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[HKguy]

Hey gun GAF. I'd like to bring up the age-old question of which gun to purchase for home defense. I've read most of the arguments on other sites, but I'd like to hear what you guys think.

I've gone shooting with my Army buddy a handful of times, so I've shot a variety of semi-auto handguns - Glocks, SIGS, HK's, as well as his competition AR. I've never fired a shotgun - not that I fear doing so.

Our home was built in the 40's, so it has smaller rooms and tight hallways.

Even though my wife is mostly against getting a gun (I'm working on that), I would like something she could realistically shoot in a worst-case scenario.

We have a 2-year old daughter, so storing the gun safely is paramount. This isn't something I'd be able to set on my nightstand.

Now, most conversations I've read on this subject usually end in "shotgun for home defense, no question". Here is where I currently stand on it:

Shotgun:
+ best for home defense
+ variety of ammo, even non-lethal, with minimal penetration
- I can't see my wife ever using one of these
- too big to conveniently store
- too big for movement in tight quarters

Handgun:
+ easy to store/hide in a convenient location
+ more fun to shoot at the range
+ more realistic for the wife to handle
- more bullet penetration to worry about
- not as easy to use in a high-stress situation


So a follow up question about shotguns, given the negatives I've listed above: how realistic/stupid would it be to have a shotgun with just a pistol grip and no stock? It would greatly improve the weapons handling and storage options, but at what cost to usability? It seems a little too Rambo for me, but it would make sense given my requirements.

Anyways, any thoughts? I'm literally torn and could go either way right now.

I myself have pistols (throughout my home) for home protection. One thing people often never account for, is that unless you are familiar with shooting pistols and training with them in a high stress-lowlight setting; most wont hit shit when the time comes when it is needed. It isn't like shooting at paper, your reaction time is shorter, stress will negatively affect your ability to maintain weapon stability and you will need to develop a proper home defense rule set (never go and look for trouble with a home invader, if he finds it, thats one thing but don't think you want to go after him). If you do go and get a pistol please train to use it, don't just shoot up to 7 yards and take ten minutes per shot. It will be difficult at first, but when it is your family, know what you are doing.

I also tried running a shotgun for home defense and determined I was more comfortable with pistols due to the extended range and compactness they offered.

Have you considered an AR or rifle of some sort?

 

[PoweredBySoy]

Have you considered an AR or rifle of some sort?

Not at all. For one, I run into the exact same problems as with the shotgun - storage and handling in tight quarters. For two, I'd rather the penetration not kill my neighbor.

As for my home-defense rule set, I know exactly what I would do - guard the top of the stairway. That's it. And that's where penetration comes in, because the 20-foot hallway leading to the top of the stairs points directly at my neighbors 2nd floor bedroom.

See, my worst fear, no matter how implausible it may seem, is that I wake up one night at 2 am and hear footsteps coming up the stairs. And that's where the storage of the shotgun wouldn't do me any good. So, while a shotgun is probably the preferred home defense weapon, would it do me any good if I couldn't get to it in time?

A handgun I could safely store in a lockbox in a dresser next to my bed.

 

[BattleMonkey]

Not at all. For one, I run into the exact same problems as with the shotgun - storage and handling in tight quarters. For two, I'd rather the penetration not kill my neighbor.

As for my home-defense rule set, I know exactly what I would do - guard the top of the stairway. That's it. And that's where penetration comes in, because the 20-foot hallway leading to the top of the stairs points directly at my neighbors 2nd floor bedroom.

See, my worst fear, no matter how implausible it may seem, is that I wake up one night at 2 am and hear footsteps coming up the stairs. And that's where the storage of the shotgun wouldn't do me any good. So, while a shotgun is probably the preferred home defense weapon, would it do me any good if I couldn't get to it in time?

A handgun I could safely store in a lockbox in a dresser next to my bed.

You need this then: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEVL9DhMp3U

 

[HKguy]

Not at all. For one, I run into the exact same problems as with the shotgun - storage and handling in tight quarters. For two, I'd rather the penetration not kill my neighbor.

As for my home-defense rule set, I know exactly what I would do - guard the top of the stairway. That's it. And that's where penetration comes in, because the 20-foot hallway leading to the top of the stairs points directly at my neighbors 2nd floor bedroom.

See, my worst fear, no matter how implausible it may seem, is that I wake up one night at 2 am and hear footsteps coming up the stairs. And that's where the storage of the shotgun wouldn't do me any good. So, while a shotgun is probably the preferred home defense weapon, would it do me any good if I couldn't get to it in time?

A handgun I could safely store in a lockbox in a dresser next to my bed.

I understand that you have a kid, but a lockbox will be far worse for reaction times than a gun in a safe. This "break-in" won't likely happen during the day, so fumbling with those at night when you are scared and tired is not ideal. I have some good friends keep handguns in their night stand in a slim-line safe, but they don't feel it is ideal. If you do go with a lockbox, get it with oversized controls.

Also, most intermediate carbine calibers (such as the 5.56) don't have the penetration most think. it will go through dry wall and some thin steel, but it becomes pretty shit through bricks and cement blocks. (I don't know your exact situation, but just food for thought)

 

[BattleMonkey]

I understand that you have a kid, but a lockbox will be far worse for reaction times than a gun in a safe. This "break-in" won't likely happen during the day, so fumbling with those at night when you are scared and tired is not ideal. I have some good friends keep handguns in their night stand in a slim-line safe, but they don't feel it is ideal. If you do go with a lockbox, get it with oversized controls.

Also, most intermediate carbine calibers (such as the 5.56) don't have the penetration most think. it will go through dry wall and some thin steel, but it becomes pretty shit through bricks and cement blocks. (I don't know your exact situation, but just food for thought)

Well depends on where a person lives. In Vegas for example the homes rarely use any brick or cement unlike here in Florida, any shot from even a pistol will probably go through into a neighbors home, a 5.56 would easily cut through those homes like nothing as they are flimsy as heck. In a townhouse situation also, you wouldn't want to be using anything too big either.

 

[HKguy]

Well depends on where a person lives. In Vegas for example the homes rarely use any brick or cement unlike here in Florida, any shot from even a pistol will probably go through into a neighbors home, a 5.56 would easily cut through those homes like nothing as they are flimsy as heck. In a townhouse situation also, you wouldn't want to be using anything too big either.

No doubt, I am not saying a rifle is best for home defense (if I felt that, I would use them), but I would prefer them to a shotgun in the home defense role. But as he mentioned, he is only holding down a stairwell, so a low powered bird/buck ammo (called the Rhodesian Jungle) combo would be good for him.

 

[TheOrangeKid007]

Does anyone have experience with the CZ SXS Shotguns? I have an auto-loader for trap but I have always wanted a SXS. I cant help it. They just look sweet. The biggest concern I have is cost. I like CZ's handguns (I have one myself) but I have also heard very negative things about cheaper SXS's like the Stoeger. Any thougts?

 

[BattleMonkey]

Yea looks like I'm going to pick up that 522, been after a plinker for a while and it's gotten really great reviews: http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/sig522-classic.aspx

Damn you sales!

 

[ChanHuk]

I still standby that a .38 special and a pump shotgun are the ideal HD guns. .38 special because of its ease of use, it'll go bang just about every time and just about anyone can shoot it in an emergency situation. With a pump shotgun, if a baddie hears you racking the gun, he'll most likely get the fuck outta there. Unless of course he's really trying to hurt you.

 

[PoweredBySoy]

.38 special because of its ease of use

Which brings up another question: why the hell are revolvers so expensive? Revolvers aren't sexy in the least bit, but I certainly appreciate their simplicity, and like you said, reliability. But looking online at their prices they're pretty much just as expensive as a quality semi-auto. I thought for sure they'd be cheaper.

 

[BattleMonkey]

Which brings up another question: why the hell are revolvers so expensive? Revolvers aren't sexy in the least bit, but I certainly appreciate their simplicity, and like you said, reliability. But looking online at their prices they're pretty much just as expensive as a quality semi-auto. I thought for sure they'd be cheaper.

Revolvers might not seem sexy to you, but many people love them, and they do have a ton of benefits. I have only semi autos, but whenever I use my buddies revolvers, I'm in love. There is just a smooth quality to the shooting on a revolver due to their being no slide action. A revolver is my next purchase I'm in the market for after I pick up my 22LR

 

[HKguy]

Revolvers might not seem sexy to you, but many people love them, and they do have a ton of benefits. I have only semi autos, but whenever I use my buddies revolvers, I'm in love. There is just a smooth quality to the shooting on a revolver due to their being no slide action. A revolver is my next purchase I'm in the market for after I pick up my 22LR

Revolvers really are a different animals than semi-autos. I really want to pick up a mint Colt Python, but given what I just spent on my most recent gun, I'll be looking in 2015.

 

[PoweredBySoy]

I guess what I was trying to say was, I thought it would be their simplicity that made them cheaper to produce/sell.

After shooting my friends guns though, I'm pretty much in love with SIG, so if I do go the pistol route I will be getting a P229.

 

[HKguy]

I guess what I was trying to say was, I thought it would be their simplicity that made them cheaper to produce/sell.

After shooting my friends guns though, I'm pretty much in love with SIG, so if I do go the pistol route I will be getting a P229.

Can't go wrong with the sig, I myself am an hk fan (as the name suggests) but some good friends have various sig's and they are all true quality. They also fit the hand really nice.

 

[BattleMonkey]

I guess what I was trying to say was, I thought it would be their simplicity that made them cheaper to produce/sell.

After shooting my friends guns though, I'm pretty much in love with SIG, so if I do go the pistol route I will be getting a P229.

Prices of guns often dont make sense. Some of it is just prestige costs. Size of production runs also perhaps factors in.

 

[PoweredBySoy]

Can't go wrong with the sig, I myself am an hk fan (as the name suggests) but some good friends have various sig's and they are all true quality. They also fit the hand really nice.

I shot his .45 USP, and while it was certainly a nice gun, perhaps a bit too hand-cannon for me. I would prefer something more compact and in a smaller caliber. .40 or 9mm seems just about right for me. His .40 SIG was like butter in my hands. Loved it. Didn't like Glock.

Actually, my favorite gun of his that I shot - I totally forget what it was, but it was some $700 .22 range pistol, used for competition I think. Jesus that thing was like shooting a laser gun. So accurate. A blast to shoot.

So this all goes back to my previous point, I think taking pistols to the range is good fun. I'm not trying to let that sway my decision as to what home defense gun I should be getting... but it kind of is.

Prices of guns often dont make sense. Some of it is just prestige costs. Size of production runs also perhaps factors in.

I see.

 

[ChanHuk]

You think console fanboys are rough. You should check out firearm fanboys. You'll have some guys who will call anything other than a 1911 a piece of shit pistol. The AR world is pretty bad when it comes to brand whoring. Those BCM fanboys will tell you anything else will blow up in your face.

 

[J-Rzez]

Our home was built in the 40's, so it has smaller rooms and tight hallways.

Even though my wife is mostly against getting a gun (I'm working on that), I would like something she could realistically shoot in a worst-case scenario.

Now, most conversations I've read on this subject usually end in "shotgun for home defense, no question". Here is where I currently stand on it:

I don't know how small your house is, but yes, generally a shotgun with birdshot is nice for home defense. Gets the job done and lower than usual chance of over pen through the individual and the walls. That said, shotguns can be hard to handle for some people. A pistol grip with no shoulder stock is more compact, but some fumble with "pumping" then due to less stability.

Personally, for her, I'd maybe look into a Taurus Judge with the shot rounds. Easy to shoot revolver with shot. Will certainly get the job done.

Probably the only time I'd recommend a Taurus product.

http://www.taurususa.com/gun-selector-results.cfm?series=41&toggle=tr

You think console fanboys are rough. You should check out firearm fanboys. You'll have some guys who will call anything other than a 1911 a piece of shit pistol.

Considering 1911's are some of the most finicky pistols out there, it's interesting indeed. More people face issues with them that I know than any other decent pistol. Considering they're usually pricey to boot it really is an interesting stance. I love 1911s for what they are, but I would have one just to have around. Springfield XDM .45 or HK45 if you're that into .45s.

 

[BattleMonkey]

Going to take apart and clean my AR-15 Carbine for the first time.... the videos and guides make this seem pretty daunting. But then hear stuff like 10 min to do only....

Is it just me, or just really hard to find right sized brushes for your guns? I got a kit with a ton of brushes but lot of sizes not included and selection at most gun stores feels very limited. Does everyone order online the specific brushes they need or just use whatever calibur brush fits best?

 

[J-Rzez]

Going to take apart and clean my AR-15 Carbine for the first time.... the videos and guides make this seem pretty daunting. But then hear stuff like 10 min to do only....

Is it just me, or just really hard to find right sized brushes for your guns? I got a kit with a ton of brushes but lot of sizes not included and selection at most gun stores feels very limited. Does everyone order online the specific brushes they need or just use whatever calibur brush fits best?

I always use recommended size. As far as AR's go, I clean my Sig 556 with a bore snake. Look them up. They're fantastic I think personally. Especially for a quick clean after a day at the range.

 

[MisterNoisy]

Going to take apart and clean my AR-15 Carbine for the first time.... the videos and guides make this seem pretty daunting. But then hear stuff like 10 min to do only....

Is it just me, or just really hard to find right sized brushes for your guns? I got a kit with a ton of brushes but lot of sizes not included and selection at most gun stores feels very limited. Does everyone order online the specific brushes they need or just use whatever calibur brush fits best?

I order most of my cleaning and accessory crap from MidwayUSA.com - it's like Newegg but for guns. I'll also second the boresnake recommendation - running one through the barrel a couple of times while the barrel is still fairly warm makes cleaning tons easier.

 

[ChanHuk]

I'll own a 1911 one of these days. Had my eye on the Springfield Operator for awhile now, pricey as you indicated. There's something about a 1911 that just feels right when you have one in your hand.

Another megaton argument for shotgun owners is whether to use buckshot or birdshot. Birdshot has extremely low penetration that I think denim can stop. But you get hit with it, you're going down, but you can get back up. You get hit with buckshot and you dead. Of course buckshot will go through walls as well.

 

[Jim E. Rossler]

Yeah, depending on the model they go from like $200 to $250. I'd recommend getting one as cheap as you can, I'd lay odds on you wanting to replace almost every part on it eventually.

Mine is pretty neat, after a few practice shots pretty much anyone can hit a quarter at 200 yards without even really trying.

Did you convert your 10/22 into .17HMR? Sounds too good for .22lr

As for revolver prices, compare this:

Vs a Semi Auto

Revolvers can be pretty complicated too.

 

[J-Rzez]

I'll own a 1911 one of these days. Had my eye on the Springfield Operator for awhile now, pricey as you indicated. There's something about a 1911 that just feels right when you have one in your hand.

Another megaton argument for shotgun owners is whether to use buckshot or birdshot. Birdshot has extremely low penetration that I think denim can stop. But you get hit with it, you're going down, but you can get back up. You get hit with buckshot and you dead. Of course buckshot will go through walls as well.

I have witnessed first hand what birdshot can do from a dept investigation. Subject was hit in the upperchest, throat, and chin. Needless to say they didn't live. The reason is that there is a lot of smaller pellets flying than 00, at range they disperse and lose a lot of velocity. But when it comes into home defense, when you're shooting someone 10-15ft away, it can be very lethal. Not to mention the subject was at that range and was knocked off his feet. He lost half of his jaw, part of his throat, and his tongue was just hanging there.

Denim can slow it down, even when closer, but "most" people don't wear thick denim and such up top. It'll go through most coats and shirts with ease. Maybe a heavy Carhart coat or whatever will slow it down, but it'll still do damage and more than likely stop the threat.

Always read that it was recommended. Then saw pics and xrays from this shooting and I'm a believer.

 

[HKguy]

I was ready to buy a nighthawk 1911, but my dealer told me of horror stories some of his customers had with repairs through them. I bought a Mark 23 instead.

 

[PoweredBySoy]

Taurus Judge with the shot rounds.

I've been looking around online, and before I even read your post I found the S&W Governor. Wow. What a kick-ass gun. It gives me the compact pistol format but still allows me to shoot .410. I didn't even know an option like this existed.

This video of the PDX1 round is awesome.

Will seriously consider this.

 

[BattleMonkey]

Love my 1911, but hate having to reassemble them after taking them down and cleaning. Love the simplicity of taking down and putting back together newer guns.

 

[ChanHuk]

For $1000, can you guys build a rifle that is on par or better than the M&P15T?

 

[zbroome]

For $1000, can you guys build a rifle that is on par or better than the M&P15T?

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-Standard-14-5-M4-SOCOM-Upper-Receiver-p/bcm-urg-m4-14socom.htm
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/YHM-2-Piece-Tactical-Handguards-Carbine-p/yhm-9670 carbine 2pc.htm
http://palmettostatearmory.com/1619.php

170 dollars less, and blows the doors off of that M&P

 

[ChanHuk]

You forgot the BCG and a rear BUIS. So the price would be equal or maybe slightly more as you can get a M&P15T for about a grand. You have to agree for an out of the box rifle, the M&P15T is one hell of a rifle for a grand.

 

[zbroome]

You forgot the BCG and a rear BUIS. So the price would be equal or maybe slightly more as you can get a M&P15T for about a grand. You have to agree for an out of the box rifle, the M&P15T is one hell of a rifle for a grand.

Ok yeah, forgot about that. So about 1000, but I'd still consider it heads and tails above the M&P.

Either way, you'll still have a decent rifle

 

[Dead Man]

For $1000, can you guys build a rifle that is on par or better than the M&P15T?

I could if I was really starting from scratch, with a stripped lower and cheap LPK, but I will stick to assembled lowers and uppers. For my money, I would probably go with the PSA lower zbroome posted, and then add a Del-Ton upper. I know they are not as cool as the BCM stuff, but their quality has increased recently, and they are ticking all the boxes the AR crowd likes to see now, staked gas keys, M4 feed ramps etc.

PSA MOE Lower - $299

Del-Ton custom M4 16 Upper with added YHM front flip up sight, YHM lightweight rail - $570

That's $870, you can add whatever rear sight you like with the leftover.

 

[ChanHuk]

I could if I was really starting from scratch, with a stripped lower and cheap LPK, but I will stick to assembled lowers and uppers. For my money, I would probably go with the PSA lower zbroome posted, and then add a Del-Ton upper. I know they are not as cool as the BCM stuff, but their quality has increased recently, and they are ticking all the boxes the AR crowd likes to see now, staked gas keys, M4 feed ramps etc.

PSA MOE Lower - $299

Del-Ton custom M4 16 Upper with added YHM front flip up sight, YHM lightweight rail - $570

That's $870, you can add whatever rear sight you like with the leftover.

I was close to building something similar to this until I read on the DTI website that only their complete rifles have lifetime warranties. On top of that, if you shoot reloaded ammo, it voids the warranty.

Decided on the Primary Arms M4 clone, they had batch that are bad so they're selling them as blemished but no real functional faults. $60.

 

[Dead Man]

I was close to building something similar to this until I read on the DTI website that only their complete rifles have lifetime warranties. On top of that, if you shoot reloaded ammo, it voids the warranty.

Decided on the Primary Arms M4 clone, they had batch that are bad so they're selling them as blemished but no real functional faults. $60.

Fair enough, I don't reload, and would probably change most of the upper over time anyway/

 

[HKguy]

I was close to building something similar to this until I read on the DTI website that only their complete rifles have lifetime warranties. On top of that, if you shoot reloaded ammo, it voids the warranty.

Decided on the Primary Arms M4 clone, they had batch that are bad so they're selling them as blemished but no real functional faults. $60.

The great thing about the AR's design is that the lower is relatively unstressed during the firing process, it also happens to be the registered part. Say a reload goes wrong and blows your upper to shit (I have seen it happen) then slap a new upper on it and call it a day. It is a very versatile weapon system.

Have you thought about buying used? Gunbroker is a great place to start, and given the shit economy you can pickup some real gems at decent prices.

 

[Manos: The Hans of Fate]

Picked up a nice used Marlin 336 a few weeks ago. I'm also thinking of getting a Flintlock for PA's hunting season.

 

[Arcteryx]

Love my 1911, but hate having to reassemble them after taking them down and cleaning. Love the simplicity of taking down and putting back together newer guns.

What part don't you like?

As long as I've got a GI guide rod I'm pretty happy with them. The only time I really have to concentrate for a second is when doing the slide stop (so I can avoid a big 'ol idiot mark)

 

[Manos: The Hans of Fate]

What part don't you like?

As long as I've got a GI guide rod I'm pretty happy with them. The only time I really have to concentrate for a second is when doing the slide stop (so I can avoid a big 'ol idiot mark)

Well the larger spring (on my RIA 1911) took a little time to get used (and not have spring back out), but really the only for me initially was avoiding (not well) idiot marks.

 

[BattleMonkey]

What part don't you like?

As long as I've got a GI guide rod I'm pretty happy with them. The only time I really have to concentrate for a second is when doing the slide stop (so I can avoid a big 'ol idiot mark)

Yea the slide stop always bugs me. Easier now but first time was a pain in the ass to do and had to get an animated gif on how to assemble it to figure out what I was doing wrong.

 

[Arcteryx]

Yea the slide stop always bugs me. Easier now but first time was a pain in the ass to do and had to get an animated gif on how to assemble it to figure out what I was doing wrong.

Yea when I was researching buying one (on m1911.org), I probably browsed threads on idiot marks for a couple hours haha.

 

[Javaman]

I have a shotgun because in the event of a break-in while we are home, god forbid, I may or may not think to put my glasses on so I want something that doesnt take too much aiming.

I wish people would quit spreading this false rumor. Unless you have a illegal sawed-off, there is hardly any spread in the ranges experienced in a house.

You are going to need to aim almost as much as with a pistol.

 

[Manos: The Hans of Fate]

I wish people would quit spreading this false rumor. Unless you have a illegal sawed-off, there is hardly any spread in the ranges experienced in a house.

You are going to need to aim almost as much as with a pistol.

Or a properly tax stamped SBS.

Legal to own.

 

[t-ramp]

... I want to get into firearms. There's a cheap, older .22 of my dad's at home that I want to take out and shoot sometime, as well as his old Remington shotgun. Maybe this weekend, weather permitting, I can take them out.

 

[Manos: The Hans of Fate]

Oh I should be getting my Federal Firearms Licence soon. It's the Curio and Relic one that allows me to receive (via the mail) C&R long and handguns with no need for a background check and direct from sellers in interstate commerce. A bunch of places like MidwayUSA and Brownells also give you dealers discounts with the licence.

Relic is 50 years or older.

Curio can be a bunch of things, including a letter sent by a museum curator on the historical nature of the weapon, which means C&R includes a CZ-82!

 

[captive]

I wish people would quit spreading this false rumor. Unless you have a illegal sawed-off, there is hardly any spread in the ranges experienced in a house.

You are going to need to aim almost as much as with a pistol.

its not a myth, since you said "almost as much" indicating it takes less to aim and hit something with a shotgun.

 

[Javaman]

its not a myth, since you said "almost as much" indicating it takes less to aim and hit something with a shotgun.

There's a world of difference between "doesn't take much aiming" and "almost as much aiming"
You've also got other negatives such as slower aiming speed due to the mass of the gun and less shots than a typical pistol. I think those more than balance out the minimal spread advantage. While it's a better weapon to keep leveled at a door when waiting for an intruder, if you have to search a house it's MUCH more easy to be disarmed with a shotgun than a pistol held to your side.

 

[Old Gimlet Eyes]

There's a world of difference between "doesn't take much aiming" and "almost as much aiming"
You've also got other negatives such as slower aiming speed due to the mass of the gun and less shots than a typical pistol. I think those more than balance out the minimal spread advantage. While it's a better weapon to keep leveled at a door when waiting for an intruder, if you have to search a house it's MUCH more easy to be disarmed with a shotgun than a pistol held to your side.

I would also like to address the "racking your pump action to scare intruders off". That is just some bullshit right there. If you don't have one in the chamber, you are doing it wrong. The only noise should be clicking that safety off.

I have my choice between my rifle, my shotgun and my pistols for HD. I will go with my .45 every time.

 

[Manos: The Hans of Fate]

I would also like to address the "racking your pump action to scare intruders off". That is just some bullshit right there. If you don't have one in the chamber, you are doing it wrong. The only noise should be clicking that safety off.

I have my choice between my rifle, my shotgun and my pistols for HD. I will go with my .45 every time.

For me it depends on time (shotgun at night). That said despite over penetration risk, I do keep a charged mag of Hornady TAP aim in my mini 14 mag....I really love that gun. It's so so so fun to shot, and I oddly feel that I'd have better aim in an emergency with it, of course over penetration is a huge risk.

That said I could also use the marlin 336 in 30-30 I have. Apparently 30-30 lever guns used to be fairly common for some cops and state police.

 

[ChanHuk]

You know the sound of anything being racked is an intimidation factor. My former boss scared off a drunk pounding on his door at his apartment by racking his pistol at the door so he could hear it. It's about intimidation sometimes. I'm not gonna fuck with someone if I hear them racking a shotgun behind the door.

 

[jason10mm]

The FBI did some studies and found out that the 9mm penetrates walls better than the 5.56, so you are actually better off with a AR-15 than a pistol when shooting indoors. Of course the muzzle blast of a rifle will take your hearing but thems the breaks.

The 5.56 is a tiny little bullet moving real fast, as soon as it hits something like drywall it will fragment and tumble, greatly reducing further penetration. The 9mm, or other pistol calibers, are heavier bullets moving more slowly, so they stay together and have more subsequent penetration. Anyway, food for thought.