Home Security

[7066]

I am a fisherman and admit I do not really hunt. I respect people that do. Not knowing a ton about guns I wanted to ask what type of guns I should have at home for protection or in the case of some catastrophe. I realize the sale of firearms might at some point be prohibited so I thought I should get some weapons to protect my family. I am going to get my carry permit also because we might not be able to get them at a later date. Thanks for your help in advance you guys have always been good to me and I appreciate it and return the favor when I can.

[4on4off]

best home protection is a 12 ga. with buckshot and a great carry gun is whatever you shoot well and can conceal. for me its a springfield armory .45

[No Fences]

Originally Posted by 4on4off

best home protection is a 12 ga. with buckshot and a great carry gun is whatever you shoot well and can conceal. for me its a springfield armory .45

[MarlinMark]

I think the best home protection is something that somebody has confidence in. If someone is afraid of, or doesn't like a 12ga. then chances are that their performance might reflect that. How many times have you heard somebody say that this old rifle here has killed so many critters...yada yada, yada...and then commence to shoot it with confidence and hit everything they aim at. Same thing if someone is shooting something they think doesn't work right.

I heard a story about a cadet at the police academy that thought that her sights were broken because she had previously dropped her weapon. The instructor asked her why she thought that she was shooting so poorly. She told him what she believed. He said, give me your weapon. She did and he turned around and emptied the magazine into the head of the target. He handed the weapon back to her and said, "there, I just fixed them."

Use something that appeals to you, within reason. If you play good in your favorite shorts then by all means, wear them.

Mark

p.s. If you hang out at a barber shop, you're gonna get your hair cut.

[Grantspastor]

Whatever you decide on...practice with it a lot.

[Hog King]

A shotgun makes a good defensive firearm for the home. Now you have to decide on gauge, 12, 16, 20 or 28?

Note that a shotgun will not "clear the room". You will hear that a lot. Just pattern a shotgun from 20 feet and see just how narrow the shot spread is.

Do you want a semi-auto, pump, bolt, side by side, over/under?

A Mossberg 500 with a 18-20 inch barrel would not be a bad choice for a home shotgun. They're going for $219 new at Keith's in Gresham. I saw a used one at the last show for $150. Shoulda bought it!

Handgun....you state that you do not have a lot of experience with firearms.

Might I suggest you give serious consideration to a revolver. Revolvers are very simple in design and operation. Revolvers don't misfeed and jam. Revolvers just kep working and are not finicky about what loads they are fed. Semi-auto handguns can be picky eaters. Semi-autos can misfeed, stovepipe and jam. Revolvers never will. I carry both revolvers and semi-autos. I tend to carry the revolvers more often. Revolvers carry up to 6 rounds, while semi-autos can carry 14 rounds or more in some cases.

Consider a .357 magnum revolver with a 4 inch barrel. You can practice with .38 specials which will save you a few $$. The .357 does not have excessive recoil and is pleasant to shoot. 158 grain loads are an effective round for stopping a threat.

Or, you could go with the new Taurus "Judge" which will take both .45 Long Colt and .410 shot shells. Price is reasonable.

There are a few revolvers that are chambered in .45 ACP. I know that Smith & Wesson make at least 1 model. Ruger probably does as well.

For self defense a 9mm is about as low as you want to go. Though there are some hot .38 +P loads.

Oh yeah...you can go down to the "Place to Shoot" in Delta Park and rent a couple of handguns to see what feels good to you. Better than spending $$$ and being unhappy. Go to the stores and shows and handle a bunch and see what feels "right" in your hand.

Good luck & let us know what you get.

Whatever you get...practice with it .

[scottishsetter]

1892 replica in 357.

[Coastalfisherman]

For me it would be an AR-15. Lots of firepower, compact, bullets will typically not pass thru walls. The AR is lighter than a shotgun and more compact witch makes it a better house gun. You can also add lights, laser and other thing to the gun to make it a better gun to shoot. Lots of folks will disagree with me, but for me it is the only way to go. Oh yea, my wife will shoot it over a shotgun anytime due to recoil issues.

[ogrejager]

Originally Posted by Coastalfisherman

For me it would be an AR-15. Lots of firepower, compact, bullets will typically not pass thru walls. The AR is lighter than a shotgun and more compact witch makes it a better house gun. You can also add lights, laser and other thing to the gun to make it a better gun to shoot. Lots of folks will disagree with me, but for me it is the only way to go. Oh yea, my wife will shoot it over a shotgun anytime due to recoil issues.

Interesting. Not often that you see somebody say something like that.

Me--well, you'll get met by a 12 gauge if you come in my door. Considering how I carry one so many days during the year, what do you think I'm going to pick up when I need something I'm comfortable with? The gun that I put 2 cases of shells through a year, or the pistol that I put 6 boxes of through a year? I don't have the AR option...yet.

[Sled Dog]

.223 will go through walls (notice the plural usage ie multiple walls) without much trouble. http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot1_2.htm

[Quaka Wacka]

Originally Posted by Grantspastor

Whatever you decide on...practice with it a lot.

I'd agree with that. As for my personal preference. I like the short barreled shotgun with a stock. The stock gives you a lot better control than the pistol grips. And the sound of a 12ga action sliding shut is pretty distinct. Probably more than enough to send whomever running out of your house.

[k9jeff]

Stoeger makes a sxs coach gun with short barrels. Its easy to use, minimal moving parts and can be loaded quickly. Insert shells, close, aim, saferty forward and pick a trigger. I also use it for grouse during deer season, its small and fits in the truck well.

[Dan360]

That Stoeger Double will make you feel like Doc Holliday!

I might suggest that you take a home defense course. They have several different weapon choices and you can pick and choose for yourself. Also, they show you how to safely clear your home using proven techniques that maximize your vision while minimizing you as a target. They also provide invaluable practice at malfunction and emergency drills that could save your life. These courses cost money, but your life and the lives of your family members will be worth every cent.

I carry a Kimber 1911 in 45 ACP because it fits my hand well and I'm very confident with it. You'll find a gun you like that will just "fit". I also keep a Remington 870 Police with loaded with S&B BB Shot. I don't know if it would spread in the house, but I know that the trauma surgeon would have a field day trying to get that crap out. I also have an M4 style carbine with a 30 rd magazine loaded with another 30 rd magazine attached to the loaded magazine. Hornady TAP is good stuff for in the house.

There are lots of other options. I believe simple is better, especially if you'll get your family members involved. I know its heresy for a 1911 guy, but Glock pistols are very simple and require very few fine motor skills to operate. The 1911 is for someone who practices A LOT. Stress causes people to forget to remove safeties, depress grip safeties properly, etc. The Glock has none of those problems, yet doesn't offer the good feel and accuracy of a 1911. Revolvers are also a great route for simple and reliable use. My buddy swears by his S&W 625 in 45 ACP.

[JustSteve]

Can you name, or have you ever heard of one person over the age of 12 or so who doesn't know the sound of a pump shotgun?

Presence of force will deter many a home intruder. That distinct sound is a great indicator of presence of force. Use of force will end that home intruder's plans. Buckshot will put a hurting on someone and probably not go through the walls which is something you may want to consider while shooting inside your home. Master bedroom at one end of the house, kids rooms at the other end, home intruder caught walking down the hallway...where is your shot spread heading if you miss?

Very easy to add a very good flashlight on to a shotgun as well.

I am a fan of the 12 gauge pump. You can take the magazine plug out and it'll hold several more rounds. Shells can be very quickly loaded into the gun in the dark, in a hurry, with one hand and your eyes closed if a reload is neccesary without having to have a spare magazine or open the gun, or manipulating it in any fashion. You can add gun stock round holder that'll put another 10 or so rounds at your fingertips for a fast reload.

Steve

[pathfinder]

Originally Posted by Rob Kaiser

Same here, but for my handgun Colt answers the door!

[Mello-Yello]

Personally, I like to start out with a couple of dogs. We have a big one and a small one. The big one spends his days outside and barks at things that "don't seem right". The little one lives in the house and barks at pretty much anything.

They both are in the house at night. One covers the downstairs, the other the upstairs.

Nothing happens without them knowing it, and if they know it, we know it.

If someone is still stupid enough to think they're 'sneaking' in, there's a Louisville Slugger sandwich waiting at the door.

Then again, I don't live around Portland.

M-Y

[jmshave]

Originally Posted by Sled Dog

.223 will go through walls (notice the plural usage ie multiple walls) without much trouble. http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot1_2.htm

Yes many bullets will go though some pine boards. I do not disagree with this post, but it does not tell the whole story.

.223 rounds are inherently unstable and fragile and as such generally break up very quickly, equaling shallow penetration.

A .223 round that is of a medium weight or less, with soft point, open tip or polymer tip construction, will penetrate less wall material than most any common self defense type pistol round (9mm, .40, .45 does not matter), less than most buckshot rounds and far less than slugs.

Yes, you can use .223 rounds that are heavy ball, solid copper, steel core or bonded construction that will penetrate much further. The choice is yours to make.

That being said, most AR's/.223's can be a bit unwieldy inside and may not be the best all around choice for many when it comes to home defense.

However, .223/5.56 ammo is available in many great bullets that are exceptional stoppers, while also being safer than many other calibers when it comes to unwanted or over penetration.

[Starfish]

1. 12 gauge is hard to beat.
2. A Glock 19 (9mm) is a great choice for combined home use and concealed carry if you want to keep the recoil manageable and still have a decent cartridge, relatively small frame size, and high capacity. I opted for a G23 (.40 S&W) which is the same frame size but a little more power (and recoil). You can also get replacement barrels to shoot .357SIG or 9mm which are not options with the G19.

With either choice-- as others have stated, practice! If your practice is realistically going to be limited to a few outings (or some bird hunting), stick with the shotgun or maybe a revolver. If you're willing to spend an hour or two per week for six months or more followed by periodic range trips thereafter, get a Glock or other pistol, you'll have loads of fun and be well protected.

[SLEDDER]

Dogs an a MP5

[Quaka Wacka]

Dogs are by far the best first line of defense. A deterrent and an alert all in one. As far as bullet or shot selection. As somebody mentioned the TAP or other frangible ammo is good. When it comes to shotgun, my choice is smaller birdshot. I don't know for sure, but would guess that buckshot would go through at least one wall. And even 7 1/2 birdshot will stop somebody at 30ft or less. Probably even further and it won't go through the walls and have enough energy to do as much damage.

[Cornbread]

Dog and a shotgun. Dog buys you time and if you can't hit them with a shotgun then you probably can't hit them with anything. If you have concrete floors shotguns are even better because you can aim at the floor halfway between you and them and believe me on this it makes an unholy mess of the bad guy. Ruins the floor but they don't get back up after that. I have cleared more rooms with a Mossberg 590 than I ever did with an MP5 and in close quarters I'd use it any day over a handgun. Most people can't hit anything with a handgun under stress anyway but a shotgun is pretty adrenaline proof for the user.

[Swift Fly Guy]

Originally Posted by Rob Kaiser

I can not agree more, the sound of you loading a round will make them run.... that's what I would want to happen no reason for confrontation.

[Woody]

A 90lb Doberman, a 20 lb Jack Russell and a 12 ga. I don't even lock my front door.

[Rainman]

I also have dogs, 2 male Brittanies. Also 2 long guns and a 9mm.
While the dummy who just broke into my house is busy with the boys, I'm reaching for my 870. Imagine his mind set, hearing that 870 rack a load into the chamber. And if that doesn't do the trick, then he/she will have to contend with a hail of lead from the Glock 19 (I have 3 loaded clips).
Having said that, I'm also VERY mindful of the fact that many people who shoot a stranger in their house at night, find out in short order that the 'burglar' they just shot turned out to be lil Johnny getting a drink of milk, or someone else they know.
Knowing just what you're shooting at applies equally well in the house as it does out in the field, maybe more so.

[crazyinoregon]

gotta say that an additional intimidation factor can be attained with a laser site. when they see that dot placed in a precarious place on their body it lets them know what part is about to be hurting.....

[boatman]

A small .22 cal. pistol, one shot in the floor and if they stick around fire at them. A .22 will stop a person. Thiefs are not brave. They are easy to handle,easy to learn to shoot.

[98ramtough]

Two dogs, one lab and one Chesapeake bay retriever. The lab barks first, but the CBR would be the one that would take a bite out of someone. Benelli shotgun under the bed with plug out and magazine loaded with chamber empty. I put the shells in the order that first thing you load one into the chamber, which is a 3" 6 shot, second shot is a 3 1/2" BB shot, last two shots are 3 1/2" buckshot. The way my house is, my master bedroom is huge and has a hallway that goes from the bedroom to the master bathroom and then into another living room. The wife knows if anything should ever happen to run into the upstairs living room, the intruder has to come through the bedroom door, fight off the ****** off benelli, and as I retreat back into the upstairs living room, i have a whole other arsenal waiting that I won't get into. I can assure that if any intruder ever made it into my home, it would not be pretty...

I do not have any kids in the house or my weapon placement and strategy would be entirely different. I also live in the country and have never seen anything or anyone strange happen, but just in case right???

[MetalHead]

Ok I'll chime in, for home defense you will want a weapon you are comfortable with ( I use three that I shoot alot) if you choose to go with a shotgun #1 12 gauge with #4 buckshot in a reduced recoil round (the reason for the reduced recoil round is that a standard 12 gauge 23/4" buckshot round will penatrate walls) in the confines of your home they will perform very well. #2 AR15 M4gery loaded with Hornady TAP or some other frangible bullet. #3 compact 9mm loaded with corbons or glazers both will stop a threat.

Now I carry conceled and that is the purpose of the 9mm compact, for home defense my goto weapon is the 12 guage rem 870 19" bbl with the mag extention and reduced recoil loads 11/2 inch shells it will hold 12 rounds it also has a light attached to the magazine tube activated by a pressure switch so I can see what I'm shooting at.

Some like a hand gun for home defense but I was always taught that a hand gun was a weapon that you used to fight your way to a rifle.

just my

[Spindrifter]

Glock model 27 .40 cal and the wife has a Lady Smith .38 both with Crimson Trace lazers. And the standard...12 gauge.

[motoxaaron03]

I would say your best bet is a security 12ga. pump shotgun with about an 18 inch barrel loaded with 00 buckshot.

The sound alone of you chambering a round will send most intruders running for the hills.

[Dan360]

Shotguns are a great tool and I have one in the house, but my go-to is not my shotgun because its long and its harder to move with it. I prefer my pistol and my strobing surefire. A pistol is a lot more maneuverable compared to a shotgun or M4. That said, I still have all 3.

[mpmax]

Ruger 10/22. Small and handy, and fun to familiarize yourself and family with (just fun to shoot). The simple act of "drawing down" on someone with a rifle inspires more fear than a hand gun. Also won't deafen you if shot indoors. A .22lr not "effective"? I've met few people who like to get shot, with anything.

[scottishsetter]

2 Mllion CandlePower light and a green laser on ANY gun.

[Jennie@ifish]

Wow. If it ever got to the point of some of these posts for me, I think I'd use a gun on my own head.

Whewie, you guys!!!

Jen

[ampersat]

Originally Posted by Jennie@ifish

Whewie, you guys!!!

Jen

Couple of factors at play here.

1. Some folks just like guns. I like guns. (I also like fishing reels but what intruder is going to be intimidated by an Abu 6500?) I've got a few hunting guns, a handgun, and another gun for TEOTWAWKI. It's also fun to take those guns out and shoot them at paper, cans, what have you.
2. Not all of us live in the nicest parts of the city. Most of can't afford to live in the safest parts of the city. If you live in the country, you're on your own for a good half an hour while the sheriff makes his way to your property (provided you can even get to a phone) so you better be prepared to do for yourself. Even in town, there's slim chance that the police would be able to get to your home quickly enough to take care of a threat to your life or the lives of your family.

[sinker]

i used to drink the kool-aid of the shotgun for home defense.

After thinking about this over time I've decided that they're to long and awkward to be used in a close quarter environment. A handgun is ideal for something like this.

Get a revolver, something along the lines of a .357/.38. Pull the trigger and it goes bang. Pretty simple.

[Silver Hilton]

My 2 cents:

1) a dog. Any dog. A barking dog will convince most casual intruders to go elsewhere. I prefer a dog that is big enough to give people pause, but a toy poodle will do.

2) a gun. Any gun. My own arsenal has a couple of .40 S&W semi autos that I like. My current favorite is a Taurus PT140. As others have noted, it has to be a gun that you are willing to spend the time to get familiar with.

3) a telephone. I keep my cell phone on my bedside table.

[Smoked Salmon]

I agree 100% with both Jennie and Silver Hilton.

Also, Buy a good deadbolt lock, and have it professionally installed on all doors, including the one to the garage. If you have a sliding door, use a stick of wood in the channel to keep it inoperable. Keep your windows locked.

Then go to a big-box store to buy those silly contact alarms that just make wicked loud noise whenever the trigger is broken. Put them on doors, windows, even the garage door if you don't use it. It will wake you up immediately, and 90% of the time make the intruder run like a ghost is chasing him.

[butwhymalemodels]

38 (now 39) replies and I'm the first to mention an alarm system.

[Spotted Owl]

Originally Posted by ampersat

Couple of factors at play here.

If you live in the country, you're on your own for a good half an hour while the sheriff makes his way to your property (provided you can even get to a phone) so you better be prepared to do for yourself.

This is exactly why everyone in our house can and does use every gun in the house. Even down to my 10yr old daughter everyone can load and unload and safely handle our weapons with theirs eyes closed in the dark.

We have a large breed dog and soon to have another.

Tell me how you would think of this situation that happened last fall.

We get home. Someone is shooting(target) toward the house from the woods. We call 911 and report someone shooting at us from the woods. We can hear the bullets whistleing and hissing past and smaking the trees 10 to 20 feet from us, while trying to get inside. The dispatcher says that 2 officers are on their way as fast as possible. The dispatcher heard a bullet on her end of the phone fly past and hit the trees, from her end of the phone. I get everyone inside and filed down to the basement. Grab some guns as we head down to wait. I asked that an officer call us and let us know that everything is safe. 35 min later the phone rings and it is the police. I think alright everything is now under control right? Nope. He calls to see if I could meet him down the road and bring him in or give directions to our location they have been driving in circles trying to find us. The whole time these kids were throwing lead our direction. 1 hour and 20 min all total the Sheriff calls again. Everything is now under control and the situation is safe.

That is why we all know how to use and are all willing to use any weapon at our disposal. As far as I go we will still call for help, but I tell everyone here that you or we are on our own to do what ever is needed to stay alive and protect what we have.

Next to the bed are 2 high cap short barrel 12 ga one with 00 and the other slugs for the 4 leggers. Sprinkled around the house are some others. Nobody in this house is ever more than 20 feet from a firearm that is ready to be used. We are as ready as possible for any threat to us or our property from threat of the two or four legged type.

I am not a dooms day nut and I don't think people are out to get us. However the situation above really opened my eyes. Everyone has always known how to safely handle all our weapons, now they just take that safety training a tad more serious.

We have not one hand gun in our home, all 12 and 20 ga. pumps/single, and rifles from 22lr on up.


Owl

[Smoked Salmon]

Or second, whichever.

[butwhymalemodels]

Oops


I got all of the way to the bottom of the page and thought "What are the chances the last one has mention of an alarm.

If it was a test, I would have failed

[alaskan]

[quote=Spotted Owl;1940921]This is exactly why everyone in our house can and does use every gun in the house. Even down to my 10yr old daughter everyone can load and unload and safely handle our weapons with theirs eyes closed in the dark.

We have a large breed dog and soon to have another.

Tell me how you would think of this situation that happened last fall.

We get home. Someone is shooting(target) toward the house from the woods. We call 911 and report someone shooting at us from the woods. We can hear the bullets whistleing and hissing past and smaking the trees 10 to 20 feet from us, while trying to get inside. The dispatcher says that 2 officers are on their way as fast as possible. The dispatcher heard a bullet on her end of the phone fly past and hit the trees, from her end of the phone. I get everyone inside and filed down to the basement. Grab some guns as we head down to wait. I asked that an officer call us and let us know that everything is safe. 35 min later the phone rings and it is the police. I think alright everything is now under control right? Nope. He calls to see if I could meet him down the road and bring him in or give directions to our location they have been driving in circles trying to find us. The whole time these kids were throwing lead our direction. 1 hour and 20 min all total the Sheriff calls again. Everything is now under control and the situation is safe.

That is why we all know how to use and are all willing to use any weapon at our disposal. As far as I go we will still call for help, but I tell everyone here that you or we are on our own to do what ever is needed to stay alive and protect what we have.

Next to the bed are 2 high cap short barrel 12 ga one with 00 and the other slugs for the 4 leggers. Sprinkled around the house are some others. Nobody in this house is ever more than 20 feet from a firearm that is ready to be used. We are as ready as possible for any threat to us or our property from threat of the two or four legged type.

I am not a dooms day nut and I don't think people are out to get us. However the situation above really opened my eyes. Everyone has always known how to safely handle all our weapons, now they just take that safety training a tad more serious.

We have not one hand gun in our home, all 12 and 20 ga. pumps/single, and rifles from 22lr on up.




I've alway's been a believer in the "when seconds count, the cops are just minutes away" philosophy. I'll gladly call the cops, but I have to hold off the badguys until they can get there.
A shotgun is my preferred weapon. 18" barrel, 8 shot capacity should hold off anyone from making it into the saferoom, or until the police arrive. I don't plan on doing a room to room search looking for someone, that's what the police are trained and paid for. If the intruders leave in the meantime, so be it, at least the family is safe.

[Walleyer]

If you are considering a gun because the sale of guns may illegal in the near future 1)12 ga shotgun,2)heavy caliber long range hunting rifle,3)9mm,45cal or whatever handgun,now if it's home security that's the issue,a dog generally deters bad guy's they dont like confrontation and/or attention drawn to them,I have three dog's one will let you in if you pet him, one will run out back and bark,the best dog will let you in but wont let you leave without tasting you

[kc7pzh]

The first weapon you should get a hold of during a home invasion is between your ears. the best thing you can do is try to remove your self and loved ones from the situation if at all possible. Gone now means you can come home tomorrow.

Now that you have figured your stuck in a bad situation, its time for some hard facts. If you are going to exercise your right to defend your home and family against an intruder, you need to be sure that you are the only one to tell the story. Intruders get shot every day in the U.S.A. and the one to go to jail is the home owner, and you get to pay medical bills for some worthless dirt bag for the rest of his life, along with losing every thing you ever had in a wrongful shooting law suit. SHOOT TO KILL.

That being said shot guns are very simple to use but ca be a little unwieldy in the house, but have good coverage and take some of the guess work out of the aiming. Semi auto hand guns can be complicated to use under pressure, but allow you to put enough led down range to walk on. Long guns have the same handling problems of a shot gun, but if the perp wants to hide behind the fridge the .338mag wont care. a wheel gun is probably the simplest one to use double action, point shoot no safety no hang ups.

What ever you decide to purchase, practice, practice, practice, again and again and again. make sure that every one in the house knows what to do in case of a home invasion and drill on it just as you would a fire drill.

I pray that you buy a fire arm for your protection and then your grand children get to sell it as a never fired antique. It will be a life changing experience no mater what you do.

Pray you never have to use it.

[Clyde]

S&W .38 with lazer sight...bodyguard model with no external hammer.

[bigjake_888]

The trouble with guns for home defense is you need to load them. Get's me in trouble with the wife. I put a combo lock on the trigger and I have practiced in the dark with it so I can do it with my eyes closed. It happens all the time people break down the door of a home in the middle of the night. I have never understood the idea that gun ownership does not deter bad guys. I think the anti gun lobby group should post signs in their front lawn, "No Guns in House."

[Pete]

Originally Posted by bigjake_888

It happens all the time people break down the door of a home in the middle of the night.

If you live in Portland, you can see how many and what type of crime has occurred in your neighborhood in the last year. http://www.gis.ci.portland.or.us/maps/police/

There hasn't been a burglary or home invasion in my neighborhood in the last year. "All the time" seems like a bit of an exaggeration.