The inexpensive firearm for defence line of reasoning....

[Vern Humphrey]

I personally tend to be a minimalist when it comes to firearms -- I like guns that are reliable, accurate, and powerful and have never been attracted to things like light rails, laser sights and so on.

On the other hand, I would never skimp on a defensive firearm -- that's like the designers of the Titanic who saved money by skimping on life boats.

 

[X-Rap]

Duplication is the answer for me, cost is of some concern but if so far as I know any gun taken as evidence in my location is returned if there is no conviction of wrong doing related to a shooting so the gun coming back or I would be forbidden to own it are the two outcomes.
If I were to loose my EDC today due to some evidentiary confiscation I could pick up any of a 1/2 dozen or so others and not even need a different holster. Same can be said of what amounts to my everyday long gun.

 

[tarosean]

There is no better application for money spent than preserving lives. If I had to use a $3000 firearm to save my life, then had it taken, I would think, "Well, THAT certainly did its job."

This.
Besides getting a gun refinished is not too costly if it came down to it.

 

[Old Dog]

Carrying an inexpensive firearm or keeping an inexpensive firearm for home defense because that's all one can afford (without taking food off the family table, clothes off the kids' backs, or raiding the kids' college fund) is one thing ...

... but carrying an inexpensive firearm or keeping that inexpensive gun as the primary HD gun SOLELY because one is worried about the gun being taken away by authorities for however long a period, after it's been used for its intended defensive purpose is just plain ludicrous.

Carry/keep the gun that you shoot the best, the most accurately, the fastest, and with which you feel the most comfortable. For me, yeah, it probably is a $2800 Ed Brown 1911 ... I won't ridicule you if your choice is a Kel-Tec ... But I still think we owe it to our families to use the best tools we can afford ... My family's safety is the most important thing to me; that's why I want them riding around in a Volvo rather than a Ford Focus.

 

[EddieNFL]

Well, I'm glad you said inexpensive as the cheapest often proves more expensive in the end.

Also, the definition of inexpensive differs from person to person.

 

[buckhorn_cortez]

One of the reasons why Glocks are such a value. They go bang every time...

Yeah, up until Glock, no other gun in the history of guns has ever done that....

As to the other contentions, the whole argument is inane. Use whatever you want.

You only need to have confidence in the gun working when required, and have no attachment to as anything more than a tool that can be replaced. Cost is immaterial if your choice meets the working criteria.

 

[gym]

The main idea is to still be alive, after it's over with. Whatever gets you there is what you should use. There have been hundreds of these types of posts and seldom does anyone agree on which is the better choice.
one thing I will tell you is having been shot at, the last thing I cared about was how much the gun cost, only that it better work. It might be worth a months salary to be alive if that 45 works best for you. And unless you are a pro with a pump, I would not recommend one. Get a good auto shotgun, and you have less to think about.

 

[Sharps-shooter]

Shotguns are versatile and can be had for cheap, if that's what you're going for.

 

[saturno_v]

Carry/keep the gun that you shoot the best, the most accurately, the fastest, and with which you feel the most comfortable. For me, yeah, it probably is a $2800 Ed Brown 1911 ... I won't ridicule you if your choice is a Kel-Tec ... But I still think we owe it to our families to use the best tools we can afford ... My family's safety is the most important thing to me; that's why I want them riding around in a Volvo rather than a Ford Focus.

The Kel Tec is my pocket gun because of its small size si I should have specified it is not my main HD piece (but I still carry in my pocket around the house)

My "get to business" pistol (HD and carry) is my Bersa Thunder 40 which price wise, accuracy and reliability wise is in the Glock/Beretta/SIG ballpark.

I shoot my as new S&W 1006 and my Berettas and my tuned and engraved nickeled S&W 29 as well.....so I choose to use my least expensive and easier to replace firearms which I shoot as well and are as good as accurate and reliable

If you think your $2800 custom 1911 is more effective than a Glock or similar, you are entitled to your opinion.....

 

[Old Fuff]

Perhaps the Old Fuff can answer a question by asking one...

Who among us is most likely to get into a shooting situation? (Exclude the military).

I would think the obvious answer would be "law enforcement officers who must seek out and arrest dangerous felons and others."

So do they carry customized, extra-expensive handguns? With very few exceptions, I'd say no.

Over the years I have examined literally hundred's of police handguns, mostly ordinary pistols and revolvers, that were unmodified, finish worn, and far from fancy. However without exception they got the job done when it needed to be done, and all were in sound mechanical shape unless they had been turned in because they weren't.

So most of my favorite carry guns meet the same description, with the occasional exception of custom stocks on a revolver. On more then one occasion someone has showed up at a shooting range with what I call a "bragging gun," and been left in the dust by someone shooting what by all appearences would seem to be a total piece of junk. It ain't what it looks like that's important. It's the skill and experience of the person who's shooting it that matters.

 

[Old Dog]

Gosh, Mr saturno_v, I wasn't trying to come across as a gun snob. Yep, I think I shoot great with custom 1911s, and if I knew in advance I was going into a situation where I knew I was gonna have to fire say, exactly TWO shots -- and make them count, I'd for sure take the Ed Brown. As an aside, however, I do go to work everyday with a box-stock S&W M&P pistol, and I'm good with that.

By the way, I'm curious as to where you live that you can pick up SIGs and Berettas that are "in the ballpark" price-wise as a Bersa ... I'm always in the market for more SIGs and Berettas ...

And yes, I most definitely believe that my $2800 custom 1911 is more effective than any Glock or similiar ... in my hands. I do appreciate your affirmation that I am entitled to an opinion (I do believe that you, as the OP, were asking for our takes on the question).

Old Fuff, of course, is spot on. I merely pointed out that it was my opinion that one should avail one's self of the best tool one can afford, and that to put a price point on one's family's safety -- and being worried about having one's firearm locked away for a while for evidence, postulating that for that reason one should use inexpensive firearms -- is simply preposterous.

I'd hate to think that anyone would be asking opinions in an effort to try to rationalize using only inexpensive guns, though ...

 

[saturno_v]

By the way, I'm curious as to where you live that you can pick up SIGs and Berettas that are "in the ballpark" price-wise as a Bersa ... I'm always in the market for more SIGs and Berettas ...

Well I meant to say in the same ballpark as accuracy and reliability, price wise they are getting close especially with Berettas, the basic blued Bersa Thunder full size around here (western WA) retail for well north of $400 (I would say $450 on average), you can buy a basic Beretta 92 for $550 and not unheard of getting a basic blued SIG in service caliber for $650-700.

Bersas are not longer the bargain basement they used to be, people are finally recognizing them (deservely so in my opinion)

I'd hate to think that anyone would be asking opinions in an effort to try to rationalize using only inexpensive guns, though ...

No that was not the point of my post and I apologize I I did come across a bit strongly.....for me accuracy, reliability and my ability to shoot well come first....then I take in consideration what that pistol is worth to me if the 3 factors I mentioned are the same....

I trust my life to my Bersa as much I would trust to my more expensive handguns...and I trust my Bersa more than some high price pieces I saw in my friend's hands....there are cheap guns and there are inexpensive guns, very different concept...

 

[45_auto]

for me accuracy, reliability and my ability to shoot well come first

If you're really serious about those concepts, I'd be willing to bet that you would change your carry gun after running through something like a Gunsite 250 course with your Bersa, then your S&W 1006, then one of your Berettas.

It wouldn't be the Bersa.

 

[bikerdoc]

beatledog7 said

The point is, home defense is far more about mindset than about technology, and includes firearm technology. Use the firearms that you feel are best, but don't neglect layered defense, and--most importantly--pay attention to your way of looking at "defending your home."

Very insightful post.
Mindset, skill set, tool set. in that order. Notice tool set, i.e. firearm selection is last.
Layered defense, properly thought out. (mindset) along with situational awareness is and should be focus one.

As for skill set. How good are you with your chosen weapons? Do you train? Or better yet, how handy are you with tools and installing inexpensive lights, motion sensors, feeding the dog,and hardening doors and windows?
Tool selection.
Inexpensive is relative to individual finances or luck.
I got top end and low cost weapons. The cheapest was my Ruger 357 Police Service Six I was allowed to buy for One Dollar when I retired from the PD. (luck)
People make choices, choices have consequences.
Think, plan, act, refine as you get more education.

So to answer the question, choose what fits you budget, and circumstances, with the thought : what can I do to better prepare to avoid defaulting to gun.

(apologies to all for the rambling on a subject that is important to me, ymmv.)

 

[JustinJ]

If a cheaper gun provides the same level of reliability and effectiveness then sure, there is no problem with using it. But that is only if that is the case.

Realistically i think a more important consideration in a home defense weapon is how it may portray the user's mentality. An AR or AK may be a great home defense weapon but I think one would be better off if a prosecutor were waving around a pistol in front of a jury rather than a military style rifle.

 

[DFM914]

I don't get the whole point of this thread. "Many people carry very expensive firearms" Uh not that I have seen. I don't see hardly anyone carrying around $3000 guns for self defense. I see many people with guns with the avg value of between $400 - $600 price range. I would trust my life with about any of these guns. Sorry, just don't get your point.

 

[saturno_v]

If you're really serious about those concepts, I'd be willing to bet that you would change your carry gun after running through something like a Gunsite 250 course with your Bersa, then your S&W 1006, then one of your Berettas.

It wouldn't be the Bersa.

Do you have any specific personal specific experience where the Bersas are falling apart, unreliable or not accurate?? Do you know that the Thunder full size is actually the service firearms of many Police departments??

 

[saturno_v]

If a cheaper gun provides the same level of reliability and effectiveness then sure, there is no problem with using it. But that is only if that is the case.

Infact that was the premise of my argument

Realistically i think a more important consideration in a home defense weapon is how it may portray the user's mentality. An AR or AK may be a great home defense weapon but I think one would be better off if a prosecutor were waving around a pistol in front of a jury rather than a military style rifle.

That is an EXCELLENT point...nowadays you need to think this issues from many angles.....yes, a jury may see the case in a different light if they see a fancy tactical AR-15 rather than your run the mill Mossberg 500 or Remington 870....sad but that is the reality....

 

[Sharps-shooter]

As far as the jury thing, does that really happen? I have a hard time imagining that they would think deadly force was justified but then take issue with the means of delivering it (sure you had to kill the guy, but tou didnt have to kill him that roughly!) maybe im just being naive.

 

[saturno_v]

As far as the jury thing, does that really happen? I have a hard time imagining that they would think deadly force was justified but then take issue with the means of delivering it (sure you had to kill the guy, but tou didnt have to kill him that roughly!) maybe im just being naive.

It may matter...human nature...too many variables involved.....and you may end up in court anyway not just for the worst case scenario (the perp is dead).....

It may influence their decision if deadly force was necessary in the first place....

Depending even from where you live...for example, in AK it may not matter, in a less gun friendly state it may.....

 

[gym]

Well considering that most 1911's have several non stock parts, unless it was an unmodified colt or Springfield, anyone with a skeletonized hammer or custom trigger, different springs, grips sights, etc, could be accused of altering their gun to make it more deadlly, I think that is a lot of bunk, since many guns being sold now are coming equipped with parts that used to be added on by a gunsmith. Even a 1911 taurus gives you a list of a dozen parts that have been pre modified for you.
IMO that time has past. Unless you are sporting an sbr in full auto mode with a supressor, I really don't see what type of handgun that you have as being a problem, as long as it is legal to own and you are in the right when using it.
I would also argue that changing a sloppy trigger or faulty recoil spring is a necessity to fully take advantage of the safe and reliability of such a weapon should you find yourself in the position of having to save your life or the life of someone else.
Thus having a 5 thousand dollar wilson supergrade, does not make a person more lethal or aggressive only able to afford the luxory of buying a more expensive weapon.
It's kind of like getting run over, does it matter if it was a pick up truck or a ferrari. They will both have the same outcome.
You should make sure your firearms are in the best condition possible, especially if you use that gun for self defense.
My trigger was crap in my lc9 so I changed it, should I leave it sloppy and unsafe, of make it the best it can be? And then we have guns like Glocks and M&P's that have a very good record of functioning out of the box. So perhaps that is the gun to carry if your expensive pistol is a bit finiky or one is afraid to shoot it for fear it will be taken in as evidence.

 

[Renegade Ziggy]

Often the usual question on forums pops out: "Can the whizbang semi-auto military style rifle (take your pick) modified this way be used for home defense??" Other than just the consideration about the danger of losing a potentially precious and hard to replace semi-auto military style (thinking about the current candidates in the upcoming election) who really need a military rifle to handle most defense situation?? A good shotgun or a handy lever action rifle is all us ordinary people really need....

Gosh where do I begin..?

Often the usual question on forums pops out: "Can the whizbang semi-auto military style rifle (take your pick) modified this way be used for home defense??"

Really? I don't recall ever hearing that question. Why couldn't it be used for home defense? If it's decked out mall ninja style, who cares, last time I checked it was still a rifle that went bang. I'm sure those gadgets would only serve a purpose for seasoned vets in a full on attack but once again, who cares? If it makes the owner feel comfortable then deck it out. Besides, who are you to say that those gadgets and whizbang guns don't come in handy for people? For me, there's not a price on the safety of my family, with that being said my under a grand hd weapons (dpms, rem 870, glock 40) work fine for me, but If I had the cash to buy a 2 or 3 grand firearm and deck it out for hd, I would in a heartbeat, if it's taken from me and not returned or returned in a beat up way, so be it. At least me and my family are alive and kicking.

who really need a military rifle to handle most defense situation?? A good shotgun or a handy lever action rifle is all us ordinary people really need

Idk..maybe LEO, Veterans, people who are actually trained with these kinds of firearms. Most hd scenarios involve 2-3 people, I'd rather have my ar any day for that situation, and considering me and the missus don't have children, it makes it all the more easier to use one. And just what is your definition of ordinary people? People who aren't what I mentioned at the top? I believe one of our mods covered this but a lot of those ordinary people aren't able to effectively operate a lever rifle, some may not be able to operate a shotgun, who are you to say that's all they need? Stop trying to lay down guidelines you think people should follow and realize it doesn't matter what the weapon is, as long as it makes the user comfortable and it's effective.

 

[mnrivrat]

The cost of my gun when it comes to the possible loss, after I used it in self defense, is just something I give no thought to.

I would not leave an expensive gun at home and carry a cheaper one for such a reason. Just would not be an issue for me.

 

[gunnutery]

I don't want to lose any of my guns, especially not the most expensive one I have. However, I don't want to lose my life either, more so. If I use a $2000 gun (I don't have one yet) and do my part with it and save my life and that of my family, I would consider the loss of the gun as a fee.

 

[BSA1]

"What is your take on this??"

I try to buy the best quality product my budget will allow, whether it be a vehicle, TV, or firearm.

One of my vehicles is a Chevy 2500HD with the biggest engine Chevy makes. In addition I have added a large heavy duty steel bumper with a brush guard. My wife's favorite vehicle is a full size Dodge Durango. Why? Simple, survivabilty in a accident. It is a proven fact that a bigger vehicle almost always wins when in a accident with a smaller vehicle.

Of course we could both drive smaller cars and play the odds we will never be in a serious accident. Same line of thought for S.D. firearm. Odds are I will never be in a situation requiring use of a firearm so why spend any more money than necessary on a gun?

I think my life and the life of my wife and children is worth more than ANY firearm.