Posted on Feb 28, 2025
LCpl Mark Lefler
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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: 7d85f271 Firearms and GunsRefuse Self Defense
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LTC Rodney Joye
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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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MSG Andrew White
MSG Andrew White
3 mo
LTC Rodney Joye I totally agree!!!
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MSG Andrew White
MSG Andrew White
3 mo
Nothing like the effects of a Shotgun being racked!! It causes an immediate response to flee
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Amn Roger Omberg
Amn Roger Omberg
3 mo
I agree with the above comments, however a pistol can be kept in the night drawer, shorter barrel.
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SGM Jeff Mccloud
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Edited 3 mo ago
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.
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TSgt Larry Johnson
TSgt Larry Johnson
2 mo
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
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Try a shotgun and who knows you might enjoy trap shooting.
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SGM Jeff Mccloud
SGM Jeff Mccloud
3 mo
Yep, that’s also fun
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Amn Roger Omberg
Amn Roger Omberg
3 mo
Or bottles/cans will do.
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CPL Douglas Chrysler
CPL Douglas Chrysler
3 mo
Amn Roger Omberg I just got done tearing laundry detergent bottles apart with 7 1/2 shot.
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