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.
That’s my suggestion. she can practice with target loads. If she were a big woman, I’d suggest throwing away that pea shooter and getting a .45.
Remington 870 12 gauge pump. Affordable, effective and always goes bang.
>> This may sound odd, but I’m a big proponent of a .223 rifle.
So where can I find one of those on short notice?
;-)
I don’t know why they continue to push the shotgun as the primary defense weapon for people with limited mobility or strength. The shotgun is a relatively large weapon and certainly not ideal for an elderly woman.
A .38 revolver is a good choice, but the trigger pulls on the DAO/hammerless models like the S&W 642 may be too much for elderly women. My neighbor (about 80) bought one and his wife cannot use the trigger (age, arthritis).
Try holding a shotgun and a phone (or a flashlight). Try opening a door while holding a shotgun. Now imagine you’re an elderly woman.
And God help them if they actually fire the thing.
Based on my experience, few things bring instant calm to an area like the sound of a shotgun racking a round into the chamber.
Seriously, the thing to concentrate on is training, not some ideal magic-wand firearm that takes no training and hits its target every time. If I ever run into one of those I'll buy it. Until then, practice, practice, practice...and then more practice. Hey, it's your life at stake - isn't it worth a little time?
A 12 guage would blast a large hole in the wall!
The spread of a shotgun in self-defense ranges (abouy 7m, average) is not that much. However, looking down a long barrel will help in aiming.
Two ought a do it.
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.
I hope she finds something that works for her needs and budget.
7 1/2 shot should work fine in the house.
And remember the Amish warning; I mean you no harm, English, but you are standing where I intend to shoot...
I think that is a good point.
“Shotgun. No need for accuracy, just point and spray.”
Stupid answer I’m tired of hearing.
Indoors, there is no appreciable spread. Accuracy is still important.
Outdoors at a range where the spread is appreciable, you’ll need a rifle.
I keep a new mosquito near me and I think 10 varmint rounds into a perp could be very effective as well. Shotgun gets first lick though.
If they really wake me from my slumber, Gumby 23 wakes up.
Agreed.
What are the stats on home invasions? Not burglaries, or house break ins when no one is at home, I am talking about an intruder brazenly breaking into a house occupied by other than a lone female occupant, such as a family of 2 to 4?
If those odds are realistically high, my thinking is a shot gun would be best. It sprays the shots, so no need to practice. If the odds are very small, I would’nt bother with a gun.
In the case of OP, the situation is a female living alone. That warrants a gun IMO. My thinking is a shot gun blast would stop or scare the intruder faster than a .38.
Maybe hollow point and frangible rounds are better, but I would not want to be downrange of someone blasting away inside a house with a mouse gun.
The advice about a shotgun is valid, but ignores the takeaway aspect. A small woman is in no way going to wrestle with a thug grabbing the barrel. She may get off a shot, she may lose the gun.
I have no experience with them, but since she knows revolvers, why not one of those Judge type .410/.45 revolvers? As I said, no personal experience with them. May be too much to handle.
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