Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

tortoise1956

(671 posts)
24. My thoughts...
Sun Jul 10, 2016, 02:29 AM
Jul 2016

First, a shotgun is far and away the best defense weapon. The sound of a pump shotgun being racked is probably burned into the psyche of every American male over the age of 5 in this country. Plus, they're damn near idiot-proof - simple to operate, and reliable. However, if you don't want a shotgun, then:

Between Glock and Springfield, I recommend either a Springfield XD 9mm with a 4 or 5 inch barrel (Springfields have an additional grip safety that the Glock doesn't, that will help to protect against accidental discharges), or a revolver like the Ruger GP-100 in .357 magnum that you can load with .38 special rounds. If you get a semi auto, remember that you either have to leave the gun in the drawer with a round in the chamber (which means the pistol is sitting in your drawer needing just a hand to grip it and pull the trigger - a bad idea if you have small persons running around the house), or when the shit hits the fan, you'll need to remember to chamber a round before it's anything more than a paperweight.

Another possibility is a CZ-75B, or a clone of said CZ like Tristar, Jericho, Magnum Research, EAA, or SAR. CZ-style firearms are well-designed and reliable semi-autos with plenty of capacity. The only issue you could have is that the slide profile is pretty low, and it might be difficult to rack the slide back. I have an EAA and an SAR in 9mm, and sometimes my old hands don't like the low slides. Other than that, they're both fine weapons. As a matter of fact, the SAR is sitting in my nightstand as we speak.

The best answer is to find a shooting range or gun shop in the area that will let you rent guns to try them out, and see what feels best to you. Hell, you may decide that the best answer is a 1911-style .45...you never know. After buying it, take it out and put at least a full box of ammunition downrange per user, so that you know what it feels like. After that, it's a good idea, if possible, to get out at least once a month to stay in practice and remain familiar with operating your firearm.

I hope this is of some help to you.

On edit - second the gun safe with a bio-metric lock. Safer for all concerned.

Also, I have a Springfield XD .40 with a 5-inch barrel, and a Ruger GP-100 .357 magnum with a 6-inch barrel. I like the Springfield ergonomics better than Glock, but that is personal preference.

Finally, don't count out other calibers such as .380. With the right ammunition, a .380 can be pretty potent, and there are a lot of good manufacturers making them at a reasonable price. Bersa, EAA, Chiappa, Walther and KEl-Tec come immediately to mind.

Find one that feels right to the both of you, shoot it first if you can, and once it's yours, practice!

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Honestly, I would not go with a handgun at all. Shotgun is better, Still In Wisconsin Jul 2016 #1
This message was self-deleted by its author Heddi Jul 2016 #4
Absolutely HassleCat Jul 2016 #13
I agree with you. metroins Jul 2016 #52
Call up a local gun range Runningdawg Jul 2016 #2
This message was self-deleted by its author Heddi Jul 2016 #5
You have received a lot of good advice Runningdawg Jul 2016 #19
Tell him ... Straw Man Jul 2016 #22
Message auto-removed Name removed Jul 2016 #3
A few questions are in order DonP Jul 2016 #6
Well said, Don. beevul Jul 2016 #11
Good perspective discntnt_irny_srcsm Jul 2016 #17
Not gonna argue with Massad. But I prefer a 124Gr +P in 9mm DonP Jul 2016 #21
Excellent advice. Listen to DonP, Heddi. Eleanors38 Jul 2016 #40
I have no advice, but I'm really glad you're OK, and hope there are no petronius Jul 2016 #7
This message was self-deleted by its author Heddi Jul 2016 #8
Welcome :) discntnt_irny_srcsm Jul 2016 #9
This message was self-deleted by its author LongtimeAZDem Jul 2016 #10
This message was self-deleted by its author Heddi Jul 2016 #12
This message was self-deleted by its author LongtimeAZDem Jul 2016 #15
This message was self-deleted by its author Jerry442 Jul 2016 #29
She didn't lose her spouse. He killed the intruder. DonP Jul 2016 #38
This message was self-deleted by its author Jerry442 Jul 2016 #44
You did the right thing. Many 840high Jul 2016 #16
It is very good to know that you made it though this nightmare discntnt_irny_srcsm Jul 2016 #18
Welcome, you are definitely in the correct forum sarisataka Jul 2016 #14
I'm going to go ahead and recommend a sidearm for HD without any other comments. ileus Jul 2016 #20
Oh damn Heddi........**so sorry** to hear of your ordeal. pablo_marmol Jul 2016 #23
My thoughts... tortoise1956 Jul 2016 #24
I agree with all of the above, except the biometric safe Travis_0004 Jul 2016 #32
Agree. pablo_marmol Jul 2016 #34
I've been waiting for one of the resident controllers to show up and inform you... Marengo Jul 2016 #25
This message was self-deleted by its author Jerry442 Jul 2016 #45
Is it your opinion that a gun kept in the home is more dangerous to the occupants... Marengo Jul 2016 #46
Aren't you the one advocating gun owners be shunned? Marengo Jul 2016 #47
This message was self-deleted by its author Jerry442 Jul 2016 #49
So you do not believe it? Duckhunter935 Jul 2016 #53
For reliability, it's hard to beat a revolver Kennah Jul 2016 #26
I like my Springfield XDM .40 cal. it is accurate easy to operate and doc03 Jul 2016 #27
Home invasion that resulted in death AwareOne Jul 2016 #28
Right -- like it would be a great idea to reveal her identity. pablo_marmol Jul 2016 #35
Yes, a story of this magnitude would be all over the news AwareOne Jul 2016 #43
This message was self-deleted by its author Heddi Jul 2016 #54
Glocks, Springfields, the Smith & Wesson M&P, the FN FNS, etc. are all good choices. benEzra Jul 2016 #30
I'm sorry you went through that DashOneBravo Jul 2016 #31
Glock Kang Colby Jul 2016 #33
A loud barky dog would be a better investment Buzz cook Jul 2016 #36
Next time, just maybe actually read the post before you jump in DonP Jul 2016 #37
Your right I missed the throw away paragraph Buzz cook Jul 2016 #39
Pssst, many liberals own guns too, including AR15s DonP Jul 2016 #42
This message was self-deleted by its author Heddi Jul 2016 #41
This message was self-deleted by its author Heddi Jul 2016 #48
Excellent choice sarisataka Jul 2016 #50
A suggestion, guillaumeb Jul 2016 #51
This message was self-deleted by its author Heddi Jul 2016 #55
Deleting this thread Heddi Jul 2016 #56
Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Gun Control & RKBA»This message was self-del...»Reply #24