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.

 

[Kanewpadle]

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...

+1. My thoughts exactly. This gun will work for you or your wife.

A home defense gun must fit both of you. Even if she doesn't care for guns. I have an M&P 9 on my nightstand. I would rather have a high cap 40 or 45 but I want something my wife can handle in case she beats me to the gun or I'm incapacitated.

I would NOT buy any newly designed gun from S&W or any other gunmaker. Smith has a history of problems with new designs. You've seen proof of this on this very forum.

The M&P as well as the XD series of guns have proven to be equal to or better than any other polymer gun.

At home, you have nowhere to run to except maybe a bedroom or a saferoom if your fortunate to have one. In this situation I want what I believe is the best choice for me and my family.

Choose wisely buddy.

Oh, and we won't bash you for another karma!

 

[bitstream]

I've got a Sigma; it's basically a 100% workhorse. Not much on frills, but guaranteed to work every time. Some of the guys on the Sigma forum on this board have over 10,000 rnds with zero FTF, or FTE. And the trigger isn't a big deal. My Wife shoots it and says the trigger doesn't bother her at all. If my little wife is fine with it, then all the sissy men complaining about it need to man up. It's just fine, about 10lbs. Is it a competition trigger? No. Is it good for a home defense? YES. You don't want a hair trigger that you'll shoot yourself in the foot when grabbing it to investigate a sound in the night.

You can get one for about $300 brand new if you shop around a bit; add the rebate that is still going on ($50 or 2 mags), and you can't beat it.

 

[rimfired]

Amigo, for home self defense I do not like weapon mounted lights. I have a Surefire to blind an intruder but not mounted. They make you a target. If the bad guys have a light they are the target. If they can't see you, you have the advantage of concealment/cover in your environment.
Instinctive shooting/pointing when the adrenaline is flowing will benefit you more than a light. Just my humble opinion.
Keep a gun that points naturally for you close. It's an extension of your hand/arm. Try this, look at a target @ 10' away, close your eyes then point at it with your bare hand pointer/trigger finger. Open your eyes and see how close you were. Amazing!

 

[zercool]

We keep a S&W 5946 on the bedside table. MrsZ is comfortable with it, and pre-ban mags are available.

 

[cmort666]

I'm no fan of rails or lights on handguns, but if that's what you want, let me second a police trade-in Glock from Summit Gun Broker.

I bought my 2nd Gen. Glock 19 from them and was very happy. They're honest and easy to do business with.

 

[GJH77]

M & P 45

Shoo,
I have had an M&P 9 for about a year and a half, and really liked it. So much that after getting a 4566, I had gotten the urge to get an M&P 45. I too was worried about the cost, and in expanding my shooters, have become a real bottom feeder on prices for used guns. But I found that on Gunbroker and even thru a couple of dealers that new M&P's are going for under $500, shipped, and in many cases under $400. So I finally got one last week, delivered today, and with the rebate (which ends tomorrow), it will come to $415 delivered. Had to go thru 3 auctions, and then I was bid up about $30 more than the recent bids, but with the rebate ending I could not resist. To top it off, it came with Nightsights.
AS luck would have it, just after I win one, several used M&P 45's popped up and sold this week for $350+/-, and one, almost new in the box, even went for $250.
In comparison, I paid $600 for the 9mm.
Good luck on your search.

 

[Kanewpadle]

I've got a Sigma; it's basically a 100% workhorse. Not much on frills, but guaranteed to work every time. Some of the guys on the Sigma forum on this board have over 10,000 rnds with zero FTF, or FTE. And the trigger isn't a big deal. My Wife shoots it and says the trigger doesn't bother her at all. If my little wife is fine with it, then all the sissy men complaining about it need to man up. It's just fine, about 10lbs. Is it a competition trigger? No. Is it good for a home defense? YES. You don't want a hair trigger that you'll shoot yourself in the foot when grabbing it to investigate a sound in the night.

You can get one for about $300 brand new if you shop around a bit; add the rebate that is still going on ($50 or 2 mags), and you can't beat it.

In YOUR opinion the Sigma trigger is just fine.

GOOD FOR YOU!!

A 10 pound trigger on a self defense gun is redicules!

Some folks need to "man up" and fork up the bucks for a better gun.

Oh, let me guess. By a Sigma and THEN get a trigger job.

 

[Steave]

I'd contact Summit Gun Broker, Firearms, Guns, Rifles. Grain Valley, Missouri. and pick up a used 3rd Gen Glock 17, or if you'd consider a .40, a G22. You should be able to get the gun with an extra mag or two shipped to your dealer for under $400. Not much needs to be said about the Glocks, they're ugly, relatively cheap and go bang every time. That'll leave you $100, give or take, to pick up a light to mount and should serve you well.

As much as I like the utilitarian aspect of Glocks, I really prefer the 2nd gen guns to the 3rd gen, I just don't care for the finger grooves. That said, there is a 3rd gen G22 with an Insight Technologies light in my nightstand.

 

[DeathGrip]

Oh, let me guess. By a Sigma and THEN get a trigger job.

Your point about adding to the cost or sending it home to S&W is why I got rid of my .40.
I couldn't with the Broad side of a zip code with it at 50'.
It felt good in my hand and pointed straight but I just couldn't get trigger control.
I fired plenty of various rounds through it without a hickup though.But it never was easy to be consistent with it.

 

[DeadAye]

I keep a 38, a 357 and a 45 Commander around for daylight in and around the house, but at night it's 12 gauge all the way. I keep the shotgun in such a position that I HAVE to get out of bed and at least kind of wake up before I start shooting at ANYTHING. Better safe than sorry!

Speaking of Better Safe Than Sorry - A light on a gun is what's known as a target... Your house should already be lit to your tactical advantage.