps have you made? I have flood lights that criss-cross to light my whole exterior & yard, controlled by dual switches, one set in my bed room closet, the other by the kitchen door. I had someone drive up our long drive at night... we shut off the interior lights & lit up the outside... 9 times out of 10, they can't wait to leave. 1 in 10, I put on my duty belt & go out to hold the dog so the lost ones can turn around.

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NRA LIFE
Reserve Officer 9yrs

Despite all of the opinions, I have not seen any real data indicating how many rounds were needed to stop the average or typical home invasion scenario, nor what caliber or type gun works the best. Personally I feel pretty comfortable with my K-frame Model 19 loaded with 38+p ammo. I shoot this 4 inch barrel gun a lot better than my 2-inch barrel j frame, and with the added aid of the CT laser grips I am pretty confident about being effective with the 6-rounds in the gun. The likelihood is that I will go my entire life and never need to use this gun, so trying to prepare for doomsday situations, such as a home invasion by 8 armed intruders, or something similar, does not seem reasonable. Be prepared, but not paranoid.

There is no such thing as being over prepared.

To parrot others there is no reason to limit the gun to a J frame. I would go 4" K, L, or N frame.

For the purpose I have a 7-shot 12GA semi-auto and an AR-15 with a 30rd magazine. A pistol is a backup or way to get to a long gun.

Sure you may never get whatever happens daily to other people, but it certainly doesn't hurt to have the best tools for the job.

If recoil is the issue, I'd have to go with the rest and say get a 4" Model 10. A heavy K frame isn't going to kick too hard no matter what you put in it. I'd recommend some Buffalo Bore LSWC-HPs, standard or +p as both expand with nice results due to their lack of a jacket. Happy shopping!

IMO it all comes down to what an individual is most effective and comfortable shooting. It doesn't really matter whether the BS handgun is a J or a K frame, alloy or steel framed. It requires practice and committment to become proficient with any firearm.

One thing that is important to think about is sight acquisition...or I should say the lack of sight acquisition. If you need to defend yourself in a dim lit scenario, you need to be able to identify the threat and hit it center mass. If your firearm isn't equipped with illumination, laser sights, or night sights, you'd better be proficient at point shooting.

I think that is more for the shooters sake these days

There have been a few tests of alloy J's into the thousands of rounds of +P ammo with no adverse wear.

My Airweight is a lot of fun to shoot, at 50 rounds at a time.

I think Rick has hit it on the head with the extra barrel length, better recoil control. More intimidation. Plus with the bigger guns you can usually get an extra round in there. J frames IMO were made for carry, not much else.

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Still just a kid at heart

Nothing wrong with a j frame and laser grips. We keep several j frames stashed through out the house for self defense.

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The American dream is alive

J frame is what I have for HD. Killed a rat with it yesterday. No, one with a tail.

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That's just somebody talkin.