Beginner's Handgun for Home Protection?

Off Topic
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[quote]The Mighty Stu wrote:
I’ll say though guys (and thanks so much for everyone voicing their opinions, I’ve really never had to consider this before), I’m not the fondest when it comes to the idea of having a loaded weapon at the ready in the place where I’m hoping to raise kids. Yes, I know that may sound naïve of me, or whatever, but I’m obviously the product of my upbringing, which never really involved fire arms in any type of scenario or situation.[/quote]

This is something that has been on my mind a good bit lately too, except that I was brought up shooting from a very young age. I’ve always kept firearms in the home, but got rid of them a couple of years ago when I decided to start a family, and now have to rethink having some system in place to protect my home and family without creating a hazard from within.

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[quote]xboxwarrior wrote:
Plus if someone wants you dead, you’re dead.[/quote]

BULLSHIT!

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[quote]The Mighty Stu wrote:
I’ll say though guys (and thanks so much for everyone voicing their opinions, I’ve really never had to consider this before), I’m not the fondest when it comes to the idea of having a loaded weapon at the ready in the place where I’m hoping to raise kids. Yes, I know that may sound naïve of me, or whatever, but I’m obviously the product of my upbringing, which never really involved fire arms in any type of scenario or situation. If you had a gripe, you’d settle it mano a mano, and live to see another day (geez, I sound like the father in ‘Friday’). Even the few buddies I have that do hunt all the time, the whole sport of it still seems a little odd to me, despite the lovely gifts of venison I receive each year -lol. I don’t mean to say this in any disparaging way of course.

I was joking last night that I’ll probably go with a ‘girlie’ gun due to the smaller nature I would imagine, but reading more, it sounds like the heavier models seem to prevent a lot of the kick you might experience when shooting. The idea of a laser site, aside from just making me think all bad-ass terminator like, makes sense in the fact that I’m probably not going to be spending a lot of time at the range. In fact, while I will most certainly put in my time with an instructor at the onset, I’m really hoping that afterward, after purchase, license, etc, that I’ll never have to see, think about, or use in my lifetime.

Hoping I’m not offending anyone here, that’s never my intention. I’m actually glad that I’m able to throw a question like this on here, knowing that there are plenty of better informed and experienced T-folks who’d be willing to advise. I’m just typically a very calm and peaceful guy, it’s just that seeing the gun issues we’ve got in NYC, combined with the feeling I had the other morning when half awake I raced to my bedroom window screaming for my wife to call the cops, doesn’t really thrill me.

S[/quote]
I would definitely buy a laser sight if you aren’t going to put in time becoming a proficient shot.

You don’t need an expensive gun. Unless you are going to be putting thousands of rounds through one, shooting in competition et cetera, the sophisticated models are not necessary.

You just need a firing pin to hit the bullet primer.

My vote is still Hi-Point firearms for your needs. I mean a Custom Kimber 1911 or something would be awesome but not necessary here. Some of the other cheap brands have jamming and other cycling issues. Glock is a reliable brand, still considered cheap, but easily double or more depending on your vendor. I believe many police forces issue glocks.

Check the link and scroll to the bottom for models. $237 .45 acp with a laser.

http://www.hi-pointfirearms.com/handguns/handguns_45acp.html

It’s heavy for kick and if you have to, pistol whipping a guy with that would be like hitting them with a brick.

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And I would recommend shooting at least a few times per year. Guns aren’t super complicated but some familiarity in the event of an emergency where you are acting quickly will breed confidence and reduce accidental, potentially dangerous discharges.

45

[quote]The Mighty Stu wrote:
I’ll say though guys (and thanks so much for everyone voicing their opinions, I’ve really never had to consider this before), I’m not the fondest when it comes to the idea of having a loaded weapon at the ready in the place where I’m hoping to raise kids. Yes, I know that may sound naïve of me, or whatever, but I’m obviously the product of my upbringing, which never really involved fire arms in any type of scenario or situation. If you had a gripe, you’d settle it mano a mano, and live to see another day (geez, I sound like the father in ‘Friday’). Even the few buddies I have that do hunt all the time, the whole sport of it still seems a little odd to me, despite the lovely gifts of venison I receive each year -lol. I don’t mean to say this in any disparaging way of course.

I was joking last night that I’ll probably go with a ‘girlie’ gun due to the smaller nature I would imagine, but reading more, it sounds like the heavier models seem to prevent a lot of the kick you might experience when shooting. The idea of a laser site, aside from just making me think all bad-ass terminator like, makes sense in the fact that I’m probably not going to be spending a lot of time at the range. In fact, while I will most certainly put in my time with an instructor at the onset, I’m really hoping that afterward, after purchase, license, etc, that I’ll never have to see, think about, or use in my lifetime.

Hoping I’m not offending anyone here, that’s never my intention. I’m actually glad that I’m able to throw a question like this on here, knowing that there are plenty of better informed and experienced T-folks who’d be willing to advise. I’m just typically a very calm and peaceful guy, it’s just that seeing the gun issues we’ve got in NYC, combined with the feeling I had the other morning when half awake I raced to my bedroom window screaming for my wife to call the cops, doesn’t really thrill me.

S[/quote]

If you don’t go with the pump action shotgun, I would definitely go with a revolver then.

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Again guys, you’re all making great points. I’m just really going back and forth a lot in my own head over this. It’s an issue I never thought I’d even consider. I’m probably looking at things a bit differently now than I was at that one moment. We do have a yappy dog, but as I’m a very light sleeper, I actually heard noises and sprang up before she did. Also, the area is very well lit. It was the flood lights aimed at the building from our parking lot that prevented me from seeing any details of the guy’s face. You would have thought that such a highly visible area would be some form of deterrent of itself.

Hell, it’s weird to think about, but if the guy had actually managed to open more than just the window screen, the way I bolted from my bed to the window, I most likely would have been out on the fire escape in my underwear beating his head into the iron railings.
I’m still a little surprised at how quickly, and violently I reacted, even barely awake.

S

47

[quote]PowWowNow wrote:
High Point Firearms sells them cheap as shit, under $200. Ugly guns but deliver the bullet just the same.

Glock is relatively cheap and reliable.

[/quote]

NO! Don’t by Highpoint firearms for your only gun and own protection. Spend a little, it’s well worth it.

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[quote]Maiden3.16 wrote:

[quote]mbdix wrote:
Sorry to hear about this. Be safe.

I think a pump action shotgun would be an easy and wise investment. Even if you get a handgun as well. The action alone from pumping the shotgun would be enough to scare away an intruder. Also, you have a better chance of hitting your target.[/quote]

Getting off topic a bit here, and I agree with the weapon choice, but pumping the shotgun is not going to scare a possibly drunk guy breaking into a house dead set on harming you. He probably wouldn’t knew what the sound was if he heard it. Keep one in the tube and pointing it at him should be enough to let him know you mean business. If he doesn’t get it, then he will learn quickly he broke into the wrong place. [/quote]

Yeah, we can agree to disagree here. But, would highly suggest not keeping one in the tube. Grab the shotgun, pump the round into chamber, if it is an actual intruder, aim at center mass and pull the trigger.

49

[quote]theBeth wrote:

[quote]SkyzykS wrote:
So, are some of you guys suggesting having a loaded weapon at the ready?

That is not always the greatest idea. There could be other people to think about that don’t understand firearms like an adult with training and experience.
[/quote]

So take those other people and train them. Make them aware. Just because you don’t live by the sword doesn’t mean you won’t die by it. [/quote]

I really like that and it’s very true.

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[quote]The Mighty Stu wrote:
Again guys, you’re all making great points. I’m just really going back and forth a lot in my own head over this. It’s an issue I never thought I’d even consider. I’m probably looking at things a bit differently now than I was at that one moment. We do have a yappy dog, but as I’m a very light sleeper, I actually heard noises and sprang up before she did. Also, the area is very well lit. It was the flood lights aimed at the building from our parking lot that prevented me from seeing any details of the guy’s face. You would have thought that such a highly visible area would be some form of deterrent of itself.

Hell, it’s weird to think about, but if the guy had actually managed to open more than just the window screen, the way I bolted from my bed to the window, I most likely would have been out on the fire escape in my underwear beating his head into the iron railings.
I’m still a little surprised at how quickly, and violently I reacted, even barely awake.

S[/quote]
In my mind, the fact lights and a dog were not effective deterrents, should say something.

Maybe you would’ve won the fight and maybe not, then your head is bashed and you’re laying on the fire escape, what about your wife?

What if the guy has a knife, or a gun of his own?

Is it worth the gamble, or would it be best just to end the threat, not knowing?

I think the “violent” reaction is an eye opener for people who have never been in such a situation. Survival and protective instincts kick in for a reason.

It’s easy to argue against self defense weapons from afar, and even second guess yourself but would it be more regrettable to end a threat or underestimate and either die or live with a severe beating and potentially raped wife, when neither had to happen?

It sounds extreme but it isn’t, these things happen around the country daily. It’s a cliched “You never think it would happen to you” scenario until it does.

I tend to be direct and mean no offense but ignorance breeds fear. People who fear guns the most 9 times out of 10 are not familiar with them or possibly haven’t held, much less shot one in real life.

A few rounds through a pistol, at a range with a knowledgeable instructor, will severely cut back on ignorant fear, while increasing the respect for power a gun provides. It’s a good deal all around, and nobody hopes to use their nightstand weapon, ever. But it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

51

[quote]The Mighty Stu wrote:
So the wife and I had an unnerving incident last night that now has me seriously considering something small to keep around. Never in my life did I think I’d understand the desire to have an item capable of such power before, but waking up and seeing a silhouette of someone standing on your bedroom fire escape, slowly raising open the screen of your window can make you quickly realize that in that instant, you’d have no trouble whatsoever in doing what needs be done when the lives of your loved ones are at risk.

I have a few friends who hunt with rifles, and even a close buddy who is an instructor for the NYPD, but he’s away for a while, and to be honest, my mind is racing after this morning (it’s 7pm as I type this, and I’ve been awake since 1:30 am). Any thoughts or suggestions would certainly be appreciated.

Thanks guys (and gals).

S

[/quote]

I am gonna say stu, it’s more than just keeping something small around the house for protection. Buying gun is a commitment. A commitment to learn and use your gun responsibly. To stay in practice because it is a to perishable skill and to keep it loaded and commit to using deadly force when a situation calls for it. If your gun it out, it may scare somebody away. But if it doesn’t you may well have to shoot the bastard.

That being said the best gun for protection is The Judge and it’s variants IMO . It shoots .45 Long Colt and .410 shotgun shells. And Hornady has come up with 45/410 hybrid round that’s part hollow point and part shotgun. Because of it’s versatility, the fact that it’s a revolver and is easier to load and clean, I think it’s the ideal home protection gun.

Now, if you buy a gun and don’t get totally addicted to shooting, I’ll eat my hat. I bought one for the same reasons as you. With in 6 months I had 6. I think I am done now. Now I need a good ar10 variant. That’s my next gun that or a ridiculously large revolver.

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[quote]Varqanir wrote:

[quote]Hip Scar wrote:
For your domestics situation a Taurus Judge loaded with .410 shells w/ a laser site would be excellent.[/quote]

Not a bad suggestion.

Ugly, uncomfortable little hunks of steel, but they’ll do the job.
[/quote]

They’ll do the job and then some… I love the Judge. Have you seen the Raging Judge? It’s a monster.

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A gun used primarily for home defense and kept unloaded is useless. Should this unfortunate event, or something similar happen again, you will not have the time or wherewithal to find, load, and shoot an intruder intent on causing you harm. This is especially true if you do not plan on practicing much with the weapon. Without training, fine motor skills are greatly eroded when your adrenaline surges. Keep it loaded and shoot it often. Even dry fire practice is of great benefit.

54

[quote]PowWowNow wrote:

[quote]The Mighty Stu wrote:
Again guys, you’re all making great points. I’m just really going back and forth a lot in my own head over this. It’s an issue I never thought I’d even consider. I’m probably looking at things a bit differently now than I was at that one moment. We do have a yappy dog, but as I’m a very light sleeper, I actually heard noises and sprang up before she did. Also, the area is very well lit. It was the flood lights aimed at the building from our parking lot that prevented me from seeing any details of the guy’s face. You would have thought that such a highly visible area would be some form of deterrent of itself.

Hell, it’s weird to think about, but if the guy had actually managed to open more than just the window screen, the way I bolted from my bed to the window, I most likely would have been out on the fire escape in my underwear beating his head into the iron railings.
I’m still a little surprised at how quickly, and violently I reacted, even barely awake.

S[/quote]
In my mind, the fact lights and a dog were not effective deterrents, should say something.

Maybe you would’ve won the fight and maybe not, then your head is bashed and you’re laying on the fire escape, what about your wife?

What if the guy has a knife, or a gun of his own?

Is it worth the gamble, or would it be best just to end the threat, not knowing?

I think the “violent” reaction is an eye opener for people who have never been in such a situation. Survival and protective instincts kick in for a reason.

It’s easy to argue against self defense weapons from afar, and even second guess yourself but would it be more regrettable to end a threat or underestimate and either die or live with a severe beating and potentially raped wife, when neither had to happen?

It sounds extreme but it isn’t, these things happen around the country daily. It’s a cliched “You never think it would happen to you” scenario until it does.

I tend to be direct and mean no offense but ignorance breeds fear. People who fear guns the most 9 times out of 10 are not familiar with them or possibly haven’t held, much less shot one in real life.

A few rounds through a pistol, at a range with a knowledgeable instructor, will severely cut back on ignorant fear, while increasing the respect for power a gun provides. It’s a good deal all around, and nobody hopes to use their nightstand weapon, ever. But it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. [/quote]

I agree. Can’t go wrong with going to the range and renting different types of guns and seeing what feels and works best for you.

55

[quote]cwill1973 wrote:
A gun used primarily for home defense and kept unloaded is useless. Should this unfortunate event, or something similar happen again, you will not have the time or wherewithal to find, load, and shoot an intruder intent on causing you harm. This is especially true if you do not plan on practicing much with the weapon. Without training, fine motor skills are greatly eroded when your adrenaline surges. Keep it loaded and shoot it often. Even dry fire practice is of great benefit.[/quote]

After seeing the “keep it loaded otherwise it is useless” response a few times now I’m curious.

Do you guys keep loaded guns around with kids in the house?

If so, what precautions do you take to ensure it doesn’t get into their hands?

Is it on you at all times?

56

Get a dog.

57

Sorry to hear about the close encounter Stu.

To de-rail slightly, reading through this thread and living in England is like reading a foreign language! I always forget how common it is to own a fire-arm in the states!

58

For Stu and SkyzykS, if you guys are worried about keeping loaded guns around the house, get a gun vault. http://www.gunvault.com/
I have one and its quick, I’ve heard the keypad ones are faster than the biometric ones and they’re cheaper.

I agree with the revolver over the semi-auto. My wife has a charter arms .38 for her pistol, I have a Glock 17, or a Kahr P9, depending on where I am. But I didn’t think I’d get the wife to practice enough to clear a jam if she needed to.

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[quote]SkyzykS wrote:

[quote]cwill1973 wrote:
A gun used primarily for home defense and kept unloaded is useless. Should this unfortunate event, or something similar happen again, you will not have the time or wherewithal to find, load, and shoot an intruder intent on causing you harm. This is especially true if you do not plan on practicing much with the weapon. Without training, fine motor skills are greatly eroded when your adrenaline surges. Keep it loaded and shoot it often. Even dry fire practice is of great benefit.[/quote]

After seeing the “keep it loaded otherwise it is useless” response a few times now I’m curious.

Do you guys keep loaded guns around with kids in the house?

If so, what precautions do you take to ensure it doesn’t get into their hands?

Is it on you at all times?
[/quote]

By the same token, does anyone keep sharp kitchen knives where kids can get to them? How about bleach and detergent? Car keys? Stoves? Prescription drugs? Under lock and key or on your person at all times, right? And what about power tools? Certainly no child should be able to reach a circular saw or electric drill at any time.

Come on. Guns are like any potentially dangerous thing. You teach your children how to operate them safely if they are old enough, or to never touch if they are not.

Ideally, yes. Your defensive handgun should be like your cell phone or your wallet: on your person unless you are in bed or in the shower. And then it is within immediate reach.

60

[quote]SkyzykS wrote:

[quote]cwill1973 wrote:
A gun used primarily for home defense and kept unloaded is useless. Should this unfortunate event, or something similar happen again, you will not have the time or wherewithal to find, load, and shoot an intruder intent on causing you harm. This is especially true if you do not plan on practicing much with the weapon. Without training, fine motor skills are greatly eroded when your adrenaline surges. Keep it loaded and shoot it often. Even dry fire practice is of great benefit.[/quote]

After seeing the “keep it loaded otherwise it is useless” response a few times now I’m curious.

Do you guys keep loaded guns around with kids in the house?

If so, what precautions do you take to ensure it doesn’t get into their hands?

Is it on you at all times?
[/quote]

I couldn’t speak to what to do with kids around the house as I don’t have any. I could see shy that may not be the best idea. However, in this situation where it is only two adults in the household, then best to keep it loaded and ready to go in case you need it. Last thing you want to do is go fumbling around with ammo in a high stress situation with your life on the line. With a semi-auto pistol, atleast a loaded mag inserted so all you have to do is chamber a round.