Would a pistol or rifle be better for home self-defense?

LCpl Mark Lefler — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 16:43:03 -0500

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.

Response by LTC Rodney Joye made Feb 28 at 2025 4:56 PM

LTC Rodney Joye — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 16:56:03 -0500

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.

Response by SGM Jeff Mccloud made Feb 28 at 2025 4:59 PM

SGM Jeff Mccloud — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 16:59:07 -0500

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.

Response by Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin made Feb 28 at 2025 5:30 PM

Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 17:30:49 -0500

I’d imagine you might get more votes for a shotgun over a pistol. I say go with what you’re most familiar and comfortable with. For me, that would be my pistol, which is a Beretta and I can load it with 15 round mags (hollow points). While big sounds and large blasts can certainly be scary and effective, I also want to make sure I have enough to stay in the fight if it comes to that. I am proficient with a shotgun but if I’m using a long gun, I’d prefer an AR-15 style weapon. Again familiarity.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Feb 28 at 2025 7:17 PM

LTC Trent Klug — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 19:17:02 -0500

I'd recommend a shotgun. It's a point and shoot weapon that requires minimal training. Mine's loaded with birdshot. This reduces the chance of penetrative a neighbor's house.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2025 7:45 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 19:45:55 -0500

LCpl Mark Lefler If someone is breaking into your house, intimidation might not be enough against criminals that might mean harm to you and your family. Before you buy a weapon have a talk with your wife about the possibility of using that weapon to protect your lives. Both of you need to find out what gun/rifle/shotgun ranges are in your area and what their requirements are. Both of you need to know how to fire the weapon enough so that you are comfortable with it. You both need to know how to load it, and at least one of you needs to know how to clean it and have a safe place to store it. Having a weapon for home defense does no good if you do not feel comfortable with it.

Response by Maj John Bell made Feb 28 at 2025 7:50 PM

Maj John Bell — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 19:50:45 -0500

It depends. I know that is not much help but please allow me to rattle on.
_Are you more familiar and comfortable a long arm (shotgun or rifle), handgun or less lethal [not the same as less than lethal] (air pistol with nylon rounds or pepper balls, taser etc.)?
_Are you and the any occupants really ready to kill an armed intruder?
_What is the layout of your home?
_What is the possibility of a high velocity round leaving your four walls with the power to injure bystanders?
_Are there children in the home? Are they old enough to understand the purpose and consequences of a firearm?

I live on a farm.
_My first line of defense (warning) are ducks and horses. When someone enters the property, they let us know immediately.
_My second line of defense consists of my livestock guardian dogs and geese. that combination has run off coyotes, bears and teenage boys intent on mischief.
_My third line of defense is some bad ass Basset Hounds [If you trip over them, they will lick your face and you may never recover]
_My fourth line of defense is me and a .50caliber air pistol revolver with a combo of pepper balls and less lethal nylon rounds.
_My fifth line of defense is a combination of me and the wife with a.45 pistol and my birding shotgun loaded with snake shot.

No one bent on mischief has ever made it past the Basset Hounds alive.

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Feb 28 at 2025 8:41 PM

CPL Douglas Chrysler — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 20:41:07 -0500

Try a shotgun and who knows you might enjoy trap shooting.

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Feb 28 at 2025 10:06 PM

SGT Aaron Atwood — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 22:06:25 -0500

If you're going to commit to a firearm as far as owning one goes, for that purpose, the will to use it should not be questioned. Two things make for effective and safe use of a firearm in any capacity of defense: proper training, and the will to use said firearm. The former can be acquired usually at the same place where the firearm is bought. I've yet to come across a gun shop where classes on proper usage and carry weren't advertised. The will to use it is something that requires an in-depth introspection. No user can afford to hesitate with said firearm once it's drawn and bearing on the assailant. Hesitation kills like complacency does.

That said...

The one you're more versed in will be the more suitable for home defense. If you're more suited to a rifle then go with that. If a handgun is something you have more practice with then go with that. A shotgun in 12 gauge is of little use if you don't know how to safely and effectively use it.

Response by SPC James Neidig made Mar 1 at 2025 1:39 AM

SPC James Neidig — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 01:39:52 -0500

I Will Give You My Two Cents About Defending Your Home.
I Have Defended My Home Against Two Legged And Four Legged Animals Since I Live In A Rural Area Now , But I Have Also Lived In Cities.
Any Encounters You May Have Will Be At A Distance Of 8-15 Feet And If You Are Inside Your Home Over Penetration Is An Issue, So Any Rifle Should Be Out Of The Question, Most Handguns Should Also Be Ruled Out Except A Revolver That Shots .410 Shot shells And Put A Laser On It, If You Put A Red Or Green Dot On Someone’s Chest That Can Be Very Intimidating And Should Scare Most Dirtbags !
My Choice Is A 12 Gauge Pump Shotgun Loaded With Triple Ought Buck Shot And Since Most Modern Shotguns Have Pic Rails You Can Also Put A Laser On Them, If You Think Your Wife Can’t Handle A 12 Gauge Get A 20 Gauge Or A.410 Pump Action.

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Mar 1 at 2025 6:39 AM

SGT Lorenzo Nieto — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 06:39:46 -0500

Remember one very important thing you better be sure you are ready to kill, if you hesitate you die.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2025 11:27 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 11:27:35 -0500

Using any firearm to intimidate is a bad idea. I’ve seen plenty of people not frightened by having a gun pointed at them, and finding that out after you’ve drawn and centered on a target is a bad start to a potentially irreversible situation.

Rifles can be a problem for indoor use. If you’re moving between rooms, like from a bedroom to a hallway, chances are the intruder will see the rifle before you see them, and swinging the rifle around in arcs in confined spaces to center and re-center on targets is time-consuming. And you must consider your background (what’s behind your target). The rifle round might not stop where you’re shooting.

Someone has already mentioned shotguns. At night, in the dark, when you just got out of bed to investigate a sound downstairs is a bad time to find out you’re a bad marksman. Shotguns can clear hallways.

Some other things to consider:

1. Make sure everyone in your house knows how to shoot. They don’t need to be expert marksmen. But they need to know how to handle the weapon, understand that every gun should be considered loaded and chambered until safetied, where it’s stored, how to secure it, and how to shoot.

2. If there are other people in the house (especially kids), the weapon needs to be secure and locked up. Not unsecured on the kitchen table or counter.

3. Keep the gun pointed in a safe direction: Point the gun in a direction where it can't cause injury or damage if it fires.

4. Keep your finger off the trigger: Don't put your finger on the trigger until you're ready to shoot.

5. Know your target: Be aware of what's behind your target and what will happen if you miss.

6. This is a big one. Know when you can legally engage a target with a gun. Once the cops show up, you’re a suspect until proven otherwise. Shoot someone just because they were turning around in your driveway (don’t laugh…it happens, and has recently) and you’ll be guilty of murder. A lot of local PDs and SOs have firearms training courses.

7. By the time you’ve drawn on an intruder, once you transition from a weapon ready position to aiming center mass, negotiations are over and the opportunity to talk your way out of it is gone.

8. Some jurisdictions will insist you keep the gun and the ammo separate, or keep the gun unchambered until you're ready to shoot. That's just silly.

9. Another big one. You will miss every time you try to shoot someone in the leg or arm. Hitting that target in a tactical situation is laughably impossible. If you do it, you did it by accident. Aim center mass.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Mar 1 at 2025 12:38 PM

MSG Stan Hutchison — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 12:38:28 -0500

Some really great advice here.
I worked as a retail salesman in gun stores and finally got my FFL and opened my own shop. Whenever a customer asked your question, the very first question I asked was "Are you prepared to take a life?" Many answered no, they only wanted to intimidate. I then suggested Mace or pepper spray. Lost some sales that way, but I have to sleep at night.
If the customer was convinced a gun was necessary, I then suggested a firing range that rented firearms. Go and find out what you and you wife are comfortable with. Lost more sales.
Finally, with a customer that still wanted to purchase a weapon, I pointed that my weapon of choice in my house was a Winchester Defender 12Ga loaded with 6 rounds of double-ought buckshot. That will take down any man alive (also big bears). If your wife is not comfortable with that, get a 20Ga or even a .410.
Good luck and I believe you are showing some good common sense.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Mar 1 at 2025 7:23 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 19:23:29 -0500

I'd go with a shotgun but have a pistol under within easy reach. If someone breaks into your home in the middle of the night and stumbles upon your bedroom you may not have time to get the rifle. My two cents worth.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2025 7:59 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 19:59:57 -0500

12 gauge pump double ought Buck. That's a good attention getter

Response by MSG Thomas Currie made Mar 2 at 2025 10:41 AM

MSG Thomas Currie — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 10:41:06 -0500

So far the recommendations are 100% in favor of a shotgun -- I'm not going to disagree with choosing a shotgun but I will quibble with a few points.

While a rifle and pistol each require more training than a shotgun, using a shotgun effectively still requires both training and practice. Do not fall for the idea that a shotgun doesn't require aiming -- at home defense distances the entire spread of a 12 gauge shotgun load will still be less than 12" and you want that 12" spread to be entirely (or at least mostly) on the intruder's chest.

Regardless of the weapon you choose, tactics are much more important that the weapon. The first step in home defense is HAVE A PLAN. I'm sure that during your service you learned that any plan has to start with considering the situation. Defending your home isn't exactly the same as defending a battle position, but planning to defend your home is very similar to planning to defend a battle position. You start by examining your position (your home) and the surrounding terrain. You consider your resources (you, your wife). You consider the likely enemy avenues of approach (points of entry). You improve your battle position (good doors with good locks, locked windows, etc.). Consider what limitations you may have -- just as you wouldn't fire on adjacent units in the field you don't want to shoot up your neighbors at home. And most especially you consider your mission -- in home defense that mission is protecting your wife and yourself, not protecting your TV set or microwave, etc.

You wouldn't expect to defend your battle position the same way in a thick forest as in a desert. Home defense in an apartment is different from home defense in a detached home. Home defense in a single story home is different from home defense in a house with bedrooms upstairs.

Finally, let me emphasize that we are talking about defense, not patrolling. In home defense the best choice is almost always to take up a defensive position and let any intruders come to you rather than wandering around your house looking for them.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Mar 2 at 2025 8:43 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 20:43:10 -0500

Double barrel shotgun point and shoot

Response by SFC Birk Ellis made Mar 3 at 2025 7:55 AM

SFC Birk Ellis — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 07:55:06 -0500

Personally, shotgun all the way, very little issues with over penetration (unless you are running slugs), pellet spread will cause wounds. Hope to God that you will not have to use it but just to have it is a sense of security.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Mar 3 at 2025 10:01 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 10:01:57 -0500

Ultimately you go with where your skillset is and what you are comfortable with. If you have little to no experience I would start with a rifle or shotgun. Easy to control and easier to aim. Yes, a pistol is better in close spaces but with your limited skillset you aren't room clearing at this point. You just want something you can use accurately and safely without hurting yourself or your family. A simple 9mm pistol is a good start as well. You already know the basics. They don't really change. I would start with a long good and add a pistol after that. Get some range time and learn how to do maintenance on them.

Response by MSG Andrew White made Mar 3 at 2025 4:10 PM

MSG Andrew White — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 16:10:26 -0500

I use a pistol, but I also have a .12ga at the ready!!

Response by SGT Carl Blas made Mar 3 at 2025 7:52 PM

SGT Carl Blas — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 19:52:28 -0500

Whatever you're confortable with, and operate proficiently.
Nothing to updated, an old shotgun that doesn't cost to much, or even a 22lr rifle, better then nothing.
Many will say a 22lr isn't good enough for home defence, but I learned, Round Placement is "KING".
As a police officer for 21 years, I had a case when someone shot another, that entered his home at night. He shot the guy in the knee, and it stoped the individual, untill the police came. I had two other incidences when they were shot with a 22lr rifle, and both died.

If you don't feel good at shooting someone, then a firearm might not be a good choice for you, try other means without a firearm, like a sign that reads, "Shotgun Lives Here".

Deterence is the better choice, prevention is key, better then ATF (After The Fact).

Do I have firearms at home, YES.
Do I have a shotgun and 22 rifle, YES.
Do I have a outside sign, YES (You Are a Target).
Do I have a deterent, YES. (6 seccurity cameras) and a Dog, YES, barks at anyone that comes to the house.
Did I ever have to shoot someone at my house, NO, but a few time they saw me with a firearm, and that's all that was needed.

It's your life, "Take Care of It"

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Mar 4 at 2025 11:27 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 23:27:19 -0500

I highly recommend a Pump action shotgun. If you are a bad guy, someplace that you should not be, hearing the action of a 12 gauge says "get the F*** out of my house" in every known language. A 12 ga does not require aiming, she can just point, and she can hold the butt against the wall or a door jam to eat rocoil.
other than that, a handgun with a flashlight/laser is a good choice, using FRANGIBLE ammunition to avoid shooting through walls.
I have a Remington 870 and a Sig M-17 that is nightsight, laser and Flashlight equipped in the bedroom. My desk comes equipped with a nightsight, flashlight and laser, suppressor ready Glock G-19X. My carry handgun is a Colt M-1911A1 as issued or an M-9 again, as issued. In all cases I use frangible ammunition unless using a suppressor.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Mar 5 at 2025 9:33 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 21:33:52 -0500

I have a KSG with slugs in one magazine topped with a flash bang, and 00 Buck in the other. Actual experience is the flash bang works about most of the time. For the rest, I have a choice that works 100% of the time. Score so far: Flash Bang 3-1. Slug 1-0. That was a revisiting cougar that had chickenitis. Fish and Game guy who went to school with my kid said "awesome". Did take out a bear with my 460 S&W at the neighbors around five years ago. Neighbor has a new rug.

Response by Amn Roger Omberg made Mar 7 at 2025 7:52 PM

Amn Roger Omberg — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 19:52:38 -0500

If I may suggest a pistol with practice would work better, cause a rifle takes more room to aim, & fire
especially in the dark. Should You run into a BAD guy he doesn't care if You have either.

Response by SGT Mary G. made Apr 9 at 2025 9:53 PM

SGT Mary G. — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 21:53:04 -0400

I suggest deciding on a plan of attack. Circumstances might dictate where you aim, however a shot to the feet, then knee or arm before going for a kill shot (which might prevent the need) would be advisable.

Response by LtCol Bruce Janis made May 22 at 2025 9:19 PM

LtCol Bruce Janis — Thu, 22 May 2025 21:19:27 -0400

Pistol by the bed stand…shotgun landing against the wall!

Response by SGT Herbert Bollum made May 23 at 2025 6:05 PM

SGT Herbert Bollum — Fri, 23 May 2025 18:05:47 -0400

Get some training to refresh yourself and have her get training also, you never know when it will be necessary.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2025 5:30 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 17:30:12 -0400

I have to yield to the firearms experts on this one!

Response by MSgt Craig Gauger made Jun 1 at 2025 10:24 PM

MSgt Craig Gauger — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 22:24:49 -0400

Iron frying pan, mace, and referee whistle.

Response by SPC Jeff Daley, PhD made Jun 2 at 2025 12:42 PM

SPC Jeff Daley, PhD — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 12:42:34 -0400

I agree with LTC Rodney Joye with some minor changes. For home defense, especially when your wife has limited practice with firearms, the best choice balances simplicity, reliability, and ease of use under stress. A 20-gauge pump-action shotgun, like the Mossberg 500 or Remington 870, is often ideal. Here's why:

Simplicity: Pump-actions are straightforward to operate—load, pump, aim, shoot. Minimal practice is needed to achieve basic proficiency compared to handguns, which require more training for accuracy and recoil management.

Effectiveness: A 20-gauge shotgun with #3 buckshot delivers significant stopping power with less recoil than a 12-gauge, making it more manageable for someone with limited experience. It’s highly effective at close range, typical for home defense scenarios. The Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 in 20-gauge, configured for tactical or home defense use, often has a fixed cylinder bore choke (no constriction) or no choke at all. This provides a wider shot spread (about 1 inch per yard) at close range (5–15 yards), ideal for home defense where precision is less critical.

Safety: Shotguns have less risk of over-penetration through walls compared to high-velocity rifle rounds (e.g., 5.56mm), reducing danger to others in the home. The spread of buckshot also makes precise aiming less critical under stress.

Intimidation: The sound of a pump-action shotgun being racked can deter intruders without firing a shot.

Response by SGT Beth Day made Jun 7 at 2025 8:02 AM

SGT Beth Day — Sat, 07 Jun 2025 08:02:19 -0400

You're asking the wrong question. It's not what kind of firearm, it's if the person weilding it is 100 percent, no doubt in their mind, can use it effectively. If not, it's more of a danger than an "intimidation factor". That advice was given to my mother years ago at a gun shop when she was considering home defense. She opted to move. And she was no wimp. She was a WWII Navy gunnery instructor (SBD Dauntless platform).

Response by Sgt Robert Norman made Jun 9 at 2025 1:20 PM

Sgt Robert Norman — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:20:45 -0400

Shotgun. The great equalizer. Just the sound of chambering a round can stop them in their tracks.

Response by PO3 Jared Johnson made Jun 9 at 2025 3:47 PM

PO3 Jared Johnson — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 15:47:13 -0400

LOL .... sorry. I just had an image of somebody brandishing a sword at an intruder. Anyway ... what you are probably wanting is a 20 ga tactical pump shotgun, loaded with 00 buckshot. It will mess things up. When an intruder sees 1/4 of an interior door disappear, they tend to reevaluate their situation. You could intersperse a slug or two with your 00 buckshot also.