Question on home protection firearms

[Theppgcowboy]

On the subject of recoil, if it is sharp and you do not like to shoot it very much, you will not get comfortable handling and shooting it. Plus it will be on the back of your mind in a stress situation. It is better to have a weapon you are comfortable to shoot without thinking about it . Hits matter.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Diving for Pleasure and Treasure - Grab it through Amazon!

[Duckshot]

A shotgun loaded with buckshot is an ideal home defense firearm, imo.

When you purchase some the box should list the number of pellets in the load, not the weight of of the total shot. The usual number of pellets in a 2-3/4" 12ga. #4 buckshot is 27.

If the package lists a weight, like 1-1/4oz., then it is not #4 buckshot. Instead it would be #4 birdshot which are pellets about .13 inches diameter. A #4 buckshot pellet is .24 inches diameter.

If your home is invaded by pheasants the #4 birdshot works swell. For burglars you want at least #4 buckshot.

 

[fish1on]

Folks, I am just overwhelmed with all of the great suggestions, you all offer great info to consider.

Just an FYI: My wife and I have never in our lives felt that we may be in a situation that our lives may be in jeopardy until just recently. We both avoid "people and situations" that may be triggers for unwanted environments. There was a shooting recently with two injuries and the perp was killed. I knew all three people involved and it happened just a few homes away from mine. Scary deal for sure but it made me rethink about how defenseless we were if that were to happen to us. Heck, we fished for salmon in Alaska for years with bear close by. During those times I was armed with a Ruger 44 Mag and always fished with groups of people equally armed. Also, we both deployed a few times but never felt that a threat was imminent. Both of our homes are of light construction (Mobile homes) and wall penetration WILL happen even in lighter caliber firearms. Also, there are many homes at both locations and they are pretty close to each other. My first task other than training is to beef up my security lighting and most definitely will be installing some security alarms in hopes of deterrent rather than engagement. Be big be loud!

 

[wmgeorge]

All very interesting, but shotguns and rifles inside the house? Have you ever shot a 12 or even a 20 gauge without ear protection inside a room, at night? Ok to step out on the porch with one but really get yourself a 9 mm or even 45 LC or 45 ACP hand gun and learn how to shoot it, not at 50 yards off sandbags but at people sized targets at 21 ft or less. Get experience with that hand gun until its like an old friend you can find it in the dark, take the safety off without fumbling, clear a jam and reload if needed. Go out and shoot once a week or at least once a month. Get those motion detector lights up and running and get a security system.
Be aware of your surroundings when your out in the yard, and if your neighborhood is such as you fear for your life, Move.

 

[Duckshot]

Move

Move where?

 

[wmgeorge]

Move where?

I must say the town I live in is not known for violent or even much crime at all. But there are nut cases and druggies all over just looking, be prepared.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

A shotgun loaded with buckshot is an ideal home defense firearm, imo.

When you purchase some the box should list the number of pellets in the load, not the weight of of the total shot. The usual number of pellets in a 2-3/4" 12ga. #4 buckshot is 27.

If the package lists a weight, like 1-1/4oz., then it is not #4 buckshot. Instead it would be #4 birdshot which are pellets about .13 inches diameter. A #4 buckshot pellet is .24 inches diameter.

If your home is invaded by pheasants the #4 birdshot works swell. For burglars you want at least #4 buckshot.

I shot a 180 lb deer (long story) with #6 High-brass from about 15 ft using a 20 gauge. I could put both hands in the hole where the shredded heart pieces were. We're talking home defense. How large are your rooms?

 

[fish1on]

I shot a 180 lb deer (long story) with #6 High-brass from about 15 ft using a 20 gauge. I could put both hands in the hole where the shredded heart pieces were. We're talking home defense. How large are your rooms?

Small rooms

 

[fish1on]

I do not need to move, I feel very safe in both my neighborhoods and in my surrounding communities. Just want to be better prepared for the unlikely event

 

[TommyB]

Please realize whatever firearm you choose to use that when you miss, the bullet continues to fly thru walls, etc. You don't want to kill someone else by accident. My vote would be a shotgun. The sound of the action of the slide is a deterrent in itself. It does shoot far, has a wide spread. Also check out tactical walls and shelves to store it in. Can hide in plain sight in a shelf, etc.

 

[wmgeorge]

Please realize whatever firearm you choose to use that when you miss, the bullet continues to fly thru walls, etc. You don't want to kill someone else by accident. My vote would be a shotgun. The sound of the action of the slide is a deterrent in itself. It does shoot far, has a wide spread. Also check out tactical walls and shelves to store it in. Can hide in plain sight in a shelf, etc.

A shotgun at 10-15 feet has little or no spread and inside a house will still go through walls. Go out to the range and find out for yourself, take along a sheet of 1/2 inch plasterboard. A handgun with a laser sight at that range. pretty hard to miss even when your shaking. I would also cast a vote for the Tarus Judge, 410 shotgun with buckshot or even birdshot at close range or a 45 LC bullet either would be much easier to manage instead of a 12 or 20 gauge shotgun.

 

[Duckshot]

Whether or not a bullet will penetrate dry wall is dependent on the angle of impact. Bullets and shot can deflect off drywall in the same manner a bullet or shot bounces off water. In fact, if fired at a very slight ange to a wall, like 25°, a bullet can travel almost parallel to that wall.

A #4 buckshot pellet weighs ess than a high velocity .22 long rifle bullet, about 15 grins less.and #4 buckshot standard velocity is also about the same as a .22 long rifle. Less penetration with #4 buck than a rimfire .22.

1/2" drywall, 3-1/2" of insulation and another 1/2" drywall. Make a section of wall and shoot it. Its the best way to find out for sure what the shot will do.

Charlie, good thing your #6 shot deer was not standing behind 1/2" drywall.

 

[GA_Boy]

Interesting 8 pages---------------Original Poster---------------
the gun of choice should be one you are familiar with and thoroughly understand its function. I prefer a Sawed off (Wider spread pattern) shotgun. Wife uses a 16 GA. Pump, 18-1/4" barrel and 27-1/2 " O/A. There is no mistaking a round being racked into a pump chamber. . 38 cal. or larger revolver. I don't care for an automatic for home defense. Too much can go wrong. Lazers aren't necessary as you are familiar with your surroundings and the perpetrator will likely be killed in a hallway or close range in the BR.
The thing I keep in mind is when to shoot. You can't be a wuss and delay in destroying the enemy. Double tap center chest is my motto. Shoot him/her in arm/leg and they may still be able to function and kill you. Delay for one second could mean injury to you.
Don't wait for the problem to arise. Make sure you and your wife are on the same page. You don't want to be her target when returning from a trip to the refrigerator.
Preparation and you all will be safe.
Marvin

 

[wmgeorge]

Interesting study on penetration of birdshot and buckshot > Shotgun Penetration With Various Rounds - The Truth About Guns

The .410 Hornady® Critical Defense® Shotshell, item number IK-218511, is loaded to 750 fps at the muzzle with 294 ft lbs of energy. It is optimized for distances of 7 yards or less.

OR

Winchester Super X Buckshot in .410 2 1/2 inch with 3 # 000 buckshot

• Stopping power of buckshot for .410s
• Made from high-quality materials
• Shoots at a velocity of 1,300 fps
• Great for medium-sized game and furbearers

I will build a wall as suggested because I am curious and not trying to be a smart a$$, just want to know.

 

[PullTabSlayer]

 

[wmgeorge]

Yes, agree even my little shorty wife 5ft 2in can put them in a paper plate at 7 yards. It just takes having a good teacher! SR1911.

 

[Oregon Viking]

It want turn ugly, it is in the general forum and subject to all TNet rules. Mods will not let it turn ugly.

It is each person's individual right to decide how they chose to protect their family, their property and their lives. It is not like I don't know self defense either

I took Taekwondo for 12 years, earned a 2nd degree black belt and fought full contact in class 3 times a week for over 7 years. I'm not as young or as fast as I once was now though, too slow to run, too old to fight so I will just shoot any attackers. Florida has "Castle law" and "Stand Your Ground" law too.

Sent from my P008 using Tapatalk

A friend of mine teaches Taekwondo and Jujutsu. I'am actually a part of his training as I'am a big guy and part of his "bigger they are harder they fall" lesson. Martial arts when used properly are efficient. Cool thing is I have learned how to defend against, and become proficient in martial arts. Whether he intended that result I don't know. The Judge is a great up close gun. I also hunt so there are a lot of weapons around. I have this in .410, 20 gauge and 12 gauge.



As a contractor I have superior anti kick in doors, I also install them quite a bit for clients.... Night vision security cameras. Also I get to watch bears, raccoons, fox, bobcat and cougar wander around outside. Nice to know if it's fed-ex/UPS knockin' or the Jehovah witnesses! Lets not forget the pit bull... Especially if like me you have a fenced yard/property so the dog can patrol..... exercise, play too.
I have not or will ever live in a big city so that situation would of course warrant different options.

 

[BosnMate]

I'm not as young or as fast as I once was now though, too slow to run, too old to fight so I will just shoot any attackers. Florida has "Castle law" and "Stand Your Ground" law too.

Sent from my P008 using Tapatalk

Amen to that. I'm not going to take a beating. Who ever attacks me better make the first move a good one, because their second move will be during a gun fight. I'm not going to point a gun at anyone, or threaten anyone, so if it's necessary for my gun to come out of the holster, I'm commencing fire.

 

[nmth]

A friend of mine teaches Taekwondo and Jujutsu. I'am actually a part of his training as I'am a big guy and part of his "bigger they are harder they fall" lesson. Martial arts when used properly are efficient. Cool thing is I have learned how to defend against, and become proficient in martial arts. Whether he intended that result I don't know. The Judge is a great up close gun. I also hunt so there are a lot of weapons around. I have this in .410, 20 gauge and 12 gauge.

View attachment 1512165

As a contractor I have superior anti kick in doors, I also install them quite a bit for clients.... Night vision security cameras. Also I get to watch bears, raccoons, fox, bobcat and cougar wander around outside. Nice to know if it's fed-ex/UPS knockin' or the Jehovah witnesses! Lets not forget the pit bull... Especially if like me you have a fenced yard/property so the dog can patrol..... exercise, play too.
I have not or will ever live in a big city so that situation would of course warrant different options.

Must have missed you when I lived over the range in GP. State of Jefferson - no one here knows that that is without looking it up... Chetco Effect....

Mostly my training is useful for going into an involuntary three-point stance at the sudden eruption of quail.

But, the heavy bag is back up at the new place, and it feels good...

Guns = 1 part of the equation.

 

[Goldfinger450]

Well Howdy Other Oregon Vikings and Lovers of Brookings, I must have missed you guys when I was over at the airport and Harbor All the time. I figured Fishon would have this thread all wrapped up by now??

OregonViking, My Blood comes from Norway on my Dads side, he was 6ft8" I'm 6'5"/was before knee replacements and back surgery, cut me to 6'4" also Cherokee /Lakota Sioux. I too like and practice Marshal arts, Krav Maga keeps my pain threshold up, lol, at 60 yrs it is Not as fun as it used to be.

Fish1on, Get what you need and relax eh? Best Regards to all.