Posted on Feb 28, 2025
Would a pistol or rifle be better for home self-defense?
10.2K
166
44
26
26
0
I haven't used a firearm since being in the military 20 yrs ago and I wasn't infantry. My wife hasn't used one really at all. I was wondering for home use would a pistol or rifle be better? While i Have no issues with shooting the enemies of our country. I'd rather intimidate another American and not have to shoot them, so maybe a rifle might be more intimidating? I get a pistol is more wieldy and maybe easier to fire. We just want for home defense. So I wanted to get some thoughts from people more experienced then me. I do own a sword but may not be enough.
Posted 3 mo ago
Responses: 26
Given the objective of intimidation & the wife's skills, STRONGLY suggest a 12 GA pump shotgun. VERY INTIMIDATING & very effective at close range if (God forbid) you actually have to use it. Pistol & rifle requires much more training.
(17)
(0)
MSG Andrew White
Nothing like the effects of a Shotgun being racked!! It causes an immediate response to flee
(2)
(0)
Amn Roger Omberg
I agree with the above comments, however a pistol can be kept in the night drawer, shorter barrel.
(1)
(0)
If you want to encourage a home invader to turn around and leave, shotgun.
Those not willing to stand and shoot will run when they hear a shotgun rack.
And for a 3 meter firefight, you really only need the min legal length on that shotgun barrel.
Short of that, both pistol and shotgun greatly reduces the over-penetration threat of a round hitting someone inside another room in your house, or outside or in the next house after going through a wall or window.
Those not willing to stand and shoot will run when they hear a shotgun rack.
And for a 3 meter firefight, you really only need the min legal length on that shotgun barrel.
Short of that, both pistol and shotgun greatly reduces the over-penetration threat of a round hitting someone inside another room in your house, or outside or in the next house after going through a wall or window.
(15)
(0)
TSgt Larry Johnson
Very true. Know the layout of your house so that you don't God forbid shoot someone else that you love in the house.
(0)
(0)
CPL Douglas Chrysler
Amn Roger Omberg I just got done tearing laundry detergent bottles apart with 7 1/2 shot.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next