New handGun

[JigMe]

I am looking to purchase a handgun for home defense. After my neighbor's house got robbed, and held at gun point, it is time for me to arm myself.

I have been reading few reviews on Beretta 92fs 9mm, and Springfield 1911 .45acp but can't decide which one I should get. Anyone got expertise on handguns? Any suggestion will help.

[microman]

alright, so you want a hd gun, you should go to a gun range that rents out weapons. find on that you ;\like and that fits you. so if you have a family you might want a 9mm hollow point so it wont go through walls and hurt other people. my personal fav is  either a glock or a springfield XD. but what ever you get, get a flashlight and a laser for accuracy and safety.

[flechero]

Range time and some training is the place to start.  A 1911 is a superb weapon, but it's also one that requires some time and training.  If you are willing to invest some time and money, it's a great option for some.  I don't have any experience with the beretta.

For a no nonsense SD weapon don't over look a revolver.  For many situations, they are a great choice. 

If you take a basic pistol class at a local range, you'll be able to see, handle and fire a variety of handguns and calibers... that's a good way to get started, IMO.

[roadwarrior]

Go back through this section. We recently had

an extensive discussion on a variety of hand

guns. Many of our members have a great deal of

experience and expertise.

Unless you intend to take up sport shooting

as a hobby, I highly recommend getting a

revolver. Low tech, low maintenance, low (no)

failure rate.

Most importantly, you need some training from

a knowledgeable friend or from a professional.

8-)

[firefightn15]

I highly recommend getting a

revolver. Low tech, low maintenance, low (no)

failure rate.

IMO, very good advice worth giving a second thought.

[JigMe]

Range time and some training is the place to start. A 1911 is a superb weapon, but it's also one that requires some time and training. If you are willing to invest some time and money, it's a great option for some. I don't have any experience with the beretta.

For a no nonsense SD weapon don't over look a revolver. For many situations, they are a great choice.

If you take a basic pistol class at a local range, you'll be able to see, handle and fire a variety of handguns and calibers... that's a good way to get started, IMO.

Yeah, I was thinking about a training class as well. But I have called around the area, and no range offers that service. They will let you rent the gun, and use it

Which model of Springfield 1911 would you recommend? And yes, I am willing to spend some money and time to get trained.

[Grey Wolf]

For home defense you really need a shotgun with an 18 " barrel.

[brianbass]

For home defense dont over look a shotgun.

[bwell]

I bought a S&W MP .40 for fun and home protection, it is a very reliable gun and accurate.  I recently had someone brake into my house and I am glad I had it, it definitely made the intruder listen to what I had to say!! 

[JigMe]

I bought a S&W MP .40 for fun and home protection, it is a very reliable gun and accurate. I recently had someone brake into my house and I am glad I had it, it definitely made the intruder listen to what I had to say!!

LMAO!!!

[JigMe]

For home defense you really need a shotgun with an 18 " barrel.

Then, do you keep your shotgun loaded at home?

[Wayne P.]

For home defense, you need to make big holes and displace a lot of flesh. For other uses, any pop gun is OK. You can't beat a 12 guage with 00 buck shot. Minimum or no target practice is needed--point and shoot.

An empty gun is a club.

[Aaron]

1911's are great firearms but not for everbody.

As mentioned before I would look into .357 revolver, i prefer a 4" barrel.  This would give you a wide variety of uses out of one firearm.  I like Rugers (GP-100 or better yet a Security Six).

Although as far as a home defense weapon though it is hard to beat a shotgun.  My 870 sits in the closet with six rounds of 00 buck ready to go and some slugs on the stock.

[JigMe]

For you to keep a loaded gun at home, do you lock it up? How do you storage it, since I have a 2 years old girl at home?

[Munkin]

Pistol grip 12guage shotgun. No practice necessary just point + or - 2' of what you want to hit and shoot.

Robbed in Howard County? Looks like PG criminals have to expand due to the recession.

Allen

[JigMe]

Pistol grip 12guage shotgun. No practice necessary just point + or - 2' of what you want to hit and shoot.

Robbed in Howard County? Looks like PG criminals have to expand due to the recession.

Allen

No kidding. this USED to be a safe place to live...

[ww2farmer]

For home defense you really need a shotgun with an 18 " barrel.

100% correct, just working the action within hearing range will often make the crooks think twice, not to mention the massive hole in the end of the barrel on a 12ga. Trying to hit a target in possably the dark, in maybe a panic situation with a handgun................unless your a pro forget it, point and shoot with the shotgun.........if you have to.

[bowfish12]

Go with a shotgun for self defense at home, one with a short barrel for maneuvering.

If you think you can get to your safe in time to grab it and be ready that would be the place to store it- but I don't think anyone can have that speed needed to do that at 2 a.m. and being woken up from a dead sleep.

Keep it under the bed or beside it, and shells in the magazine not in the chamber.  I would imagine that sound a thief hears of a shotgun being shucked and loaded will make them get out and fast.

You can also start with gun safety for your children by showing and telling them that a gun is dangerous. I know she's 2 but you can train kids at that age by associating a gun with a word, and repeatedly practicing at that.

[JigMe]

Thank you guys! I will go pick up a shotgun, on the side note, what are different types of shotgun shells? And which one should I use for home defense.

[BrianinMD]

Being in Maryland the shotgun if probably the best bet, the handgun laws don't favor the legal owner.

Also, hopefully it never is needed as protection but make sure its your last resort to shoot the intruder. You can still get charged if you could have done something else, like lock yourself in a different room or run.

[JigMe]

If someone comes to my house armed, I will probably pull the trigger. I am not running and leave my family behind

[brianbass]

Do you have a dog?The reason I ask is cause you have a kid.I would get an attack dog before a gun with a child in the house that young.Way better deterrent.

[JigMe]

Do you have a dog?The reason I ask is cause you have a kid.I would get an attack dog before a gun with a child in the house that young.Way better deterrent.

Yes, I have a poodle.

[NHfroggin]

Being in Maryland the shotgun if probably the best bet, the handgun laws don't favor the legal owner.

Also, hopefully it never is needed as protection but make sure its your last resort to shoot the intruder. You can still get charged if you could have done something else, like lock yourself in a different room or run.

x2

I am currently a Criminal Justice student and have read quite a few Criminal cases on this subject. In Massachusetts it is called the Castle Law. IMO it protects the criminal more than the victim. Do your research on the law, understand what you are expected to do before you pull the trigger. Someone busting in your door, isnt reasonable fear for your life, being at gunpoint is. Also check your law on where you can legally store your weapon, in some states it must be in a locked cabinet.

That being said, I have a 100lb Chocolate lab, then last resort is my Remington 870 Supermag, locked in my room in a safe. 3 1/2", 12 guage should be suffecient.

-matt-

[Siebert Outdoors]

For home defense you really need a shotgun with an 18 " barrel.

I agree.  Easy to use too.