I’ve always had a 12 gauge shotgun, which I keep loaded for home safety. Recently I bought a .38 snubnose revolver, since it is easier to handle with the arthritis. The kids have home defense weapons, we’ve all grown up with firearms for hunting and defense.
We’ve never needed them, but I’d rather have them and not need them, than need them and not have them.
The range of ammuntion available in 12 ga. is impressive. Everything from light field loads to rifled slugs, along with flares, bean-bag, plastic, incindiary, flechettes, sabot slugs, the list goes on.
Recently I bought a .38 snubnose revolver, since it is easier to handle with the arthritis. The kids have home defense weapons, we’ve all grown up with firearms “
You can also use “snake shot” with your .38, for those who might not be the best shot.
I have it for snakes, and have killed my share of them.
Your are the first one in this string to get the total package right. A 12 gauge shotgun, preferably a pump, is the obvious choice for home defense. I have both the Mossberg 500 and a couple of Remington 870’s and either a good. The only tidbit I would offer on pumps would be to buy an older used model if possible because one can hold the trigger and work the action for rapid firing without releasing the trigger. With, the newer pumps one must release the trigger after each shot. Gets a little klutzy sometime. On the pistol, the 38 special is a great handgun. I would suggest a revolver because of simplicity when firing and reliability. If there should be inexperienced folks within the perimeter being protected, this is critical as semi's are complex pieces of machinery and will malfunction unless all the variables are just right. Lastly, availability of ammo could possibly become and issue; thus the choices of the 12 gauge and 38 special is good because these two very common. The only adder I would suggest if purchasing a new revolver would be to purchase a 375 magnum as also fire 38 special rounds.