Thoughts on a bedside/nightstand/"go to" gun

[Beat Trash]

I would not suggest having a different kind of gun as your "go-to" gun at night. You would want it to resemble as much as possible the gun you practice with the most.

You start to develop muscle memory the more you train and practice with a gun. This is a good thing during a confrontation, as you have enough other things to focus on.

I'd strongly recommend you get a second M&P9 for this reason instead of a SD9VE.

If you want to collect guns, that's great. If you want guns to have fun with at the range, (Range Toys), that's great. But guns used for defensive purposes, AKA "Work Guns" are tools, not toys. Defending one's life is a serious endeavor, and it should be approached as such.

I'm issued an M&P9 by my employer. If I had the ability to chose my duty pistol, it'd most likely still be an M&P9. It would definitely be a 9mm for a lot of reasons.

My "Bedroom gun" is a privately owned M&P9. My wife's "Bedroom Gun" is an M&P9. If I need to go forth and confront an issue within my house, I don't want my wife defenseless. By keeping both guns the same, she can access whichever is closest to her at the time of need and operate it well.

Just a few thoughts on the topic. Food for thought...

 

[DocSunShine]

I own the SD40VE and it lives in my nightstand. I've never had an issue with it and find the recoil very manageable. I'm considering a Shield for EDC. Right now I'm leaning towards the 9 for 2 reasons. One, diversity of ammo and; two, I seen a lot of negative posts on the M&P thread about numerous issues with the .40 version. Is the 40c worth the extra $150? To me that answer is dependent on your belief in the quality and ergonomics of the SD40VE. If you trust in both of those (as I do), then I'd spend the extra on quality ammo or a bedside safe (similar to the one shown earlier). Just my $0.02 which, in today's economy, is worth......hmmmm, I might owe YOU.


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Don't believe the hype, between myself, family and friends I happen to know several people who own the .40 shield and not a single problem with any of them outside the white falling out of one of the stock rear sights which is not super uncommon with ANY M&P and it's an easy fix at that (bedsides I recommend changing the stock sights anyway).

 

[STRONGNUFF]

Yes, this...

This is what I use and I keep my Glock 21 .45 acp in it.

 

[M&P Freak]

There are no kids in my household. The only people living in here are myself and my wife, and she can handle guns with the best of them. These facts play a big part in my bedside gun configuration that consists of a mid-sized M&P45 in a holster that is firmly attached to my side of the bed in between the bed and the nightstand. The gun is very easy to retrieve in a hurry but is more or less out of sight and a surefire flashlight sits on the nightstand. The M&P has no external safety to fiddle with and it always has a round in the chamber with ten in the magazine. Two extra magazines are in a nightstand drawer, just in case I don't know what. A loaded twelve gauge sits on my wife's side of the bed, again between the bed and the nightstand. We have a plan if something bad is happening in the middle of the night - she stays put with the shotgun (and dog), calls 911 and stays on the phone with them while I do whatever I think is best at the time. Obviously, communication is important in this situation.

When people come over to visit, the first thing I think of is "the guns". Do they have kids with them? Are they "gun people" or not?? Most often I excuse myself for a moment and secure the firearms in the safe until they leave. If I'm not home, my wife knows to do the same. Accidents happen when you get lazy. Having loaded guns in the house is a big responsibility.

Here's my bedside holster setup:

I forget the name of the company that made the thing and think they are no longer in business. The flat part sits between the mattress and box spring. The holster itself is a Safariland 6377 with the retention parts removed. It's simple and works great.

 

[PALADIN85020]

Any one of these. I usually keep the middle one nearby at night, stoked with 14 rounds of HydraShok 230-grain JHPs. The light module is attached, and it has tritium night sights. I considered a .357, but the report from those would blow your eardrums out in an enclosed area, and there is a penetration problem, as well. The .45 is a bloop tube, and the report is not nearly as severe. I also have a spare 13-round mag handy in case a herd of zombies decide to invade...

John

 

[SpartanZeroOne]

I would not suggest having a different kind of gun as your "go-to" gun at night. You would want it to resemble as much as possible the gun you practice with the most.

You start to develop muscle memory the more you train and practice with a gun. This is a good thing during a confrontation, as you have enough other things to focus on.

I'd strongly recommend you get a second M&P9 for this reason instead of a SD9VE.

If you want to collect guns, that's great. If you want guns to have fun with at the range, (Range Toys), that's great. But guns used for defensive purposes, AKA "Work Guns" are tools, not toys. Defending one's life is a serious endeavor, and it should be approached as such.

I'm issued an M&P9 by my employer. If I had the ability to chose my duty pistol, it'd most likely still be an M&P9. It would definitely be a 9mm for a lot of reasons.

My "Bedroom gun" is a privately owned M&P9. My wife's "Bedroom Gun" is an M&P9. If I need to go forth and confront an issue within my house, I don't want my wife defenseless. By keeping both guns the same, she can access whichever is closest to her at the time of need and operate it well.

Just a few thoughts on the topic. Food for thought...

Thanks for the advice! I could not agree more that choosing the right "go to" gun is very serious business. That's exactly why I am seeking the advice of the experts since I do not have all that much S&W pistol experience... although I really LOVE Smith products.

I can definitely see the merits of keeping your guns the same, as much as possible. I may very well end up going with another Shield 9 or M&P FS 9mm. Don't want a M&P 9c because the only 10 round, non-Mass trigger version of the 9c Smith makes has a mag safety and I don't want that. I also don't want to buy the 9c and remove it myself... I was recently told by a local gunsmith not to touch your "go to" gun because in the unfortunate event you ever have to use it, you will be taken to task by the prosecutor for "modifying" your gun... which (in my blue state) obviously means you're a "nut" who was just waiting to murder the poor, innocent criminal who's invading your home!

Another reason I was thinking about a .40 is the opportunity to expand my collection a bit in terms of calibers. So far the only calibers we own for handguns is 9mm and .38 and I like both of those rounds. However, in the event of a possible ammo shortage like 15 months ago, it would be nice to be able to buy .40 if I couldn't find 9mm.... which, by the way, I could not find back in early 2013. What I did find was so ridiculously priced that I would never have bought it.

 

[686-380]

While I can't claim to be an expert, I can state with authority - I LOVE MY GOVERNOR!!! I was testing out Winchester PDX1 410 shells and was very impressed with the pattern (approx. 21 feet).

While I'd had problems with birdshot rounds ballooning in the cylinder, the PDX1s ejected without fuss.

I perceive there is an "OH ****!!" advantage in that it's a very intimidating firearm.

I also thought the recoil was pretty manageable. My wife and mother-in-law fired .45 ACP, 45LC and the .410 rounds without complaint.

I don't know whether your state allows them for sale, however...

 

[wingnuut]

Get the governor revolver 1st 2 rnds 410 #6 3rd 410 def has a 38 cal slug and some bbs 4th 45colt for a big hole , then your choice maybe finish with 45acp with moon ring they give you some 2 shot rings with the gun, what more can you ask for, mine came with the crimson trace from factory, now you just

 

[ibewbull]

At the end of the day my EDC goes close to the bed.
Why have multiple options unless you NEED an excuse to buy another gun?
So if I carried my J or K frame all day it is handy at night.
A pair of 12 gauges hang in a rack plenty close enough also, to cover all the bases.
Even being in the country I don't use .357 rounds for defense purposes. Over penetration being the reason. Typically I have 158 gr LWSCHP in the revolvers.

 

[wingnuut]

get a governor revolver first load 410 # 6 also second load 3 rd load 45 long colt, 4th 45 long colt, 5th and 6th 45 acp mine also has a crimson trace from the factory. So you only have to point, what more could you ask for?

 

[SpartanZeroOne]

While I can't claim to be an expert, I can state with authority - I LOVE MY GOVERNOR!!! I was testing out Winchester PDX1 410 shells and was very impressed with the pattern (approx. 21 feet).

While I'd had problems with birdshot rounds ballooning in the cylinder, the PDX1s ejected without fuss.

I perceive there is an "OH ****!!" advantage in that it's a very intimidating firearm.

I also thought the recoil was pretty manageable. My wife and mother-in-law fired .45 ACP, 45LC and the .410 rounds without complaint.

I don't know whether your state allows them for sale, however...

I have checked out the Governor and I like it... especially the versatility with ammo! However, at the present time it's a little out of my price range. I can't afford to spend more than $450 or so and new Governors go for $650+ even online.

 

[walkin' trails]

You don't have to invest in a new handgun unless you just want to. The pistols you have are more than adequate for defense. Stoke them with a good quality hollow point and fit a Surefire X300. Spend your 450 on the light, a class, ammo, etc. I am not a 40 fan, bimut it has nothing to do with bullet performance. With today's quality ammo such as Ranger Bonded, HST, Gold Dot, there isn't a significant difference in performance if the bullets are placed effectively. If you fail to obtain a good sight picture or jerk the trigger, don't expect anything to stop an attacker if it's a grazing shot at best. The legendary 357 Mag. 125 gr SJHP is. Still king of the hill, but only with good shot placement, but the recoil is so stout that it is not easy for the average shooter to control.

 

[mlapaglia]

I have the M&P 9FS, 9C, and 9Shield. My bedstand gun is the 9C with an X-grip adapter so I can comfortably use a 17 rnd mag. I know you can only use a 10 rnd but the X-grip does make the 9C even more comfortable to hold than it normally is. Consider a 9C with X-grip to round out your collection. You can even get it in a 40 if you really want a 40.

 

[forrestinmathews]

This is very simple. Buy a weapon mounted light for your M&P 9 with the money you were planning on spending on the extra gun. Mount the light before you go to bed and sleep in peace. The extra gun is not necessary with your limited budget. The light would serve you better as would some extra magazines as you're limited to ten rounds. Don't buy an extra logistical problem by buying another different gun on a limited budget.

 

[sarge1967]

My nightstand pistol is my M&P 9 FS Pro Series. It has night sights, I keep a Surefire flashlight next to it. I also have a Remington 870 with a TLR-1 mounted to it standing by if needed.

I agree with the advice of sticking with your 9 and adding a weapon light. If you choose to use a shotgun for HD, for God's sake DON'T use birdshot!
Do some research you will find that a heavy jacket can stop penetration of birdshot. At a bare minimum use 000 Buck.

 

[forrestinmathews]

I think some of the shotgun proponents in this thread are having great difficulty recognizing their ear from their elbow. I, in particular, have some twenty years experience killing things with shotguns with both buckshot and birdshot. Please consider the following for your education since you clearly lack familiarity with the practical capabilities of a shotgun.

•The shotgun DOES require proper indexing upon the target at all times to be effective. The pattern is not sufficiently expanded to be the great catch all for poor marksmen.

•Birdshot for use against targets which can potentially shoot back is ignorant and foolhardy. Be an idiot on your own time and do not advise others to follow blissfully.

•Buckshot is effective at ranges beyond 25 yards even in a cylinder bore choke commonly found on combat variants. The right choke tube can extend the effective range of a shotgun out to over 100 yards with buckshot.

•The further you intend to shoot with a shotgun the larger shot size you will require. This is true for choked and cylinder guns alike; a simple function of inertia versus air resistance.

•00 Buck(0.33" dia.) is likely the most effective size of buckshot for self defense and killing animals up to an including small bears. If you are petrified of over penetration use #4 Buck(0.27" dia.). You will get nine pellets in the standard 00B and twenty seven pellets in 4B.

•Shot fired through a rifled choke tube expands ridiculously fast and cannot be counted on for a reliable and uniform pattern.

• You will get 9, 12, 15, and 18 pellets in 2.75", 2.75" mag, 3" mag, and 3.5" mag in 00B.

•You will not notice any difference in shell length nor gauge when fired in haste or anger.

Okay my rant is over. Please feel free to blaze away clearing the world of scum with great blasts of birdshot. Ha!

 

[Krell1]

I would think a nice snubby would be all you need. Five shots ought to deter most any fool enough to break in. Those of you who want 17 rounds or more with multiple magazines must be expecting a zombie apocalypse. A nice .22 would work just as well, they make a lot of noise and would certainly scare the **** out of most anybody. If somebody were to point even a pellet gun at me Id be ducking for cover or running the other way.

 

[pjgiantsfan]

My FS M&P .45 is now a dedicated night stand companion.


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[686-380]

While I disagree with the delivery...

I think some of the shotgun proponents in this thread are having great difficulty recognizing their ear from their elbow. I, in particular, have some twenty years experience killing things with shotguns with both buckshot and birdshot. Please consider the following for your education since you clearly lack familiarity with the practical capabilities of a shotgun.

•The shotgun DOES require proper indexing upon the target at all times to be effective. The pattern is not sufficiently expanded to be the great catch all for poor marksmen.

•Birdshot for use against targets which can potentially shoot back is ignorant and foolhardy. Be an idiot on your own time and do not advise others to follow blissfully.

•Buckshot is effective at ranges beyond 25 yards even in a cylinder bore choke commonly found on combat variants. The right choke tube can extend the effective range of a shotgun out to over 100 yards with buckshot.

•The further you intend to shoot with a shotgun the larger shot size you will require. This is true for choked and cylinder guns alike; a simple function of inertia versus air resistance.

•00 Buck(0.33" dia.) is likely the most effective size of buckshot for self defense and killing animals up to an including small bears. If you are petrified of over penetration use #4 Buck(0.27" dia.). You will get nine pellets in the standard 00B and twenty seven pellets in 4B.

•Shot fired through a rifled choke tube expands ridiculously fast and cannot be counted on for a reliable and uniform pattern.

• You will get 9, 12, 15, and 18 pellets in 2.75", 2.75" mag, 3" mag, and 3.5" mag in 00B.

•You will not notice any difference in shell length nor gauge when fired in haste or anger.

Okay my rant is over. Please feel free to blaze away clearing the world of scum with great blasts of birdshot. Ha!

Raises the question: How fast/much do you want to stop an intruder? While birdshot probably won't kill an intruder, it'll give 'em pause The other aspect is how far you expect your potential target to be...

 

[Rastoff]

Raises the question: How fast/much do you want to stop an intruder?

Any answer to this other than "instantaneously" is wrong. If you're in fear of your life, warning shots and shots that will "give them pause" are a waste of time and ammo.

You don't shoot to wound. You don't shoot to scare. You don't shoot to annoy. God forbid anyone would shoot to give pause. The only reason to discharge a firearm at anyone is because the shooter believed they were if fear of losing their life or great bodily harm. If that's true, dispatch the assailant with impunity and without remorse.

If there is genuine fear of life or great bodily harm, that threat needs to be STOPPED right now. Anything less means you either didn't have to shoot or you believe their life is more important than yours.