If you like mystery shots...
Posted on 12/07/2014 9:30:46 AM PST by savedbygrace
I have a home defense shotgun, a Maverick 88, next to my bed, but I would like to also have a handgun, for more immediate defense in parts of the house other than my bedroom.
I want to spend as little money as possible for a handgun that will stop an intruder, or at least slow him down so I can get to my shotgun, but will offer the least possibility of firing accidentally. When I add that last part, I'm thinking of those videos we've all seen with a LEO demonstrating firearm safety and the handgun fires inadvertently.
Thank you.
What a joke!!!
Too heavy to carry, and you can do much better for a glove box or home protection.
I’d have one for a tackle box for snakes and that’s about all.
Good. That eases gun placement and accessibility.
No kids in the house and it's a bit of a cannon which wifey doesn't like, but then we also have a .22 semi-auto (loaded with hollow-points) on her side as well. (Flanking fire is always welcome.)
The guns that fire on their own are all owned by liberals.
They fire accidentally from all their magic mystical brain waves interference with the electromechanical forces.
If you like mystery shots...
I was gonna say that or OR, NV depending on where you are.
I agree with the .38 caliber revolver in your situation.
Thanks for your input, but I still like it...and no, it isn’t too heavy. Mine is a titanium Ultra Lite, it shoots very well. I am retired now but was working prior to that in a service position which took me to rough areas in Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha, so I was prepared for a carjacking type situation primarily with a piece that would easily conceal in my “tool vest”. It worked great for me. I’m happy...I’m sorry you are disappointed, but not very much.
Software is much more important than hardware when it comes to self defense with a firearm. Take a class! Then buy either a revolver that will fire .38 Special or a semi automatic pistol in 9mm. Whichever you prefer is fine.
http://www.charterfirearms.com/index.asp
I have a charter arms bulldog that I really like. I use it as a backup piece to my Springfield XD. They make very good quality revolvers in a wide variety of calibers, even 9mm.
Very accurate. Very reasonably priced. Check them out!
I would echo those who suggested a 4” .357 mag loaded with +P hollow points. No buttons or levers to forget under stress.
Pretty clear to us that you’ve never actually used one.
That’s what I’m talking about. Thanks.
For use around the house "until you can get to your shotgun" implies you are going to keep it with you. That means either literally carrying it around and setting it on the counter by you (something I do) or finding one small enough and light enough that you can "super carry" - have it in a holster on your person even in the home. Yes, my Glock is on the desk as I type this. If I'm in the kitchen doing dishes it is on the counter next to me. In the shower (sorry for that mental image!) it is by the bathroom sink. I literally pick up or put down the weapon dozens of times a day. It spends a lot of time in my hand. I like this because it feels very, very familiar now. I know what it feels like loaded and unloaded. I routinely slip my trigger finger up and check the loaded chamber indicator, etc. I believe it is a good way to get, and stay, very familiar with your firearm.
Where was I? Other considerations. Think about environmental issues - darkness. You might want night sights on whatever you choose. You might want to purchase a small, reasonable flashlight to keep with it. Something like a Maglite XL200 won't break the bank, are a good size for one handed use. Use common batteries, and offer plenty of light for indoor situations.
Whatever you choose make sure it is fun to shoot. You should practice with it as much as possible. That means something that does *not* have punishing recoil. That means something that takes ammo you can afford to fire off 100 rounds or so each trip to the range.
If you use both "range ammo" and "self defense" ammo - make sure you fire off several boxes of the self defense ammo too. You want to make sure there are no issues with your firearm and that ammo. (more of an issue with semi-automatics) You also want to know if there is a significant difference in recoil. (goes for your shotgun too)
Have a plan. Consider where you typically spend time in your home. Kitchen, family room, bedroom. Consider likely scenarios where you might want your firearm. Intruder breaks in front door, sliding door, window. Or forces their way in when you answer the door. Will you need to confront the intruder or can you retreat? Can you take up a defensive position and wait for help, or must you go on the offensive and clear the room/house? Practice moving around you house in the dark, weapon in hand. Look for light sources (windows, digital clocks, etc) where you or an intruder might be silhouetted...
In selecting a caliber and ammunition consider number of rounds you might have to fire. How many might you need? What about rounds that miss? Will they penetrate walls?
In short, there are lots of variables and every person's situation and priorities are different. Hence there is no one right choice. In fact, there are probably many choices that are for all intents and purposes equally good. Have fun, think it through, then practice practice practice...
Taurus 608 8 round .357 revolver 4" barrel. I have the 6". Awesome gun!
Revolver. 38
“Taurus 92...”
I’ve had my Beretta 92FS for years and like it a lot. I even opted for the Beretta 96A1 when looking for a 40 caliber.
That being said, the single action/double action (plus the safety) could be disconcerting to the unfamiliar.
Just practice, practice, practice. Don’t pull the hammer back to avoid the double action on the first round. Learn to shoot thru the “first round” double action and be ready for the subsequent single action firing at the lighter trigger pull.
+1 on the “club” comment.
I also have a Makarov. It’s a fine pistol. Of course it’s not made for 100 yds though. 25yds is good. And 9x18 is plentiful.
For me a good 4” .357 has a proven track record, better balance, and easier to manage.
The Judge/Taurus to me is a nitch weapon.
For carry a LCR or Airweight +P is light, highly concealable, and difficult for someone to wrestle away.
If you don’t have it with you at all times why have one at all. Just like seat belts. You will need one when you don’t have one. That’s my preaching for the day.
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