home defense

[RamRoddoc]

Both a handgun and a pump/semi shotgun.

If I think I hear something I'll grab the pistol. If I know I heard something I grab the shotgun.

Best to lay in wait, behind cover, calling 911 if actually an intrusion is occurring. Best advantage right there.

If possible get with someone or a shooting range and pop some clays. It's a riot and most love it. It will help develop skills that are invaluable if in a life threatening scenario.

My range SRGC allows non-members to shoot clays on Wed (afternoons) and Sat/Sun. Bring a shotgun and ammo (#7-1/2 to 8 shot) for clay. Most will recommend 00 buckshot for self defense and a few a slug or two at the end of the tube. 00 buck is good for about 100 yard radius and a slug will crack an engine block and eventually stop a car. Both will defeat a car door rather easily.

 

[MuleShoe]

I HAVE A PUMP 870 20 INCH BARREL 12 GAUGE BESIDE BED WITH MODIFIED CHOKE NUMBER 1 BUCK SHOT IN IT. 45 ON NIGHT STAND AND WIFE HAS LCR 38 SPL ON HER NIGHT STAND WE HAVE A BOXER AND CHIHUAHUA IN HOUSE AND 2 GEESE AND 3 LAB MIX IN YARD. NOTHING GETS IN YARD THAT GEESE DONT HOLLER. NOTHING GETS IN YARD THAT IM NOT ALERTED TO.

 

[Smoothie]

I loved my Mossberg 500 until I heard bumps in the night and went to clear the house. Try opening a shut bathroom door while holding a 12 gauge, it certainly changed my perspective! Sure, I have one for the room in case I am holed up waiting for the cops to come, but for anything else I have a CZ with tac rail and light on the front.

Grab a broom handle and pretend your are clearing the house in the daytime and see what you think.

 

[Ken Ford]

1st shot is for inside the house, next two are for as they are running to their getaway car and the slugs are for the car doors...lol

Since this is a newbie wanting advise and takes this seriously...
Sound like a probable murder charge. You cannot use deadly force on someone that is running away. Unless you can articulate they are running to retrieve a weapon, and be able to sustanciate said belief. Once the threat is over you cannot use deadly force.

 

[GAgunLAWbooklet]

Pic of my home defense shotgun, which is also my "truck gun" in my vehicle as I travel.
20 gauge mossberg 500 " Bantam" -- their term for youth / women sized. Stock is 1" shorter than normal and fore-end extends back closer to receiver.

It's got a rifle-sighted smooth bore slug barrel, 18" (I have another barrel, longer and with choke tubes, for hunting and sport shooting).

It's wearing a cheap $40 laser/ light combo that works well and has been on a variety of guns over the years, from .22 plinkers to sawed-off 12-gauge shotties.

 

[GAgunLAWbooklet]

P.S. Unlike an AR carbine, this is an inexpensive weapon.
Mossberg and Stevens and similar brand pump shotguns cost $170-$250.
With a $40 - $70 light and laser unit, you've got a lot of gun for under $300.

 

[Nat]

Shot gun.

 

[Gimmeguns]

you assume they are not shooting back MR. Ford. But in the spirit of this thread, yes, DO NOT SHOOT AS THEY ARE LEAVING AND THE THREAT HAS RETREATED!

 

[MRH]

I like a shotgun for close range work. Tight turns can be a burden when trying to maneuver quickly with a shotgun, as already stated, but where reach is concerned a shotgun isn't really any longer than your arms extended while shooting a handgun so if you are comfortable maneuvering in your home with a shotgun that would be my suggestion. Practice and train with that mother until it is second nature, then practice some more.

 

[Smoothie]

I still want to know how you guys open a door while holding a shotgun effectively with 1 hand.