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[trikster40]

With the recent spate of apparently random acts of violence, it’s time to finally get a gun for home protection. I’ve always felt safe with a bat and a giant knife under my bed, but those days are gone.

Im looking for a handgun with some stopping power, but something that my wife can also use. I do plan on getting my conceal carry license as well.

What are some solid recommendations? I’ve got experience with rifles, but I’ve rarely used a handgun.

 

[DeceptiveAlarm]

If your stuck on a handgun. Go to a range and rent some and see what you like. I stick by a shotgun or a pistol like the Judge that shoots a small shotgun shell is best for home defense. If your not trained and nervous and most of us will fall into one or both of those. You stand much better chance of hitting target and less chance of it going through a wall or something and hitting someone you don't mean to hit.

That being said I carry a 9mm and like it. I am looking at a small 38 for warmer months when I have less clothes to hide.

 

[Elcid]

With the recent spate of apparently random acts of violence, it’s time to finally get a gun for home protection. I’ve always felt safe with a bat and a giant knife under my bed, but those days are gone.

Im looking for a handgun with some stopping power, but something that my wife can also use. I do plan on getting my conceal carry license as well.

What are some solid recommendations? I’ve got experience with rifles, but I’ve rarely used a handgun.

Good luck finding one. My personal favorite is the .40 S&W Baby Eagle.

 

[EviLore]

Modern 9mm cartridges have sufficient stopping power and high capacity, good handling.

Glock 19 is a good all-around 9mm, or Glock 43x if you want to go a little smaller for easier concealed carry.

Be sure to put a good flashlight on it especially for home defense, since most of those scenarios happen at night. e.g. Streamlight TLR-7.

Don't buy it and forget it. Practice at the range regularly and take classes. And be sure to take proper safety and security precautions at home.

 

[Halcyon]

I have a Glock 19 and I carry it and keep it in a quick open safe beside my bed. I have larger hands so I like the fact that the gun is larger than a typical subcompact carry type pistol. I'm way more accurate with it than a slimmer grip single stack pistol.

That being said you could go with a M&P 2.0 compact as a cheaper alternative. Or the CZ p10. Or the sig p320.

They also have the M&P shield EZ 9 and 380 which are very good pistols for new shooters and women.

 

[TrainedRage]

I will always recommend the Springfield XDm I have it in a shorter .45 apc, but if you get the 9 it comes with an extended clip that gives you like 22 rounds I think.

The price is great on them and they come with a case, holster, extra mag, mag holders, hand grip size changers, and mag loaders.

If you want something for home defense and don’t want to get your hand gun permit. Just buy a nice pump action 12 gauge. I am finding most places still have shotguns and they are a great choice for home defense if you can find one with a shorter layout.

 

[n0razi]

Shotgun > Handgun for home protection

Most new gun owners prefer handguns because they look cooler

 

[TaySan]

Shotgun is better than handgun for home protection

 

[Halcyon]

The op is asking about pistols. What compels you to gatekeep.

 

[Saturnman]

When in doubt, buy a rocket launcher.

 

[Radical Dreamer]

I think apache helicopter would be a great option too.

 

[appaws]

What you like as far as feel is very personal. I agree with the poster who talked about renting and trying out at a range. If you aren’t carrying, larger is better. A full size revolver or something like a Glock 17. If carrying, look at smaller stuff. I carry my full size XDM 45 sometimes..,.but especially in summer or whatever I carry a 38 hammerless snubby in a pocket holster.

Revolvers are very underrated. Ease of operation and reliability even though you get less rounds. You can’t go wrong with S&W, Ruger, or the new Kimber revolver.

 

[trikster40]

When in doubt, buy a rocket launcher.

I’d like to have a home and family after I disintegrate the intruder. I’m keeping my options open though!

Thanks for all the suggestions and feedback. I can sell my wife on a handgun but shotgun frightens her too much. Definitely planning on hitting the range at least once every other week to stay sharp and improve.

 

[Maiden Voyage]

I bought a Sig Sauer P320 fro home defense & range shooting. Ammo is insanely priced at the moment though.

 

[Tesseract]

buy a glock, keep it loaded and holstered

 

[T8SC]

For home defence I'd opt for a phased plasma rifle in the 40 watt range, but if they don't have one available, then perhaps a 45 long slide with laser sighting:

 

[deafmedal]

As mentioned the Judge is a good choice, you can rotate between .45 and 410 rounds in the barrel so that if you miss with the bullet you have the shell up next or slow them down with the shell and finish with the bullet. I don’t like the way they feel and they are ugly but that’s not the point.

My wife is tiny but she prefers full size pistols, a Beretta 92FS is a great gun and not too expensive, the additional grip laser is neat as well.

 

[Leyasu]

I always wanted the Beretta tha Riggs uses in Lethal Weapon. Shame that I live in Europe and owning guns like that is not easy..

 

[EverydayBeast]

Be happy with your bat and get a dog

 

[CloudNull]

I carry a smith and Wesson Shield 45.

My wife carries the same gun but in 9mm. I recommend getting that if you need something for your wife to use. My wife can’t handle the 45 but I am more accurate with it than the 9mm. It’s all about what your comfortable with.

Whatever you get make sure you practice even if it’s a shotgun.

 

[EverythingsOverrated]

If you want a reliable pistol for home defense I would probably get a .38 revolver.

There's tons of great semi auto pistols out there as well like the sig sauer p220

 

[Mossybrew]

Go to a range and rent some and see what you like.

Good advice. And whatever you pick, just go to the range frequently enough that you feel totally comfortable with the gun. 9 mm is a fine choice, and hollow point rounds are your go-to home defense round because due to their design they are less likely to overpenetrate and cause collateral damage. I've had my Glock 17 for about 20 years now and it's been super reliable. If I had to buy a new handgun now I'd pick something smaller and more suited to concealed carry, but you can't go wrong with a Glock.

 

[Torrent of Pork]

With the recent spate of apparently random acts of violence, it’s time to finally get a gun for home protection. I’ve always felt safe with a bat and a giant knife under my bed, but those days are gone.

Im looking for a handgun with some stopping power, but something that my wife can also use. I do plan on getting my conceal carry license as well.

What are some solid recommendations? I’ve got experience with rifles, but I’ve rarely used a handgun.

Quick question, do you intend to conceal carry this home defense pistol, or do you intend to buy a specific pistol for carrying later on down the line?

 

[trikster40]

Quick question, do you intend to conceal carry this home defense pistol, or do you intend to buy a specific pistol for carrying later on down the line?

At first, probably conceal carry the same pistol. Down the line, I’ll buy one specifically for it.

 

[showernota]

If it's for you and someone else, definitely go to a range and rent some 9mm handguns to see what fits. Depending on your frames, I can personally vouch for the p365 (not SAS) and p365 XL, especially if it will also be used for concealed carry.

 

[Coolwhhip]

Just dig a moat around your house mate. That will keep all those home invaders away and keep your gold safe.

 

[888]

I have an AR pistol next to my bed for protection. As well as a 380 and a dog for backup.

 

[Torrent of Pork]

At first, probably conceal carry the same pistol. Down the line, I’ll buy one specifically for it.

I ask because, in my opinion, the best all-around home defense weapon is a pistol caliber carbine. The Ruger PC carbine will accept Glock double stack mags, break into two pieces for convenient storage, and not look like a scary AR 15. 9mm coming out of a 16" barrel carries the same kinetic energy as .357 magnum out of a 6" barrel in a semi auto platform.

Another reason I prefer a PCC is much greater ease of use compared to accurate pistol shooting. 9mm has virtually zero recoil in a carbine platform making training a little less intimidating for women and children. If you eventually get either a double stack Glock in 9mm or a Ruger Security 9 later, you can use your pistol magazine in the rifle.


If you are still interested in going with a pistol for HD I would recommend a G19 for that first purchase. Small enough to conceal later on down the line, but not so small as to be uncomfortable to shoot and control. If you want a 2nd pistol to keep in the home, get a full size 10mm if recoil is not a problem, 9mm if it is. When concealability is no longer a concern a larger, a more comfortable pistol is always preferable for accurate shooting, the higher mag capacity doesn't hurt as well.

 

[thief183]

I got a 180 Lbs Crossbow with a sistem to reload automatically 5 darts, it is not a gun but it is used to hunt boar and the stopping power is outstanding. Also, no license needed ^^

 

[MaestroMike]

I have an AR pistol next to my bed for protection. As well as a 380 and a dog for backup.

What kind of dog ?

 

[just_some_nut]

.... I’ve always felt safe with a bat and a giant knife under my bed, but those days are gone. ...

There's something very gruesome and (psychologically) self-inflicting about using a giant knife for defense. I can't imagine having to stab someone, even in defense, as opposed to swinging a blunt bat or pulling a trigger. I think a handgun is a good choice, and I myself would have one by now if not for the huge lengths I need to go through here in NJ to get one--maybe with some non-lethal bullets, to feel better about it.

 

[Deleted member 17706]

Glock 19 (Gen 5) is what I bought back when then the COVID lockdowns started. First gun I've ever owned, but I really like it.

 

[Tesseract]

There's something very gruesome and (psychologically) self-inflicting about using a giant knife for defense. I can't imagine having to stab someone, even in defense, as opposed to swinging a blunt bat or pulling a trigger. I think a handgun is a good choice, and I myself would have one by now if not for the huge lengths I need to go through here in NJ to get one--maybe with some non-lethal bullets, to feel better about it.

hell yeah, now put those knives inside my hands

 

[DeafTourette]

Everyone is so obsessed with guns... Guns are cool and all but what about close quarters? What if you can't get to your gun in time? I'd suggest a knife collection all through your house to supplement your guns... And train your family to use both! This way, no one is left defenseless! Whether the bedroom, living room, bathroom, etc... Even the hallway! Some throwing knives too!

 

[DeafTourette]

There's something very gruesome and (psychologically) self-inflicting about using a giant knife for defense. I can't imagine having to stab someone, even in defense, as opposed to swinging a blunt bat or pulling a trigger. I think a handgun is a good choice, and I myself would have one by now if not for the huge lengths I need to go through here in NJ to get one--maybe with some non-lethal bullets, to feel better about it.

So what if you can't get to your gun? You better have Krav Maga training or a weapon on you for close quarters if and when you can't get to your gun.

The lack of foresight...

 

[just_some_nut]

So what if you can't get to your gun? You better have Krav Maga training or a weapon on you for close quarters if and when you can't get to your gun.

The lack of foresight...

I'd very likely be alerted to an invasion at least minutes prior to being face-to-face with someone, given other security mechanisms around my home; the plan is to be able to access the weapon in that time, lest there be no point of it.

How could your conclusion be "lack of foresight" without any of these details in my post? You can admit to not liking guns, but don't make baseless assumptions, please.

 

[Classicrockfan]

Wildey

 

[SpartanN92]

I prefer Walther. German engineering at its fine

My summer concealed is a .380 Walther PPK/S and my winter concealed is a Walther P99 (9mm).

 

[oagboghi2]

There is no reason to own a handgun over a shotgun if home security is your major concern.

I honestly think the only reason gun owners recommend handguns is because they look really cool. Gun porn is a disturbing trend.(hence the post above mine)

A Remington 870 should be enough

 

[Old Retro]

<<< Girl shooter here

For your wife, assuming she is not too petite, a 9mm with 115 grain defensive/low recoil rounds will be good. Springfield XDs have thumb and grip safety. If you don't have a lot of experience, I wouldn't get anything like Glock with no manual safety.

Get yourself some of these ST Action Pro rounds to practice chambering cartridges and dry firing/malfunction drills...

Get a G-Sight laser to practice dry fire shot placement:




Whatever you get, learn to field strip it and clean it. You can start adding shit like fiber/tritium sights down the line. Also if you plan to only have 1 pistol get a good safe you can mount...

You're probably shit out of luck nowadays cuz the ammo shelves are bare and the only pistols out there 22lr revolvers.

 

[V4skunk]

Some thing that shoots .700 nitro express round.

 

[highrider]

Get a a good striker fired 9mm polymer.

 

[Pejo]

People underestimate how loud firing a gun indoors actually is, so I've seen quite a few recommendations for a Maxim 9 since it's pre-suppressed. It's rather large though, so that might be a negative for you if you wanted to keep it somewhere close to your bed/etc.

SilencerCo Legacy Products

Silencerco producs that are no longer in production but their legacy lives on.

silencerco.com

Other than that, I personally find a lot of value in a laser sight as well, to ensure that in a time of panic, you can just point and squeeze.

 

[daveonezero]

Everyone suggesting 9mm. What do you suggest to do about the price of ammo?

Shoot I think you maybe better off getting a Glock 44 and a LCPII in 22LR. Least then you can get 1000s of round of ammo and not have to worry about breaking the bank. Great to train and with some HP you have a chance to stop someone.

if it is a bed gun get an AR Pistol. Same problem with ammo though so maybe even an AK pistol.

If money is no problem then ya get 9mm and 556.

There is no reason to own a handgun over a shotgun if home security is your major concern.

I honestly think the only reason gun owners recommend handguns is because they look really cool. Gun porn is a disturbing trend.(hence the post above mine)

A Remington 870 should be enough

alright Joe. Hard to rack. Lots of recoil. Heavy. I'd suggest a 20 guage before a 12. I'd always suggest and AR!5 over those though. Especially if multiple people will want to use it. Nothing better than having a lot of rounds and adjustable stock.

I got a 180 Lbs Crossbow with a sistem to reload automatically 5 darts, it is not a gun but it is used to hunt boar and the stopping power is outstanding. Also, no license needed ^^

Guns don't require a license in the USA. If you make your own gun you don't even need to give it a sereal number in most states. And making your own is not that hard. There are plenty of companies that sell 80% lowers and receivers. Hell you can't 3d print a lot of things now avoiding all the paperwork.

I have an AR pistol next to my bed for protection. As well as a 380 and a dog for backup.

Usually a dog will let you know when you need any of those. They are awesome.

 

[deafmedal]

I prefer Walther. German engineering at its fine

My summer concealed is a .380 Walther PPK/S and my winter concealed is a Walther P99 (9mm).

I don’t ever talk about it because I cannot remember the model but my last boss had bought his grandson a .40 poly Walther that was an absolute pleasure to shoot. I made him a nice offer for it but since it was a gift he declined, understandably.

 

[GAMETA]

You think pistols are cooler than shotguns? No way. A good old shotgun is a pretty gun. I wish we could own guns in my country, would def own a shotgun and an old fashioned rifle.

 

[PanzerAzel]

After a lot of research I settled on the G45. First gun I’ve owned. Don’t go to the range much as costs quickly add up, and I’d like to take a course (did once back when I was 15 with my pops but that was decades ago), but am going to wait until this pandemic nonsense is done.

 

[Woo-Fu]

There is no reason to own a handgun over a shotgun if home security is your major concern.

I honestly think the only reason gun owners recommend handguns is because they look really cool. Gun porn is a disturbing trend.(hence the post above mine)

A Remington 870 should be enough

You can fit a pistol case in the bottom of your nightstand. Shotgun of legal barrel length? Not so much.

 

[GymWolf]

Why asking specifically for good stopping power? Is there any pistol that has not enough power to badly injure a man without a protection jacket? And i doubt that thoefs wear stuff like that.

I don't know how laws are there in us, but here in italy it's almost better having something that doesn't do enough damage because shitty judges can fuck you up for excessive use of force in these cases...

 

[keraj37]

Revolvers are very underrated. Ease of operation and reliability even though you get less rounds. You can’t go wrong with S&W, Ruger, or the new Kimber revolver.

Good point. That is why I bought for myself 45 SAA