Home defense: Drop M&P40 and rely on Shield 40?

[gzimm]

My bedroom safe box has a Ruger LCP (summer CCW), Shield 40 (winter CCW) and M&P40 w/ TLR-2 laser/light on it. It's getting pretty full.

The M&P 40 is for home defense/strange noise investigation/late night front door visitor. I'm thinking about taking the M&P40 out and just using the shield and a hand carried tactical flashlight for the home defense role. I'll lose the laser, 6 rounds of capacity, some accuracy, but simplifying and free-ing up room in my little lock box. I guess I could mitigate the ammo shortage by putting a spare mag in the box too...

Thoughts?

 

[M&P Freak]

I'd lose the Ruger.

 

[Lost Lake]

I like having a light on my night-noises gun. It keeps the other hand free for opening doors, moving curtains and holding the dog back.

For a non-carry gun, size is no objection. For carrying I like a smaller gun like the compact line and my 3913. If it were my night stand safe, I'd take out the Shield and the Ruger and just keep the 40 ready. My own safe has my 40FS and a second full mag and that's it. I don't need confusion in the dark when I'm sleepy.

 

[pmbspyder]

Agreed. Plus, with a weapon mounted light you still have a free hand should you need it. The old light in one hand, gun in another is very dated IMO

 

[mlapaglia]

Get another or bigger safe/ Keep the 40 for HD. For all the above stated reasons.
I have a M&P 9, 9C and 9 Shield. The 9C is the HD weapon. ITs got a light and a CT laser grip and the 17 shoot mag from the full size 9. I edc the shield and use the full size for range.

 

[gzimm]

Well I have a TLR-2 light/laser currently on the M&P40. So maybe I'll just leave it there.

The LCP is my 99% carry gun in the summer because it fits in shorts pocket and my t-shirts won't hide a shield IWB. Fall/winter different story- shield all the way.

 

[bp231986]

Bigger box + more ammo??

 

[gzimm]

Naaah, Fort Knox box is big enough, just going take out the three holsters. They don't need to be locked up. Got enough ammo. If I can't fight my way to the big gun safe with 2, 15 round mags, I give up.

 

[shutupdata113]

get a bigger gun safe.....and add to it

 

[StatesRightist]

A couple of thoughts based on the posts:

1.Gun lights make nice targets if left on continuously, if anybody does that.
2. You cited loss in ammo, accuracy..I'd add velocity, dependability etc. Why would you "give up" anything when defending your home and family?

JMO

 

[Houdini1953]

Where's your shotgun? That is my home defense weapon of choice just point in the direction of noise and pull the trigger!

 

[MichiganScott]

Clint Smith has said, "Two is one, one is none". Lose the Ruger and place a tactical flashlight in the box to be pulled out with the M&P40 with the light when investigating noises.

 

[JJEH]

...Thoughts?

I would keep the full size as home defense gun in the bedroom and put both of the carry guns in the big safe. Additional you should get a shotgun. Way too much stuff going on in your bedroom safe...

 

[crofoot629]

I bet you've never done any night training if you are willing to give up your weapon mounted light.

I'm no expert but have done some low, altered or failing light training. Some as a Deputy Sheriff. I'm a big fan of weapon mounted white lights.

I was allowed to qualify with my personal AR at work. The SO's rifles at the time had no weapon mounted lights, and iron sights. I had a Sure Fire forend white light and Aimpoint M2. It was like cheating. I prefer Rifles/Carbines for bump in the night. I however have used my Glock many times with weapon mounted white light when I needed a firearm in the dark.

Emory

 

[crofoot629]

A couple of thoughts based on the posts:

1.Gun lights make nice targets if left on continuously, if anybody does that.
2. You cited loss in ammo, accuracy..I'd add velocity, dependability etc. Why would you "give up" anything when defending your home and family?

JMO

#1. Maybe. I'm pretty sure if you use your light tactically and only momentarily there could be advantages. But I doubt your going to sneak up on an intruder in your house. Some entry teams live by the caveat of all lights on, and keep them on as soon as they go through the door. I've trained both ways.

Emory

 

[StatesRightist]

#1. Maybe. I'm pretty sure if you use your light tactically and only momentarily there could be advantages. But I doubt your going to sneak up on an intruder in your house. Some entry teams live by the caveat of all lights on, and keep them on as soon as they go through the door. I've trained both ways.

Emory

That was my point, lights are fine, if you know where the off switch is and when to use it. Lights on always is a good way to catch a bullet IMO...to each is own though.

I've got a easy to find switch on mine and a strobe setting.....the strobe is pretty disorienting.

 

[crofoot629]

I have a good dog. I'd know if someone was in the house. In that case I'd sit in ambush while I waited for the Police to clear my house. This whole bump in the night thing seems to get too much play. Tactical lights and no training are the norm for many.

My dog is worth a couple of white lights any day.

Emory

 

[MessEleven]

Keep the M&P 40, put the LCP in your pocket and buy a shotgun for home defense. This should be the weapon you focus on, not more handguns.

 

[gzimm]

You guys are right, no night training on my part. Example- other night dog is going off in backyard at 3am. I grab HD pistol, slide open door and hit the light. Turns out there's a cat on fence hissing at dog. Ok going to bed. Did I really need to aim a loaded pistol around to investigate?

As to other post, have a shotgun and ar15 set for defense but they are in basement in big safe. Because of kids, only pistol in ft Knox box in bedroom.

 

[dracer]

you have to aim a shotgun if you don't think so take and pattern it at 15-20 ft the size of a room and see how big the pattern is it is very small