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?
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Home Defense
Concealed Carry
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 160
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I would recommend either a Glock or sig in either .40 or 9mm. But with either they need practice and training. I would recommend a basic pistol class and at least 10 trips to the range shooting 100rounds per trip to be a minimum amount of training. Having a gun isn't the same as being able to use it or be safe with it.
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A feature I’d recommend is a decocking lever that closes the hammer when it is put in safe without firing. Any handgun is good for personal defense provided you can operate it safely and consistently in all conditions . If they are shaking off that call they need not purchase a weapon of any kind
Another idea is that the munition used must be factored in. If there are family members in the home the risk of shooting them through walls from missed shots or failure to gain positive identification prior to engaging. The former can be achieved with loads and bullet type. The latter is an accessory mounted aiming light on the weapon or use of a collocated flashlight. Pistols get clunky with accessories. Glaser used to make a home defense pistol ammunition called safety slugs. They stop in whatever they hit first, like drywall.
Another idea is that the munition used must be factored in. If there are family members in the home the risk of shooting them through walls from missed shots or failure to gain positive identification prior to engaging. The former can be achieved with loads and bullet type. The latter is an accessory mounted aiming light on the weapon or use of a collocated flashlight. Pistols get clunky with accessories. Glaser used to make a home defense pistol ammunition called safety slugs. They stop in whatever they hit first, like drywall.
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I would go to a gun shop with an indoor range that rented guns and would try firing several that felt comfortable to hold on to in as many calibers as are available from 5.7mm, .32mag, 9mm, 38spc, .357mag, .40cal, .41cal, .44cal .45cal (ACP or LC) and .410ga Shotgun.
For Home protection, there are several cartridges available for home defense that are designed with reduced penetration to avoid killing people across the street or next door, the gun that is most versatile is a Ruger "Governor" or a Taurus "Judge" both can fire the .410ga 2 1/2" shotgun cartridge and a 45LC. the "Judge" is also available in a magnum version that will fire the 3" long shells.
For Home protection, there are several cartridges available for home defense that are designed with reduced penetration to avoid killing people across the street or next door, the gun that is most versatile is a Ruger "Governor" or a Taurus "Judge" both can fire the .410ga 2 1/2" shotgun cartridge and a 45LC. the "Judge" is also available in a magnum version that will fire the 3" long shells.
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Even in combat using my personal weapon was a last resort. There were other more important things I needed to be doing. My opponent will be pretty close before I use it. Reliability would be primary, stopping power second.
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Seems to me a judge or comparable, 410 shotgun shell capable. Filled with rock salt vs pellet. Hopefully to not penetrate walls and kill other family members in the house when they miss the intruder, but still somewhat sting the intrude until next shot.
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Learn the local laws for use of force by private citizens.
Rent a few guns and find out what feels good in your hands.
Get quality instruction.
GET QUALITY INSTUCTION.
Learn how to operate your pistol at a competent level. THEN learn how to fight with a gun... Those two are not the same thing.
Rent a few guns and find out what feels good in your hands.
Get quality instruction.
GET QUALITY INSTUCTION.
Learn how to operate your pistol at a competent level. THEN learn how to fight with a gun... Those two are not the same thing.
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An 18" riot set up pump can be maneuvered very easily. I know this because I carried one in raids for 20 years. That means clearing houses and buildings. It is also a better choice because it is easier to learn and easier to use than a pistol for one who has minimal training or time to practice. In a dark hallway you have a better chance of not missing as an excited homeowner with a pistol might. If someone comes at you with a gun you better be first in the fight because there is no second place.
That said, if you are willing to get the training and remain proficient, I carried and recommend a Glock 21 and a Glock 30 on the job and still have them as my go to guns. Nothing beats 45ACP. I now carry Glock 27 40SW for daily use because I can conceal it.
I use a pistol for home defense because I trained for it and I qualify in the mid 90's every year, retired LEO. A pistol is not good for anyone who has no interest in shooting monthly or more. You noted in your first post one should shoot 100 rounds per trip to the range, of which I agree, but you seem to think that it is either in 100% or out. That is not realistic nor very common for the man who just wishes to just defend his family when someone decides to come in and do harm. The second amendment applies to all, not with the idea that your spend your days practicing. While I have no issues staying very proficient many can not which is why the shotgun is the best general weapon for home defense.
I don't know your back ground with firearms or your tactical knowledge so I will not judge, but I do not agree with your assessment. I spent most of my career on local task forces and three years taking down labs in Bolivia. If you need to stop a threat, 00 buck followed by number 4 buck in a 12GA is superior. Excited people who do minimal training in many cases can't hit the broad side of a barn with a pistol in the excitement of a confrontation. Many cops are the same.
Training and knowledge is the key with the mental ability to pull the trigger. If you lack the ability to pull the trigger it does not matter how many rounds you put down range weekly or monthly you will lose in the confrontation. I would suggest to any person wanting to train for home defense to join an IDPA Club and learn tactical shooting for defense. That is the best any of you can do for yourselves and your families if you take defensive shooting seriously. IDPA is scenario based defensive shooting.
As you said and I agree it is a responsibility to own a weapon. We do disagree on the shotgun. Most of my fellow LEO's would agree with me as to the effectiveness and use of a shotgun for home defense.