Hmm... Which one should I get

[KØWVM]

There has been some more home invasions throughout the Omaha area lately. Not sure how much longer I want to risk my family being in danger without something to counter the threat. So, have been looking at both these bad boys and their 9mm equivalents and wondering what would be a good reliable weapon to keep proficient in and will not falter over time.


http://www.springfield-armory.com/xd.php?version=81


http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=142&category=Pistol&toggle=&breadcrumbseries=

[NQ6U]

My personal opinion? Get a short-barreled shotgun instead. You'll have no problem with maintaining proficiency (they're very comprehensive) and won't have to worry about a stray round going through a wall and hitting an innocent bystander. A good choice would be the Mossberg 500 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mossberg_500), which is cheap (under $300 on sale) and reliable--it was developed for use by the military and had to meet their standards. It's ugly and primitive-looking but it will get the job done should you ever need to use it. I keep one by the bed.

[KG4CGC]

Nickel plated .45 ACP. The gleam of the barrel scares the bejezuz out of would be predators more that the fear of becoming a catcher's mitt for large hot lead.

[w6tmi]

Whether or not you like the organization you might consider:

http://www.nrainstructors.org/CourseCatalog.aspx

Pick the "Basic Personal Protection In The Home Course".


Or something similar. That is if you are not familiar with firearms as protection.

I prefer wakizashiat at a strategic location or 3. (short "Katana")

Well also depends on where you live. I'm in a condo with thin walls, even a shottie would probably blow through a wall here, an idiot neighbors dumbell pretty much fell through a wall.

Otherwise yeah that's not a bad choice. Whatever you get if you don't take the courses, take it somewhere and shoot it. Alot. Know how it works inside and out.

[kc7jty]

9mm is a defensive round. In your house you want to be offensive. A.357 wheel in 4 or 6" is an excellent choice. Semi autos can be less reliable, especially the lower quality ones, but who am I to say? Happens my primary home defense piece is a Glock 19 right now. I never replaced the .357 I lost in my divorce.

[KA5PIU]

Hello.

For Taurus, perhaps this?
http://www.taurususa.com/gun-selector-results.cfm?series=41&toggle=tr
If you want a something that can fire a 12 gauge round you have several choices.
YOU can legally assemble a shotgun pistol.
You can cut down a shotgun.
http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=80131
You can buy a regular shotgun.
For home defense, anything that can fire a 12 gauge is fine.

[X-Rated]

Or just stay in the defensive mode and get one with really cool letters.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_i9XcNg33JRw/S0gZZduPOVI/AAAAAAAAAy0/2_VVYI4I1E4/s320/boberg_XR9S.jpg

[KG4CGC]

.410 revolver pistol. Interesting. The spread pattern on that would be like what? Knock down an 8 foot tall pecan tree from a distance of 6 feet?

[KØWVM]

9mm is a defensive round. In your house you want to be offensive. A.357 wheel in 4 or 6" is an excellent choice. Semi autos can be less reliable, especially the lower quality ones, but who am I to say? Happens my primary home defense piece is a Glock 19 right now. I never replaced the .357 I lost in my divorce.

.357 would be nice as a revolver and does have some stopping power. I prefer to put as many rounds downrange if the stooge is on anything and having the mag option is something I am used to. The Beretta 9mm service pistol I get issued and turn in while at work and it was something I had thought about. However, I want to have something different. My hope is I don't ever have to use it for real unless it's at the shooting range in order to stay proficient.

[KØWVM]

Or just stay in the defensive mode and get one with really cool letters.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_i9XcNg33JRw/S0gZZduPOVI/AAAAAAAAAy0/2_VVYI4I1E4/s320/boberg_XR9S.jpg

Nice compact for concealed purposes! Not bad!

[KØWVM]

.410 revolver pistol. Interesting. The spread pattern on that would be like what? Knock down an 8 foot tall pecan tree from a distance of 6 feet?

Oh crap! I have to worry about the neighbors who live close to me on all sides.

[W3MIV]

If you live in an apartment or in the average American tract home of balloon construction with plaster-board walls, you need to concern yourself with excessive penetration. It will do you no good to defend yourself and your family only to kill one of your neighbors with a penetrating round. As for hi-cap magazines and autoloaders, you are very unlikely to get into a war in your bedroom.

I recommend a six- or seven-shot revolver chambered for .357 S&W Magnum, but loaded with .38 Special 125gr JHP bullets. NOT +P or +P+ or any other than just plain ol' .38s. Smith and Wesson, Ruger and Taurus all make excellent examples of the breed in stainless steel which is very durable and easy to keep clean.

Use speed loaders to hold your ammunition separate from the unloaded revolver. That will prevent just pulling it out of a drawer and shooting some family member by accident. You will have to be awake and to think before loading the revolver.

The pump-action shotgun is also an excellent choice -- in some ways a better choice, since the sound of the slide being racked is a very loud and distinctive noise that may exercise a significant deterrent effect all by itself. Also the psychological impact of facing a 12-ga shotgun is often more pronounced than that of the revolver. The Mossberg 500 in plastic stock and extended magazine is inexpensive and an excellent choice.

Good luck. Use your head before you use your gun, whatever one you choose. I cannot tell you the numbers of times everyone in my office would jump at the sound of yet another asshat MP dropping the hammer on what he assumed was an empty chamber. Fortunately, the sand-filled clearing drums took the shots in stride, even if we didn't. Simple rule: Drop the mag, then clear the chamber, then snap the hammer. There was always some dumb bastard who couldn't get it right. Don't be that dumb b.

[W5GA]

Nothing wrong with any of the choices presented thus far. But, I'd recommend a couple of steps in addition to taking the plunge.

1. Get a book called "In The Gravest Extreme" by Masaad Ayoob. READ IT! He's an East Coast cop and well known gun writer, expert witness yada, yada. He goes into what may happen in the aftermath of a situation requiring the use of deadly force. I'm not familiar with the laws in your state, but unless you have a "Castle Doctrine" law there, the lawsuit that follows may be the least of your worries.
2. PRACTICE. Practice until your handling of the gun becomes 2nd nature. In a life or death scenario, fumbling with a safety can get you very dead. IDPA competition is great for this, and is also great fun.

As to over penetration, this is a very real concern in an urban environment. Some years ago, one of the better gun writers got curious about just how serious an issue this was. So, he constructed 3 mock walls using typical frame construction...(2x4's, sheet rock), and placed things you'd expect to find in a wall in his like wiring, vent ducting, insulation and so on. Took all three out to the desert, and placed them 10 feet apart. He then shot at them from 10 feet away with an array of different calibers to see what happened. The short story is the only rounds that didn't penetrate all 3 and go sailing off into the desert were a .22 Short, and a 12 gauge loaded with #7 1/2 or smaller shot. All of the really common handgun rounds went through all three, including .38 Special, which in some loads is really anemic.

The reliability concern regarding semi autos is also a very real issue. It doesn't take long, poring over the many gun related forums to see this, either. The stories of x brand pistol having a failure to feed, or failure to eject or failure xxxx are everywhere. And price paid for the gun is no guarantee that it won't happen. Many of these stories involve fairly high dollar retail prices ($1000+). The only way to know is to shoot lots of rounds and see what YOUR gun does, as each gun is an individual in this regard, and ammo varies. Don't cheap out on your ammo, either. The stuff marketed as personal defense ammo can be quite pricey, like $25 - $50 for 25 or fewer rounds. Get enough of your choice to ensure it is dead nuts reliable in your gun. Most will recommend at least 200 rounds to make this determination.

I can say from personal experience that the hole in the business end of a 12 gauge looks big enough to drive a car through when you're on the wrong end.

[X-Rated]

Wherz IZE?

[W3WN]

Actually, this is interesting timing. I've just been speaking with some of the firearm enthusiasts here at work. I'm looking for a shotgun.

It doesn't have to work. Probably best if it doesn't. It just has to look impressive.

When I find it, it's getting mounted above the fireplace.

You see, my daughter turns 15 this summer, and the boys are starting to sniff around. I'm simply going to make sure, when the inevitable happens and they start picking her up for dates, that the young lads are very aware that the weapon is there... and that I know how to use it.

I'm a firm believer in preventative measures...

[X-Rated]

... the boys are starting to sniff around. ...

You said it. We didn't.

[W3WN]

You said it. We didn't.
Have to face the music. She's reaching that age.

[KC2UGV]

Pump action, short barreled shotgun.

You wont have to worry about aim. Point and shoot. The likelihood of you being taken by surprise during a home invasion is very likely. Remember, they are fully awake, you are not. Conversely, you are entering your home, they've already heard you.

You wont have to worry about going through walls in a home. The shot will most likely stop at the first wall.

If you can't kill it with a standard 5 round magazine, you shouldn't own the gun.

And, in the possibility you have to get "up close and personal" with the person, the butt stock makes a great weapon, in and of itself.

[n0iu]

Whatever you get, remember that you can't be too safe!

http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv124/scottaschultz/glockshowery.jpg

[NQ6U]

Whatever you get, remember that you can't be too safe!

I think that's going beyond the point of mere safety and venturing into the realm of paranoia.

[PA5COR]

Mine is the desert eagle +P+ 125 grain JHP.
Concrete walls reinforced 8 inches, floors the same, as all inner walls, outer wall double with a brick wall for the concrete wall.
No penetration to fear, if i need to shoot, i want it dead, period.

Luckily crime here is almost non existant in this small rural city, with 35.000 peeps in it.

Ah, solid 2" oak doors, burglar proof locks and hinges, alarm, closed off back yard, automatic lights the works.
Another do it yourself project from years back when i did some installation in that line of work for my M8.

Masaad Ayoob, think i read lots from him in the Guns & Ammo i still have, read them a lot 20-30 years back.
Now and then buy one if the content looks interesting.

Stay safe.

[NQ6U]

Massad Ayoob? Sounds like wonna dem Mooslums to me. I though they wasn't alllowed to have no guns here in the You Ess of A.

[W5GA]

Actually, this is interesting timing. I've just been speaking with some of the firearm enthusiasts here at work. I'm looking for a shotgun.

It doesn't have to work. Probably best if it doesn't. It just has to look impressive.

When I find it, it's getting mounted above the fireplace.

You see, my daughter turns 15 this summer, and the boys are starting to sniff around. I'm simply going to make sure, when the inevitable happens and they start picking her up for dates, that the young lads are very aware that the weapon is there... and that I know how to use it.

I'm a firm believer in preventative measures...
My B-I-L went to a local rancher at calf castrating time. Put a pair of balls in a jar of formaldehyde and kept it on the table by the front door.

[kd8dey]

Good enough for Air Marshalls....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glaser_Safety_Slug

[NQ6U]

Oh, the heck with all this sage advice. Just go for one of these (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M119_howitzer).


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh69tDhGblw

[n2ize]

Well, if we leave it to the Brady Bunch and the rest of the anti-gun crowd your choices for self defense would be...

1) A squirt gun or squirt bottle filled with lemon juice or hot sauce.
2) Pop a paper bag... the intruder will think you are shooting at him.
3) reach out a hand of peace and brotherhood to the intruder.

My suggestion.. Get the best weapon that will blow the lowlife to smithereens in the fewest number of shots.. Also, bear in mind that criminals may be armed and trained in using guns. Take lessons from our past. Practice often and learn to be fast on the draw.

[kd8dey]

Oh, the heck with all this sage advice. Just go for one of these (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M119_howitzer).


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh69tDhGblw

Has a nice satisfying bang BUT I doubt if you could get the "Offending Party" to stand still long enough for proper aim.

[NQ6U]

Has a nice satisfying bang BUT I doubt if you could get the "Offending Party" to stand still long enough for proper aim.

True, but you don't have to aim very carefully either.

[KK4AMI]

Come on you Amateur Electronics Experts. Combine your hobbies and defend your palace. I mounted a wireless B&W camera without the IR filter on a Mossberg 590 12 Ga. I used a pair of TV goggles and wireless TV receiver mounted on a helmet. With a near IR flashlight and laser sight, I have night fighting capability. Just put the dot on the target and fire. I don't need to bring the shotgun to my shoulders. The camera has about a 45 degree view. I can see the dot out to about 35 yds.

401540164017http://forums.hamisland.net/images/misc/pencil.png

[N8YX]

You see, my daughter turns 15 this summer, and the boys are starting to sniff around. I'm simply going to make sure, when the inevitable happens and they start picking her up for dates, that the young lads are very aware that the weapon is there... and that I know how to use it.

I'm a firm believer in preventative measures...
That would have worked really well with me. ;)

As a teenager I was not only a better shot than everyone who tried that trick, I was a better shot than the lot of 'em with their own firearms.

It usually took but one instance of marksmanship with a handgun on my part to put those shenanigans permanently to bed. My hunting weapon of choice at the time was a single-shot .22-cal pistol with a 10" barrel - and I could easily drop a rabbit in its tracks from 70 yards out from a standing Weaver using nothing more than iron sights. Neck or head shots my specialty, thankya vurrrymuch.

I didn't date many girls of that time frame for long but I did make a lot of hunting and shooting buddies.

Wish I could shoot with 'DSG's dad. A somewhat involved story, but he hung his rifle up long before we ever met and has never fielded a firearm since.

[N8YX]

To answer the OP:

Buy something which fits your hand like a glove. The weapon should be a natural extension of your hand/arm and you shouldn't have to think about aiming it.

I have some fairly big mitts. To that end, I went with a set of Hogue grips on my 1911 which have a bit more palmswell - the gun just fits better.

Also under consideration is the following:

http://www.para-usa.com/new/product_pistol.php?id=71

http://www.para-usa.com/new/images/product_photo/SLX1445Sphoto.gif

I shot a friend's 14-45 a few years ago and was hugely impressed with how well the thing felt in my hand - and how well it performed. The model shown above is a long-slide hunter, but a sight swap to a set of Meprolights will make for a dandy carry/defensive piece.

[kc7jty]

Whatever you get, remember that you can't be too safe!

http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv124/scottaschultz/glockshowery.jpg
this is interesting. do you need scissors to release the piece from it's cocoon?
Are you being ready for 10 banditos?
My G-19 is all ready to rock and roll. It's covered with a dust cloth with the handle extending past the edge of the exposed shelf it sits on.

[KA5PIU]

Come on you Amateur Electronics Experts. Combine your hobbies and defend your palace. I mounted a wireless B&W camera without the IR filter on a Mossberg 590 12 Ga. I used a pair of TV goggles and wireless TV receiver mounted on a helmet. With a near IR flashlight and laser sight, I have night fighting capability. Just put the dot on the target and fire. I don't need to bring the shotgun to my shoulders. The camera has about a 45 degree view. I can see the dot out to about 35 yds.

401540164017http://forums.hamisland.net/images/misc/pencil.png

Hello.

Geekvision, with another use!

[KK4AMI]

With the blue hard hat, I prefer to think of it as a more dangerous "Village People". It really works however, I can lead around corners with the muzzle. It just about shoots around corners and barricades. I don't lose my vision going from a bright room into a dark room. The shotgun has advantages to. I can gradually escalate the level of force. I load rock salt, bird shot, buckshot and then slugs.

[W3MIV]

I think that's going beyond the point of mere safety and venturing into the realm of paranoia.

Amen, brudder. That rig'll handle up to sixty Chicoms comin' over the back fence. If you can get it out of the bag before they get to you.

And if there ain't sixty-one of them.

[KC2UGV]

Come on you Amateur Electronics Experts. Combine your hobbies and defend your palace. I mounted a wireless B&W camera without the IR filter on a Mossberg 590 12 Ga. I used a pair of TV goggles and wireless TV receiver mounted on a helmet. With a near IR flashlight and laser sight, I have night fighting capability. Just put the dot on the target and fire. I don't need to bring the shotgun to my shoulders. The camera has about a 45 degree view. I can see the dot out to about 35 yds.

401540164017http://forums.hamisland.net/images/misc/pencil.png

Screw that noise:

I know a guy who made a 5 KJ railgun:
http://www.hightech-edge.com/diy-rail-gun-homebrew-weapon-ravi-gaddipati/5103/

It does some damage, and you can load anything metal in the sucker.

[W1GUH]

Always did like the Desert Eagle...'specially when gold plated. Saw a nice nickel or silver-plated one at the side of a BP agent in San Diego. Freakin' intimidating!!!! Understand you can do better for shooting, tho'. Wouldn't know. Mine's big enough already, don't need no compensation.

http://www.imfdb.org/images/thumb/b/b0/AustinPowersGoldmemberDeagleScreenused.JPG/390px-AustinPowersGoldmemberDeagleScreenused.JPG

OTOH, is what you want is a loud noise...this'll do just fine, and be perfectly legal and safe to boot!

http://www.bigbangcannons.com/upload/60MM2.jpg

[N8YX]

Always did like the Desert Eagle...'specially when gold plated. Saw a nice nickel or silver-plated one at the side of a BP agent in San Diego. Freakin' intimidating!!!! Understand you can do better for shooting, tho'. Wouldn't know.
If I was in the market for a magnum-caliber auto, the D-E wouldn't merit a glance - Wildey all the way.

[n2ize]

.357 would be nice as a revolver and does have some stopping power. I prefer to put as many rounds downrange if the stooge is on anything and having the mag option is something I am used to. The Beretta 9mm service pistol I get issued and turn in while at work and it was something I had thought about. However, I want to have something different. My hope is I don't ever have to use it for real unless it's at the shooting range in order to stay proficient.

If the thug is on weed or dope it will take more shots to bring him down. If he is on crack it will take even more shots. If he's on meth no amount of shots may work. Some of these methheads are invincible.

[KC2UGV]

If the thug is on weed or dope it will take more shots to bring him down. If he is on crack it will take even more shots. If he's on meth no amount of shots may work. Some of these methheads are invincible.

The only shot is a head shot. Everyone stops after one of those.

[N8YX]

The only shot is a head shot. Everyone stops after one of those.
3-H.

Two to the head, one to the horns. Repeat as (if) necessary.

SOP these days at every organization I'm familiar with which teaches patrol-based gun fighting techniques. Neutralizes the effectiveness of body armor quite well.

[KC2UGV]

3-H.

Two to the head, one to the horns. Repeat as (if) necessary.

SOP these days at every organization I'm familiar with which teaches patrol-based gun fighting techniques. Neutralizes the effectiveness of body armor quite well.

Rule #2: Double tap.

[n2ize]

The only shot is a head shot. Everyone stops after one of those.

Not if the person is on meth. Meth does some strange things to the body chemistry. Even after one or several head shots they can still keep coming after you.

[N8YX]

Not if the person is on meth. Meth does some strange things to the body chemistry. Even after one or several head shots they can still keep coming after you.
This is why you hit 'em in the horns: It's hard to run with a broken pelvis.

[KC2UGV]

Not if the person is on meth. Meth does some strange things to the body chemistry. Even after one or several head shots they can still keep coming after you.

If brain matter doesn't exist anymore, the body drops.

[NQ6U]

If brain matter doesn't exist anymore, the body drops.

Are you kidding? Sarah Palin is walking disproof of that statement.

[W1GUH]

Not if the person is on meth. Meth does some strange things to the body chemistry. Even after one or several head shots they can still keep coming after you.

Scarface

[KC2UGV]

Are you kidding? Sarah Palin is walking disproof of that statement.

I stand corrected. :)

[N8YX]

Sarah owns you folks. I'm talking 'owns'. Ball gag and all...

[KK4AMI]

Hey I love Sarah Palin. It just so happens I have a ball gag and cat suit in my fantasy!

[KG4CGC]

Sarah owns you folks. I'm talking 'owns'. Ball gag and all...
Did you see here tweak Bill'O yesterday? Told him to stop interrupting.