What would you use for home defense?

[686 Shooter]

I’ve been giving this questions, that was posed to me, some thought, “ What is the best gun to use for home defense?”. I have several choices that I can make for myself, but I’m not sure what I would use, other than the one I get my hands on first. I am a big fan of my Remington 870 with 18” barrel and factory folding stock, equipped with light and laser, but I started thinking what if I lost use of one of my arms, gun is still usable, just very difficult to use. I also gave some thought to my Marlin 1895 Guide gun, the muzzle blast alone is enough to scare most people into submission. A 1911 also is a good choice, but I really prefer wheel guns, my 3” S&W 44 mag would get the job done, but I think I need something that can also be shouldered. Too many choices, give me your thoughts.

 

[jontheturboguy]

870. Too many reasons to list why, but I assure you all of then are positive.

 

[gunowner930]

I use an AR with a Glock 21 nearby. Not the best for everyone I'm sure, but it it works for me.

 

[iamaclone45]

I use an AR

Hope you live in a somewhat rural setting.

I use my 870 12gauge.

 

[pitbull1]

I have an ak 74 currently, but I want a 12 gauge for the home.

 

[U.S. Patriot]

My handgun stays with me at home 24/7. It's enough to get me to my 500 with 18.5", and loaded with 00 buck. I'm well aware that 00 buck will easily penetrate drywall. However, a rifle would be last resort for me.

 

[lovemachine]

The best gun for YOU to use for home defense? That's easy.

Which gun do YOU feel more comfortable using? Which one you feel most comfortable to defend your home, your families lives, and your life.

 

[mcwulf30]

I have a tactical sks....but and about to buy an 870 for home defense.

 

[abmears]

I would definitely go with the 870, it sounds perfect.

 

[Hoosier8]

Mossburg 930SPX with 00 buckshot and a Glock 21.

 

[elaw555]

You need to make sure you are spending the proper time training with your home defense weapon if it differs from your primary carry weapon. I know many people who use a shotgun for HD that they barely train with. You are better off using a firearm you train with, even if it is less suitable for the purpose, than reaching for a shotgun you don't train even if it is more suitable for HD use. JMHO

I think a Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 is ideal, but I don't own either one and use my carry S&W M&P40 for HD.

 

[crispy]

I have a Mossberg 500, but I think nowadays if it came down to it, I'd feel more comfortable going with my 17 round 9mm pistol.

Of course, given plenty of time, I'd be holding the 12 gauge and the Ruger would be holstered along with the spare mags for it.

Kill one bird with two stones I always say...

 

[686 Shooter]

Thanks everyone, great answers. I do notice that no one chooses to use a wheel gun, Are wheel gunners a dying breed?

 

[88E30M50]

I keep a pistol with night sights on the nightstand. For me, 1911s work. There's also a shotgun and AR with a mounted light handy if needed. I round that out with a cell phone, telephone, flashlight, notepad, pen, bottle of Tums and water. Heartburn is a pain in the butt at 3am. Plus, you never know when you with think that million dollar thought in the dead of the night .

 

[88E30M50]

Thanks everyone, great answers. I do notice that no one chooses to use a wheel gun, Are wheel gunners a dying breed?

I do keep a nickel plated 586 with Hornady XTP 357 mags loaded as my BUG inside the nightstand.

 

[.45 Dave]

I have .45 LC Uberti Colt clone but to be honest my XD-40 stays on my desk top where I can get it easily. Until I got the XD the .45 was my HD gun.

 

[dom1104]

suppressed ar15 w/ micro aimpoint.

 

[blue edge]

Anything is better than nothing

 

[.45 Dave]

Anything is better than nothing

You got that right! I remember when I was recently divorced and lived in a mobile home park. All I had was a .22 Single-Six Ruger loaded with CCI Stingers. I still felt like I would at least be able to put up a fight and probably do some serious damage. But yeah, anything is definitely better than nothing at all. I'll take any gun over a baseball bat or a fire iron poker any day, for example.

 

[ocsdor]

The first one I grab is my S&W .357 with hollow points. I know when I pull that trigger, it will fire.