Handgun for home defense

While I agree, I had a LEO friend tell me that isn't as effective as it once was because many thugs don't encounter a shotgun until hitting a house.
She also pointed out that waiting until the front door is kicked in is probably too late in the cycle for loading.

Most shit heads are familiar with shotguns and most any other firearm you can purchase at the local gun store. I do however agree with the reactive nature of racking a shotgun once a criminal has made entry into your home. At that point, I would prefer to arm myself if I am not already armed, issue commands if necessary, and if a threat is imminent, remove the threat and then request medical attention followed by contacting an attorney.
 
Am I mistaken or aren't frangible rounds only supposed to be used on steel? I thought they'd be worse for a penetration issue.

I can't speak to the ballistic nature of frangible rounds as the only place I have used them is in the shoot house. Others will chime in but a well aimed bonded hollow point round will do the trick.
 
Am I mistaken or aren't frangible rounds only supposed to be used on steel? I thought they'd be worse for a penetration issue.

Do a little research on Speer Gold Dot and Winchester SuperX Super Unleaded 147 gr 9x19 rounds. both are jacketed high expansion high impact frangible rounds... they are home defense/personal defense rounds... 147 gr 9mm is a hard hitter. But, the 115-117 FMJ/TMJ rounds can be stoppers too.
 
Thanks guys. I understand now, and agree with you all, about the round choice. I knew from the start I would need firearms training because the only shooting I've done has been at the range and hunting. I'd still like to know about your preferences when it comes to handguns though. What do you carry or have in your nightstand?
 
Just a personal observation, but if you're going to buy a Glock buy a 9mm. The 17 and 19 are their best guns, with perhaps a slight edge to the 17. I own (as others here do) a G19 that I use for specific purposes.

If you do your part--marksmanship and bullet selection--the 9mm will do the job quite well. Ammo is cheaper in that caliber, which makes it easier to train.

I echo the advice above re: penetration. All defensive handgun calibers will penetrate most home construction materials. Therefore, it behooves you not to miss. And that brings me back to training.

Do not go cheap. I would list some reputable trainers, but that might make me run afoul of the site's rules. As others have said, SMU/SOF/SWAT experienced instructors are out there and are not hard to find.

Make sure you understand your state's laws regarding when you can use force and deadly force to protect yourself.

Fucking A. Back before I got rid of all my guns due to their dangerous nature, I considered my G17 my favorite. IMO, all other polymer frame pistols are copies of the 17. The only downside to the 17 is if you intend to CCW.
 
Fucking A. Back before I got rid of all my guns due to their dangerous nature, I considered my G17 my favorite. IMO, all other polymer frame pistols are copies of the 17. The only downside to the 17 is if you intend to CCW.

My feelings are the same. Since being alerted to how dangerouse firearms actually are, I prefer to use menacing glares and/or a stern voice to deter intruders. Back when guns weren't so deadly, it was a Glock 22 w/ light or in a concealed carry situation, Glock 27.
 
Thanks guys. I understand now, and agree with you all, about the round choice. I knew from the start I would need firearms training because the only shooting I've done has been at the range and hunting. I'd still like to know about your preferences when it comes to handguns though. What do you carry or have in your nightstand?

Go search for the "best handgun for concealed carry" thread. We've been down this path before. The short answer is you ask 100 different people and you'll receive 30-40 different results. Easily.
 
I would strongly suggest that in addition to knowing the laws and statutes of your particular state, (As Policemedic stated) and in addition to the training you receive later on down the road, that you also keep some zip ties or handcuffs within your domicile if it should ever come to pass that you need to secure said shit bag while waiting on the meatwagon to arrive. Or you can just keep the subject covered, but it's a good option if needed.

You also need to learn and acquire the mental mindset necessary needed to properly react to those scenarios so that your weapon of choice does not get turned around and USED AGAINST YOU amongst other things.

Learn how and where to secure, stow your weapon. You have a myriad of things to consider when you do this. Are there little ones running around the house? If not, are there ever? When I leave the house, do I take it with me? If I do, how do I transport it legally? If I don't, how do I secure it properly? How do I get to it when I need it and where it will be and where will you be when and if this ever happens?

I highly recommend reading Massad Ayoob's "In The Gravest Extreme" It's a little dated, however, the fundamentals and principles are still the same and have not changed.

Finally, practice, practice and practice some more.

BTW, did I mention practice?

It ain't all just about buying a handgun. Just some things to think about.
 
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I get where you guys are coming from. This is by far not the first place I've come looking into the matter. I've done a lot of research on my state and county laws and regs, gun safes/locks, and other things to make sure that; 1. This is the step that needs to be taken and 2. That if I do take this step that I know as much as possible and be as safe as possible.
 
Bird shot (Pheasant load) with a modified skeet choke is nice... even in 20 ga... :ninja:

Funnily enough I just spoke to a retired cop yesterday who told me from personal experience that this is not a lethal load.

It would probably ruin your day though and would certainly lessen the penetration issues. Not for me though, I don't want anyone getting up again.
 
I would strongly suggest that in addition to knowing the laws and statutes of your particular state, (As Policemedic stated) and in addition to the training you receive later on down the road, that you also keep some zip ties or handcuffs within your domicile if it should ever come to pass that you need to secure said shit bag while waiting on the meatwagon to arrive. Or you can just keep the subject covered, but it's a good option if needed.

Dead men tell no tales.
 
Rob,

Just the other week I purchased an H&R Pardner Protector Pump for less than $200.00 at Dick's Sporting Goods.

Remington purchased the rights to this particular model as it has performed exceptionally well. It is an 870 clone with the receiver being slightly larger and is essentially Remington's answer for the Maverick I suppose.

I put a ATI collapsable stock made for 870s as those are the accepted aftermarket parts and a magpul foreend. I couldn't be happier.

Performs like an animal, tears through rounds, and with the 870 parts the wife can hang on. After all was said and done; ammo included - I spent less than $350.00

Toss the glock and go 1 or 00 buckshot for the house.

My .2
 
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