Home defense? You 9mm is OK. Get Hornady Critical Defense or XTP rounds for it, and you are good to go.
That said, if you don’t have a 12 guage shotgun, get one. Preferably a pump. The sound of a shell being chambered will make most thugs wet themselves and run (have been there). If they don’t, it’s the ultimate close quarters home defense weapon.
If you already have a 12 guage, I’ll defer to other Freepers re handgun choice. (My preferred is a .357 magnum wheel gun, but you stated that wheel guns are out.)
Thank you, I have a 12-gauge pump shotgun with 7 shells loaded right now...I may buy some of your ammo, thank you.
what he said,,use the 9mm as backup, your as well armed as you need to be for home protection. Load it w/ #1 or 0 buck, not bird shot.
Practice with both, bigger pistol calibers have more recoil and can cause flinching. One COM hit w/9mm is better than 10 misses with a .50 cal.
9mm has the cheapest ammo, therefore, more practice.
I love the 1911, but, how are you going to keep it? If one round is in the chamber, the hammer is back, safety on. I prefer a double action only, round in chamber, no safety to worry about. (point, click, repeat)
Piytar, When I took my 12 Guage to a gunsmith to
have the barrel and stock shortened, I told him to
listen. I pumped it... and it made the world familiar
chouk chouk sound... he said, yes? I said, when I pick
it up I want it to be just as noisy as it is right now.
He smiled and said, I know exactly what you mean.
(s)
Razmataz
Me too. I keep an S & W 357 in my bed stand and a 12 gauge with double ought buckshot in my closet.