Posted on 01/06/2013 9:42:01 PM PST by ru4liberty
This question pertains to a diminutive woman in her mid-60s. She has a .38 handgun but has been told by a few people (shooting range owner, RTC instructor's cousin, co-worker, etc.) that the best thing to have is a shotgun. They pretty much said that sometimes the only thing a perp needs is to hear the cocking of the shotgun and he'll flee the scene.
I wanted to tap into the expertise of those FReepers who are knowledgeable of such things so I can pass along the info. Also, her funds are limited (fixed income), so any recommendations that would keep her from having to spend too much and where would be the best place to buy it would be helpful.
“FYI, back in the “Andy Griffith days” the .38 revolver was standard police issue. It may not be enough to handle modern meth-fueled zombies, though.”
Most people will break off an attack when shot at with anything. Most of the rest will fall to pieces when shot with anything. The remainder are the reason the 1911 was invented.
If a shotgun is a little heavy for a person, there are ways to reduce the weight.
“FYI, back in the “Andy Griffith days” the .38 revolver was standard police issue. It may not be enough to handle modern meth-fueled zombies, though.”
Most people will break off an attack when shot at with anything. Most of the rest will fall to pieces when shot with anything. The remainder are the reason the 1911 was invented.
If a shotgun is a little heavy for a person, there are ways to reduce the weight.
Not a bad idea for close quarters
12 gauge Remington 870. Just the sound of that being pumped in the dark will send bad guys running.
The bat is a choice, just like the pepper spray gun is a choice. Choice depends on what the situation is. I keep that bat in a position close to the front door. I know it's there as a choice based on what's happening.
The Ruger 38 with hollow points is in a fanny pack designed to cover a gun - has a velcro panel to jerk down and the gun is in my hand. If lawlessness started, I would wear that fanny pack all the time. Also have an ammo vest that carries extra ammo.
One way or another, I will kill the SOB that makes it into my house. I prefer to shoot him at the door and kick the body out so I can close and lock the door again. It's okay to kick the body out now since we have a law that says if someone tries to get in, it's okay to use deadly force. Before that law, it was best to drag the body inside to prove he was actually in.
20 gauge over/under or double barreled shotgun. NOT pump.
When the adrenaline gets going its too easy to be panicked or even physically quaking too much to effectively work the pump action or even remember there is one.
Yes, only 2 shots, but easy ones to get off.
BTW...something’s bugged me throughout this whole thread. Unless she truly can NOT hit the broad side of a barn....what those men said to her was not right. They took away any self-confidence she may have had.
Is there a different range she can go to? The guys at my range were nothing but complimentary, along with, of course, VERY instructive.
00 buckshot is a macho suggestion and in a home defense weapon is a disaster waiting to happen to the homeowner, not the perp. In a house clearing operation, a load of #6 or #7 1/2 and will cut a man in half at 15 feet. The chances of this devastating shot penetrating a wall and injuring or killing a neighbor or loved one is minimized. Also, for a slightly built female with minimal self defense skills and for accessibility and ease of use and lethality, a Taurus Judge loaded with .410 defensive ball shot is a good suggestion.
Training is more important than the type of gun she uses. She needs to be proficient with the firearm, but also understand its limitations and exactly how it should be used effectively to defend herself. She needs to be able to identify her defendable spaces in her home and be ready to make the split second decisions that could save her life.
I have a great Saiga 410 that I would sell.
it was gonna be my boat gun but dumbass laws make it cost prohibitive for me to make it a side folder.
Even as a full long arm I would never sneer at it.
Ladies handle it well with 3” 00 buck
I got #4 buck in mine...but I aint scared of #7 either.
Personally, I keep revolvers .38 sec and 22LR. The only time I was ever faced with anything like a home invasion, though, I used an 17th century styled small sword. Stabbed him in the foot when he stuck his foot in the door while tryin’ to force it open. It worked, but I don’t recommend it as a rule.
that’s what i’d rexommend, another .38. shecan shoot with both hands if necessary.
.380 ?
Ruger and S&W make some really good .380 pistols.
Even when you move to 9mm compacts, they are a good size larger, but still carry-able.
Years ago I bought a .32 auto (KelTec P32). Sure, it’s a dinky “pimp gun”, but it’s always in my pocket. When other people are leaving their .45ACP autos at home or in the car, my .32 auto is right with me.
yes but you’ve given them a potential clue to your location and they may just start shooting thru a door or wall.
if you want a shotgun, semi auto is quiet loading and fast. winchester has a semiauto defense gun.
For you, dear lady, go shoot a a few different weapons. A .38 is fine for under the pillow and the a**hole is at the bedroom door. A 12 guage is unwieldy in your house and will probably knock you on your butt. Try a semi auto .22 Magnum short barrel rifle. Very wicked round. Won’t beat you up. If not that then maybe an M1 Carbine or a 9mm carbine like a Mossberg or a Highpoint. Shoot them and you’ll see.
I agree.
All my pistols, ARs and shotguns have quality lights (SureFire or Insight). My 6V and 9V lights will light up a room or blind an attacker and set them up easily.
Racking the pump means you weren’t smart enough to load your gun or you decided to toss a good shell on the floor.
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