What have you and why?
I have a Glock .45 caliber on my nightstand and a Saiga AK 7.62X49 w/laser/red dot/120 lumen light/30 round magazine in the closet. I have always felt a shotgun is heavy and too damn long....
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What have you and why?
I have a Glock .45 caliber on my nightstand and a Saiga AK 7.62X49 w/laser/red dot/120 lumen light/30 round magazine in the closet. I have always felt a shotgun is heavy and too damn long....
I sleep with a 38 holstered on my ankle, a maglite on the bed stand, and my XD 40 w/night sites close. My rifles are prepped but kept in the safe.
In many home invasion cases the home owner is surprised by a gun in the face while they are still in bed. It's good to have something under the covers.
LOL...now that is some dedicated Home Defense Husker :)
Just my XD .40. It sits about 1 foot away on the night stand. The .44 Mag and .22 revolver are loaded, but a good 8 ft away.
S&W 9mm with night sites and 2 loaded clips on the night stand.
I don't own any rifles or shotguns yet, as my father has an entire arsenal at his house for when we go hunting.
smith&w 4046 40. cal in my night stand. one in the pipe with a burglar's name on it! :ar:
Glock .40 and S&W .380 -- both semi-accessible, but for the fact the ammo is in the basement. We really live in a no crime area.
A Sig 226 9mm (which is very close) with a 20 round mag and a Tac-Light which I use to get to my Shotgun that also has a Tac-Light.
Sig is in Condition 2. Mossberg is in Condition 3.
You need a dog :pQuote:
Originally Posted by Huskerz1
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b3...s/a1db802e.jpg
Where do you load it?
I need another dog. Mine sleeps next to the wife and won't move for anything.Quote:
Originally Posted by KahanaReefYou need a dog :p
My sig P6 is on the nightstand beside, me, I want a coach gun though.
Why cant i vote in this poll?
In the front. Twice a day :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Sarge
I wish mine would do that sometimes. They hear a twig snap and they're all awake and barking :rolleyes:Quote:
Originally Posted by Huskerz1
I have a maglite by the bed and my knife in nightstand. Also have my grandad's old 12 gauge in the closet (unloaded, shells in lockbox on shelf beside it) I can get it loaded in 10 sec. or so if needed.
I'm not fucking around with my pistol at night. If someone gets in, they're leaving in pieces, cause that ole 12 gauge kicks like a mule but you sure as hell'd have a hard time missing the target. I don't plan on calling the cops to come and get a live robber. I might even be nice and drag his dead ass out on the porch so the neighbors can see :devil:
Oh yeah and four ankle biters that bark at a rat farting in the neighbor's yard.
Yeah, they have a quick bark reflex don't they? I read once that criminal's hate little dogs more than the big one's cause they bark more and at every little sound.Quote:
Originally Posted by KahanaReef
Pistol grip sawed off shotgun...
i have a s&w .40 with in a few feet from the bed and a good spot in the truck for long trips. it has the 11 round clip with fed home pro rounds. the hallow points.
I have all three.
XD 45
XDm 9mm
Taurus 357
Mossberg Maverick 88 12 gauge
Delton AR 15.
I keep all but the 357 in the safe tho.
I just bought a Taurus 357 Model 627 7 round ....cleaned it...going to shoot it for the first time tomorrow.....got them "ports" on both sides of the barrel....we'll see....
Mine is an M66, 4 inch blued barrel 7 rounder. Honestly the XD 45 is a better weapon but I worry more about someone breaking in and stealing whatever isn't in the safe at the time. I'd lose less sleep over the revolver. Mine is accurate and reliable and I do feel safe with it tho.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sarge
XD 45 loaded in my nightstand, with an extra mag. 3 other mags loaded in various spots around the house. Never know..
Yeah my daily carry is a Springfield XD 9 mm loaded with +P+ hollow points.....I love that gun.....my Glocks dont see much daylight these days :)
1911
my situation kinda sucks, because my house kinda funnels intruders down my hallway like the hot gates at sparta for the persians. what sucks is shooting down my hallway is aimed right at my neighbors house, so I have to be concerned about rifle rounds over penetrating. if that wasnt a concern, I would vote AK.
My HK USP9 is my primary defense.
Its carried IWB @ 5:00 all day, and goes between the headboard and mattress at night. Its loaded with 124gr+P+ Speer GoldDots.
If I need more than that, I have a Stainless Taurus PT92AFS hanging on a 3" screw inside my hall linen closet, above the door. It is loaded with Winchester loaded Sinterfire 90gr+P frangibles(as to not exit my house and enter a neighbors).
Between that 34 rounds, it'll be more than enough to get me down to the safes in the basement.
I keep my AR, and 24 loaded 30 round mags in the safe. 10 mags with SS109 M855 penetrators, 10 with 77gr SBTHP's, and three with Extreme Shock 40gr HP anti-terrorist.
I also have 3500 rounds of the SS109 on stripper clips in cans ready for the SHTF Bug-out.
I also keep my Glock 20 10mm and 7 loaded mags ready to rock.
Ya know, just in case....................
.45 XD with laser and tac light on the night stand. Winchester 1300 defender on the left side if the night stand. AR-15 AP4 16" on the right side. If there are children in the house all guns are unloaded and put away. Otherwise all are fully loaded with 1 in the pipe. I keep training with the XD to make it my natural choice for home defense. The problem is the defender is not a large scatter gun. It is very easy to choose. I can say this about scatter guns. I had a cover on my boat cut off 3 times to get to the fish finder and trolling motor. I have always taken them off the boat and put them in the garage. The third time I heard them. I went out and saw 3 people cutting the cover off. I did not say a word but racked the scatter gun. I have never seen people run that fast in my life.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sarge
XD 9,40 or 45 is the only way to go IMO...
Master bedroom upstairs. Angle of entry is favorable to the bedroom occupants. Intruder at top of staircase can be fired on immediately with no chance of hitting other loved ones.
Two guns are readily available, both high-capacity pistols. High lumen flashlights and knives as well. I f you make me fight my way to the safe, you'd better have a tank outside when I reach it.
XD45 in the nightstand
AR10 in the closet, one mag with AP and one with HP ammo
aluminum baseball bat within arms reach of the bed
and looking for a collapsable stock 12ga to add to the collection.
If I wake up to the sound of the door or window breaking, and someone is already inside (I'd know pretty quick because I have dogs), I'd grab the Glock 32 off my nightstand.
If there was a banging on the door or other commotion outside, and I had time to prepare a reaction, I'm grabbing my pump-action Remington 870 Marine Magnum. Loaded full with 00 Buck.
Make me own only one of them and I'd have to go with the Glock 32. It can leave the house with me, and handle most situations. I love that gun because it holds 13 .357 Sig rounds. It has the power of two .357 Magnum Revolvers rolled into a convenient, semi-automatic killing system.
Not to start an argument, but it has better penetration than a .45.
--
I keep a Sig 1911 or HK P7M8 in the nightstand depending on whichever I don't have stashed somewhere else in the house.
There's a Sig 556 under the bed with an EOtech and Fenix light.
There's a 7.62x39 rifle and a 12 ga. locked in the closet on the other side of the house.
I also keep a similar rifle folded and stashed in my truck.
My dad was murdered in a day-to-day place in a situation where he would have likely survived if he'd have been carrying like he should have.
I don't go far w/o something.
I have my Kimber Tactical .45 with in reach and my Mossberg Maverick 88 12 gauge in the closet
Springfield XD .45 above my headboard with 2 clips half-loaded with 230 grain hollowpoint gold dots. Rifles and shotguns 10 feet away but not much good cause I dont keep 'em loaded
http://www.taylorsfirearms.com/produ.../1878coach.jpg
prob gonna pick up one of these soon....nothing special, just something to keep loaded by the bed. i see a lot of stoeger 20 guages going cheap....i know 20 isnt much, but buckshot, close range, shouldnt matter, lol......the furthest shot i can make within my apartment is 20 feet.
I personally don't think it's a good idea to be letting everyone who roams the internet know every single place you have guns "hidden" in your home..............
I would suggest finding new hiding spots now to all those who have :lmao:
Says the man in Chicago who can't even legally own a handgun... ;)
Quote:
Originally Posted by 35th-ANV-SS
Gotta get in first. That's mistake #1. Of course, I said "readily available", and that leaves a lot of room to maneuver. Good luck getting into the safe, and unless you brought a bulldozer, nobody's moving it.
Thats a double edged sword...if they read this, they'll know they can get guns if they break in and you arent home. But at the same time, they know if you are home, theyre royally fucked
I agree it's better to keep a little mystery about things, but I truly don't believe that LS1.com is gonna be a great resource for housebreakers to target people. Especially people with monikers, not names.Quote:
Originally Posted by Spikito
Quote:
Originally Posted by 35th-ANV-SS
Internet anonymity -- for all you guys know, I am some old fart in Texas with a fast GTO, a couple of good looking daughters, and more guns than I know what to do with.
Chicagoland = Indiana side for me. I can legally carry, and sometimes do :yup:Quote:
Originally Posted by Tobynine9
.45 and .357 stashed and ready to go
The major disadvantage of a long gun at close range is ironically the fact it IS long. Most will also require both hands to operate effectively, and retain in a struggle. With a pistol/revolver, you have the option of keeping the weapon tucked close into your side while having the weak hand free to fend off/create distance between you and an adversary. That free hand is a BIG advantage at close range.
While a long gun would be difficult to wrench away from a person, it can be done. The dynamics of bringing the weapon to bear at point blank range make it slower than a handgun. For absolutely massive stopping power, a 12 gauge with tactical load 00 is truly impressive at ranges from 0 to fifteen yards. In a home environment, shotgun ammunition is usually less prone to penetrate walls than a handgun round and certainly less than a rifle round. Some have touted the benefit of using smaller than 00 shot, such as #4 shot that is used for waterfowl and turkey. The theory is that at "room" distance, the pattern will be so tight that the entire load will strike in the torso of an attacker. That dumps a LOT of kinetic energy into a small area and would be devastating, yet the smaller (and lighter) shot would be less likely to penetrate sheetrock than larger/heavier shot. Over-penetration is a BIG issue in a home. You do not want rounds that missed the attacker to accidentally strike an innocent person. I have personally seen handgun rounds that were fired in one house that traveled through the initial home, through another home, and ended up lodging in a wall of a THIRD home. Imagine firing at an attacker, missing them, but then the round killed your next-door neighbor or even your own child. It's not an urban legend. It can and HAS happened.
We do a speed rock drill at 2 yards. Internet warriors scoff at such ranges, but the vast majority of shootings occur within a distance of seven yards (21 feet). Two yards is an "interview" distance, and represents an interview that turns deadly without warning. Your weak hand blocks the initial attack while your strong hand draws the holstered weapon and instead of bringing the weapon up to sight it, you just tuck your forearm into your side, with your strong elbow just above the empty holster. You basically fire as though you are pointing a finger at the target. This can be done and two rounds fired - with a duty holster that has two different safety mechanisms to manipulate before the weapon can be drawn - in less than one second. Your forearm being against your side allows a fulcrum that makes it difficult to push the muzzle away from your intended target. With practice (always practice folks) you can put two rounds in the chest very, VERY, quickly. More rounds if necessary.
One thing about a handgun that isn't considered enough is barrel length. A self-defense handgun does not need a barrel length of more than 5". Most pistols are fine (this includes a Government Model 1911), but some revolvers will grossly exceed this length. While the longer barrel with have higher velocity, likely more accuracy, and a longer sighting distance (one reason for better accuracy), these attributes are not as important at combat ranges as is the inherent weapon retention aspects of the handgun. I have practiced gun take-aways many times, and I assure you the longer the barrel is, the better the chance the weapon can be taken away. These techniques are quite brutal since they would only come up in a deadly force situation. I can guarantee you that the gun holder would have to change to their other hand in the future (if they live) to ever shoot again because the index finger will likely never work again - if it stays on at all.
Once again I have to pick the handgun as the most appropriate choice for home defense, but whatever you choose, the competency you have with it is the most important factor of all. While the shotgun - with selected ammo - will likely have great stopping power yet less over-penetration issues, the length of the weapon puts it in second place. The rifle round is an over-penetration nightmare. While an M4 with a mounted tactical light seems very practical (and is in a lot of scenarios) I don't recommend using it coming out of a slumber to engage an intruder. It takes training, training, training, to not automatically fire when that light illiuminates a target, and using it as you are shaking out the cobwebs of interrupted sleep spells disaster to me.
I'm not trying to downplay other's choices, but in my opinion very few people train enough to be proficient, and are more prone to pick a weapon because it looks "sexy" or "cool". You will perform how you train. I hope people take that to heart.
I carry a Glock, working on my next Shotgun for the house.
There's no mistaking the sound of a 12 gage getting cocked to make an intruder go Oh shit!
"Use the knife to get to the pistol, use the pistol to get to the shotgun, use the shotgun to get to the rifle.........."
Good point. However IF anyone is stupid enough to try to break in with the new knowledge, then they have to be one dumb m. effer.Quote:
Originally Posted by 35th-ANV-SS
I have just a s&w 9mm waiting, but would like that Taurus Revolver The Judge - 4510T, 5-shot revolver that can use .45 long colt, .410 slugs or .410 shotgun shells. In any configeration.
Eventually I am going to buy a Rem 870 12 gauge for home defense. as for now I have my semi auto 30-06 with ten round mag for HD. My feelings is If someone breaks in I want them dead and no chance in hell of survival 12 gauge combined with some very nasty rounds that are made for HD purposes will do the job. As a retired LEO told me "make damn sure whoever breaks in and everyone with them is dead, that way they can't tell on you and there is no his word against yours"
Here is the site I found for home defense ammo.
http://www.deltaforce.com/catalog/12gaugeammo.html
Academy Sports has them Remington 12 guage 870's for $215 bucks right now.Quote:
Originally Posted by cuervo25_1
That reminds me. If I buy a rem 870 super mag combo Which comes with smooth bore and rifled slug barrel. I should be able to pick up a home defese barrel for it and use it right? I know I will have to use whatever size shotshell the barrel says as max.for example 3" so I can't use the 3.5 that the shotgun can handle.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sarge
Yes. They sell the barrel's....I dont think they are much at all....Quote:
Originally Posted by cuervo25_1
sweet 1 gun 3 barrels = a shitload of funQuote:
Originally Posted by Sarge
remington 11-87 with 22" barrel, Glock 23. both in reach from the bed
Glock 22C, Remington 870 w/ pistol grip, 95 pound Shepard. I can only pray that someone breaks in!
A smart thieve won't break in when people are home....Quote:
Originally Posted by BdAsBrd01
Springfield 1911 and an RRA 9mm SBR
I can't disagree here. Although, it would take an enterprising MF to figure out where folks live, work, play, etc. Oh, it can be done for sure. Match up members faces and other info... Hell I've even posted a pic of myself a time or two and I was kinda paronoid doing it but I think most criminal minded persons are looking for an easier score imo.Quote:
Originally Posted by 35th-ANV-SS
Shady, I know your apt.# btw.
JK!
They'd have to be pretty desperate. Haven't seen a post from ShadyMilkman in a while, whas up with that?Quote:
Originally Posted by Huskerz1
OK, guys. My son says that at the very least, I should have a S&W 38 special air weight snub nose.
What do you guys think? And no, I have never owned a gun before. It would be my first.
Not a bad choice, but I would recommend a 4" .357. The longer sight radius makes it easier to shoot accurately and the .357 chambering can use .38 Special ammunition as well as .357 ammo. A lot more versatile than a snub nose, unless the plan is to carry it concealed, then disregard what I said previously. Nothing wrong with a revolver, especially for someone starting.Quote:
Originally Posted by KahanaReef
My wife has a beretta 9mm sub-compact kinda like this. She got it about seven years ago, before we got married. Personally, I think it's kinda heavy for a chick :shrug:Quote:
Originally Posted by KahanaReef
https://www.berettausa.com/e2wItemMa...364:3100001370
Thanks. I'll look into that as well :)Quote:
Originally Posted by jad628
Thank you. I'll add it to my list.Quote:
Originally Posted by BdAsBrd01
I've been thinking about getting one for a while. Acutally... about a year now ;)
It's time :yup:
You're welcome :) you need something, ladies especially now. The wife likes that gun, it'll fit almost anywhere(coat pockets even) and they may be lighter now.Quote:
Originally Posted by KahanaReef
Doesn't matter which weapon you pick, you have to practice.Quote:
Originally Posted by KahanaReef
I'll look into it.Quote:
Originally Posted by BdAsBrd01
I plan on it :yup: It's been a while since I've done any shooting. We've got a few places around here for classes, target practice and shooting ranges.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ed Blown Vert
I agree with jad628, go with a 357. The 357 will shoot 38s and 357s, the 38 will not. (making the 38 obsolite imo). 38 rounds are cheaper to shoot and easier on your hands but you will still have the option of shooting the hot 357 rounds. A snub nose will fit in your purse better if thats your goal. Get a Smith and Wesson if you can afford it, if not Taurus makes nice replicas at a much better price. The new Ruger LCR might be worth a looksy as well.
I saw em for $290....its get one for 215Quote:
Originally Posted by Sarge
My son also mentioned Taurus. I'll put the Ruger LCR on the list to check out too.Quote:
Originally Posted by INMY01TA
I'm thinking part of this years tax return will go toward a gun or two.
Thank you :)
Taurus quality control is questioned alot on the internet. I have one, as does my father, but it isn't my only gun.Quote:
Originally Posted by KahanaReef
Quote:
Originally Posted by KahanaReef
Since you are not in a hurry, you should go to a gun store that has a good selection and try several different makes and models. See what fits your hand best, go over the safety features, check out how the clip is inserted and ejected, and ask to see how the gun is taken down for cleaning. You want something that works for you and feels good to you. Then do the research on it and ask questions before making a final decision.
That is actually what I am doing. I don't want to go in there and have no idea or preferences and have to rely on a guy that wants to sell me something.Quote:
Originally Posted by pajeff02
Just getting some feelers so I can have an idea of what's out there before I actually go in to look.
I'm definitely taking my time and want to get it right the first time :)
Ruger SP101 no question IMO.. It was my home defense for 15 or so years until I bought the .45 XD.Quote:
Originally Posted by KahanaReef
http://members.cox.net/tbpayne/Sp101.jpg
I was asking you about this about a year ago. I don't remember if that's the one you told me about. I lost those notes :rolleyes: So, starting a new list.Quote:
Originally Posted by Z28ThunderRuger SP101 no question IMO.. It was my home defense for 15 or so years until I bought the .45 XD.
I'm a little conflicted between a revolver or an automatic :shrug:
they both have pros and cons...usually the small revolvers are better for self defense.
The S&W airweight is popular, small, hammerless, very light, packs a big punch
That's what my son was telling me. Right now, that's what I'm leaning toward.Quote:
Originally Posted by Spikito
I really don't know much about guns in general. I'm thinking this forum will be helpful to me.
Not trying to be an arse... The name of the thread is home defense.. Either works well at home. If your talking CCW (IE self defense not home) that is totally different.Quote:
Originally Posted by Spikito
Beware what you post to the internet. It leaves a permanent signature. If you are involved in a shooting, in todays world, the prosecutor will subpoena all electronic records. This includes any online posts related to your specific IP address and email address. They will find this post and argue that you are some self-made urban commando that was spoiling for the opportunity to kill.Quote:
Originally Posted by cuervo25_1
Laugh if you will, but its real.
I'm thinking CCW would be a pain in the ass to get out here these days :dunno:Quote:
Originally Posted by Z28Thunder
Home defense is the priority. But, it would be nice to have one with me at times.
I feel a revolver is a lil "safer" as there's no guessing whether it's loaded and the trigger will be VERY heavy if the hammer is not cocked. The 1st step in determining which gun is choosing the caliber you want. For revolver you'd most likely want a 357/38, Ruger GP100 is a good start. For a pistol I'd go no smaller than 9mm. 45 is great but ammo is more $ and more scarce. Ask to see a Springfield Armory XD9mm, a Glock 17, Glock 19, or a Smith and Wesson M&P9. 9mm was my 1st gun. Doesn't hurt to read a good firearm forum either. The high road is excellent. http://www.thehighroad.org/index.php
Inmy01ta- the 357 has been around since the 50's. 38's aren't obsolete.
And someone mentioned purse carry. NEGATIVE.
If you are going to carry, carry on your person. You won't always have your purse.
Good points, I have seen a chick pull a 38 out of her purse before tho...Quote:
Originally Posted by Willfully Armed
I've been told that as well. Thanks for the link.Quote:
Originally Posted by INMY01TA
Good point.Quote:
Originally Posted by Willfully Armed
:yup: with all the shit women stuff in their purses, I'm sure the gun would be at the bottom of the bag. Always better to be on person.Quote:
Originally Posted by Willfully Armed
Kahana, doesn't Cali have a magazine capacity limit? Like 10 rounds or something? If it's 10 rounds, this would negate one of the big benefits of a semi auto over a revolver. I'd have a hard time shelling the money for a Springfield XDm 9mm and only getting 10 instead of 19.
XD compact is an awesome gun...the full size is too big for me, and it holds 10 45 rounds standard.Quote:
Originally Posted by INMY01TA
plus, like many have said....if after 10 rounds of .45 goin off at close range, you still haven't hit your target AND the sound didnt scare them off....I don't think its gonna matter anyway
I don't know. I know they're trying to pass new laws all the time and that now to buy ammo, you have to be finger printed and can only buy so much.Quote:
Originally Posted by INMY01TA
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spikito
After 10??? Hell after 1 :D
You'd think they'd have parchment splinters in their asses, they use the Constitution for toilet paper so much now.Quote:
Originally Posted by KahanaReef
KR,
I have the S&W 38 Airweight hammerless. I suggest taking one for test run at the firing range. They are not smooth by any means. They are light and they do kick in your hand. It may be a feeling you might not like. They are loud too but that's a good thing in order to scare your attacker off. It's small enough to hold close to your body between you and the attacker in case of a close attack and always ready to fire at the pull of the trigger. With revolvers, you don't have to pull the slide back to chamber a shell first. Ammo for the 38 is either +p or not. If it's a 38+p then you can fire +parabellum and regular 38 ammo. If your 38 is not a +p then don't load 38 +p ammo in it. Be sure to ask your gun dealer about it.
Look into a S&W snub nose 357 to take for test run also.
Sad isn't it...Quote:
Originally Posted by BdAsBrd01
I'll do that. I've got plenty to learn.Quote:
Originally Posted by Huskerz1
I bought one of those S&W hammerless snub nose .357s for a girlfriend a few years back. We had it modified with a 5 lb trigger pull right out of the box.Quote:
Originally Posted by Huskerz1
Man, could I hit with that gun (firing .38s at the indoor range). I miss it.
Ed gave you great advice when he mentioned the importance of practice.Quote:
Originally Posted by KahanaReef
You'll drive yourself silly-crazy trying to cull the list of capable handguns down to one. I myself tend to prefer automatics over revolvers, but that is not to say I dislike them. It's just a preference and mostly based on a duty-carry situation where additional ammunition and quick reloads are important factors. In your original post you mentioned getting a revolver, so I'd like to just stay specific to that with my suggestions. Here goes!
Buy a double action .357 with a 4" barrel. In order of preference my choices would be; S&W, Colt, Ruger, Taurus, Dan Wesson. There are other models out there, but those are some I recommend (although Dan Wesson might be a stretch for home defense only). Like I mentioned before, any .357 can fire 38 Special ammunition. This makes it more versatile. The down side will be a little heavier weapon (although that differes amongst makes). For instance, S&W FORGES their frames while Ruger uses INVESTMENT CASTING. Both are strong, but the S&W will usually have less metal and therefore less weight. In a .357, S&W will have three main frame sizes to consider "K" ("standard"), "L" (slightly larger), and "N" (largest). There are some highly specific models (including titanium) that you could buy, but they are very expensive and not really worth the cost for a home defense gun. For a woman's gun, I'd rule out the "N" frame. I have a Model 27 and I don't think most women would prefer the size of that gun. While you can get custom grips for a smaller hand, the frame is still somewhat massive. That leaves the K and L frames. The big advantage of the L frame (a model 686) is added durability and a heavier muzzle due to the full length barrel lug (the metal that is under the barrel). This helps to reduce muzzle rise with full power loads, making follow-up shots a bit faster. Still, it adds weight. Now we are down to the K frame. A model 66 was the law enforcement iconic handgun. A man names Bill Jordan had a lot to do with that model becoming very popular. Google him sometime for an interesting read. My very first duty gun was a model 66, and it was a shooter. Very few female officers were on my department, but I only remember one having issues with the weapon because of its size (and she was a complainer anyway).
A "double-action" means that the weapon can be fired with a long, heavier trigger pull that manipulates the action to "cock" the hammer through the pull and release it at the end, AND the weapon can be manually "cocked" by pulling the hammer back into firing position manually (with the thumb) which greatly lightens and shortens the trigger pull. Single action firing is more useful in situations where the best accuracy is needed. It has the drawback of a much more sensitive trigger release which can be a problem in a tense situation, increasing the chances of an unintentional discharge of the weapon. Double action firing is more deliberate. In most self-defense situations, double-action is the way to go. A double-action design gives YOU the choice. A single-action design (Ruger Blackhawk revolver, Colt 1911 semi-auto are examples) requires that the weapon be cocked manually before the first shot can be fired (and every following shot in the revolver design, but not the semi-auto). There are some double-action ONLY (DAO) weapons out there too, and these will have shrouded or "hammerless" designs where the shooter has no physical means to "cock" the gun. I carried a S&W 4046 that was DAO. It was okay, but designs like the M&P, Glock, and some others have a superior trigger pull and accomplish the same thing with much less weight. I bought that gun when it was "retired" and it is a boat anchor compared to my subsequent Glock 23 and S&W M&P.
One last thing about S&W. The number "6" is an important indicator for most of their models. In MOST cases, it indicates the model is made of stainless steel (example: model 66 is a stainless K frame .357, while a model 19 is a carbon steel K frame .357. Both are exactly the same gun except for the metal that makes up the frame, barrel, trigger, and hammer). Just FYI.
Most self-defense situations are over within three rounds being fired. In MOST cases, a six-shooter is more than enough. Firing inside your own home, you will likely fire as least amount of rounds as is needed. A speedloader or two can be available, if needed. That reminds me of one downside to consider with a revolver. While a semi-auto can be rendered "safe" by means of a lever, empty chamber, no magazine inserted, etc., a revolver that is loaded is ready to go boom with just a trigger pull. This can be a concern with unauthorized handlers (kids, curious adults). If you have a loaded revolver readily available, it is only one trigger pull away from firing. The simplicity of that design is both an attribute AND a liability. Something to consider as well.
I suggest you seek out local gun ranges to see if they "rent" guns for use. That can be a quick way to find out what you prefer. Another possibility is firing the weapons of friends that you think might be the ticket. In any event, when you finally choose a handgun, make sure you practice, practice, practice! You will perform the way you train. Don't be shy about seeking out adivce from those who know what they are talking about (and be wary of those who talk a lot but don't instill confidence). Do NOT skimp on practice.
I'll go out on a limb and give you a specific suggestion for a gun to purchase:
S&W Model 66, 4", and buy aftermarket grips that feel comfortable to you. Load it with Winchester .38 Special 158 gr. SWHP +P ammuniton for home-defense and buy 158 grain loads for practice. You will have a good, reliable weapon with good stopping power that will be easy to learn, fire, and maintain.
Wow... Thank you for that! That is very helpful information and advice. I printed it out.
the wife has a ruger sp 101 .357mag next to her i have a 9mm ar-15 carbine with two 32 rnd clips.
My main in home defense weapon.
http://www.webarms.com/Gun%20Supplie...guns/55605.gif
You're very welcome. It's an important decision.Quote:
Originally Posted by KahanaReef
Looks pretty cool. What is it?Quote:
Originally Posted by preston1980My main in home defense weapon.
Looks like the Mossberg 500 Rolling Thunder. (same pic and all :rolleyes:) http://www.mossberg.com/images/produ...ISER/55605.jpgQuote:
Originally Posted by pajeff02
Kinda looks like a Winchester 1300 defender with mods.
yes it is a mossberg 12 gauge pump with 6 shots. pistol grip with a heat sheid and a muzzle breaker/stablelizer. It has minimal kick and requires minimal aiming, if you know what I mean.Quote:
Originally Posted by pajeff02
