RoadWarriorFromLP

With a handgun or rifle, you are far more likely to miss, and there is a greater chance that the bullet will penetrate walls and hit innocent people. With the shotgun, you need not concern yourself with precise aim, and you need not worry so much about bystanders being harmed.

Remember that what you see on television and films is wrong, it is not easy to aim a weapon accurately, particularly when you are stressed and dealing with an armed, moving opponent. Even police officers often fail to hit their targets when using their weapons under duress -- hitting moving targets in varying conditions is much harder than hitting a predictable target that doesn't pose a threat.

NC Penguin

If you are adamant that you're going to take action by getting pistols for yourself and your wife, even if at least one of you can already shoot, I would recommend joining the local gun club where you can practise regularly.

I think there's nothing worse than in a genuine life threatening situation when one freezes or worse still cannot handle their weapon safely.

Also, if you're going to get a concealed carry permit, even if there's a class to take in order to get the permit, be very clear about the circumstances when can carry a concealed weapon and when it can be used.

Laws vary from state to state so it's up to you to check on the laws in your state (and possibly even your city or county).

In the last couple of weeks I've just recertified (safety and pistol test) with my local gun club in order to remain a member there.



NC Penguin

NC Penguin

For self-protection in the home, a pistol is the safest option. Small and easy to handle. The right pistol (to be kept in the house) should be one that both you and your wife can handle safely with ease. This probably narrows down the choice unless you're prepared to get one each.

Another tip. Doesn't matter how good the brand of your firearm, if you have poorly made ammo, you're going to be screwed when it comes to crunch time. You do not want a jam or a misfire occurring...



NC Penguin

BritGuyTN

On going formal training is not something I have a problem with, and I recognise the value in this.

I will also investigate pistol grip shotgun with the shortest legal barrel length. at 4 am and disorientated, a shotgun may be more viable, maybe not

Bob

at 4am and disorientated, your far less likely to miss too...plus less likely have a stray bullet go through a window and kill a neighbour across the street.

And stick to small calibres....high velocity makes a big mess, also a much bigger chance of missing...

Has anyone thought of a .22 for a car? I know there fairly high velocity and won't stop a car, but for close range in a car you don't want to be deafened and blind firing the first shot if the shit were to happen...

rincewind

You may be surprised at how fast the adrenalin will wake you up

Partystar

I was actually thinking the same thing myself.

BritGuyTN

We baked some muffins and took food round for the partner of the deceased and the other people at the house.

I just cannot comprehend the level of loss

The thing I hope for most is for the cops to find the perps. maybe the surviving relatives can get some closure then

I've lived in the area for nearly two years and nothing like this has occurred - its all very disturbing

Partystar

I'm so sorry for what happened, no one deserves that. I hope you can begin feeling safe in your own home/car again soon.

Ray

Personally.. I find wielding a shotgun indoors is difficult and cumbersome
for something solely for home protection and being hardly used a cheap Mossberg Cruiser (has pistol grip) 12g with an 18.5in barrel would suffice..

Personally I prefer a .38 revolver.. semi autos can jam up if left loaded for a long time without use and regular cleaning....

Bob.. for car carrying I use a .380 with hollow points ..the .22 will stop nobody in ther tracks unless is in the head .. but is good for vermin..

For carry.. I use the .380 or .38P or 9mm...

The choice of ammo can be more important then the size of the calibre

.50 calibre is ideal for nothing..

Angry White Pyjamas

Personal security in your own home and outside of it start way before and go way beyond carrying a weapon. Your best defence in any situation is your awareness of what can happen, your awareness of what is likely to happen and your instinctive reaction to what does happen. A weapon is only of any consequence if all the above function correctly.

Carrying a weapon is a great responsibility and should you choose to do so you must be more willing to not become involved in confrontations than if you are not carrying.

However should you do choose to carry then make sure you spend a lot of time training with a competent instructor on all aspects not least weapons safety.

For myself I have worked with weapons and security for nearly all my adult life as have others on here. I, and they, know how we react in high tension volatile situations. The average person who chooses to arm themselves will not.

BritGuyTN

this is looking like a good option based on your comments and my research today

nethead

I am so sorry it must be very frightening and shocking to have something like this happen so close by. My heart goes out to your neighbours partner I cannot begin to imagine how they are feeling

Annette

elfman

when you consider what most US houses are made of they could go through several walls and still harm an innocent party.

Ray

An intruder is unlikely to be more than 10ft away ..if you miss I agree ..
but to be frank its very hard to miss a target at that distance ... the use of frangible bullets will prevent that happening anyway ..As I said before ..ammo used can be more important than the calibre ...