HD Question

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

I prefer a pistol for several reasons:

First, as a working LEO, that's the firearm I used most. Shotgun second, rifle third.

Second, my house is small, with tight doorways, small rooms and generally small spaces. Not much room to maneuver a shotgun.

Third, it's easier to open a door or manipulate an object with a pistol in hand. It's not impossible, especially with the use of the CAR System of weapons handling, it's just harder. I can be more effective with pistol in one hand and the phone in the other, calling 911 for backup, for example. Or a flashlight in my off hand to illuminate areas I don't want to sweep with my muzzle.

Obviously, in the case of #1 and #2, YMMV. Yes, I give up power in trade for maneuverability, that's a given. In terms of sheer effectiveness, it'd be hard to argue with a 12 ga. loaded with buckshot unless you live in a palace with hallways longer than 12-18 yards.

[HPBrowningMK3]

Pistol to get the family together and pull back to the bedroom if you can , get everyone behind a barrier or in the bathroom, close/lock the bedroom door and make them break the door while caling 911. If they do break the door, blast them with all you've got until you stop them. Ak47 or Ar15 is your heavy artilery if you live in a house or a shotgun if condo/apartment. Your ears will ring for a while :-)

[Josh3239]

I should preface with the fact that I am anything but a shotgun guy and I firmly believe this choice should be strongly rooted in what you are best with and most comfortable with.

Home defense is really a broad term. If I knew that people were coming to do me harm I'd grab a rifle, no question about it. IMO it is superior to a handgun or shotgun in every way; range, mag capacity, speed of follow up shots, etc. All the downsides are the rifle are negated when you have a fixed position on people coming to you.

But real home defense is a crash when you least expect it and people are coming through a door or window. They may or may not be coming for you specifically. You grab the gun closest to you. In this case I believe the handgun is best. It is light, allows for one hand operation, isn't as damaging to the ears, provides plenty of power, quick follow up shots, mag capacity depending on the gun can be quite high, small mags can easily be put in the pockets, on board light is possible, easy to maneuver with, less for someone to grab, one handed weapon allows your other hand free for other tasks.

Like I said it is personal choice. For me a shotgun makes no sense. I suck at loading em, low mag capacity, difficult to operate, big recoil (I weight 160lbs), crazy loud in doors, fairly heavy and long. I know everyone likes pumps, they are plenty good for personal defense but they are outdated. Atleast get a semi, just my opinion.

Chris Costa puts it in a good way:

[IPSICK]

...A magazine fed carbine chambered in 5.56/.223 is actually what I consider an ideal HD tool. Contrary to popular belief most .223/5.56 loads exhibit LESS overall penetration potential after penetrating intermediate barriers than service caliber pistol bullets or buckshot. The carbine has higher capacity, less recoil, and reloads faster as well...

I guess we're in the minority. I'd mostly pick rifle except there is the issue that the best configuration is illegal in this state and requires an NFA tax stamp. If it were me I'd love an SBR with can for home defense. But that configuration and muzzle accessory are a big no no here.

So after that I'd hand a shotgun with low recoil buck to the wife while I go fetch the kids with a pistol in hand.

[Chewy65]

As others post, it depends on your circumstances, but generally a pistol. The pistol:

1. Leaves one hand free (for opening doors, activating light switches, calling 911, carrying a child

2. Is often faster to access (if kept in the drawer of a nightstand as opposed to in a closet. Of course some will have a shotgun easy to access while leaning against the wall besides the bed.)

3. Is better protected from being grabbed by a BG

4. Is easier to maneuver with in tight spaces

5. Can be carried about the house in a holster or otherwise while going about everyday activities.

6. Is faster to reload

7. May be used by persons without the use of two arms, including a two armed person who loses the use of one in a fight.

8. Pistols can be easier for smaller persons, such as many woman, to use (especially given the choice of caliber).

Note the Supreme Court's discussion in Heller about handguns being the preferred choice for home defense and see Massad Ayoob on the subject.