For the Firearms guys

cptspeed

edit- based on that you want it for only home defense, a shotgun is very hard to beat. Everyone knows the sound of a ratcheting shotgun. I hear that sound, I'm Hittin the deck!

Lug

yup...

This 'el getter done!

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SmoothZ

Looks a lot like my shotgun, but mine's a Remington 870 that I bought from the state police. They were cleaning out their closet....lol

speedoflife

I wouldn't start with a .22. That's a little bit weak. At least try a .38 or a 9mm first, preferably a reliable, comfortable gun. For home protection, however, I would personally recommend a 12 gauge, but that's just me. If you are at the point where you are desperate enough to aim a loaded weapon at someone with possible intention to shoot, you want to GET THE JOB DONE right the first time (shot).

Division

I should have clarified - we're interested in a gun for home defense - but not before both of us are comfortable. I think we'll take a trip to the local range this weekend and see how friendly the staff is and go from there.

PyroCustoms

Remington 870....best home defense gun...anyone can use it, it's pretty much newbie proof...so long they understand it's a pump and not a semi auto.

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Pushing_Tin

If you are looking at home defense only a shotgun is the way to go. If you want a pistol the smallest that I would have is a 9mm. I have two S&W M&Ps and love them.

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molamann

lol, any experience with the H&K USP's?

SmoothZ

I shot about a hundred or so rounds through it a few years ago. I liked it. Pretty easy gun to handle and not as wild and bucky like the Sig. I think my Sigs will be phased out for the H&K, but that'll be a while yet.

axio

I do. I have the full size USP in .45 caliber. I love that gun. It's not the prettiest gun though, but whatever gets the job done...

I've probably shot over two thousand rounds through it and I haven't had any issues with it. The recoil of the .45 on the HK full size isn't very bad at all.

Sigs are good guns too. My sister and another friend have a P226 (i think) in .40 caliber that shoots very smoothly.

You can't really go wrong with a Sig or an HK, but if you're on a budget, you can also look at the Springfield XD. I've shot them once at a range and I thought they were just ok. Nothing to write home about, but for the price, they get the job done and they get great reviews.

Shotgun also works. I prefer to leave the stock on it though. Shotgun is cheap and effective...

I also would not buy a .22 for your purpose for the reasons everyone already stated.

Gaiiden

No one has mentioned the fact that while a .22 has less stopping power, a 9mm or higher will punch through walls and easily kill anyone in the vicinity if you happen to take a crazy shot and miss the perp before hitting him/her. Do you have any children in the house? Are you in an apartment complex or have neighbors nearby? If so I would recommend just a shotgun, as that is strictly a close-range weapon that won't cause too much collateral damage outside of the immediate room you are in.

Furthermore, saying that a .22 will only piss someone off is a bit of Hollywood if you ask me. Given that the majority of crooks are just normal people down on their luck an desperate (not career criminals) anyone getting shot with anything would be enough to incapacitate them.

Finally, if you're going to shoot someone in your house or on your property, make sure you kill them. I know it sounds harsh but really there should be no reason to shoot someone unless your own life is in mortal peril (i.e. s/he also has a gun or other deadly weapon with imminent threat to use it). If they're still alive when the police recover them they could potentially sue you for damages, and you would have to then prove that you were within rights to shoot them. It's just additional legal stuff to deal with. Note too that even if they're dead the cops can bring charges against you as well if they suspect the shooting was more than just self-defense.

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SigPapa226

A 22 is for practice. Only a "super ninja" can guarantee stopping anyone with a 22. Stopping power is why they developed the 45 Cal; but it is harder to handle.

For a novice the best choice is a shotgun. Its easy to use and hard to miss at short range. If a handgun is desired - go with a higher caliber. My choice is 357 or 40 S&W. Sig Sauer P226 has interchangeable barrels (9mm, 357 or 40 S&W). Mine is 40 S&W.

Use self defense ammo like Corbon jacketed hollow point. It will stop a person, but stopped by walls.

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bullitt5897

I still stand by the statement of "A .22 will just piss a criminal off"

Gaiiden have you ever been shot with anything? (rubber bullets, paintballs over 300fps, bb or pellet guns)

They hurt like hell but for the most part it just pisses you off if your intent is to rob or kill someone it will not deter the offender and in fact may infuriate the situation... Now I have both a handgun (H&K 45) and rifle (16" POF 6.8spc M4) both with night capable sights. I personally rather use my AR than my pistol mainly for the fact that I can do this with my AR at 25yds rapid fire in a unsupported standing position in 5 secs:
(2 clips= 1x10rd & 1x 30rd) a total of 21 shots fired & 1 reload


20/21 hit perfectly with one stray
full size of target:


The head measures from chin to top of skull 8" and I find hitting targets with the AR much easier than the pistol but then again I shoot alot more with the AR than the pistol... *I am also Ironing out some bad habits with the pistol too* keep this in mind no matter what you use for home defense make sure it is something that you are accurate with!!!

I practice 3 taps when I go to the range 2 to the chest 1 to the skull. That isnt the hard part. the hard part is getting to the point where you are hitting within an inch of your previous shots. Also remember you want to stay low and behind cover at all times when approaching a burgler or offender. For my tower matches we practice both strong hand and weak hand shooting...cause you never know when you will need to shoot lefty...

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Matt

I got a S&W M&P .45 last year and my GF, who has never fired a weapon, fires it just fine at the range. I thought about the 9mm, but if my GF gets only 1 or 2 shots off on a perp, I want them to count.

I absolutely love my .45.

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PyroCustoms

Yes 22s have less stopping power and unless used properly, will generally just piss someone off, although a 22 mag would ******* hurt. a 22 long rifle, unless placed properly will not stop someone in their tracks and most who are down on their luck and breaking into a house are probably so full of adrenaline, they won't notice right away...

the 22 caliber bullet has been used though the years by assassins world wide, but at close range (point blank).

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I'll figure something out later.
Who are you? where am I? Stop! I need an adult!
The feathers in the rear are softer than you think.