Advice #2

thetret

thetret

Joined
Mar 27, 2010
Messages
1,471
Hey Guys--I need some feedback and a lot of you seem to be real knowledgeable about guns. I need a HD weapon that won't break the bank and I can use for target practice. Something my wife could shoot if she had to. Can't keep it loaded. So with a clip or? I guess I'm not knowledgeable-obviously- about these things. Only reason I'm looking is that ,we live on a ranch in CA,and there is a vacant 10 acre parcel next door. A guy somehow got over there the other night,climbed our fence and tried to break in our house about midnight. Thank goodness for Moabs and Killa Zillas,because when he saw me w/ my two,he was gone. I'm afraid this will happen again and there'll be a gun. Anyway,thanks in advance. Ron
 
Long gun or hand gun?


Glock 21 (or 22 - I'd prefer a 22, but I believe that 45acp is less snappy on recoil than a 40) or an AK. You could also look at a Saiga 12ga shotgun - mag fed.
 
For home defense not many things can beat a shotgun. Mount a light on the barrel and you are set.

My personal favorite is the autoloading FN SLP with the 18" barrel. Another great choice is the Remington 870 Police, not an autoloader but that gun has a legion of fans.
 
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Not sure long or handgun. I'm an idiot about this stuff. Always felt secure here.
 
Dennis in MA said:
Long gun or hand gun?


Glock 21 (or 22 - I'd prefer a 22, but I believe that 45acp is less snappy on recoil than a 40) or an AK. You could also look at a Saiga 12ga shotgun - mag fed.
Click to expand...

This is what came to mind when I read your post as well. A shot gun is the best HD option IMO. If you want something with a clip, then Saiga is the one.:cool:
 
VoxHog said:
For home defense not many things can beat a shotgun. Mount a light on the barrel and you are set.

My personal favorite is the autoloading FN SLP with the 18" barrel. Another great choice is the Benelli Nova
, not an autoloader but that gun has a legion of fans.
Click to expand...

Fixed it:D

Yeah, just get something that your wife will be good at. Maybe a 20 gauge?
 
Ah... you have come to the right place for gun advice... :thumbup:Good advice from the guys above here... But they may be thinking you are an experienced shooter.

I will assume the opposite. Stay away from large calibers. Loud bangs don't stop intruders... only well placed bullets do that. If you can't hit your target you may be better off with the knives. Realistically, you are not likely to develop the skills to use the firearm unless you practice with it. If the recoil is high, you are not likely to practice with it. Also, it must be something that your wife can handle and become proficient using.

Frankly, I'd lean toward a 357 magnum revolver (less than $500) loaded with 38 special rounds. You can use both in a 357 mag revolver, but not vice versa. Revolvers are very low maintenance and perfectly reliable and simple to use. Point, squeeze, repeat if necessary. Sure, it's not as sexy as an semi-auto, but rarely does the bad guy care what he is shot with. It gets the job done. :thumbup:

If a long gun is a consideration, I will part with the pack here and recommend a youth model Remington 870 in 20 gauge(under $300). It is short enough for self defense (20" bbl) and both you and your wife can use it. 12 gauge is not more powerful than a 20 gauge, it's shells just have more pellets in them (and powder to push them) and thus more recoil.

I'm sure you will get plenty of good responses on here, including some that will want you to rush out and purchase a $2500 semi-custom 1911. But what I've suggested will work well for you without breaking the bank.
 
The walther p22 is a TACK driver. under $400 usually.

California handgun prices always break the bank.
 
kdstrick said:
Frankly, I'd lean toward a 357 magnum revolver (less than $500) loaded with 38 special rounds. You can use both in a 357 mag revolver, but not vice versa. Revolvers are very low maintenance and perfectly reliable and simple to use. Point, squeeze, repeat if necessary. Sure, it's not as sexy as an semi-auto, but rarely does the bad guy care what he is shot with. It gets the job done. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

After some consideration, I think I would agree. A 20 gauge 870 is a VERY good option for you and your wife... but even a shotgun could prove to be too cumbersome to your wife... and even you under some circumstances.

The idea of a 357 revolver as an HD option is a good one. I chose it to sit next to my bed over my 870. Its simple, less scary for your wife and very accurate as far as hand guns go. Plus you can get them in different frame sizes making them light and limber for you, and manageable for your wife. Mine is a 6" barrel, but isn't as huge and heavy as it looks.

Tell me... who would mess with you staring down at this:
357-1.jpg
 
20 gauge Mossbergs can be had in Home defense configurations. They're affordable, light, short, and have plenty of low recoil buckshot rounds available.
 
it is difficult to recommend a firearm for someone who isn't familiar with them.

i would recommend going to a range and trying a bunch. this will give you an idea of what you are comfortable with.

shoot different calibers from different platforms, ie autos, revolvers, rifles, shotguns. glocks, for autos, are the easiest to maintain.

develop at least a moderate level of proficiency, then consider using a gun for home defense.

i dont like to recommend firearms for home defense to someone who has limited or no experience shooting and handling weapons.
 
I do have experience w/ firearms-used to hunt w/my dad all the time-but my wife does not. I would have to take her to a range and get het proficient and she's willing.
 
I would first suggest getting a couple of dogs, some lighting, alarm etc.

I keep the 20 gauge double barrell ready to go for my wife when I am not in town. I grew up shooting it and its real short along with a high end light. THe wife likes it and is comfortable using it.

If an intruder gets past the dogs, alarm, locks etc they will not be happy with what greets them on the other side:thumbup:
 
The 2 dogs we have are why I heard the guy. They are labs though.They bark but everyone knows they won't bite-usually. We have lights and locks but didn't seem to bother this guy.
 
Get a double barrell and a shotgun bandolier.:)


Next time he shows up....don't let him leave:)

Dont listen too me.....:D
 
I'd recommend a Glock 17 with a Surefire X300. It may take a while for it to break in to the point that your wife can rack the slide. Plus seating a full magazine on a closed action can be difficult. If you kept a handgun ready with its slide locked back, she would still have to be able to depress the slide stop once she seated the magazine. In my experience women generally have the strength to do semiauto handgun manipulation but are either afraid of the gun or don't think they can do it after their first try fails. Revovlers are much easier to manipulate but the double action trigger pull makes staying on target a little more difficult so a lot of practice is necessary. And you don't get to have a light as readily available. Good luck. Morimotom's suggestion to shoot a bunch of options is a very good one.
 
Hard to beat a good Double Barrel 12 Gauge with short barrels indoors. Called Coach guns today.

Load that bad boy up with #7 1/2 or #8 Shot and you got it covered. (It spreads nicely indoors in short barrels)

For outdoors #4 or #6 shot would be better or even 00 Buck.
 
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