Weapon for self defense

[LaEscopeta]

I was facing the same decision as you a few months ago; buying a firearm for home/family defense, after not having touched one since I was 14 years old, at summer camp. This is the advice I took that turned out to be good (most of it also found above in this thread):

1. Take a NRA course. Or two.
2. Just having a firearm does not make you safer; you also have to be able to use it. This means training enough to be able to hit the required target, and then practicing regularly to stay proficient. Make a realistic assessment of the time and ammo money you are going to be able to devote to training, practice and gun cleaning.
3. If practice is fun, you will do it more often
4. Being able to use a firearm for defense may mean doing it in the middle of the night when you are half asleep and your home is dark. Think out what could happen and have a plan for dealing with a wide range of possibilities. Be ready to recognize if what is actually happening to you is not something you planned for, so you can know it is time to abandon the plan.
5. Gun accidents happen all too often, some with results just as tragic as the types of crimes you are getting a firearm to defend against. Know how to store and handle your firearm(s) safely. Store and handle them safely all the time. These four rules can’t be repeated enough:
i. Handle all firearms as loaded firearms.
ii. Always know the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction.
iii. Know your target and what is beyond, for the entire range your ammo will go.
iv. Keep your finger out of the trigger guard until you have the target in the sights and have decided to fire.
6. As stated above, there is a lot of good information and advice on the internet. Also on books, magazines, owners’ manuals, from vendors at gun shops and gun shows, from other people at the range, from instructors, etc. There is also a lot of bad information and bad advice from all those sources. You are going to have to figure out the good from the bad, and what applies to your situation (including what I am saying.)

Good luck. Take your time, and I’m sure you will know what is right for you and your family.

 

[Wiley]

Welcome matches.

The only addition I would suggest is: Include your wife! She doesn't have to like guns but, she must be able to handle one safely and approprietly.

(As an aside, she will probably rapidly outshoot you, take over any firearm she likes and once familiar with them, be far more rabid in defence of the kids than you can even conceive of being. Many male members here have been in the same situation . If she has any questions, the Ladies here will be happy to answer them.)

In my opinion, a simple inexpensive pump shotgun is just about all you need for HOME defense. If you decide to carry there are many, many more decisions to make. None of which need be expensive.

Good luck and let us know how you fare.

 

[ruger270man]

I predict that he AND his wife will become big gun nuts in no time

 

[matches]

Alright guys

I went to Walmart.com and there are lots of choices for the 870. Can you give me a little direction on the right one for me. Below is a link to Remington 870. There are two pages with more on the second page. Thanks for all the help!

Link to Walmart

 

[XLMiguel]

Welcome, Matches. Lotsa good advice so far, but I'll throw in my $.02. Don't confuse price with quality, all the firearms suggested so far are good, reliable, quality no-frill firearms that will serve you well.

Simple is better, especially in stressful situations. A few thoughts:
- Home defense scenarios are generally close quarters kind of things, so do a handgun first and then a shotgun (Rifles are more powerful, but secondary by your criteria).
- Handguns are easier to handle indoors and easier to secure.
- A .357 revolver can be fired with inexpensive .38 Spl for training and practice. Nice police trade-ins can be had for a very reasonable price.
- Practice counts alot, don't worry about caliber-wars, shot placement counts more than anything else.
- A pump shottie, revolver, or lever gun are all easy to learn, but plan to practice as much as you can with whatever you choose. 12 ga., .38, 9mm practice ammo is realitively inexpensive.

Ask all the questions you want here (there's no such thing as a dumb question). There is a huge wealth of knowledge here available from a lot of folks who truly enjoy sharing and feel duty-bound to help new responsible gun owners.

Where in VA are you located? Chances are there are some THR folks about who might be willing to hook up with you for a little one-on-one 'tutoring'.

 

[ruger270man]

I would go with an 870 Express, 12 gauge, with an 18.5" barrel. (bare minimum)

not the youth or turkey version, no need for that. synthetic or wood is fine.


I dont see an 18.5" on that.. hmm...

 

[cslinger]

Just as an aside.

I realize you are not a "gun enthusiest" Read(Gun Nut) like many of us. but it would do you good to buy guns with the fun of shooting in mind.

The reason I say this is that the chances of you ever needing to use a gun in anger, God willing, are very small, so you should at least get some fun and through that fun practice from your firearms.

Based on your Walmart search realize that the Remington 870, any 870 is a time honered, well proven, solid, reliable firearm. Basically it's tough to go wrong here. If your primary concern is self defense then think 18-20 inch barrel and possible an extended magazine 6-8 rounds. Other than that they all pretty much work all the time everytime.

The key really is buy what fits, and practice, practice, practice. To coin the phrase of our local shotgun guru, BA/UU/R or Buy ammo, use up, repeat. Make this gun an extension of yourself. It's not the best gun that wins fights it's the best gunslinger.............or tactical use of artillery and air strikes but I digress

The fact is any quality 12 gauge or .38/.357 revolver will do you and your family just fine as long as you are willing to practice and learn how to use and employ it under a stressful situation.

Now all that heavy stuff aside, guns are fun and get something you will have fun busting clay or plugging paper targets with as well. Training is a fancy world for fun.

Just learn to shoot, learn to be safe and be a responsible gun owner, that is all I ask. Heck I am sure any of us who are local would be happy to meet up with you and let you try out several differnt weapons for you to get a feel. I am in TN but if you want you just drop me a line and I will drive up with a series of firearms for you to try before you buy.

Take Care,
Chris

 

[Double Maduro]

matches,

3. I truly hope I am never in the position to take another persons life. If I am, well, so be it. If someone is putting my family and me in danger then I will not hesitate to put a hole in that person. Nor will I feel any remorse.

I agree with everything except the remorse part, you won't know until it happens, God forbid.

Welcome, to the forums.

For a pistol, I like my Ruger P90. It is a .45 and I shoot .45 better than 9mm.

I back the P90 up with a 2" .357 mag EAA Windicator, and then a Makarov.

I don't have to worry about anyone finding the P90 because if I have my pants on it is IWB.

For a shotgun, I like the Remington 870 Express 12ga, it is also excellent for hunting and trap.

For a rifle for home defense, I like my Benelli Nova 12ga. I don't expect to be shooting at people from my windows at ranges beyond that of a 12ga. If it comes to that I will use my '03 Springfield, and Heaven help them.

I hope this helps, let us know what you decide.
DM

 

[matches]

I am in Sterling VA.

 

[cslinger]

You know at heart I am a bastard and to be honest I don't like people as a whole but if I am ever required to take another human being life I know that I will have remorse.....I just don't belive that it is natural for normal human who belives in law, order and human life to not have remorse at taking anothers life no matter how riteous of an act it might be. Taking life should never be a light hearted thought and should always be the utmost last resort.

That is my two cents but then again I am a wimp.

Chris

 

[Double Maduro]

cslinger,

<quote>That is my two cents but then again I am a wimp.</quote>

I don't think this attitude qualifies you as a wimp. I think most of us who carry feel the same way. We know we will probably have some remorse and quilt, but it is better than not doing anything.

I also believe that most of us hope we never need our CCWs.

DM

 

[MachIVshooter]

IMO, the most effective and economic trio:

Rifle: Ruger Mini-14

Shotgun: Remington 870

Pistol: EAA Witness 9mm

All three should come in for a total of ~$1,200 and all are boringly reliable.

 

[odysseus]

it would do you good to buy guns with the fun of shooting in mind.

Yes! Very important. The more you get into them, the more you will understand, and the more the best answer for this question will come from yourself! Have fun too. There are a few things in life that really put a smile on my face like shooting sports do.

 

[matches]

Target practice and remorse

I will certainly get a kick out shooting a gun. Like I said above I have been very moderate on the issue owning a weapon just because I felt no need for one at the time and as far as hobbies went I had enough. So, practicing and studying will be good fun for me.

I have good news...My wife was surprisingly supportive of the my choice. So that is good. I would have made purchase anyway because I feel very strongly about this issue but, it makes that much easier with behind me.

Now...as for remorse. You are probably right. It is too easy to say I wont feel any remorse right now in my comfortable chair in front my computer and everything is easy. I never want to be put to the test and pull the trigger. The thing is, I know myself pretty well in this area. I have a pretty simple life right now. But I have been on my own since I was fifteen. I mean really on my own. No support from friends’ families or any thing like that. I have had to deal with some pretty hairy situations. Fortunately non requiring taking a life. I am a very moral person then and now. One major goal in my life is treat people fairly, be gentle and kind, be caring even when people don't treat you the same way. But knowing what I know of my past experiences. If I were to play out those scenarios again but this time include my wife and two sons in the picture. I truly believe I know how I would react to the situation during and after.

Also, I want to make it clear. I really am not concerned about burglary, intruders or anything like. If you knew where I lived you would see that it is really unlikely (knock on wood). Not because it really nice or anything. It just doesn't lend it self to intruders very easily. I am really more concerned (call me paranoid) about a marshal law kind of scenario. It is just something I have a bad feeling about right now.

 

[GEM]

Of course, one suggests serious training for such an endeavour - which is expensive.

However, my two cents is that:

1. You are better off with a handgun than a long arm as they are harder for the novice to manipulate. Yes, the shotgun will kill Godzilla - that's nice but I'm practical.

2. I suggest a revolver as easiest to use. Your budget is a tad limiting. Might one get up to $250 -300 ish. Then one can get into a new Taurus 357 or 38 spl revolver or a decent used SW 38 spl.

If you really want to stay at the $150-200 range, you can get a crappy big caliber gun but might be able to swing a new 22 LR semi - like a Ruger. Horrors - a 22 LR is not a manstopper but budget is budget.

Best to train a bit - find the bucks for a decent weekend and then get a decent 9mm semiauto pistol like a Ruger or Glock and you should be set reasonably well if you are not an enthusiast.

 

[R.H. Lee]

It wouldn't be a semi auto pistol unless you (and the entire family) are willing to practice with it all the time. Too many things can go wrong with the manual of arms, limpwristing, holding too high a grip or placing the thumb on the back of the slide, etc. It also wouldn't be a revolver with only 6 shots. Any handgun will be harder aim and hit the target with than a long gun.

It wouldn't be a semi-auto rifle either. Is a round chambered or not? Is the safety on or not? If it has a detachable mag, that introduces another thing to go wrong.

Bolt action? Hardly

Lever action? Maybe. Operation is instintive, quick to deploy and powerful enough to stop an attack.

My first choice would be a pump action 12ga shotgun.

 

[ruger270man]

for a cheap, decent revolver, check out a charter arms or a taurus.

 

[akodo]

what type of remington 870? Stick with Express, they are the 'economy model' However, they cannot be cleaned with wd-40 i am told, unlike more expensive wingmaster models.

really, just find the most inexpensive pump action shotgun they have, even that new england one on your link is going to be fine. Check out the used rack. Now, a short barrel and an extended magazine tube would be great, but not necessary. Shotguns have been defending home and hearth for years before short barrels and extended mags were readily available. And while i'd pay a little extra for a shorter barrel (18-22 inches) vs a longer duckhunting length(26-28), i don't think i'd pay extra for an extended mag.

I'd also recommend getting a 20 guage rather than a 12. A 20 will meet all your home defense needs and the some, it just lacks the ability to reach high flying geese, but you aren't buying it to go hunting.


For a handgun? check out Taurus revolvers, a 4 inch 357 with ajdustable sights is going to be a GREAT gun. As mentioned, a 357 revolver can also shoot 38 specials, for easy and inexpensive practice. Plus, revolvers stand up extremely well to civilized neglect. If you have to choose a gun to stand up to dustbunnies or banging around in a sock drawer, i'd go revolver.

A reasonable alternative woudl be a makarov pistol.


for rifles? go for a lever action winchester, marlin, or what have you. 30-30 is fine, but so is 45 colt, 44 magnum, 357 magnum, etc etc.

Seriously, get yourself an inexpensive used 22 bolt action rifle, or a ruger 10/22 autoloading .22 as they are the BEST learning tools out there.

Now, i've gone 'budget home defense' shopping with people, one of who had a handgun already (a makarov) and the other had only a .22 bolt action.

In BOTH CASES money was a big concern, and in both cases we eventually found that the best gun we could buy on a budget was a 20 guage bolt action shotgun.

Of two guns of equal condition and age, a gunstore is going to pay less for the bolt action shotgun because it is much less popular, hence it is easy to find some very good to excellent to almost NIB bolt action shotguns in the 100-150 range, vs 150-200 for an equivalent pump action gun. Same thing with 12 guage vs 20 guage, it is just less popular, so gunstores give less credit when you trade one of them toward your new gun, and then charge less for them.

as i said, both walked out with 20 guage mossberg bolt action guns made in the 1960s. One was JC higgens/Coast to Coast or somesuch, the other was a mossberg, both were in excellent condition. The jc higgens was for 80, and came with a magazine (capacity 2+1), the end was threaded for choke tubes but it had none; and the mossberg went for 100 even, but included 1 choke tube or bulb really for the muzzle, and a similar mag.

In both cases these old guns were cheaper and better buys than slightly used single shot NEF hinge action shotguns.

 

[roscoe]

I vote for a 4" .357 loaded with .38 special rounds. You can leave a revolver around, ignore it for years, and it will do exactly what you want when you need it. Nothing to remember about safeties, loaded chambers, etc. - perfect for someone who is not a gun enthusiast. I say .357 rather than .38 because you can shoot .357 rounds and .38s, and while .38s are probably plenty for around the house, you never know if you will need something with more power down the road. I also vote revolver over shotgun because it is more portable, and can be carried conveniently in a car, or on your person. Also - you hear a bump in the night - how do you open doors with a shotgun in your hands, or pick up your child? I like to have one free hand, call me crazy.

For $200 you could get a used Ruger .357 and it will outlast you.

 

[XLMiguel]

Matches -
You're real close to Blue Ridge Arsenal (near Rts 28 & 50) which rents handguns, and the NRA Range (Rt 50 & 66) for classes (they don't rent, unfortunately, but have a very nice range). VA Arms in Manassas (on 28 just south of Old Town Manassas) is IMO the best gunshop in the area, good prices and great service.

PM or E-mail me if you'd like to get together (I'm in Falls Church) and punch some paper.

 

[USSR]

matches,

Here is the right one for you:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=3170096

The only thing you should do, is replace the RemChoke that comes with it with either a modified or improved cylinder RemChoke.

Don

 

[Sewerman]

pistol taurus .38 spcl, shotgun mossberg pump, rifle sks or SMLE no4
total price tag for all 3 6-800 bucks