Advice on bang bang

[ck80]

Home defense? Short barrel (legal) shotgun is hard to beat

Yes sir.

After the accidents I divested of many/most of the assorted equipment.

I have a short barrel .20ga to go with a low recoil rifle, but they're 250 miles away right now. Just about all the sidearms are gone as well. Kind of wish I still kept the s&w model 29, but, I'd think the wife couldn't handle it anyways.

So, we're probably looking at a sidearm to begin with, and expand again from there.

Shotgun or 357 revolver. I loved my Ruger GP100.

In a pinch I know I could handle the 357, but the wife would probably miss as it's likely a bit of kick for her, especially given her novice nature.

My limitations these days include a variety of neck/shoulder/back issues, one reason I got rid of most of my hardware. In an emergency I know I could raise/use the shotgun at the main home, but, I'd definitely pay for it with the recoil and the left arm hits range of motion limit by shoulder high.

For home defense? Definitely a Remington or Mossberg 12 Gauge will do.

But I also recommend a side arm too, a Glock 17, Beretta 92, Colt 1911, and Sig Sauer P229 are good choices.

Also a Kevlar vest never hurts to have too, as overkill as it sounds.

1911 in the .45 round was the sidearm at work when I was in the office. When I left the practice got rid of it too.

Also had a kimber stainless 9mm, after, for a few months, a mp shield 9mm... but the latter didn't stay long as it would jam every so often, maybe 1-2 rounds per hundred which was too many.

Shotguns are always a good home defense go to. Pistols I bias towards 1911's in .45 ACP but for your wife look at a .380. With rifles a carbine would be easier to handle for indoor situations. Now if the intruder is hopped up on something strong you'll need something that will really pack a punch & most likely send them to a meeting with their god of choice.

And that latter part is very much a concern... I'm plenty comfortable with the 1911 in the .45 acp, but you're right about the .380 for the wife... little smaller, lighter, less recoil. Could be an option?

Glock 17 or 19.. they just work, I hate the ergos of them myself.

Sig 365 or sig365xl - I prefer the xl for additional capacity but it very easy to carry and not as big as the 17 or 19.

New shield plus looks promising as well, I have the early generations and love the added capacity of the new model.

Shotgun route is an option but you are limited to at home use only (not concealable)

I would recommend an AR15 over a shotgun though

1911s are limited capacity... 8rds of 45, unless you snag a 2011 which would be in 9mm but those are significantly more than the 45acp counterparts.

Capacity should be a strong consideration IMO because you have no idea how many people you will encounter.. most people think 1.. maybe 2 but what if there is 4-5 and you have massive amounts of adrenaline and happen to miss...

I could type novels on this as I geek out on this harder than cars.

If you have any questions feel free to holler.

Appreciate the offer, I may take you up on that. Really, I haven't followed much of anything in the past 6 yrs now and, at the time, really only had about 3yrs where I wasn't a revolver, bolt action rifle, and semi auto 12 ga shotgun guy.

I remember being shocked at the utter lack of recoil shooting my first ar-15. It felt like shooting a. 22lr again, you had to remind yourself it even went off (well, not quite but close enough it might as well have) but, demand and things being what they are that's going to be harder to come by I think.

Bad experience with that other shield has me questioning. Can't remember having shot a sig or glock myself. As I said, there were only a couple years worth of effort in the non-revolver handgun world before life went sideways. Maybe need to look at some range time and see if they have a rental unit to try out. It's as much or more a question of what the wife would do best with, I could probably adapt in a pinch.

I love my Sig p365, perfect for EDC. Tricked it out with flat trigger, upgraded sights and Houge grip.

View attachment 172490

Second endorsement on the 365 which wasn't even around back when I had something. Plus: size wise easier for the wife ie smaller hands. Downside... would it be enough if it was needed?

Right now, concealed isn't as big a focus. Wife doesn't have a permit, I let mine lapse due to injuries. Not a big deal here, $75 and a couple weeks and you get it from probate court. Although, given social state in the country, maybe reclaiming it isn't a bad idea.

In the meantime, laws are fairly easy going as far as keeping it open carry, or in a vehicle/home. FOR NOW. (Famous last words.)

I'd love to get the 15 but I'm good with the 45s and rifles hidden near the doors at all times, never know what will pass by out here in the country I'll take out a deer here n there in back yard when they come close. But on that disturbance by your house it was that bad to give a warning, do they expect them to stay in the area? Hope you stay safe man

Apparently to the officer it was. He was taken aback by how brazen the incursion was, and the appearance that there may have been forced entry to the dwelling. He didn't like that it appeared that whoever it was made themselves feel very comfortable at the property and appeared to have planned it out given the cost of the alcohol and stuff they brought. His thought was it was clearly planned, and that whoever did it expected to stay a while, not just a couple kids. Never know if/when someone is home alone and how the intruder would act/react.

He also told us to get some game cameras up to try and catch things cause you never know.

He did say, 400,500ft back from the road? You catch someone you shoot. Don't wait, don't talk, just shoot. Nevermind conviction, nobody is even considering charging you here for doing that. In today's world, that's even a black deputy advising a white guy.

I told him my training was you don't present a weapon unless you're going to use it. Little different I guess in open carry state, but no reason for all these idiots and their brandishing charges. Keep it holstered. If it leaves the holster it's for 1 or 3 things- maintenance; transfer possession; use.

I guess this is another sign to GTFO of this place too. Pity, it's very relaxing to be at aside from... well, this. First issue in over 6 years and it's got to be a bigger one.

 

[Jakefromstatefarm]

Definitely find a range with a variety of rentals to choose from, take the wife as you said, find something she is comfortable with and I'm sure you could adapt. Be prepared to deal with the currently inflated cost of ammo, but give things a fair shake. The best option would definitely be the one you and/or the wife is comfortable with and able to control/ shoot well/function.

 

[DJHull]

Get her out on the range and let her shoot to find out what she is comfortable with. Its all about her tolerance for recoil. If she is not comfortable shooting it she wont. My wife likes her Glock 9, 38 revolver and the M4 are her favorites. If she is only comfortable with a 22 mag get her a 22 mag revolver. Better than a rock. Shotguns tend to have to much recoil for the ladies. She will look forward to your days on the range and she will be a much better shot if she is shooting something that is fun for her.

 

[Injectedcutty]

I've got a Sig P320 for everyday carry but I'll admit it's tough to conceal sometimes. I might trade out for the new Shield plus which is a bit smaller. Mine is 9mm, shoots super smooth, not much kick for a pistol and not too heavy.
At home I have a semi auto 12 gauge loaded with enforcement shells.

 

[pagrunt]

I forgot one other option for the wife, a Judge so she could have something that could have a mix of shot gun shells & bullets which should be a lighter recoil.

 

[Cuse99]

If your wife can shoot a .22 well its better than a .45 she can't shoot or is afraid to shoot. A .22 rifle out to 50 yards can be very effective deterent. If she is not will ing to shoot something loud and with power, like a .357, let her shoot what she is comfortable with. A 38 special, .380, .22mag can all do a great job. A long gun is easier to shoot than a handgun. Maybe a 9mm Pistol Caliber Carbine is a good choice. It will be soft in the shoulder and much easier to shoot. Lots of options in theory but for today many guns an ammo are hard to find. If you can take a home defense class with your wife and work out an HD plan. Good luck.

 

[fauxfour2]

Some humble advice; the most important weapon in self defense is situational awareness. Put the firearm on hold for just a second and focus on that. I have had this talk with my Wife many times. A lot of issues can be avoided or preempted by being aware and paying attention. Seeing trouble before it starts. I'm assuming your primary concern is your property and the safety at home. If that's the case invest in a front door/driveway chime and some motion activated lights. Maybe some cameras but some people get a little complacent with those. Game cameras, unless you get the better ones, will only help you after the fact, like the police. Hardening your home against intruders is a layer of defense you can set up and it will always be there to help. If a Police Officer told you directly to protect yourself, he/she was doing you a HUGE favor and giving you a heads up. Take the advice.

On to the firearms part. Again humble advice; simple to use and easy to use in an emergency is the goal. Running a revolver is the simplest as far as use goes. Pull trigger, bang. Pull trigger, no bang, pull trigger again. Repeat as needed. A revolver in .357 can also run lower recoil .38 SPL so thats an option. 1911's are cool but for your wife to use it could be an issue they tend to be big, blocky and can have a little snap to them that some people can be afraid of. Also some can be finicky with ammo. It think S&W makes an M&P labeled the EZ which is lower recoil and lower effort to rack the slide. Barrel length is another factor. Availability of ammo is another. Do personal research on it and if you can get some range time with some different firearms with your Wife. Some places allow you rent them at their range. When/if you do purchase something make sure you run at least 250 rounds through it to confirm its reliable. Then clean and oil it where/if it is required. You probably know all this stuff but sharing it with your wife will be helpful as well. Whatever you do, head on a swivel, and be safe you and your family.

 

[GroceryGetter83]

The p365 can hold 12+1 (9 mm) I carry an extra magazine with me as well. If I need more stopping power than that, I’m pretty well screwed

 

[motorheadmike]

I am not going to suggest one weapon or the next. But, what I will stress is whatever you do purchase you'd damn sure better be able to aim and control under duress.

This isn't Wolfenstein, Doom, Call of Duty, or Fortnight.

Rationalize you are now setting out to harm/kill another person who is also intending to harm/kill you. This close quarter combat. Long barreled weapons are horrible for clearing houses. And hand guns are horrible to aim in tight spaces.

You are also inside a residential building and small calibre rounds penetrate interior walls without prejudice. Who else is home that may become collateral damage from indiscriminate rounds fired?

I have spent the last 16+ years learning, and teaching people, how to kill people.

Personally, I keep a small fixed blade knife handy. SoG Sealpup, FWIW.

 

[Cuse99]

1 last thought. If my life depended on a tool, I don't know that I'd buy a cheap tool. There are plenty of great guns for good prices, especially used. For instance a new Glock 17 or 19 will cost less than a new good quality reliable 1911. Brad new Glocks are going for about 600.00 new and much less used. S&W, Springfield, Ruger all make good polymer based guns that are really reliable and at good prices.

Here's an option for your wife, I'm considering for my wife. S&W makes an EZ model that is easy to rack and manipulate. The .380 model has a smaller grip for small hands is easy to learn on, and its a double stack magazine.

You might be better off taking a road trip this weekend to go get your guns.