My brother in law, who has never shot a gun in his 58 years, wants a home defense gun. I want to take him to the range and let him shoot my model 10 .38 Spl. and a .22 revolver, then a full-size 9mm, Beretta 92, maybe a .32 semi-auto, and see what he can shoot comfortably. I would feel better putting a revolver in his hands, as they are about as basic as one can get. Then I thought about S&W's EZ 9mm & .380, as they hold a few more rounds. Perhaps a shotgun, but he'd just like a handgun. I think letting him shoot what I have mentioned above, then going from there. (And, of course, making him take a training course at a local range with whatever he decides he's comfortable with.) Anyone have an idea for me; or am I on the right path?
Home defense for a newbie?
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Fiddler1537
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OP
Yeah, Fiddler, that's my input, too. I have a 410 pump and a 410 double. Easy-peasy!
How do you propose to MAKE him take a training class?
I think you are on the mark of having him shoot multiple calibers and actions, find what feels good to him. Unless he is going to spend a lot of time at the range to become a proficient shooter, ( yes you can miss a 10 feet, and people have), I would look at a 20 ga /12 pump or side by side, 18-20" bbl, 1 in the chamber, 7-8 in the mag on the pump. Next is Safety, does he have any children, other family members. So safe storage and easy access would be next. Also does he live in a house, apt, how much distance is there between him and his neighbors, bullets will go through perpetrators and walls so a shotgun with buckshot is an option. Last what is his physical condition-Is he a 58 year old body builder or multiple illnesses that have him in a wheelchair? I like 12 ga as part of my home defense, but I have been shooting for 58 years. Also mindset is of great importance, did he move to a bad area, increase in crime, covid-19 or has he been a pacifist who now realizes that as the bad guy is coming through the door the police may be 15-30 minutes away? ( Not Law Enforcement's fault, just a reality depending on where you live- city, small town, very rural?) All of the above should be taken into consideration, I know people without the physical or mental strength to use a firearm, and I would never have them get one if it would put them in greater danger from accidental self inflicted injury. Good Luck Be Safe,
max503
Member
If someone asked me that question, and I knew they weren't going to take up shooting as a hobby I would recommend either a Taurus PT 92 or a Taurus (or S&W - depending on their budget) K frame size revolver.
I've always owned what I consider to be "sporting" type guns. Blue steel and wood. Shotguns, 22 rifles, revolvers, and a couple 1911's. A year or so ago I bought me a PT 92. Man oh man, am I impressed by the amount of firepower you can hold right there in your hands. And it's user friendly. With that gun and a couple extra mags you could really "hold 'em off at the pass." That's the gun I would want if I knew I was going into a serious social situation. It's almost like a little machine gun. Yes sir, that's the gun I'd want!
I've always owned what I consider to be "sporting" type guns. Blue steel and wood. Shotguns, 22 rifles, revolvers, and a couple 1911's. A year or so ago I bought me a PT 92. Man oh man, am I impressed by the amount of firepower you can hold right there in your hands. And it's user friendly. With that gun and a couple extra mags you could really "hold 'em off at the pass." That's the gun I would want if I knew I was going into a serious social situation. It's almost like a little machine gun. Yes sir, that's the gun I'd want!
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Priorities
Yes, the gun selected is relevant, but an understanding of judgment, tactics and the law is even more important. By all means, teach him how to shoot be insure that he receives the classroom topics.
Yes, the gun selected is relevant, but an understanding of judgment, tactics and the law is even more important. By all means, teach him how to shoot be insure that he receives the classroom topics.
cyphertext
US Veteran
As others have suggested, I would look into a long gun of some type. It is easier to get a newbie to make hits since the stock offers additional points of contact with the body and is more stable.
A red dot on a pistol caliber carbine or an AR makes for quick hits and easy shooting.
A red dot on a pistol caliber carbine or an AR makes for quick hits and easy shooting.
BearBio
Member
If a revolver, I would suggest a QUALITY four-inch, double action in 357 magnum. Why the magnum? More versatility! Four inch is controllable but not as awkward as a 6 inch. Maybe a K-frame or L-frame stainless for ease of maintenance. If money is available, a matching 22.
OP
He's single, we live in the city (PGH) in a rural-type area, called Stanton Hgts. It used to be a golf course early 1900s. But, I believe a short shotgun would be best. And, maybe a double-action .22 revolver. He's in good shape, just minor aches & pains of being a mail carrier for past 25 years. Money is no problem; he just wants to have a sense of security. I would think keep it simple. Thanks all for the info. BTW, if I told him to take a beginner's class, he would. There's a newer place about 45 minutes North of here that do that; and, they cater to the women with classes, etc. Heck, he might even like it and then I'd have company going to shoot defenseless pieces of paper!
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All good hardware suggestions above, but even if he decides not to do so (conceal carry or hunt) taking the PA concealed carry or NRA Hunter Safety course (or both) would be excellent ideas.
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bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
A long gun and full frame handgun is a good home invasion gun, but I think a home defense gun needs to drop in your pocket when you answer a knock at the door.
A compact frame 9mm, like a Shield, fits the task well.
Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk
A compact frame 9mm, like a Shield, fits the task well.
Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk
@ OP,
As mentioned above, you have received a number of great recommendations. However, what wasn't asked, is what is your brother's mindset? If confronted with an armed threat, is your brother of the mindset that is willing to shoot and potentially take a life, or is there a good chance that he'd either hesitate or freeze? I don't ask the above to insult your brother!
A person more likely to hesitate or freeze could be more likely disarmed by a threat if they are wielding a long arm. You mentioned that your brother is a retired postal employee, might he also have some form of military experience? Knowing that could help with recommendations.
While a shotgun (not a "Shockwave" or V-Tac) I think would be a more viable recommendation, I think that a medium framed 38/357 would provide adequate service, it would also lend itself to more opportunities to be taken out for practice.
As mentioned above, you have received a number of great recommendations. However, what wasn't asked, is what is your brother's mindset? If confronted with an armed threat, is your brother of the mindset that is willing to shoot and potentially take a life, or is there a good chance that he'd either hesitate or freeze? I don't ask the above to insult your brother!
A person more likely to hesitate or freeze could be more likely disarmed by a threat if they are wielding a long arm. You mentioned that your brother is a retired postal employee, might he also have some form of military experience? Knowing that could help with recommendations.
While a shotgun (not a "Shockwave" or V-Tac) I think would be a more viable recommendation, I think that a medium framed 38/357 would provide adequate service, it would also lend itself to more opportunities to be taken out for practice.
I think your basic idea, some level of familiarization with a variety of handguns, is not a bad idea. He will decide that some of them do not fit his hand or feel comfortable and maybe find one that does. You can then take it from there.
sigp220.45
US Veteran
I think you’re on the right track. If he wants a handgun he should get a handgun.
Let him shoot as many of yours as he wants to and then let him decide. Sounds like he’s done alright in life so far doing that.
Honestly, if you’re an experienced shooter he would probably be better off learning safety and the basics from you rather than a local instructor, depending on your comfort level doing it and your brother/brother dynamic.
Let him shoot as many of yours as he wants to and then let him decide. Sounds like he’s done alright in life so far doing that.
Honestly, if you’re an experienced shooter he would probably be better off learning safety and the basics from you rather than a local instructor, depending on your comfort level doing it and your brother/brother dynamic.
If you feel the need to have a gun on your person before you open the door, why are you opening the door?
If I don't know who you are I don't open the door nonnegotiable full stop, end of sentence.
Having said that, I always have a gun on me so I always have a gun on me when I open the door
bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
Occasional strangers at the door, such as delivery requiring signature and service people such as exterminators requiring access do happen.
Unexpected knock and hubby usually answers the door, with his carry pocketed, and I stay back to cover with my carry at the ready.
Anyone trying forced entry would have us switch to ready long guns.
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ContinentalOp
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Why do you assume bigwheelzip is opening the door? You do know you can answer the door without opening it, right?
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