Home Defense / Concealed Carry Advice Requested

[clcdawg]

Well I swapped from Glock to M&P and have not looked back. I have a full size M&P 9 and love it. In a comp-tact MTAC holster it conceals fine for me. My wife is wanting a semi-auto pistol now and we went to the range and rented a M&P 9c and a Glock 26 and she said the M&P won for her hands down. Now that the shield is out she is wanting to try it. If I was to get another Glock it would be a G19. I believe it is there best one.

 

[richard13]

You guys are awesome! I don't think I've ever gotten so much response from any question I've ever posted in any forum.

Thanks for the additional tips and info. I'll definitely weigh this in my decision and let you know what I eventually do.

 

[toocool]

There is only one home defense gun, a 12 Gauge shotgun. A pistol is nice to be able to grab if surprised etc, but depending on a pistol as your first line home defense gun is a mistake. Buy the M&P to carry, but spend another $350 on a Mossberg 500 or a Winchester Defender, otherwise you are under armed.

I agree with whoever said a .357 for a HD pistol. They can lay uncleaned or oiled for a year, collect dust etc and still go bang. They are simple to use and bleary eyed nighttime wake-ups make simple the best idea.

Every man ought to own a 12GA pump, a .22, a .357, a 9mm and an AK-47 as an initial start-up entry into the shooting world. They are the simple basics that once mastered allow you to competently move into more advanced weapons.

JMO...

Welcome to the Forum, it's always to see a new shooter join the ranks!!

I disagree with the comment that "there is only one home defense gun, a12 gauge shotgun..." While a 12-gauge may be the ultimate, if you are new to guns and can only afford one, the best one for you is the one you shoot best. As a first gun, ideally, a .357 magnum medium frame revolver with a 4" barrel is hard to beat. You can practice with lower powered .38 Special ammo, or even use a good +P lead semiwadcutter hollow point for defensive use. Ideally, you would want a 12-gauge at some point, but again, it's not optimal in certain home defense situations. If you know you have an intruder in the house, you call the police, grab your 12-gauge and ensconce yourself in a "safe room" and wait for the cavalry to arrive. But you can't be calling the police for every "bump in the night" you hear, and there are times you may feel the need to investigate (not the greatest idea, but sometimes necessary). If that becomes the case, a shotgun is rather unwieldy to try to maneuver with, in addition to handling a flashlight, cell phone, etc. That's where the handgun shines.

There are many books and articles written on the subject. I'd suggest you do a search and read as much as you can on the subject, then make a choice that is right for you.

 

[jackjr]

I agree that a 9mm is the thing to start with and the one that fits your hand best may be the best one for you. We own several 9's and really like our Shield and the wife will carry it. I happen to carry a Springfield Armory XDM in 9mm when I'm out in my truck but it is very hard to conceal. It sits by my bed and 19+1 is a healthy loadout. I use several handguns for CC and practice with all of them or I won't carry them. I plan on getting anither Shield so I'll have one to carry. The best gun is the one you have at the time you need it.

 

[Kanewpadle]

While I agree about a 12ga or 357. The man said M&P or Glock in 9MM.

 

[mazdaspeedrx8]

Well if thinking about HD and cc a 9mm would be the best first. but a good .22 would be good for practice. 22 ammo is CHEAP. My first large caliber hand gun was a Glock 17 its a great pistol. But a bit large for cc. So i would say go for a 19. M&P are great but if would be perfect if the trigger was better but hey you can always thow a apex trigger kit on

 

[Brian_P]

I'm surprised about people advocating 357 rounds as a good Home defense ammo over 9mm. I'd be concerned about pass through the way homes are manufactured these days.

 

[alde]

I'm surprised about people advocating 357 rounds as a good Home defense ammo over 9mm. I'd be concerned about pass through the way homes are manufactured these days.

Not to mention what the flash and noise will do to you in a dark room in a house. I just picked up a M&P 40c and love it. That or a 9c would do well for a home defense/carry gun. You will also have to decide if you want a safety or not. As a new gun owner you may want one.

 

[anewkirk]

Welcome!

I went with the M&P 9c for home defense / carry weapon. For me, this is "it".

My wife uses a Smith & Wesson 649 Bodyguard that she keeps loaded with some .38 +P rounds, but she has the option of using .357 rounds when she gets to be more comfortable with it. She *loves* this gun and will never part with it. For her, this is "it".

I would suggest either (or both!) of these to anyone looking for a home defense or carry weapon.

If you go with a Glock 9mm be sure you research the FTE issues that the newer Glock 9mm's are having.

Some people say that a good 12gauge shotgun is the best home defense weapon that you can get. I do not yet have one, but I plan on adding 1 later this year.

 

[StatesRightist]

Not to mention what the flash and noise will do to you in a dark room in a house. I just picked up a M&P 40c and love it. That or a 9c would do well for a home defense/carry gun. You will also have to decide if you want a safety or not. As a new gun owner you may want one.

I don't know why anyone would be surprised, it's only been one of the most recommended HD guns for the last 30 years or so by many people. The whole flash and noise thing is crapola, look up auditory exclusion. Do whatever makes you happy, whatever you think is right for you.

 

[Shielded]

If you go with a Glock, I also recommend the G19, but I would go with a 3rd gen, 4th's seem to have some issues. But I would seriously look at the M&P's.

 

[RobzGuns]

I'm surprised about people advocating 357 rounds as a good Home defense ammo over 9mm. I'd be concerned about pass through the way homes are manufactured these days.

When you think about it though, any round (pistol or shotgun) that's going to give you proper penetration through body tissue is also going to have enough energy to pass through interior walls (2 pieces of drywall 4" apart).

'The Box of Truth' has some great penetration tests. Check out the home defense testing they did, using dry wall.

 

[kris7047th]

Eventually you may want multiple guns - most of us do. However, as a beginner, you're best suited with one gun that suits you well and putting further cash into ammo for more practice and training. If it fits your hand well, the M&P 9c is comfortable for range, has decent capacity, and is fairly easy to conceal. I always recommend 9mm as the caliber for a first gun because ammo is affordable and available for practice, and modern 9mm hollow points are extremely effective for defense.

^^ This. Excellent advice. Best to start with 9mm than a higher caliber that will have more recoil and could result with you developing bad habits. Get with a firearms trainer in your area to learn the proper handgun fundamentals. Take as many classes that you can afford and practice often as possible. Better to learn right from the onset, then to have to correct bad habits later on.

 

[kris7047th]

If you go with a Glock, I also recommend the G19, but I would go with a 3rd gen, 4th's seem to have some issues. But I would seriously look at the M&P's.

Agreed! The same reason that I have not sold my 3rd gen G19, even though I have switched to M&Ps.

 

[alde]

I don't know why anyone would be surprised, it's only been one of the most recommended HD guns for the last 30 years or so by many people. The whole flash and noise thing is crapola, look up auditory exclusion. Do whatever makes you happy, whatever you think is right for you.

Have you actually fired a 357 at night without ear protection? I have and it does affect your vision and hearing and that was not in a closed environment like a bedroom. I have read about auditory exclusion and night vision and have concluded that a standard pressure 45 ACP is the best choice for me. That has been one of the most reccomended HD rounds for the last 100 years.

 

[StatesRightist]

Have you actually fired a 357 at night without ear protection? I have and it does affect your vision and hearing and that was not in a closed environment like a bedroom. I have read about auditory exclusion and night vision and have concluded that a standard pressure 45 ACP is the best choice for me.

Then you should definitely carry a 45. It's a fine cartridge, if you mastered whatever you shoot it out of. It's one of my absolute favorites and you made a good choice.

I'm not sure if I was clear in my meaning. I meant in a life and death situation it terms of auditory exclusion being a factor, not in a non-lethal scenario.

 

[StatesRightist]

There is only one home defense gun, a 12 Gauge shotgun. A pistol is nice to be able to grab if surprised etc, but depending on a pistol as your first line home defense gun is a mistake. Buy the M&P to carry, but spend another $350 on a Mossberg 500 or a Winchester Defender, otherwise you are under armed.

Hello, I have heard this quite often about the "shotgun" for home defense but I was wondering, how do you make the shotgun available for home defense and also make sure the burgler dosen't use it on you when you get home and he's not finished stealing your stuff. One of my main concerns with a home defense gun is making sure I can get to it quickly but not the guy breaking into my house when I'm not home.

Good question, unfortunately there is no way that is not a little bit of trouble. One way would be to gun lock it when you leave, the other, which is my method is a gun safe. When I come home I check the house, still having a gun on me, change my clothes and pull the shotgun and one other out of the safe.

As others have said, I leave my gun on except when I sleep. My family's plan has them moving to one of two safe zones, depending on where the BG's come in at, that have hidden weapons there while I retrieve my long gun, which is not in prominent display in case I can't get to that room, but the BG can.

Others may have ideas as well, hope this helps.

 

[alde]

Then you should definitely carry a 45. It's a fine cartridge, if you mastered whatever you shoot it out of. It's one of my absolute favorites and you made a good choice.

I'm not sure if I was clear in my meaning. I meant in a life and death situation it terms of auditory exclusion being a factor, not in a non-lethal scenario.

I have read that when your in a real life and death situation your body reacts differently. I understand the hearing is not as affected because of the adrenaline pumping and you become hypersensitive. I'm not knocking the 357 as a great SD round and it's one of my favorites. We all make our own choices based on our own situation. One thing I do like about a semi-auto as a nightstand gun is the ability to have a second magazine ready. It seems like most break-ins these days are 2 or more bad guys.

 

[play627]

Hello everyone. This is my first post here.

I am relatively new to guns in general. I have taken an 8 hour safety course and have been to the range a couple times with rentals. I have also obtained my CPL.

I'm now getting ready to purchase my first handgun and I've narrowed my focus to a few M&P and Glock 9mm models. I'd rather an S&W from a style and overall feel point of view.

I am primarily looking for a gun for Home Defense but I am also interested in possible CC. I'm wondering if there are models that fit both of these applications? If so, which would you recommend? Or is it more common to have two different guns for these jobs?

Thanks for your help!

I am in a similar situation - new gun owner. I decided to go with a S&W 627 revolver for home defense. In my opinion a semi will add additional complications in a stressful situation (was it loaded, locked, etc?). I think after you gain some experience with hand guns, a semi will probably be a good solution but as a first gun, I think the revolver is a better choice.

 

[StatesRightist]

I am in a similar situation - new gun owner. I decided to go with a S&W 627 revolver for home defense. In my opinion a semi will add additional complications in a stressful situation (was it loaded, locked, etc?). I think after you gain some experience with hand guns, a semi will probably be a good solution but as a first gun, I think the revolver is a better choice.

Welcome to the Forum!!