Sub Compact For Home Defense

[PaIadin]

The two pistols that I have are not full sized pistol, as I use them for CCW. I have a LC9 and a Shield 9mm. Now in the unlikely event of me needing a firearm for home defense, I have the Shield as my primary defense firearm until I can make it to my upstairs gun safe for my rifle or shotgun.

So I was wondering if it is sufficient to use my Shield as a home defense firearm* or do I need a full sized pistol. My opinion is based on the statistical chance I would need to hit a target with a firearm is so minimal that any benefits between a full size and sub compact can be dismissed.

*The Shield has a tactical light attachment.

[FresnoRob]

There's no important difference as long as you're able to get consistent hits.

You'll be fine.

This ^ if you can hit your target he won't know the difference. If you can't hit your target practice more.

[Spartan301]

Home defense!

Any gun will do, with proper training. As I've been taught;
You are the weapon, your gun is just a tool!

Sounds like you have a home defense plan, that's a good start!

[BluNorthern]

So I was wondering if it is sufficient to use my Shield as a home defense firearm* or do I need a full sized pistol. My opinion is based on the statistical chance I would need to hit a target with a firearm is so minimal that any benefits between a full size and sub compact can be dismissed.

Not sure if serious.

[003]

While I do not disagree with any of the above posted comments. I do see substantial down side in not owing a full size handgun for home defense. While any gun may do in an emergency, a full size handgun is much easier to shoot accurately and the recoil and muzzle blast is less.

Frankly, I have always disagreed with those that feel that CCW guns need to be as small as possible. While an ultra-compact may be necessary in some circumstances, a mid size or even a full size gun is the better choice in many CCW applications.

If the reason one carries a gun is self-defense, then it seems to me the primary attribute should be effectiveness and not how easy it is to conceal.

If the day ever comes when a person needs to use a gun in self-defense, I suspect the last thing they will think is important is how easy their choice is to hide.

While I am not going to develop a formal poll, I suspect most knowledgeable folks would select a good .12 gage shotgun over a hand gun if they knew for certain they were going to be involved in a gun fight. If it were me, that is what I would do, and of course I would invite all of my friends to participate and also be armed with the most effective gun they own.

[yzErnie]

IMO, go with the gun(s) you are most comfortable shooting.

ETA: Most home defense situations do not require a full sized hand gun for added distance and accuracy. Hits count, use what you shoot the best.

[EspoMan]

I would say for people in a free state, a sub compact wouldn't be as great as a full size because of the magazine capacity. Since in CA we are limited to 10 rounds in the magazine anyways, most sub compacts are fine for HD use (if you can shoot with it). I use my Shield 9 as HD also, I keep the 8 round mag in, and keep another 8 round mag next to it.

[v.kevin]

I'm in the same boat at PaIdan. I have just one pistol (XDs 9) that is my CCW. I have an extended 9 rd. mag to use for home defense. As long as I can hit what I'm aiming at, the difference in round count is negligible.

[EspoMan]

Also if you are using your Shield as a CCW/HD gun, remember to use good ammunition in it, like Federal HSTs. There are many HP rounds that will perform great through a full size gun, but perform horribly, if not fail (to expand) all together in a short barrel gun like
the Shield

[DennisCA]

There's no important difference as long as you're able to get consistent hits.

You'll be fine.

Agreed!

[MrElectric03]

The only advantage I see in a full size is mag capacity as long as you can hit your target. In CA your nuts are chopped as far as mag capacity so doesn't really matter, use what you are comfortable with.

[IVC]

You guys are all getting it all wrong. The OP needs an excuse to get a new gun, so I say: "Subcompact is not sufficient. You need at least a full size gun and a compact."

On a serious note, home self defense is primarily about the mental state of mind. Sure practice is about using a *specific* gun, but in reality a person with training in how to use a firearm in self defense and, more importantly, when to use the firearm is the one who will perform well even if he/she happens to have to use a less familiar firearm. On the other hand, being range-proficient with a *specific* firearm is only a small step towards being proficient in an adrenaline pumping armed self defense situation.

So, primary concern would be taking a class or training in some home defense scenarios. After that, a full size would be a nice touch, but not strictly necessary. Full size provides for better control and better handling which does help under stress.

[Bansh88]

3 words:

A kim bo

[L84CABO]

While ballistics do improve a bit with a longer barrel, and aiming might be easier as the sight radius increases, and recoil might be more manageable with a heavier gun, a 9mm is mostly a 9mm...or whatever caliber your Shield happens to be.

Now a full size will probably add more capacity which could be a good thing. And a full size might have a rail for a light which could be a good thing.

Perhaps you also want to keep a shotgun or similar downstairs. It's nice to have options. And they make quick access lock boxes for shotguns too if you need it.

[Untamed1972]

Given that you would prolly be engaging at fairly close distances inside your home I would say what you have is fine. If you can't put round on target from across your living room (10-15) feet then you need to be practicing more.