Home defense .45 Recommendations?

[TiminCT]

Hi all,

I’m a newbie to the forum and am shopping for my first home defense handgun, so I’m looking for some advice and opinions… I’ve done some research, and I know that just asking ‘what should I buy?’ will get lots of different opinions, so I've narrowed it down reasonably well, but still think there may be some options I'm missing.

So, I’m 55, just recently got my carry permit, but for my first purchase I am only looking for home defense, not carry. I have large hands and want to be able to enjoy shooting the gun at a range on a regular basis to keep in practice, so I’m looking at a medium frame (I think) and a weight around 30 oz. or so. I’ve shot a number of models during my NRA class and with my brother, a nationally competitive shooter. I’m pretty convinced I want a S&W .45 or .357 magnum revolver. Revolver for simplicity and reliability, S&W for quality and reputation. I think my best choice is the S&W Governor with the optional Crimson Trace sight. I like the overall size and weight, and I expect to try one out soon at Hoffman’s in CT, but I’m wondering what else I should try out. I would stick with the .45 ACP ammo for home defense, but I like the idea of the other ammo types being supported in the Governor.

So here are my questions:

1. Are there other models that I should consider, like the 625 JM or the 627?
2. Is the Governor giving anything up to the regular .45s in order to accommodate the .410 ammo?
3. Many folks (including my brother) prefer old models versus the new, but I’ll be buying new since I don’t think I know enough to get the right thing in an older used model. Anything I need to look out for in the new models?
4. Finally, the S&W site doesn’t mention much in the specs about locks, but it looks like all but a few models have them. I don’t really want them since I’ll keep the gun in a vault, and simplicity is always better. Can the locks be removed? I know that is likely a sensitive subject.

I know these are all rookie questions, appreciate any wisdom you can provide!

Tim

 

[jlrhiner]

Well, it sounds to me like you've done a pretty good job of researching and have drawn some good conclusions. My experience with the lock comes from my narrow minded opinion that I want it to go bang without having to have a separate tool, key or witchdoctor. Yes, a little searching on this forum will turn up both pro and amateur remedies for that.

The judge, (or governor, et al) IMHO, was a solution to a problem that didn't exist. I can think of no scenario, excepting snakes (I hate snakes), that I would prefer a load of shot out of a 3" barrel shotgun instead of a .45 Colt or .45 ACP. The ranges for self defense negate the advantage of a shotgun, therefore your going to hit or miss, whether with shot colume or bullet. Just my thinking.

I'm a big proponet of the 25/625 family of critters. A 3" RB is always looked for.

As far as what to look for on new guns, I would treat them the same as old guns. Check timing, lock up, alignment and overall fit and finish. If I'm handed one that is zip tied, it comes off so I can check the trigger and all the other things previously mentioned. Getting home and finding a 25lb trigger is very annoying.

Good luck on your quest, it's half the fun. And feel free to come back with any more questions you have. We're an eclectic bunch, we know everything!!!

 

[GKC]

First, welcome to the forum.

Second, and I don't mean this to sound the way it likely will, but the questions you raise have been discussed many, many times in the various subsections of the forum, and some reading and/or searching here will give you a wealth of reading material.

Third, when you ask for opinions, you are going to get many...and I venture to guess that they will be about as varied as the number of responses.

Personally, I prefer the .45 ACP round for home defense, but I prefer the M&P 45 as my platform to launch it. (I also have 1911s in .45 ACP.) I have owned a Governor, and while it certainly is a multipurpose gun, too often a multipurpose tool doesn't do any one task really well...and IN MY OPINION such is the case with the Governor. (Others will disagree.) There are better choices for .45 ACP and LC, and the .410 is generally regarded as ineffective for home defense. As for the lock, it has been discussed at great length here...most do not like it, there have been isolated instances of it engaging unintentionally, and yes it can be removed...but that has it own potential issue (disabling a safety device doesn't look good in court, etc.)

If you want a revolver for home defense, there are many good choices. I think a .357 Magnum revolver loaded with .38 Special wadcutter rounds would make a great choice for home defense. If you really don't want the lock, buy a Ruger GP100 with a 4" barrel. They are built like a tank, Ruger has outstanding customer service, and shooting .38s will feel like a .22 in recoil. You can also buy a S&W 686, but a new one will have the lock...and you may never, ever have a problem with it. The great majority do not. You don't have to engage the lock...you can just ignore it.

If I were you, I would take a handgun class and rent various guns (revolvers and semi-automatics) before you buy. Find a range that offers instruction and rental guns, and see which one suits you best. You may find that your initial thought is not what you end up with.

Good luck in your choice!

 

[mc5aw]

Tim ... Hoffmans always had a great selection of used revolvers/pistols in the back case. Check it out before you commit to a new purchase. New or used, Hoffmans' prices are the best on the East Coast. If you use the Hoffmans range, make sure you have a knowledgeable person as the range officer; some of the sales guys were totally clueless back when I used to frequent the store. Ask for Bart, if he still works there.

As to being a new shooter and home defense, part of the consideration is WHERE you live ... private home with some acreage, condo, apartment, etc. This is important based upon the well-worn discussion topic of round penetration. That big old .45 might go through the bad guy, several layers of sheet rock and wall board, and into granny's den the next unit over fairly easily ... Not as much of a concern if you're in a home with some wooded property.

Also worth considering is your personal skill level and confidence with respect to semi-auto pistol vs. revolver. With the .45 preference, you have quite a few very good options. One of the best and most cost effective semi-auto .45s is a used SIG 220; I actually found one at Hoffmans in NIB condition for $649. S&W makes a nice one too, and the JM revolver is a sweet wheel gun. The best thing to do is what you're already planning ... Hoffmans has a lot of models to test fire on the range. Take some time, spend a few bucks, and try out as many as you can. What feels most comfortable, and is easiest for you to work properly is the firearm to go with.

 

[NashvilleMike]

For revolvers, any of them, 625, 325 or even 22 will be fine. The Nightguard might be a little light and kick a bit for home duty. I agree with Jim Rhiner above on the Governor, besides, if I'm going to want to fire shot at home, it's going to be with my 12 gauge pump.

Just a thought, I've found nothing simpler nor more reliable to fire than my 4566. Reassembly after field stripping took a while to get the hang of, but it wasn't all that bad, and now I see there are instructions on YouTube that make it a lot easier. You'll have eight shots or more, depending on the magazine, and the first shot is very similar to a revolver, just pull the trigger, shots after that are even easier to squeeze off and it hardly kicks. I bought mine used (they're all used now, Smith stopped making them) and have put about a thousand rounds through it without even a hiccup. It's done several nights duty on our nightstand. I even got a 457 that I sometimes carry. Just a thought, of course you can't go wrong with a revolver.

 

[cmort666]

I don't do S&W locks, so my preference would be for a 25-2 or an M1917 (or similar Brazilian). I've had both and would consider myself well armed with either.

 

[Will Carry]

I wouldn't recommend buying a Govenor. A .357 magnum from Smith and Wesson would be a much better choice. The Govenor is a gimmick pistol that doesn't do anything really well. The .357 magnum is the KING! Long live the King!
If you are going 45acp, then get a semi-auto. A 1911 or a polymer wonder gun. I have an XD-45 that I love and it has a 13+1 capacity. I also have a Colt Governement model 80 1991A that has never failed me.

 

[TiminCT]

Well thanks for all the info/opinions on this. Gives me more to think about and more questions to ask at Hoffman's!

Yes, I'll continue to read the forum, it has tons of info. I'm a lifelong motorcyclist, and belong to a few motorcycle forums, and they also are are a huge resource.

On WHERE I live, yes I agree that is a concern with .45s. I'm in a private home on a small lot, with neighboring homes within 100 feet, BUT my home is 60 years old with brick exterior and cement board walls, so I think that would slow down a .45 pretty well. Now, a window, not so much!

I do like the semi-automatics and the larger clips, but my (very limited) experience with them has been poor. I've fired maybe 60 rounds total from 3 different models, and had 3 jams. Unacceptable to me for home defense. Maybe the ammo was not good or the guns were not maintained, but that jam ratio seemed too high to me, so I shifted my focus to revolvers only.

So the Governor is getting a bunch of thumbs down... I've read lots of good stuff on it in general, but to get thumbs down on a S&W forum, that makes me reconsider. I'll go research some of the models that you all have suggested and be back with more questions in a few days...

Thanks!
Tim

 

[GKC]

I do like the semi-automatics and the larger clips, but my (very limited) experience with them has been poor. I've fired maybe 60 rounds total from 3 different models, and had 3 jams.

Just so you will know, semi-automatic pistols don't use clips, they use magazines.

Semi-automatic pistols can be very intolerant of "limp wristing" which can cause it to jam, which is not uncommon with a new shooter. Other factors can cause jams, too, of course...such as ammo, magazines, the condition of the pistol (dirty, poor repair, etc.) Revolvers are generally considered to be more reliable, but they can fail...and the thing is, when a revolver does fail, it usually can't be cleared in the field, like a semi-automatic pistol can (usually.) They both have their advantages and disadvantages, and it really comes down to the platform you prefer and shoot the best.

Personally, I prefer the semi-automatic for its greater capacity, faster reload, and general feel in my hand. That of course is just my preference.

 

[cmort666]

Just so you will know, semi-automatic pistols don't use clips, they use magazines.

He could get himself a Taku Naval Dockyards .45acp Mauser broomhandle clone, in which case he'd have a .45 semi-auto that uses clips...

 

[venomballistics]

While the 45 auto revolver concept has ample merit. I am one to believe the cartridges native home (1911) covers the intended role as well as future roles of such a sidearm. either will work with comparable results in home defense. in the future, if you see fit to get a ccw permit, the 1911 is far easier to employ as a carry piece for its thin profile.

 

[GKC]

He could get himself a Taku Naval Dockyards .45acp Mauser broomhandle clone, in which case he'd have a .45 semi-auto that uses clips...

We really need a "laughing" smilie...

You know, when I was typing that about magazines versus clips, I thought to myself that I really should say that "almost every" semiautomatic pistol uses magazines and not clips, just in case...

 

[cmort666]

We really need a "laughing" smilie...

You know, when I was typing that about magazines versus clips, I thought to myself that I really should say that "almost every" semiautomatic pistol uses magazines and not clips, just in case...

What would REALLY be cool would be a Bergmann M1896 in 11.35mm Schouboe. Then he could have a .45 semi-auto that used en bloc clips...

 

[tops]

The mailman brings me several magazines each month and I read them. Larry

 

[GKC]

What would REALLY be cool would be a Bergmann M1896 in 11.35mm Schouboe. Then he could have a .45 semi-auto that used en bloc clips...

OK, now you are just showing off...

 

[sourdough44]

Just skimming through, but it's hard to beat a 4" 357 mag revolver for your stated use. I'd be mostly shooting better 30 spcl +p ammo in it also.

If you want a little more flash, yes you could go with a higher capacity semi-auto. A great choice in this category is a Glock 23(or a 19). Yes, a little off color for this board, but a solid choice.

 

[labworm]

My opinion, any .45 ACP for home defense would be excellent.

I am not a fan of the .357 for home defense for many reasons.

 

[66Park]

The judge, (or governor, et al) IMHO, was a solution to a problem that didn't exist. I can think of no scenario, excepting snakes (I hate snakes), that I would prefer a load of shot out of a 3" barrel shotgun instead of a .45 Colt or .45 ACP. The ranges for self defense negate the advantage of a shotgun, therefore your going to hit or miss, whether with shot colume or bullet. Just my thinking.

I'm a big proponet of the 25/625 family of critters. A 3" RB is always looked for.

Ditto on all the above. If you want a .45 revolver, the 25/625 is definitely a better choice than the Governor for the reasons stated.

 

[66Park]

While the 45 auto revolver concept has ample merit. I am one to believe the cartridges native home (1911) covers the intended role as well as future roles of such a sidearm. either will work with comparable results in home defense. in the future, if you see fit to get a ccw permit, the 1911 is far easier to employ as a carry piece for its thin profile.

And ditto on this as well. I think a 1911 would be a more useable gun for you. You might look at the HK45 as well. If the simplicity of a revolver appeals to you, the HK45 can be set up with an LEM trigger. No safety is required with that setup, so it is just pick up the gun and pull the trigger like a revolver. Plus that, the HK45 holds ten rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber. It's a great gun.

I'm a huge fan of .45, but when it came down to it, I chose an HK P30 9mm with LEM trigger and good hollowpoints for my home defense gun, mainly because current ammo levels the caliber field somewhat, it holds 16 rounds, and 9mm is a whole lot cheaper to shoot a lot of. The .45 acp is a GREAT round, though. You just have to be comfortable with the fact that the trade off for the bigger round is less capacity and higher cost.

 

[Arik]

Opinions are like you know what.....so here is my you know what.

For home defense a simple pump action 12 guage is an excellent choice. Doesnt have to be anything fancy. A used police shotgun can be had all day for around $150-$200. It gives you a variety of loads and is very effective in close quarters. However if youre set on a 45 then i would go with the Glock 21 or MP45. I have big hands too and the Glock just fits perfectly but i own a n MP45. Both platforms are sound, reliable and will do the job. I prefer the MP without any safeties. Glock i think takes 14+1 and the MP 10+1 with 14 round mags available (i dont like those)

I still prefer the shotgun in this situation.

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