What is your home defense arm of choice, and why?

[Smithfan]

This topic probably has been done to death, but it's always fun, so...

Me first:

My home defense weapon of choice -- though I own quite a few handguns and long arms, as everybody might have guessed by now -- is a Sig P220 in .45 ACP.

This is by design, conscious consideration and choice. I live in Silicon Vally, a suburban area of Northern California where the housing is tract housing and where, due to construction trends and earthquake realities, penetration is a serious issue -- hence my M-19, among others, is not a terrific option, given the way houses are built and the comparative close proximity of neighbors in the event of any errant round.

But the Sig in .45 ACP is just the ticket. It provides a foolproof and failure-proof arm with adequate fire power combined with a heavy slug with proven energy and stopping power at moderate velocities. I hope never to have to use it in a threatening situation, obviously; but if such arises, it will do the trick without the distance/penetration downside of a high-velocity magnum round.

A revolver in .38 spcl, or especially .44 spcl or .45 Long Colt also would fill the bill, and has in years past. As noted above, I am partial to a fat, heavy, moderate velocity slug with proven stopping power for self-defense. But the Sig, with its edge in firepower and all-circumstances tritium sights, clearly has the edge for me. I also practice regularly with this arm, of course.

And now let's hear from the rest of you!

Bill

[David Lapell]

It depends on my mood. I only have one neighbor, about 300 yards away, no one else for about a mile. I keep a revolver handy, whether it is a .38, .357, or my .41 Magnum with light loads. In a rifle I picked up a Marlin 1894 in .44 Magnum that I plan on keeping stoked with .44 Specials. I do have my eye on an Ithaca M66 Supersingle in 12 gauge that is begging to have the barrel chopped to 20 inches (has the rifle sights too)

[Pale Horse]

The only two weapons that I bought for the sole reason for home defense are my two .357 magnums. A M66-2, and my Ruger SP-101 (Which ended up doubling as my summer carry piece). My wife is not remotely interested in guns and would refuse to practice with a gun.. I chose revolvers because of this, I didn't want her fumbling with slides, safeties, etc if she refuses to practice with them

[Bob K]

I rely on two .38 Spl's......the M-67 4" ( for woods carry and bedside protection), and my CCW M-36 is kept a drawer in the living room. Works for me! Both are loaded with 125 gr. +P .38's. Bob

[Jim]

Most of the time it would be the handgun I'm carrying that day. Inside my home it's usually within arms reach. . On the plus side. I can get at sawed off shotguns or tricked out black rifles pretty quick, those will do the job. Hope I never have to use them but if the need arises. I'm able to protect my loved ones.


Many years ago I did have an intruder come into my home. As luck would have it I was in the middle of packing for a deer hunting trip. I had a Winchester model 94 as a back up rifle. She was laying on the living room floor ready to go into the rifle case. Lucky for me, I had several rounds in the tube. I was checking the operation prior to leaving that's when the guy came in.

When I greeted the burglar with that 94. He sure had a dumb look on his face. At the time I was young and just gave the guy a pass and told him to get the F out and don't come back. And if he did the next time I'm not going to be so generous. At the time while I was packing up. I had several beers. I did not want to get involved with the local Leo's, while I was half in the bag. So I gave the guy a pass.

[willie]

Damn; I liked Jim’s tale though I should have marked the guy in a manner that he would not forget!

I, like Bill, prefer the .45acp round in full moon clips in a 6" #25. The clip in the cylinder is loaded with Glazers, and a backup with CorBon hollow points. I think Glazers are a good compromise because they shed energy so rapidly and so much damage at close renge. I have shot wax blocks with both Glazers and hollow points, and the damage is amazing!

Willie

[mmitch]

Bill,

Bedside, my carry du jour, usully a Glock 29 or my truck gun, an XD-9.
Near bedside, this:



Mossberg 500, 7+1, slug and double ought. The rail sometimes sports a small-tube red-dot sight.

Mike

[Charlie]

My home defense guns are the usually the same ones I use for carry. A Colt Defender (.45 ACP), S&W 640 (.357 or .38 Spl.) or a Glock 23 in .40 cal. Very familiar with them, always know where they are, and they are always loaded.

[shortranger]

When they're finished with an intruder, I just use whatever I happen to be carrying...or a bucket and mop - whichever is appropriate.

David

[xtimberman]

xtm