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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A good quality .38 Special/.357 Magnum revolver is my choice for a novice gun owner. There is less chance of a malfunction, and it is a “point and shoot” weapon.
I believe in keeping it as simple as possible for defense, there is already enough stress in a home invasion to be concerned with.
I believe in keeping it as simple as possible for defense, there is already enough stress in a home invasion to be concerned with.
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It may be old fashioned but a .38 Special Colt or Smith (or even a Taurus) revolver is super dependable and super easy to use.
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If choosing a handgun, I'd recommend a Smith & Wesson .38 special revolver for someone with little to no prior handgun experience. It's easy to operate.
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A Model 13, Smith/Wesson or derivative. Revolvers are easier, safer, and very reliable weapons. And the .357 mag. round has the necessary stopping power.
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I would recommend going to a shooting range that rents out gun and try a few out to see which one works best with thee primary intended user, but i would recommend a shotgun over a pistol for home defense. Shotguns have more a versatile ammunition selection. If something goes bump in the night that wakes you up chances are you are not in the best status to a firearm that expells a single projectile per trigger squeeze. Try being accurate with a pistol while you have to go pee vs a shotgun and you will see what I mean.
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I wouldn't recommend a handgun to a new shooter as a primary home defense gun. A 12 or 20 gauge shotgun would probably be better. Less of a learning curve and buckshot has less chance to over penetrate or go thru walls
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