Posted on Feb 5, 2016
Which handgun would you recommend to someone with little or no firearms training or experience, for home protection?
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Let's eliminate the obvious. He has already been presented with the pros and cons of firearm ownership and the various arguments over the 2nd Amendment, and made his informed choice to purchase and keep a firearm for home defense. Of course I recommended that he obtain professional training in the proper maintenance and safe handling of whatever he purchases.
http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=199&category=revolver
I had recommended the Taurus .45 cal/.410 shotgun. Actually, I'm considering one for myself. It seems to me that having a virtually nonlethal round in the first chamber would be desirable for someone who might be hesitant to pull the trigger, even when he, his family and home are threatened. The .45 Long would then provide effective stopping force for anyone who didn't take the hint. Also, I feel that revolvers are inherently more reliable, especially in the hands of a novice.
Wouldn't you know it, California has banned the sale of this weapon because it fires a shotgun shell. Oh the horror! A .410!
I advised him to go to another state and get one if he really wanted it. (That's what I'm likely to do)
However, what other options would you recommend?
http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=199&category=revolver
I had recommended the Taurus .45 cal/.410 shotgun. Actually, I'm considering one for myself. It seems to me that having a virtually nonlethal round in the first chamber would be desirable for someone who might be hesitant to pull the trigger, even when he, his family and home are threatened. The .45 Long would then provide effective stopping force for anyone who didn't take the hint. Also, I feel that revolvers are inherently more reliable, especially in the hands of a novice.
Wouldn't you know it, California has banned the sale of this weapon because it fires a shotgun shell. Oh the horror! A .410!
I advised him to go to another state and get one if he really wanted it. (That's what I'm likely to do)
However, what other options would you recommend?
Firearms and Guns
Firearms Sales
Home Defense
Concealed Carry
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 160
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General consensus among the pundits tends to point to a bobbed or covered hammer revolver. That's pretty much a point and squeeze option and loading/unloading, functioning, etc. are the simplest. Others are correct with the pump shotgun for that use. And yes, they're correct about becoming skilled and having your head on right. There are several Smith J Frames and a Ruger or two out there that would fit the bill. Typically 38 Spec 5 shot capacity.
Now back to my reloading ...
Now back to my reloading ...
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SSG James Snider
YEs, unlike the $7-800 dollar sig 365 the MC1SC was a first run piston with no issues or recalls. They now produce the MC2 in a mid-size frame. Made in Eagle Pass, TX both have been excellent. My other full-size frame choice has been a CANIK, TP9SF, Like the SFv2 the best, even over all the other SF fancier models. Below $450 all day long.
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I agree that a revolver is the way to go. However I would suggest a novice start with a smaller caliber. I think a .357 is ideal. the weight keeps recoil down especially when loaded with .38 special rounds. Then when they are more experienced and comfortable they can load the .357 rounds. If they get really comfy they can move up to Magnum ammo all without buying another gun.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
CPT Jack Durish - The benefit of .357 is chambering for .38 to start. Not just to start but for cost of training.
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I would take him to a range, let him rent and shoot to let him feel what's comfortable in his hands. Once he finds that, choose caliber and capacity.
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Go to a range that rents guns, try different types, models and calibers. I never recommend firearms to anyone as my taste vary to someone else. They must find their way but with help or it will become a paper weight. Training above all else.
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I watched a show on the Discovery Channel the other day and for those not gun inclined a can of wasp spray is highly effective and can be shot at distances of 25 to 30 feet away. For those enclosed I have a Smith n Wesson 9mm Compact and a Sig 380 or I have a....
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I would first recommend they take some formal fire arms training, go to a range and try a few out. Then I will give the standard fire arms trainer answer, and recommend the weapon they are most comfortable with. A gun for home defense does you no good if your uncomfortable using it, just like a conceal carry weapon does you no good if your not comfortable carrying it (or carrying it loaded).
All that being said, I would recommend a nice revolver to any person with little fire arms experience. They are simple, with clear visual ques to their function and readiness, you can get one in any caliber you would want, and they are about the least intimidating to use you can get. No mystery, no complicated mechanisms, easy to maintain. I would recommend against an internal hammer revolve, again for the visual que for an inexperience person, but other than that take your pick. I would also recommend they stay away from the bigger "drop an elephant" revolvers for home defense. Sure, if you shoot the home intruder with the 45 magnum its going to stop him, but WHEN you miss you might have just stopped your neighbor instead.
And as Boris the Bullet Dodger once said, if it does not work you can always hit him with it.
All that being said, I would recommend a nice revolver to any person with little fire arms experience. They are simple, with clear visual ques to their function and readiness, you can get one in any caliber you would want, and they are about the least intimidating to use you can get. No mystery, no complicated mechanisms, easy to maintain. I would recommend against an internal hammer revolve, again for the visual que for an inexperience person, but other than that take your pick. I would also recommend they stay away from the bigger "drop an elephant" revolvers for home defense. Sure, if you shoot the home intruder with the 45 magnum its going to stop him, but WHEN you miss you might have just stopped your neighbor instead.
And as Boris the Bullet Dodger once said, if it does not work you can always hit him with it.
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You wouldn't be able to purchase a firearm in another state unless you are a resident of the state but you could go to a private party purchase one and brought it back across state lines which is also illegal. Talk to local law enforcement agencies on laws and read up on laws yourself. Another thing to think of is are you going to obtain a CCP in the future and are going to make another purchase in the future for your CCP? If no I recommend a Remington 870 that has been outfitted for home defense. But if yes the first and foremost thing is finding one that is comfortable in your hands something that feels like it is meant to be there, I would suggest a 9mm with hollow points for if his significant other (if he has one) ever has to use it than hit the range and get some formal training with the gun. I would also suggest if you have to use it on someone who is breaking into your house don't shoot to warn kill'em quick you don't want the legal troubles down the road and the individual could still be a threat even shot up.
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I'll stir the pot. I think a shotgun is a mistake. Despite popular belief, you are not going to get a hallway wide spread. And navigating through your house is going to be easier with a handgun. Leading your way into a room with a shotgun barrel is a good way to have your gun taken away....Glock 17 or 19
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CPT Jack Durish
Although I am a happy shotgun owner and think that the sound of racking a round should be sufficient to deter a criminal, I tend to agree with you. I have often though about grabbing the revolver if racking the round doesn't have the desired effect
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PO1 Kevin Dougherty
I agree. The simple fact is that at home defense distances, a shotgun round will not have the time to spread any appreciable amount. For all intents and purposes it will be one big axxed single projectile. I will also go against the grain with the revolver suggestions. For general purpose use, a striker fired semi auto handgun is the simplest, when stuff hits the fan more (rounds) is better. There are any number of good quality handguns that would fit the bill, depending on your price point.
Perhaps most important would be to advise them to save some $$ for training with a certified instructor and plenty of ammo for practice, practice, practice. Actually that's another argument for 9mm it's a heck of a lot easier to find right now than .380, .38 special, or .357, etc.
Perhaps most important would be to advise them to save some $$ for training with a certified instructor and plenty of ammo for practice, practice, practice. Actually that's another argument for 9mm it's a heck of a lot easier to find right now than .380, .38 special, or .357, etc.
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CPT Steven Cunningham
The one time I heard an intruder thumping around in the house, racking the shotgun in the dark didn't deter the flying squirrel, (Cute bugger)
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