Home Defense Handgun

3143 Views 42 Replies 23 Participants Last post by blzn69, Jun 20, 2003

TheGermanGuy

Discussion Starter · Apr 2, 2003

I am currently looking to buy my first handgun. It's purpose would be to defend my home from intruders. It should have enough knock down power for that reason, but I also want my wife to be able to use it. If that's a factor.

Neither one of us have any experience with handguns. I grew up in Germany, where the only guns you're allowed to have... are pellet guns. So once we purchase this gun, I would like to take some sort of class with my wife, to really know what we're doing. Wonder if there is a class for home defense out there!?

Another factor is that my budget is rather small right now, since the economy in CA is still bottoming out. Which is another reason to get some sort of home defense. You never know when one of those crack heads decides that there's gotta be something of value in your house...

Any suggestions on what to buy? I'm looking forward to your responses!!

TheGermanGuy :sniper:

God bless America!!

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kingjoey

· #7 · Apr 3, 2003

I have a Glock 21 for carry and for when things "go bump in the night". If it is only for home use maybe you should look at a light-duty shotgun like a 20ga with an 18" barrel. In close quarters, a shotgun will stop an intruder quite reliably. A good 20ga should provide knockdown power without the brutal recoil of the 12ga. If you want a handgun, I'd opt for a Glock 40/45 caliber fullsize pistol or a good revolver, both are good choices for people who aren't very familiar with guns and would be hampered by complicated controls and safeties.

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kingjoey

· #39 · Jun 19, 2003

However,
Even with the 9mm, you're not gaining a whole lot in terms of stopping power. If he's comfortable and accurate (i.e. headshot capable) with a 380, then it'll be more than enough for the job.
PS: what type of 380 do you have, 26rd capacity is leading me to think Browning BDA with an extended mag or a MAC-12. :blink:

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kingjoey

· #40 · Jun 19, 2003

achieve nearly 600 ft lbs.

Just out of curiousity, what load is this? Sounds like a subgun load perhaps. If so, they're pretty dangerous to use in pistols. Besides, I'd take a 350 ft/lb 45ACP load over a 600 ft/lb 9mm load anyday. Not to frown on the 9mm, but ft/lbs don't tell the whole story.

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