Best gun for home defense? What do you have, what do you think?

SSG Robert Burns — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 15:13:36 -0500

Buying a gun for home defense due to the increase in home invasions in the area.  I feel like a surgeon with my M4 but don't know if thats the best for in the house.  For handguns I was thinking a 45XD.<div>Also a shotgun for the wife for anyone coming through the door.  </div><div>Also concerned about placement because I have a 14 yr old, 5 year old, and 1.</div><div>What are your thoughts?</div>

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2014 3:15 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 15:15:18 -0500

I have a taurus 357 magnum snub nose for home defense it's cheap and gets the job done fires 357 mag and 38 special

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2014 3:16 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 15:16:03 -0500

Taurus The Judge

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2014 3:23 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 15:23:59 -0500

I married a State Trooper ;) We also have a Smith and Wesson Bodyguard

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2014 3:56 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 15:56:04 -0500

The taurus judge is an excellent weapon due to the fact it not only fires bullets but also I'm the earlier models bird shot but now also buck shot in .410

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2014 3:57 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 15:57:42 -0500

The judge is basically 2 in one and does not peek out of the corner like shotgun and is lighter than a shotgun. Taurus has a lifetime gaurantee on all firearms they sell

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Jan 17 at 2014 7:07 PM

SFC Stephen P. — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 19:07:36 -0500

DISCLAIMER: The following is merely the opinion of a guy with little formal training who spends way too much time on message boards.

My theoretical ideal weapon for an indoor encounter would be a bullpup with a large magazine, short barrel, firing high velocity, low mass, expanding projectiles. Something like the Tavor, Steyr AUG, or P-90 (I have used none of these, but they fit the concept).

From a practical standpoint, a pistol on the hip beats a rifle in the closet any day. For the price of one of the above, you could probably get 3 Glocks (or 2 with quality light/laser designators).

Caliber is not as important as many would have you believe, unless you can't find or afford it. 9mm Luger and bigger should suit your needs just fine. .380 is a little small, but still sufficiently lethal. The magazine capacity should be a more important feature than bore diameter. Now if you're in a state that limits your magazine, by all means go for the bigger bore. If live in New Jersey where hollow points are banned, go with a .45.

A shotgun is suitable for almost any purpose, but only ideal for ducks and doorknobs. Modern pistols beat them in capacity, weight, and target reacquisition.

I can't recommend the Judge, or any other gimmick .410 revolver. If you find yourself with only a Judge, load it with .45 until you can find a sucker who will buy it off you.

Come to think of it, I really don't think wheel guns are terribly ideal for home defense at all (exceptions maybe if you live in bear country). A 9mm with +P loads or .357 sig should do do pretty much anything a .357 magnum would, but with 2 to 3 times as many bullets available.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2014 7:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 19:15:27 -0500

While I will not list what guns I have I will say that there is nothing that gets the attention of a burglar better than the sound of a shotgun being loaded.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 2:24 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 14:24:24 -0500

SSG, I'm a little biased but for home defense a G21SF with night sights is unbeatable. the .45 ACP has a tremendous amount of stopping power, the short frame variant of the G21 has shorter backstraps making it a smaller weapon but not quite compact. Also its durability is incredible and the lack of traditional safety features are a plus. In the heat of the moment when your adrenaline is pumping if you don't have formal training you might be too "frazzled" to remember to take off the safety. Once again SSG I'm a biased Glock guy but it is an outstanding weapon.

Response by SSG Shawn M. made Jan 23 at 2014 2:48 PM

SSG Shawn M. — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 14:48:44 -0500

This should do the trick.

Response by SFC Michael Patterson made Jan 23 at 2014 2:55 PM

SFC Michael Patterson — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 14:55:29 -0500

I use the Mossberg 930 SPX 8-shot with Winchester PDX1 Defender rounds. If that don't work well needless to say whomever tries to enter illegally is going to have an extremely bad day.

Response by MSG Jose Colon made Apr 13 at 2014 2:58 PM

MSG Jose Colon — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 14:58:41 -0400

I like shotguns, but, think about the terrain that you will have to clear before the night is done if there is an assault in your home, God forbids. 1. Walls are probably cardboard or whatever they use to build walls now days. If I can put my fist through it, I need to think about over-penetration. Whoever is on the other side of the wall is not safe. 2. How wide are the hallways? If you have a long muzzle weapon, how easy it is to raise it, point and shoot in a confined environment?  Shotguns are great, especially because of their known sound deterrent. Every two bit crooks knows what a shotgun sounds like. 3. Think that you might deal with one crook, and really have another (s) around the house. 4. Kids have the bad habit of coming out of their rooms at the most inappropriate of the times. 5. You shoot it, you own it. Make sure you have home insurance or something to cover legal expenses. 6. Ammo: inside the house, you might have to settle for safety over stopping power for the reasons expressed above. Frangible? Hollow point? your choice. Make sure that you have several magazines in different places around the house for quick reload, and that are away from kids reach. Biometric safes work great (more than one?). 7. Make sure you have at least one easy to reach weapon in every floor. Biometric safes will keep your kids from reaching them. And finally, give your wife the same tactical training you have, tactics and all. Going through the door, cover all angles, cover each other's backs, etc. Paintball is great to hone in those battle senses. Find a good laser tag arcade or paintball field. I love ARs and heavy caliber weapons, but, sometimes, for home defense, you might not want the .454 Cassul, or the .50 cal Barrett.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2014 7:33 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 07:33:18 -0400

I HAVE A GLOCK 17, 17 ROUND MAG.... GREAT GUN!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2014 7:42 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 07:42:08 -0400

I have a few - here's two:

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made Jun 9 at 2014 9:29 AM

SSG Robin Rushlo — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 09:29:26 -0400

2 Desert Eagle 50 cals. Also a 12 gauge pistol single shot. I have a 15 year old and 7 year old in the house and they do not even know the hand guns are in the house.

I was taught was that a hand gun if you pull it out use and it is only used to kill. otherwise leave it in the holster.

This kids were taught the same and never even touch it.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 27 at 2014 1:18 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 13:18:31 -0400

Anything that can mount a bayonet..... ;o)

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 27 at 2014 2:55 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 14:55:09 -0400

Seh ello to mah little friend!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2014 3:07 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 15:07:56 -0400

Put that in your front yard with a remote start, have an evacuation plan for the family as well as assigned crew member positions!!

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jun 27 at 2014 3:15 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 15:15:03 -0400

I like my S&W .357, it's a bit of a hand cannon but gets the point across if necessary.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Jun 27 at 2014 4:09 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 16:09:46 -0400

Just a couple of Mossberg 12 Gage with S&W 9mm & Ruger 380 for backups. Nothing to serious.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2014 4:37 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 16:37:13 -0400

In my opinion nothing beats a 12 gauge shotgun loaded with 00 buckshot. Contrary to popular opinion shotguns do require to be aimed, so I would recommend a good reflex or ghost ring sight. Also, especially considering you have friendlies living with you, a mounted weapon light for proper target ID is a must. Always be cognizant of what's on the other side of your target due to the risk of over penetration.

An AR15, while a very nice weapon, is not ideal for home defense as it has (relatively) very little stopping power. Plus you run a very high risk of over penetration with 5.56 ammunition.

If you go the handgun route you pretty much can't go wrong with anything chambered in .45acp.

Regardless of what route you take ensure you take time out of your schedule to stay proficient with your weapon choice, and if possible I would recommend you train up your wife and possibly even your eldest child. If you should become incapacitated having someone else in the household that can carry on the fight is a very good thing.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Jun 27 at 2014 5:07 PM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 17:07:25 -0400

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKHeXC7L85s

Making sure they are secure is important. Gunsafe in the master bedroom closet... maybe go with a keypad lock. This gives a fall back location.
Reminds me of Miyamato Musashi - "Make your combat stance your every day stance and your every day stance becomes your combat stance."
A secured weapon where you spend the most time in your house. Den, Kitchen, Garage, bedroom. Best for you and the wife is going to be based on personal preference.

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Jun 27 at 2014 6:47 PM

TSgt Scott Hurley — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 18:47:42 -0400

I would have the Ma-deauce, and/or the Gatling Gun (Vulcan). Because their is only one question the would be burglars need to answer. Do you want to be Swiss cheese or Hamburger? The same question can be used for would be boyfriends that come to take your daughter out. If they try to do something to her.

I know we can't own them. But the power of them says a lot.... Of course the guns you will own will depend upon you and your family. I would go for good hand guns like the S&W family of revolvers. Or get the Colt .45. Which is tried and true. A shotgun works wonders as well. Like someone else mentioned, just hearing it being pumped will scare them. Also, the shotgun can be loaded with different types of shells including non-lethal bean bag shells too. Since you have a 14 year old, get them trained in the use of fire arms as well. And start teaching the younger ones too about them and to stay away from them. That is probably the biggest mistake anyone makes with owning a firearm. They do not teach their children about them and accidents occur.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2014 6:53 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 18:53:02 -0400

Wow...lot's of great opinions regarding lots of excellent weapons. IMHO - one has to go to the lowest common denominatior, the children, to be the focus of your plans. Children are curious and telling them "NO!" won't cut it when it comes to handling the weapons when mom and dad are not around. The next situation that must be dealt with is the wife and how she feels about having weapons in the house. No matter how fancy or good the weapon is, if the wife is home more than you are, then her skills, ability, willingness and practice/training will be critical. My grandmother lived by herself for decades in a little far-west Texas town. She did not carry a weapon when she was doing chores - but did have a .410 single shot breakover shotgun. Even with severe arthritis and attaining the age of nearly 70 she could easily handle that weapon quickly and effectively. She had more than one occasion that required that she use that weapon to defend herself - and did so without regret. The .410 was never loaded - but she carried 4 to 6 shells with her in her pockets. That shotgun and the fact she kept dogs in both the front yard and backyard were her biggest assets. For her situation, the dogs provided enough time for her to get up from whereever she was, load the shotgun and be ready for any intruder.

Your family plan must include these determining facts:

1. Distance to nearest neighbor - this will help determine size / power of weapon.
2. Training on proper, safe use of any and all weapons intended.
3. Training in the dark on how to move within the house. First goal should be to have everyone know what to do if something such as a home invasion happens. Everyone should have a "bolt-hole" to go to. They should have a "safe word or phrase" that they will recognize so they know it's truely safe to come out.
4. Avoiding the fight is often the best option. Things can be replaced - family cannot.
5. Remember - you may be trained in special weapons/tactics and/or CQC - your family is not. You cannot effectively defend them if they are unaware of what to do in the event of the worst case - home invasion. Walk them through it - make sure they know what to do and more importantly what not to do. Far better for everyone to hide and be safe than for a young child be harmed while defending your home.

K.I.S.S..........

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Jun 27 at 2014 8:06 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 20:06:41 -0400

Personally, I have 16 knives hidden throughout my house and black pajamas so anyone who breaks in never sees me coming. I hate guns, to noisy. I have only had 2 break ins in my houses, and I have sent both idiots to the hospital and then the police station. Knives over guns didn't they ever teach you about stealth SSG Burns?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2014 9:21 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 21:21:38 -0400

UTS 15....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brQi_T5RTAk

That will scare people off and well if not you can take out 15 people before you need to reload.

Otherwise Barrett M82 if long distance....

UTAS UTS-15 Tactical Shotgun (Review / Shooting)

Thanks for tuning in to our review, field testing and shooting of the infamous UTAS UTS-15 tactical shotgun. It is a pump-action, 12 gauge, bullpup design wi...

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Jun 27 at 2014 10:45 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 22:45:16 -0400

This will do the job

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jun 27 at 2014 10:59 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 22:59:24 -0400

I find the best defensive weapon to be the one YOU are most comfortable with. I have several and have spent countless hours and rounds to make sure I knew exactly how to employ each of them to the maximum effect.

As for safe(r) storage, my firearms are in a heavy duty combination locked safe. I do keep one handgun for easy access in a biometric access lock box near my nightstand. Keeps the kiddos out while still allowing effective access in an emergency.

Response by SPC Ksejdi Duraj made Jun 28 at 2014 1:22 PM

SPC Ksejdi Duraj — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 13:22:42 -0400

Saiga 12ga, though I am afraid to use that for home defense, I do not want to fix my walls after. Think of it as an AK47 but with 12ga mag fed.

Response by SN Mike Johnson made Jun 28 at 2014 2:11 PM

SN Mike Johnson — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 14:11:33 -0400

.308 savage win, and a shot gun

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2014 12:17 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 12:17:06 -0400

Where do you live (Urban/Suburb/Rural)? What is the construction of your home (Brick/Stone/Vinyl)? I am guessing pretty much everything inside will be drywall. I ask because these are things you need to take into consideration when looking for a home defense weapon. Security for the weapons can easily be accomplished by a number of under-bed safes with biometric (fingerprint) readers. Most of us are wizards with our M4; however, unless you are dealing with a full on home-invasion you are better served by a shotgun. Out to 30 yards you will have a tight shot and most modern homes have small halls. Shotgun pellets generally will not penetrate a person and a wall (I've shot at drywall as a test on Fort Bragg - you had to get pretty doggone close to the drywall for regular loads to penetrate - 00 Buck WILL penetrate). Pistol is good if you consistently practice and you picked a good model & caliber. However, remember that most burglaries occur in the late hours and you are most likely being startled awake. Assess your ability to think clearly, identify the threat, and handle your weapon.

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Sep 30 at 2014 10:40 AM

SSG Maurice P. — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 10:40:13 -0400

FOR HOME DEFENSE I HAVE A 12 GA SHOTGUN LOADED READY TO ROCK AND ROLL...
BUT I ALSO HAVE MY TRUSTED .45 AUTO, ALONG WITH MY GLOCK 19 9MM THAT MY WIFE OR SON WILL USE...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2014 4:02 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 04:02:20 -0400

Okay I am a retired weapons segeant so this is a topic I can dicuss all day. I have many firearms. My favorites for home defense is the Kel Tec KSG shotgun. I know your saying Kel Tec was a saturday night special weapon years ago but they make quality stuff now 30 minutes from my house. Next is their SUB-2000 rifle. I I own it in the .40 S&W caliber and I like it because it folds up and takes the Glock 22 magizines which I happen to have. Lastly is my Wilson Combat KZ 45 a .45acp wide body 1911 with a poly frame. Love this gun (if you have bigger hands). It is the 1911 on steriods. Double stacked magizines. This is just for home. I have many others a Winchester 1300 Shotgun and a Colt 1911 collection along with a Ruger LCP, Sig Sauer P220, Glocks 21,22 and 33 to name a few. And plenty of ammo. My home is pretty safe. Hope this info helped.