What would be a good home defence gun
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miles71
Member
You get what you pay for. Something you may have to depend on to defend your life is worth the money.
Go to a range that rents pistols with someone who is knowledgable to help you out. Try a few and go a few times, take some notes and go from there. Good luck.
TD
Go to a range that rents pistols with someone who is knowledgable to help you out. Try a few and go a few times, take some notes and go from there. Good luck.
TD
Gutpile Charlie
US Veteran
I concur with Miles71 on this one. I would not recommend a "cheap" gun to anyone...to be used in self defense.
Now, I would recommend guns that were well suited for the job and were "good bangs for the buck." There is a world of difference between that and "cheap."
I have all different kinds of firearms, however, my everyday self defense firearms are S&W M60 and M36 .38 snubbies. These are not "cheap", but can be found used at a reasonable price. I also have other revolvers and semi-autos, but these are ones I would recommend.
Double action revolvers are inherently "safe" and I would recommend then to people with little or no firearms experience or training. Semi-autos are all different and all have strong and weak points. They can also be "confusing" to someone with minimal experience.
Now, I would recommend guns that were well suited for the job and were "good bangs for the buck." There is a world of difference between that and "cheap."
I have all different kinds of firearms, however, my everyday self defense firearms are S&W M60 and M36 .38 snubbies. These are not "cheap", but can be found used at a reasonable price. I also have other revolvers and semi-autos, but these are ones I would recommend.
Double action revolvers are inherently "safe" and I would recommend then to people with little or no firearms experience or training. Semi-autos are all different and all have strong and weak points. They can also be "confusing" to someone with minimal experience.
LuddhaBuddha
Member
I would recommend a remington 870 if you are only looking for something for home defense, it is hard to beat the stopping power of buckshot and they are a very good value.
I picked one of these up a few months back just for home defense it has worked with all the loads that I tried in it and it didn't break the bank.
Remington 870 Express 12g 18" blued, black-synthetic $332.00 SHIPS FREE
I picked one of these up a few months back just for home defense it has worked with all the loads that I tried in it and it didn't break the bank.
Remington 870 Express 12g 18" blued, black-synthetic $332.00 SHIPS FREE
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ogilvyspecial
Member
If looking for a Revolver you might want to check out the Ruger SP101, they're built like a tank.........
Personally I prefer my Smith's but have a SP101 in .327 Federal Mag that I use as my yard gun for pesky critters, usually with .32 S&W Long Wadcutters, that sees far more "real use" than any other handgun I have. So far it hasn't let me down and isn't a bad shooter now that I've swapped out the stock 12 lb. Mainspring with the 10 lb. that came in the Wolff SP101 Spring Kit. The Kit also comes with a 9 lb Mainspring if one was looking for something even lighter.
The SP101 in whatever caliber you choose would be my recommendation for something more reasonably priced than a S&W and is, overall, better built than any of the other "cheaper" Revolvers we have around here, which includes Charter Arms & Taurus.
With that said, if possible, get a Smith & Wesson...........
Personally I prefer my Smith's but have a SP101 in .327 Federal Mag that I use as my yard gun for pesky critters, usually with .32 S&W Long Wadcutters, that sees far more "real use" than any other handgun I have. So far it hasn't let me down and isn't a bad shooter now that I've swapped out the stock 12 lb. Mainspring with the 10 lb. that came in the Wolff SP101 Spring Kit. The Kit also comes with a 9 lb Mainspring if one was looking for something even lighter.
The SP101 in whatever caliber you choose would be my recommendation for something more reasonably priced than a S&W and is, overall, better built than any of the other "cheaper" Revolvers we have around here, which includes Charter Arms & Taurus.
With that said, if possible, get a Smith & Wesson...........
Dan Cash
Member
Model 10 Smith 4 inch. Keyboard commandos will depricate the .38 Special and some advocate a shotgun but:
A .38 will make an assailant fall down if properly applied and is very manageable for recoil and retention.
A shotgun will not spray a whole room as in the movies; it will spread to about 10 inches in 20 feet. In the confines of a house, a strong, determined attacker can overpower you and take an unwieldy shotgun away from you.
A .38 will make an assailant fall down if properly applied and is very manageable for recoil and retention.
A shotgun will not spray a whole room as in the movies; it will spread to about 10 inches in 20 feet. In the confines of a house, a strong, determined attacker can overpower you and take an unwieldy shotgun away from you.
flop-shank
US Veteran
Unless you shoot him first. When investigating something use a handgun. When it comes down to fighting, it would be foolish to use a handgun in most situations when the power and shootability of a long gun are available. If one were to only have one gun, then yes, it should be a handgun.
As far as the .38 spl. goes, I wouldn't tell someone not to get a gun such as a model 10 if that were available, used, at a reasonable price. At the same time why seek one out when the same ammo will work in a .357 and more powerful ammo can be used if desired?
Regarding Taurus and Charter Arms and Rossi, you have been given good advice, avoid them. If you're looking to save money, shop used and get a S&W, Ruger, or similar quality product.
When it comes to the 870 Express, I've heard a lot of people complain about quality issues, including a finish that, on many guns, rusts if you look at it wrong. Personally I think Express guns are good servicable pieces, but if I were in the market for such a gun, I would look for a used Wingmaster, or Police model instead. They are better built.
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tbone2
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I have a Remington 870 Express 12ga that I bought new maybe 10 - 12 years ago. It was my first gun. My dad actually "bought" it and I paid him as I was only 13 or 14 at the time. It has seen many a day in the dove field and quail/pheasant hunts. I have never had a serious issue with it. I do recall a fired shell getting stuck in the chamber once when it was pretty new. I really had to wrench on the action to eject it. But other than that this shotgun has been great! The finish has held up great. I just clean the gun after a day of use and wipe down the exterior with a silicone rag. I have heard the newer Express models are lacking in QC but if you find an older used one, or a used Police or Wingmaster model I think you will be in good shape. I now have multiple handguns and a few shotguns. If you really want a handgun then I agree with what others have said regarding a used .38 revolver. But if I could only have one gun to defend my home it would be that very first 870 Express.
I too must recommend the 870 as the smart choice for a home defense gun. With that being said, and me not being smart I went a different route when I started to rebuild my collection after a liquidation episode. My first priority was to get something that may not be perfect but could perform the task of self defense if called upon.
I wanted a good accurate range gun that could also serve as a home defense gun. I saved up a few extra pennies and bought a Model 14. A very nice 6" K38 that is dead nutz accurate and powerful enough with an FBI load for home defense. Being a 6" target gun it's a joy to shoot all day at the range making one ragged hole groups. For home defense its large size is not really a detriment. Actually I think the large size could be a blessing with slightly lower muzzle flash and sound, though since I have never shot it in the dark in my house that's just a wishful guess.
After 6 years and an 870 the Model 14 is still my baby, it goes to the range every time I go and still has a place on my nightstand.
I wanted a good accurate range gun that could also serve as a home defense gun. I saved up a few extra pennies and bought a Model 14. A very nice 6" K38 that is dead nutz accurate and powerful enough with an FBI load for home defense. Being a 6" target gun it's a joy to shoot all day at the range making one ragged hole groups. For home defense its large size is not really a detriment. Actually I think the large size could be a blessing with slightly lower muzzle flash and sound, though since I have never shot it in the dark in my house that's just a wishful guess.
After 6 years and an 870 the Model 14 is still my baby, it goes to the range every time I go and still has a place on my nightstand.
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LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
+1 on this. My primary home defense weapon is the Remington 870 loaded with 2-3/4" magnum BB-shot loads.
keith44spl
Member
Same ol' thing
For a Handgun...What ever I'm sportin' that day.
Good ol' 870 w/#1 buck & slug every other one.
Oh yeah, about ten years ago add a M4 w/28rds of tracers.(We live way out in the sticks.)
I'm jest sayin' here, for everyday the 12ga. works.
Su Amigo,
Dave
For a Handgun...What ever I'm sportin' that day.
Good ol' 870 w/#1 buck & slug every other one.
Oh yeah, about ten years ago add a M4 w/28rds of tracers.(We live way out in the sticks.)
I'm jest sayin' here, for everyday the 12ga. works.
Su Amigo,
Dave
I agree with the majority. The 870 HD is the best for your castle. If you want a concel carry pistol there is a large varity of options. Yes a cc pistol will protect your castle the 870 is just a better option for the house. I have several cc pistols the one I carry the most is a S&W 637.
GatorFarmer
Member
Define cheap.
Despite apparently falling from the model line up, Sigmas in 9mm and .40 ought be available at reasonable prices, as are used 3rd Gen Metal framed autos.
Used revolvers are more problematic. You need to know what to look for and fixing them entails more than changing out parts ala a Glock.
Used Glocks are also to be had.
IF you can't afford that, then poke around in your area and see what is out there. Combloc surplus pistols, store brand pump shotguns (J.C. Higgins what not), Rossi and Taurus products... Hi Points are also an option, they are said to work by those that own them.
I gave my wife a Lorcin .25 chromed auto that I traded three boxes of generic .45 ACP ball for. Strangely, it works fine and the pink grips that came with it are amusing.
Older Charter Arms revolvers often work as well.
Once I even traded an Eotech sight I didn't like for a Mini 14, sling, and spare mags.
We're all limited in funds to one degree or another.
A lot depends on your skill at finding bargains and your area. If you're buying new/retail look for a Hi Point 9mm or .45 auto and a Chinese made or other Phillipine or other import pump shotgun.
Despite apparently falling from the model line up, Sigmas in 9mm and .40 ought be available at reasonable prices, as are used 3rd Gen Metal framed autos.
Used revolvers are more problematic. You need to know what to look for and fixing them entails more than changing out parts ala a Glock.
Used Glocks are also to be had.
IF you can't afford that, then poke around in your area and see what is out there. Combloc surplus pistols, store brand pump shotguns (J.C. Higgins what not), Rossi and Taurus products... Hi Points are also an option, they are said to work by those that own them.
I gave my wife a Lorcin .25 chromed auto that I traded three boxes of generic .45 ACP ball for. Strangely, it works fine and the pink grips that came with it are amusing.
Older Charter Arms revolvers often work as well.
Once I even traded an Eotech sight I didn't like for a Mini 14, sling, and spare mags.
We're all limited in funds to one degree or another.
A lot depends on your skill at finding bargains and your area. If you're buying new/retail look for a Hi Point 9mm or .45 auto and a Chinese made or other Phillipine or other import pump shotgun.
For a good reasonably priced home defense handgun, there's certainly nothing wrong with a good .38 special revolver, new or used from S&W or Ruger. Another good handgun choice would be a good used .45 auto like a perhaps a S&W 4506, a Glock 21, or an H&K USP45.
A .45 ACP or a .38 special is also good for home defense because they are loaded to lower pressures than 9mm or magnum loads so you are less likely to go deaf if needed to shoot indoors without hearing protection. Just remember that automatic pistols are less "intuitive" than revolvers and you are probably more likely to have an accidental discharge..especially if you get confused forget what you are doing and pull the trigger on a loaded chamber.
You can't carry it in a holster, but a good 12 gauge or even a 20 gauge pump action shotgun is a good choice as well. Look at the popular Mossber 500 along with the Remington 870. A shotgun is often easier to purchase legally in many states than a handgun.
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photoman
Member
I've yet to see anyone carry a Remington 870 in a holster!
You didn't give us much information but being this is the Smith & Wesson Forum, I'm assuming you would like a Smith & Wesson to meet the stated requirements of home defense and holster use. For that, I would recommend the following...
Smith & Wesson Model 64 38Spl Stainless Steel, bobbed hammer. Very good condition
You didn't give us much information but being this is the Smith & Wesson Forum, I'm assuming you would like a Smith & Wesson to meet the stated requirements of home defense and holster use. For that, I would recommend the following...
Smith & Wesson Model 64 38Spl Stainless Steel, bobbed hammer. Very good condition
ogilvyspecial
Member
Thanks for mentioning that Photoman44, I thought I was missing something as far as the the carry part of the OP's requirements were concerned when the 870 kept getting recommended.
tbone2
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OR vs. AND
If the statement had been "for home defense AND carry in a holster" I feel the responses would be different.
Because the OP said OR, we are replying accordingly. . .
Just sayin'
GJH77
Member
I agree with all the possibilities mentioned above, especially the .357 mag, one which was my first home defense gun.
In handguns, what I found very affordable is the used gun route. There are some excellent deals to be found in both revolvers and autos, whether you look on GunBroker, the internet dealers, or even in the local gun shows and classifieds. I have found all my recent acquisitions in all these, and at more than affordable prices, some steals. You need a reasonable idea of what you are looking for to narrow the search, watch the ads and prices to know what is a good range for the condition, and look consistently for them. Over a short period you will find a great fit for what you want. And the great part is it is fun, and if you decide you do not like the gun, sell it and find another, without a lot of pain. And read this forum, as it will give you some great perspectives on the different models available out there.
Good luck, and have fun finding one.
In handguns, what I found very affordable is the used gun route. There are some excellent deals to be found in both revolvers and autos, whether you look on GunBroker, the internet dealers, or even in the local gun shows and classifieds. I have found all my recent acquisitions in all these, and at more than affordable prices, some steals. You need a reasonable idea of what you are looking for to narrow the search, watch the ads and prices to know what is a good range for the condition, and look consistently for them. Over a short period you will find a great fit for what you want. And the great part is it is fun, and if you decide you do not like the gun, sell it and find another, without a lot of pain. And read this forum, as it will give you some great perspectives on the different models available out there.
Good luck, and have fun finding one.
photoman
Member
I also recommend a shotgun for home. Even a single shot break open would work. They can be found at gun shops and pawn shops for not much money.
However, you must practice with whatever you buy. Folks seem to think that a long gun makes up for a lock of training. It doesn't. There are many do's and don'ts with a long gun that you must learn and practice. Just because you have a shotgun or rifle means that your good to go.
The sight or sound of racking the slide will not deter a determined criminal. It will simply let him know where you are. When using a shotgun you must also be accurate. Getting "close" won't cut it.
Whatever shotgun you decide to buy, it does not have to be a 12 gauge. A 20 gauge will work just fine too.
For carry outside the home look for a well made used revolver.
However, you must practice with whatever you buy. Folks seem to think that a long gun makes up for a lock of training. It doesn't. There are many do's and don'ts with a long gun that you must learn and practice. Just because you have a shotgun or rifle means that your good to go.
The sight or sound of racking the slide will not deter a determined criminal. It will simply let him know where you are. When using a shotgun you must also be accurate. Getting "close" won't cut it.
Whatever shotgun you decide to buy, it does not have to be a 12 gauge. A 20 gauge will work just fine too.
For carry outside the home look for a well made used revolver.
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