Home defense question ????

[Gun Nerd]

Well me and my wife are finally getting or first house so we are really happy. We are going to be buying in corona which is a nice city, but that doesn't mean that bads not around. The first thing that came to mind was "shotgun"

Does anybody use a shotgun as a HD weapon or Do you guys think I'm fine with just a few firearms placed around the house, and of course one on the nightstand ???

[stphnman20]

Well you can use any gun as HD.. But IMO a shotgun is the ultimate HD gun.

[nazgulnarsil]

i think a lightweight carbine trumps a shotgun. hollowpoint .223 overpenetrates less than buckshot from what tests I've seen and for less that the weight of an unloaded shotgun you can have 30 rounds in a package that is shorter (assuming you aren't using a pistol grip shotgun).

oh and get your wife a revolver (or whatever she winds up liking).

[VegasND]

Place your loaded handgun on the nighstand. Stand you AR (AK if you must) with 30 round mag next to the nightstand. The shotgun with slug or buckshot goes under the bed.

Now you're ready for a peaceful night's rest.

[ZX-10R]

PSL is my home defense and M44 in NorCal...My WASR/ AK pattern and AR are my HD in Irvine and Santa Barbara. My HD set up is going to change though and the holidays will take care of that.

There is always a gun with a magazine fully loaded (but not in gun) and ready to go next to me when I am at home.

[ricksOe]

Place your loaded handgun on the nighstand. Stand you AR (AK if you must) with 30 round mag next to the nightstand. The shotgun with slug or buckshot goes under the bed.

Now you're ready for a peaceful night's rest.

+1...

Also dont forget the revolver under your pillow and knife in your pajamas.. sometimes you gotta stab someone.

[Skullster]

Home Defense Weapon of Choice

I disagree with naz. I think it's nearly impossible to trump a "pistol grip" 12 gauge shotgun for home defense. Especially when it's loaded with 00 buck shot.

Reason for my opinion: It's inexpensive for the first time firearm purchaser, easy to use, and nothing else can make hamburger meat out of an intruder as effectively. If you doubt that statement, please shoot 00 buck into a man size silhouette target at the range at say 10 feet (a common distance in your home) and then shoot a .223 round from a carbine at the same distance. Let a comparison of the two targets be your deciding factor in choosing which weapon you would rather have in your hands when you are woke up in the middle of the night
.

[chesterthehero]

all depends on how big you are and how big the halls in the house are.. im a big guy and moving around my house with a shotgun (pistol grip or not) is just not something that feels right..
i go for the revolver.. the lady stays in bed with the shotgun (#7.. no 00 in here.. too many close houses/windows and kids.. and at 10 feet #7 gets the job done)

and welcome to corona!

[scarville]

Ask ten gun owners that question and you'll get at least eleven different answers.

I recommend a handgun for your basic HD/SD gun if you can afford a decent quality. The handgun is just more flexible at close ranges. Which handgun to get is another hotly debated topic. Some favor revolvers and others won't go to the mailbox without 17+1 in the gun and four spare magazine. I can't tell you where it will be but somewhere between the single shot muzzleloader and the Uzi SMG will be your best compromise handgun

If you do decide on a handgun, plan on getting a shotgun for the safe room as soon as you can.

[Heiko]

I totally agree that you will get all kinds of opinions on this one. What works for some may not work for you. I think you have to assess your needs based on your particular situation, including your home defense plan, the specifics of your house and location, your proficiency or willingness to become proficient, financial willingness to make gun purchases, and how you want to store your weapons.

A shotgun is a great home defense weapon but it might not be right for everyone. They are attractive because of their effectiveness and can be purchased for around $300 but i don't think they are ideal for moving about confined spaces. They are more difficult to manipulate, in general, and can be taken away easier. My example you be someone going past a doorway and the bad guy is on the other side and can grab the barrel. Having said that, if your plan is to bunker down place, a shotgun might be great for holding down the fort.

I have thought about leaving guns hidden around the house but my fear of burglary and theft is great so they mostly stay in the safe. I usually leave only one or two handguns out. One is hidden and one is my EDC so it's accessible.

I am not a proponent of a high powered rifle or carbine as a home defense weapon for the same reaasons as the long shotgun and for fear of over penetration. I also a perhaps irrational concern that if I had to use it even in a home defense situation, using a black rifle could look bad. I know that's a crazy thing but it's just a cherry on top sort of reason why my ARs don't stay loaded for home defense.

Just my $0.02.

[corporateslave]

I don't like shotguns for HD all that much. I'll stick with my trusty pistol with nightsights and an x300 on it.

[FUBAR]

I think the handgun is a better choice if you need to move around the house. Its a little cumbersome to open doors with a shotgun but with a handgun it makes the task easier and safer because you have a free hand. Also when turning corners, you can keep the weapon close to the body to prevent the BG from disarming you. With a shotgun you got that long barrel which becomes a liability in cinfined places. Shotguns are good if you plan on holing up in one spot but of you need to move around I would choose the handgun.

The 223 IMHO has too much flash and too loud to be used indoors and has the same issues as using the shotgun.

My personal choice is the Glock G17 with 147grn HP with Trijicon Night Sights and a SureFire Flashlight.

[Squidward]

Now there is a true answer!

I prefer small,light and portable. A weapon that I practice with regularly and am very familiar with. For me a pistol. I can use it one-handed and be one the cell phone. Turn lights on/off. Lock/unlock doors, etc.

Interesting video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly_7RF0oJsk

[happy_gunner]

I personally have my glock23 as HD gun and the 870knoxx is not far away, only because of the possibility that if you ever have to use it, it may get confiscated or held as evidence. This is a gun I can easily replace if needed to, but I tell you there is nothing more effective than hearing a shotgun action in the dark to get fear running in you.

[shortround1]

Corona is in California so don't listen to all the "full capacity" 30 round or 17+1 advice, that will just get you into trouble. I say shotgun. (And Corona's not "that" nice, plenty of bad guys for what it's worth).