Soon to be first time gun owner (newbie questions)

[stuck_in_new_orleans]

Wife and I are looking into buying a gun for the sole purpose of self defense/home safety. Neither of us has owned a gun nor know anything about guns. Silly question but do gun shops usually have ranges to rent/test guns? Also, any recommendations for guns for home safety? Thanks

[jboot]

I generally consider #4 and larger shot to be effective defense loads. I always load a shottie with 00 buck.

[jboot]

My granddad started me shooting on an 12 GA LC Smith double. The first time I fired it I pulled both triggers at once. Knocked me down and blew the rotten squash I was aiming at into atoms. I was hooked for life.

[Mr. Silverback]

Concur on the Mossberg. I understand the Maverick 88 is basically the same gun with a different safety and costs somewhat less.

[CowboyJay]

I like Glock 9MMs for home defense. Laser sight, and hollowpoint ammo. I have military training, and my main priority is mobility in tight spots and being able to pop off multiple rounds as quickly and accurately as possible. I’d avoid larger calibers. The recoil can make it difficult to put a second round on target in real-world conditions, and larger rounds are more likely to go through walls and kill something you don’t want them to. Handguns really are optimal for home defense. If you’re 100% serious about home defense, pay for lessons from a security pro, get a good handgun, and practice frequently.

For someone without training, a shotgun is best. I agree with the other poster that said it’s easier to put the first round on target quickly hip-shooting with a shotgun than drawing-down with a pistol. 20 gauge is plenty big enough. DO NOT get a single-shot for home defense use. Plan on blowing through a box of shells at least once every couple months to familiarize yourself with operating the weapon, and go with a pump. Cut the stock down, or have it replaced with a short stock. If you need to get a round off in a hurry, it will just get in the way. Make sure to get proper instruction on breaking your weapon down and cleaning it. This should be done at least every couple months as well, same day after firing it.

If you have children in the house, or have them over as guests, you should never leave ammo or loaded firearms anywhere but in a locked gun safe. It’s statistically more likely to kill your kid than an intruder. If you don’t have children in the house, I’d recommend keeping a couple firearms well-concealed, and ready for use - which means loaded and properly maintained and in a location where a snoopy houseguest won’t find it if they poke around a little. Tell absolutely nobody where they’re stashed.

I like guns, but seriously speaking, a good alarm system and floodlights rigged up on motion detectors are probably the best investment there is to make your home more secure against break-ins.

[meowmeow]

bfl

[uncommonsense]

My bad - my Smith 44 Mod 629 doesn't have a safety. It's got a feature that keeps the hammer from firing if the trigger isn't pulled (i.e. dropped). It's not my fav gun (I don't hunt bear), so I'll probably trade for a 357 of the same config. I don't like my 380 Colt either - it jams too often even with good quality ammo. Maybe I'll check out a Five Seven for a semiauto conceled carry or the Sig you use. Then again, it's hard to beat a good revolver.

I like the setup of your 870. I'll have to see what options are available for my Defender. I want a longer barrel for hunting. I'm on a Blackberry so I can't see picts very well- it looks like the choke can be changed out. That would be sweet.

[LouAvul]

Yes, it's a Remchoke system. I have another 870 (Wingmaster) and the chokes are interchangeable.

I don't understand, "Five Seven for a semiauto." What do you mean?

[uncommonsense]

The FN Five Seven is based on a 5.7 x 28mm round. It's super light, low recoil, very accurate, penetration good but not too much for use in a neighborhood, and holds 20 rounds.

Review with specs and comments: FN Five Seven review Shooting Times

Some good comments here: FN Five Seven review policelink

[LouAvul]

Gee. All I need is another caliber to reload for.

I actually thought you were talking about the Smith and Wesson Model 57. It's in 41 magnum caliber. The old pinned and recessed Smiths truly can't be beat. That's one caliber/gun I wouldn't mind gearing up to reload. ;)

Good talking to you. Watch your tail, cowboy.

[AFPhys]

Thank You for your answer.

[jboot]

YW. Anything to help out. There is a low signal-to-noise ratio on these kind of threads and they can be hard to sort out.

[jboot]

I once had both a Mossberg 500 and a Maverick 88. Most parts were interchangeable. The fire control group is the only difference. They used to ding the Maverick for having plastic parts, but Mossbergs have them now, too. All aftermarket accessories are interchangeable. It’s a toss-up, really.