Suggestions

[jadeg001]

I just got my MD license, and I am considering getting a gun for home protection. I have narrowed it down two two types, a revolver, due to the facts that i have heard they are generally very reliable. Or, a shotgun due to the fear that the sound of a cocking it causes.

What do you guys think? Again, this would be only for home protection and I am hoping that I would only have to shoot it every so often at the range.

Thanks in advance!

[commonsenseman]

Opinions vary greatly but I would go shotgun all the way. There's nothing more intimidating, & for good reason, they're very, very powerful. Also cheap & easy to shoot. I suggest either a Remington 870 (very reliable) or a Mossberg. Also It's always a good idea to get one with a shorter barrel for home defense. The way I do it is keep it loaded but with a snap cap in the chamber, that way if you need it you just pull the trigger & rack the slide. Ready to go.

[Pugsley]

I have a S&W 357 mag and an old double barrel side by side 12 ga. Not sure what I could hit in the dark with the revolver but I don't have that worry with the coach gun.

[commonsenseman]

Originally Posted by Pugsley

I have a S&W 357 mag and an old double barrel side by side 12 ga. Not sure what I could hit in the dark with the revolver but I don't have that worry with the coach gun.

+1

Coach guns are bad-ass.

[smokin nightly]

If it is only for home protection, I would say the shotgun...

[Stench]

Keep in mind that any handgun round will penetrate 2-3 interior walls...something to think about if you have kids sleeping down the hall (like I do!). I have a mossberg 12 gauge loaded with birdshot for the first round (limited penetration) and then the next 4 rounds are 00 buckshot. Just in case they don't run from the first round!

I keep a 357 in my truck for the opposite reason...it WILL go through a car door!

Coach guns are a good idea for someone not used to handling guns. BUT, whatever you get..practice! It'll do you no good if you are fumbling around in the dark with something you aren't familiar with!

[dj1340]

Originally Posted by Stench

Keep in mind that any handgun round will penetrate 2-3 interior walls...something to think about if you have kids sleeping down the hall (like I do!). I have a mossberg 12 gauge loaded with birdshot for the first round (limited penetration) and then the next 4 rounds are 00 buckshot. Just in case they don't run from the first round!

I keep a 357 in my truck for the opposite reason...it WILL go through a car door!

Coach guns are a good idea for someone not used to handling guns. BUT, whatever you get..practice! It'll do you no good if you are fumbling around in the dark with something you aren't familiar with!

Great advice, also know what your shooting at if something does come up.

[commonsenseman]

Originally Posted by Stench

Keep in mind that any handgun round will penetrate 2-3 interior walls...something to think about if you have kids sleeping down the hall (like I do!). I have a mossberg 12 gauge loaded with birdshot for the first round (limited penetration) and then the next 4 rounds are 00 buckshot. Just in case they don't run from the first round!

I keep a 357 in my truck for the opposite reason...it WILL go through a car door!

Coach guns are a good idea for someone not used to handling guns. BUT, whatever you get..practice! It'll do you no good if you are fumbling around in the dark with something you aren't familiar with!

Originally Posted by dj1340

Great advice, also know what your shooting at if something does come up.

Great advice, mounting a Surefire on your shotgun with a pressure switch is a GREAT idea. Most Surefires are bright enough to temporarily blind someone.

[Magicseven]

I have the remington 870 at home and love it.

I also have a AR-10, AR-15 and a sig 226.

But the only thing I keep handy is the 870.

[StephenAlpha89]

Go with the shotgun, perfect enforcing the "castle doctrine." Also, if your on a limited budget buying a nice S&W revolver, even used can cost up too 600-700 $. I got my 870 for example used for 250$. Also the best thing about shotguns is they are easily customizable for the individual shooter if necessary for you. Also, though the spread traveling threw your house will be tight, you still dont need to worry as much about accuracy then compared to only having one round going down the hallway. As stated above, no matter what you use you always have to worry about rounds going threw walls. Ultimately see whats the most comfortable for you as the shooter. Always practice. Happy hunting!

[tmanqz]

Have to go with the 870, perfect home defense weapon. Just point and shoot.

[ssutton219]

And with a Shotgun..the sound of it being pumped is usually enough to turn someone away...


Good luck and make sure you know how to use it.



Shawn

[Nismo#12]

I agree with the shotgun consensus, I too have a Remmy 870 (I have a wingmaster) and loved it for hunting and for protection. good weight, short barrel and very reliable. I had several more including a SW .40 Semi auto but the wife had me sell it. I didn't have a safety so it was a good idea for now. I grew up in MD and the remember the guns laws are really tough (thanks PG and balmer co.) goo dluck and I hope you never have to use it.

BTW I know there are s lot of tactical upgrades and parts for an 870 if you wanted to get the a used or lesser model and make it a tactical style. I'm think the same sometime down the road.

[JamesY]

I suggest a 12 ga loaded with 00 buckshot. And usually, just the sound of racking the slide will scare anyone alone. Problem solved without having to cause harm.