What would you say is the best home defense round?

[BlueCow]

actually the taser is a great idea, thanks =)

 

[pokersamurai]

I would say get a quality 12 gauge.

With a 12 gauge, if you are really that worried about over-penetration, you could load it with birdshot (although I personally wouldn't recommend this) which will be relatively non-lethal after passing through two layers of sheet rock. while at the same time, you can have some buckshot/slugs on hand (preferably in a side saddle) in case you need a little more penetration or range.

 

[Tombs]

Anything that's in the chamber.

If you want a magic bullet that doesn't go through people and through the house, forget a handgun, you will never have something effective in that platform.

Get a rifle in 5.56 and load up with M193. Might as well disregard any other opinions as honestly, this is the only way to achieve that magic combination of stopping power and limiting collateral damage.


But yea... Tasers are great, honestly a gun can't begin to compare in stopping power. Go for that if you can get comfortable with it.

 

[BehindBlueI's]

What's the likelihood you miss and your standard bullet finds its way into a loved one in a lethal hit? Now, what do you reckon the odds are that an intruder with a firearm gets a few shots off in the time it takes him to die from a round that under penetrated, or worse yet its not even lethal hit, and that one of those rounds is a lethal hit to you or a loved one? Or that he can close the gap with you and lethally cut you or your loved one?

I'm way more worried about under penetration and the seconds that a determined attacker has to continue to fight even after taking a lethal hit. So, for me, 12g. If I need to shoot you in my house, I want you completely incapacitated RIGHT NOW.

 

[chezuki]

the gun and unloaded magazines are currently locked up, and i have about 250 rounds of fmj for targets also locked up in a separate location from the gun. so if someone broke in, i have to do two different combo locks, in the dark, while adrenaline/terror is flowing through my veins, and then load a magazine.....and you get the picture.

With your current system it doesn't matter much what ammunition you have as you will likely be dead long before you get a chance to use it. I recommend a bedside quick access safe like Gunvault or similar where you can keep your firearm loaded and ready to go without having to worry about curious kids. Get some training and practice.

If there is a chance someone you love is in the line of fire and you can't change this by adjusting angle, a gun is the wrong tool for the job.

Also as stated, I believe a 12 gauge shotgun is a much better home defense gun than any pistol. And for the love of god unless your home is being invaded by quail, forget the birdshot.

 

[Lethgar]

The one you can shoot well after having secured your family and identified your threat.

 

[HalfCocked]

Maybe get some training. Attend the NRA classes. You will get some real hands on ideas and personal coaching from folks that really know what they are talking about. A gun and cartridge are just tools. Learn to use the tools correctly and a lot of the apprehension about using the tool will go away.

 

[dhw9am]

Shotgun

The best home defense, is a shotgun. Beats any 9mm round.

 

[JettaKnight]

i looked at the mag safe, on the 9mm "swat" it said "do not use on springfield xd pistols". I have a m&p but that still made me leery....why cant it be used in a XD? i mean thats a very very popular pistol. magic bullet is what i was hoping for. something that will only knockdown a baddie and nobody else lol.[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]

Yup, you want a magic bullet. Try something carved from a unicorn horn.

Have you thought about the bad guy shooting from concealment?

Definitely get training to use the tool you own work for you. That's a better investment than magic boolits.

And for fun, check of the Box o' Truth for penetration tests.

 

[jmiller676]

You say you're new to firearms. First, remember firearm safety. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it. That will keep your family safe and allow you to use any round you like.

 

[iChokePeople]

Sometimes I would SWEAR threads are started by Fenway or Evan using shill accounts to try to get things moving.

 

[esrice]

You don't need a magic bullet. You need some training (we all do).

Tactics and Training - INGunOwners

There's been some great advice in this thread.

 

[esrice]

Sometimes I would SWEAR threads are started by Fenway or Evan using shill accounts to try to get things moving.

Gotta keep those same 50 posters interested.

 

[IndyDave1776]

Gotta keep those same 50 posters interested.

If I get banned, do you just shut down the account I was using, or all 137 of them?

 

[dross]

Personal defense TV has shown a few times that 5.56 did the best

This.

 

[Sniper 79]

What about a Blunder Buss?

I think the answer depends on how much recoil you can handle and style of place you live. I think bird shot from a shot gun is the safest in close quarters or in an appartment situation. I do have a soft spot for 357 mag and the wonderful 45ACP. All in all it depends on your style of home and hw close you are to others. For some a nice ranch rifle like the mini 14 is a great option. If you are only going to own one gun get a shot gun and pick ammo accordingly.

 

[Bunnykid68]

What about a Blunder Buss?

I think the answer depends on how much recoil you can handle and style of place you live. I think bird shot from a shot gun is the safest in close quarters or in an appartment situation. I do have a soft spot for 357 mag and the wonderful 45ACP. All in all it depends on your style of home and hw close you are to others. For some a nice ranch rifle like the mini 14 is a great option. If you are only going to own one gun get a shot gun and pick ammo accordingly.

I was just getting ready to say Blunderbuss, load it with some broken glass, nails and maybe a few legos.

 

[IndyDave1776]

I was just getting ready to say Blunderbuss, load it with some broken glass, nails and maybe a few legos.

I especially liked the legos!

 

[Bunnykid68]

I especially liked the legos!

Added those cause they will bring you to your knees when they are just laying around

 

[Broom_jm]

A bad guy doesn't know PAIN until he's been shot with a Lego!

A 12 gauge with shot somewhere in the 2 to 6 range. They'll pee themselves when you work the action and if they stick around for the shot...well, first ya say it, then ya do it.

Whatever you decide to use, training is really the key, not the round or bullet chosen.