Home Defense

[BigPimping]

your question makes no sense. The shotgun is the absolute best home defense weapon there is. There is nothing else that works that well. If you're concerned about recoil, check the different calibers.

[billofrights]

Any firearm that you can hit with will work for home defense.

Not a fan of the rabbit gun- the ruger 10/22 for home defense.

But would my grandmother be better able to hit something with a 10/22 than a 12 gauge or an AR/ mini14?


It’s all about rounds on target.

If it’s too loud
If it’s too awkward
If it’s too awkward
If it has too many sharp points
If the controls are not natural

It is not a great choice.

It’s in the home so accuracy is not a big concern

Clearing malfunctions is a concern
Having controls that are natural is a concern

How do you engage / disengage the safety(ies) In the dark?

Emphasis mine in bold. A home invader isn't going to hear the gun and know instantly *what* they're being shot at with, only that they're being shot at. Anyone that is willing to stick around for that is hell-bent on doing you harm and will likely necessitate ending their life to stop the threat. Far better to get some shots in center mass regardless of what they are, than to endlessly debate caliber dick-measuring. Get a gun you shoot well, train like hell with it, and keep it ready. Any gun > no gun.

[Ora Serrata]

Hi Point carbine is in your price range. 380 or 9mm with hollow points so it wont over penetrate.

A lot of CalGunners will say you shouldn't stake your life on a Hi Point but it is within your criteria. 9mm for less penetration than rifle round, under $400, legally a long gun, but small enough to wield in a HD situation.

Most ppl who actually have Hi Point carbines are happy with them. And yes you're going to get a lot of grief from the Haters.

I've never had any problems with mine. Full disclosure - it's not my go to HD gun, but that's because I have a lot of other options.

[Ora Serrata]

BTW. 18 year olds with hunting license are exempt from the new law. Get her a hunting license (even if she never intends to hunt), and it shouldn't be a problem getting uncle' shotgun.

[LTC-J]

Instead of worrying about the gun overpenetrating existing barriers, why not consider strengthening existing barriers?

Use bookshelves and chest of drawers to further strengthen walls.

In my old house, I had slight concern over one direction and penetration(office/guest bed room and near neighbor). I added book shelves on two walls(family room and office wall) to head off any over penetration from the master.

Also, similar to carry ammo, you may need to worry about ammo type for seasons. A round that won't penetrate a wall may have issues penetrating a winter coat.

[DragonDJ11]

BTW. 18 year olds with hunting license are exempt from the new law. Get her a hunting license (even if she never intends to hunt), and it shouldn't be a problem getting uncle' shotgun.

I just saw that exemption. Good to know. At least it wasn't an all out ban. Be worth it anyway.

[DragonDJ11]

I also just remembered that I can gift her a handgun myself and just do the transfer through the doj. Don't think that law has changed.

[ChuckDizzle]

A lot of CalGunners will say you shouldn't stake your life on a Hi Point but it is within your criteria. 9mm for less penetration than rifle round, under $400, legally a long gun, but small enough to wield in a HD situation.

Most ppl who actually have Hi Point carbines are happy with them. And yes you're going to get a lot of grief from the Haters.

I've never had any problems with mine. Full disclosure - it's not my go to HD gun, but that's because I have a lot of other options.

9mm will penetrate through walls and people more than a 5.56 mm at HD distances.

[200Apples]

.30 Carbine

[TMB 1]

9mm will penetrate through walls and people more than a 5.56 mm at HD distances.

That depends on bullet type and weight with both.

PSA rifle kit is a good idea though https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-...rifle-kit.html $299

Lower https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-...fire-1728.html $39.99

Get that upper and lower, pin stock, put simple featureless grip and cheap low concussion muzzle break on and cheap flip up or carry handle rear sight, price will be close to $400 total depending on ffl fees for lower.

[rugershooter]

Any caliber can over-penetrate, especially one that can be relied on for self defense. IMO, shot placement, ability to handle the caliber, and accuracy matters more than eliminating over penetration risks.
A bare bones AR could work. I'm sure you could find a used lever action or SKS in that price range as well.

[TMB 1]

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/108623/ar-stoner-ar-15-carbine-kit-with-complete-upper-assembly-556x45mm-nato-1-in-9-twist-16-barrel

Midway has 1-9 twist carbine kit on sale for $299. 1-9 be better with lighter varmint bullets.

[Califpatriot]

Unless you're defending a Texas border ranch from the cartel or its the Rodney King riots and you need to get on the roof, a rifle isn't exactly what you're looking for here. A bedside handgun loaded with Federal HST is the right answer for everyday home defense. A shotgun loaded with buckshot is also a good answer.

[rugershooter]

Unless you're defending a Texas border ranch from the cartel or its the Rodney King riots and you need to get on the roof, a rifle isn't exactly what you're looking for here. A bedside handgun loaded with Federal HST is the right answer for everyday home defense. A shotgun loaded with buckshot is also a good answer.

Please explain. The "trust me, this is what you need" answer doesn't really do anybody any good unless you explain why you're stating that.

[HUTCH 7.62]

Get yourself a good lole savage 5100 S/S and cut it down.