Posted on Feb 28, 2025
Would a pistol or rifle be better for home self-defense?
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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 in these groups: 
Firearms and Guns
Self Defense
Firearms and Guns Self Defense
Posted 3 mo ago
Responses: 32
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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.
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Amn Roger Omberg
I agree with the above comments, however a pistol can be kept in the night drawer, shorter barrel.
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A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney
Here's A Thought. Somewhat Of A New Method Of Home Security:
Take A 12 Gage Outside & Record It Blasting Off A Couple Of Rounds Or So,
Then Begin The Recording With : "ETHYL, WE Have An Intruder "LOCK N'LOAD, This One's Gonna Be Taken Out By The Coroner's Office"!! ~ Then Let'er RIP!
Take A 12 Gage Outside & Record It Blasting Off A Couple Of Rounds Or So,
Then Begin The Recording With : "ETHYL, WE Have An Intruder "LOCK N'LOAD, This One's Gonna Be Taken Out By The Coroner's Office"!! ~ Then Let'er RIP!
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CPT Lawrence Cable
I agree, although shotguns do not have the spread at close range that most people believe.
My other suggestion would be one of the pistol caliber carbines. Not much recoil and the learning curve is pretty easy. Lot of choice in folding carbines today, and they deploy pretty quick. Plus the longer barrels really maximize the performance of the bullet.
My other suggestion would be one of the pistol caliber carbines. Not much recoil and the learning curve is pretty easy. Lot of choice in folding carbines today, and they deploy pretty quick. Plus the longer barrels really maximize the performance of the bullet.
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LTC Philip Peck
Nothing will work without training... and constant practice Owning a gun and thinking you are armed is like owning a piano and thinking you are concert pianist..... whatever you choose, get professional training and then practice on a regular basis .....
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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.
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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.
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CPL Douglas Chrysler
Amn Roger Omberg I just got done tearing laundry detergent bottles apart with 7 1/2 shot.
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