Need some suggestions for a home defense pistol please....

[shooboy]

Hi everyone, looking for some ideas on a home defense gun. I won't be carrying it, just something that I can grab just in case. Figuring on maybe a semi-auto with a rail on the bottom that I can mount a flashlight/laser combo to. Your thoughts please ??? I'd like to stay with either 9mm or 45 ACP as I've sold off almost all my other guns. I've got two 1911's, but neither one has a rail, and my Taurus 709 Slim has become the gun I carry almost exclusively, so like I said, looking for something that will do the job at home. Hi-capacity would mean it would have to be pre-ban for me, otherwise 10 rounds is max. Maybe I should have kept my XD45, that would have fit the bill, but I was basically attacked at a certain Forum when I wanted to give a Shooboy Hammer away as a Karma, and that left a bad taste in my mouth. Guess since I was a new member there and was giving something away for free because I wasn't eligible to sell stuff, I was pronounced a phisher and a dishonest piece of crap. Got away from that Forum with all there witty youngsters, sold the gun shortly thereafter. Anyway, that's another story. Back to my question, what would work for me in your opinions ? Hate to say I'd like to keep it on the cheap side, would like to do the gun and light combo for under $500, is this possible ? Thanks for your help, Shoo

 

[Ranger98]

Have you thought about an M&P 9mm or .45 ?

 

[shooboy]

Hi JR, Yes, the M&P 9mm is my first choice, just don't think I can find one in my price range. Isn't S&W making a cheaper version of the M&P ? Does it have a rail ??? Thanks, shoo

 

[gunlovingirl]

Bersa makes a very good pistol at a good price. I own two. One is a 9mm Ultra Compact. I've never had a problem with either of them. You can get a 9mm Bersa 10 rounder for about $350. That'll leave room for the accessories.

 

[Cobroller]

Cheap, reliable, 45 ACP with a rail says 4566TSW to me. There have been police trades available at low prices recently. Double action--single action with a decock only. No safety to deal with if you are coming out of sleep mode. Capacity is 8 plus one.
Mine feeds everything I have put in it including lead semi-wadcutters.
I have no experience with a light on it though.

 

[Ranger98]

I was thinking you might find a used M&P 9 that would be in the $400 range.The full size mag is 17 rounds (If I remember correctly)Don't know anything about the prices in your area though...

 

[Milton]

I do not own one but recently a friend bought a Ruger SR9c that I got to shoot at the range.The gun had a great trigger(Glock) and was very accurate.I think he paid right at $400 for his and it came with two 10 round magazines.I think they normally come with a 10 and a 17 but you may get it with the 10 rounders.It is a relatively small and light gun that handled any load we put through it!

 

[rock doc]

Hi JR, Yes, the M&P 9mm is my first choice, just don't think I can find one in my price range. Isn't S&W making a cheaper version of the M&P ? Does it have a rail ??? Thanks, shoo

Yes, sir. S&W came out with the SD series, sorta cross between the Sigma and M&P and it has a rail. There's been some discussions in the semi auto forum.

SD9 & SD40 - Smith & Wesson

 

[Ranger98]

I though about the SD series Rock,but I don't know what the prices are in his area..since they are so new,I doubt if many used ones would be out there yet.Just trying to stay under the $500 as much as posible

 

[shooboy]

Thanks, keep 'em coming ! Some excellent suggestions so far, I've already started checking some of them out. I'm leaning more towards a 9mm for follow up shot capability, although I have owned a Para LDA 45 that was pretty easy to shoot for a smaller 45. I have checked out the Bersa's, they look like a good value. I'm going to check out the new S&W value guns now, over to the semi-auto section of the forum I go.....Shoo

 

[Bullseye 2620]

Shoo,

I know you asked for pistol recommendations, but I would suggest a Mossberg 590A1 (models 51663, 51668, or 51520) 12 gauge with a side mounted adapter that fits these models and accepts a 1" diameter light. Look here at the second item from the bottom of the page: Rifle Accessories 410 Shotgun Barrel Shooting AR 15 Gunsmith Tools 410 Shotgun Accessory. With a blaze orange ramp front sight and ghost ring rear sight, this combination is potent. I have one in my bedroom. I hope you don't mind me recommended something other than what you asked for.


Bullseye

 

[Rule3]

Just because some folks on a forum bashed you, you should not bash the XD. They are excellent firearms, better than Glock IMHO, but if you still do not want one, look at a used SW Sigma which are all over now or the new Sigma V.2 (Home defense)

We have Sigmas here for $250 or less. They work fine, just a heavy trigger which can be re done if needed.

 

[shooboy]

The SD9 S&W now has my attention......

 

[shooboy]

Just because some folks on a forum bashed you, you should not bash the XD. They are excellent firearms, better than Glock IMHO, but if you still do not want one, look at a used SW Sigma which are all over now or the new Sigma V.2 (Home defense)

We have Sigmas here for $250 or less. They work fine, just a heavy trigger which can be re done if needed.

Hey OCD1, I'm not bashing the XD, it was a fantastic piece, I wish I'd have kept it. I had 6 mags with it too, along with the XD kit. I shouldn't have gotten rid of it just because of a bad experience on a Forum. My mistake, I'd buy it back in a second if I could.
Please tell me more about these Sigmas, I may be interested, thanks, Shoo

 

[Rule3]

No problem.

 

[sigp220.45]

Hey, Shoo - Summit Gun Brokers has some nice Glock 22s with the rail and three mags for $380. That could get you set up pretty well for under $500.

If you want a 9mm, they have Glock 17s with rails for $375 and the same set up but with night sights for $395.

 

[P&R Fan]

I agree on the Glock.
I've owned five, presently have three, the 22,23 and 27. Ugly little suckers but they go bang every time you pull the trigger. Can be found used in your price range and even new around here for not much more than that. The 23 is my headboard gun.

 

[Walker45]

Buy a quality Surefire flashlight and practice with your 1911's and you can save yourself hundreds.

IMHO...

 

[venomballistics]

Ill throw a wrench into this and add in 12 Ga ....
Handguns, love em as we might, are what you use to fight your way to the long arm you'll use to finish the fight.

 

[GKC]

I would recommend the SD9 over the Sigma...it's basically a Sigma with an M&P trigger. I've owned both, and prefer the SD9. I don't know what they sell for in your location, but I paid $400 for mine new, here. Of course, with the Sigma you will pay less and I think the rebate or 2 mags deal is still on. Either one will do fine for home defense, but the Sigma does have a heavier trigger.