Another Gun Thread: Question Inside

[Young Gun]

So within the past few weeks there have been a number of break-ins around the neighborhood. Only cars really but none the less it is not very comforting. I am heading off to college in a few weeks, and my brother returns to school before me. My dad also travels around the world for most of the week, and that leaves my mom with my little brother at home. What it comes to is that we want to get my Mom a handgun. Hopefully she will never need to use it, but it would make my brother, Dad, and myself worry less about her being all alone. My question is, what type of handgun would you recommend? Do any of your wives/ girl friends have a handgun? My mom is a pretty small woman, she is about 5'5", 5'6" (okay well that's small compared to my brother 6'4" and myself 6'3" 210lbs). I was thinking of something like the Kel-Tec P3AT, never shot one myself but with a 5lb trigger its pretty light, I will shoot one before, as will my mom obviously, but does anybody think it is worth the time to shoot?

Thanks for any input you may have. I really do appreciate it!

Colin

[cheapthrillz]

i've heard that the muzzle flip on the p3-at is very harsh.... are you looking for something to keep in the car or in the house?

If house is the answer, then a shotgun is your best bet... Don't have to worry about aiming, and if an intruder even hears the rack of a shotgun, they will turn the other direction.

I would go to Wal-mart and buy a mossberg 20ga pump... you'll pay less than a ****ty kel-tec (about $100 less) and be much more effective...

Anybody you ask will tell you that a shotgun is the ultimate in home defense...

If you are dead set on a small handgun, then you will have to pay some big money to get a gun that wont stovepipe or hang up, because most people don't know how to react in that situation...

[megaladon6]

i second the shotgun for home defense. a handgun is more a personal defense weapon, and it takes a lot more knowledge/training/technique to use it correctly. plus a shotgun is a hell of a lot scarier which will help keep your mom from actually having to use it.

[MrQuick]

Shotgun here. Can't beat the price for a Mossberg. Plus you can get bean bag shells in your state. At least I think you can.

But with mom weilding it? Maybe the KT isn't bad at all. 3" 12ga shells + 5'5" mom + kick = potential holes in ceiling.

[muthstryker]

Hey colin, Nothing beats the sound of a shot gun rackin...remington 870/winchester 1700 home defender.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

But I like my AR15, shorter then most homedefender shot guns i can move through the house much faster..

[edog1]

I vote for a short barreled shotgun with a flash light attached for home defense. You can use a light loads to reduce chance of shooting through walls. More importantly whatever firearm you choose have everyone become proficient with the firearm.

[muthstryker]

If your looking for a small hand gun, check out the springfield XDs in sub-compacts i belive they have a .40 s&w as well as the 9mm. i have one and love mine, recoil is nothing. the gun just feels natural..

[muthstryker]

ooo edog, plus a shot gun with a light with blind an intrudder since they more then likely will be coming in at night.. surefire makes a bad shot gun light.

[Young Gun]

Shotgun here. Can't beat the price for a Mossberg. Plus you can get bean bag shells in your state. At least I think you can.

But with mom weilding it? Maybe the KT isn't bad at all. 3" 12ga shells + 5'5" mom + kick = potential holes in ceiling.

We have shotguns, for hunting but she does not really like the idea, mostly cause a 12 ga is a bit more kick than she is looking for. Granted my mom used to be one hell of a shot with a rifle, made me look like a punk! But she hasnt gone shooting in a while. The pistol is something she can have on the nightstand or in the drawer that she can grab quickly, she doesnt like the idea of the shotgun simply leaning against the bed. thanks for the imput so far though guys!

[Young Gun]

Hey colin, Nothing beats the sound of a shot gun rackin...remington 870/winchester 1700 home defender.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

But I like my AR15, shorter then most homedefender shot guns i can move through the house much faster..


hahaha i showed her that shotgun earlier...i was trying to convince her to consider it...I wouldnt mind getting my hands on one myself...I am gonna try and hit up the range soon and get a feel for some hand guns...I normally just shoot rifles and shotguns, never shot too many pistols so I am really just learning about them and walking in the dark!

[muthstryker]

colin, go big or go home. get a benilli M4 you wont regret it :)

[Young Gun]

colin, go big or go home. get a benilli M4 you wont regret it :)

I was just on impactguns.com looking at those hahah, I dig the remington 870 though, nickle plated marine ones look nice...wouldnt mind one of those in the closet haha, the shotguns are too big for my mom though... i may take her out this weekend and go shoot some to see what she likes

[MrQuick]

yeah, I guess I can't see a little woman holding a shotgun either....well there are exceptions.... https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

what?!? at least she's in a bikini??? :screwy:

[muthstryker]

thank you vince made my night :D

[MrQuick]

LOL, no problem..but right click and save cause it will go bye bye soon.


Colin, get your mom one of these... http://youtube.com/watch?v=B2DlWzJm8DY&feature=related so tempting.

[ZoomieFoosh]

(double Post)

[ZoomieFoosh]

Honestly, I'd still try and convince your mom to go with a shotgun for several reasons.
First, when she's scared, since somone is in her house, she'll be jittery. She's not going to shoot well with a pistol being jittery. The shotgun prettymuch forces her to use both hands to keep it steady. Also with the shot pattern, she can get the general direction of the intruder correct and still get a good shot in, pistol requires you to be much more accurate
Second, when you shoot, you shoot to kill. You don't shoot to warn, maime, injure or any of that. If there is a need to employ a firearm is it because of the threat to your own life. Plus, dead people can't testify against you for shooting them in your house. A shotgun with Double-0 buckshot does a pretty good job of that. Don't buy the rubber shot, or bean bags, or any of that gimmick stuff. (A .45 does a good job of this too, but see argument #1)
Last, as was said before, anyone and everyone knows the sounds of a shotgun racking. If that doesn't mean business I don't know what does. Get a light too and if possible a laser. The light helps the shooter not only because you can now see in a dark house, but also that the intruder cannot see what is on the other end of the light. The laser also lets the intruder know right where the Double-0 is headed. Both aid in eliminating the "tough guy" syndrome of the intruder but not letting them know who is weilding the weapon (thinking that they could overpower your mom vs. overpower you) and informing them right where a shot will be placed...removes the guess work from them.
As for me, I have both a .45 and an 870...pick your poison. There is a reason why everyone from the USMC to your city's SWAT team uses shotguns for breaching and clearing.
Hope that helps some.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Michael got a Ruger LCP tonight. Seems to be the newest hottest carry gun out there. Hard little Sucker to find I tell ya. There is a 3 day waiting period in Florida for hand guns, so he has not shot it yet, but the salesmen said it has a nasty little kick. Lisa was looking too. He recomended the Kel-Tec 32 for a female. I looked at it, the Ruger looks a lot nicer, but the 32 looked like a good gun also and has good reviews.

Both are identical in size, the Kel Tec is possably a 1/8" thinner, 2 3/4 barrels, either drop in the pocket or purse just fine.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/54585-1.jpg
Ruger LCP

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/15204-1.jpg
Kel-Tec 32

[Restomod]

That lil 380 is cool!! I wish Glock would sell their 380 here! She would way better off with a small pistol like these than a shot gun....

[69Pony]

My backup weapon to my H&K .45 is a Browning .380. A great little gun that still holds 13+1. Though a lot less muzzle flip, the .380 does hurt the hand a bit. Not as much frame to absorb the pounding. I upped the spring rate to 105% and have never stovepiped. For those looking for a great service weapon - you can not beat the H&K USP .45

I also have a M4 - nasty beast.... Scary just to look at but don't get the faux folding stock model - gay IMO....

[cheapthrillz]

Shotgun Shotgun Shotgun!

[cheapthrillz]

Shotgun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dogtag]

Recoil Compensator? I should hope so.......

No matter, I want one.

DT

http://airbornecombatengineer.typepad.com/airborne_combat_engineer/2005/01/the_thunder_50_.html

[Samckitt]

Michael got a Ruger LCP tonight. Seems to be the newest hottest carry gun out there. Hard little Sucker to find I tell ya. There is a 3 day waiting period in Florida for hand guns, so he has not shot it yet, but the salesmen said it has a nasty little kick. Lisa was looking too. He recomended the Kel-Tec 32 for a female. I looked at it, the Ruger looks a lot nicer, but the 32 looked like a good gun also and has good reviews.

Both are identical in size, the Kel Tec is possably a 1/8" thinner, 2 3/4 barrels, either drop in the pocket or purse just fine.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/54585-1.jpg
Ruger LCP

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/15204-1.jpg
Kel-Tec 32

Hey Frank, forgot to tell you, a few weeks ago when I went to Chicago I stopped by the Cabelas store in Hammond, IN & came home with this in .45 cal:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/custom/custom_II/
PS. Hope you are staying dry down there.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Very nice. Took the little 380 out and it does indeed have some kick. Like holding a rabid chihuahua! The kid is quite a good shot with that little gun though. He is getting a little collection going. Next time down bring your toys with you and we will go to the range. Best one in Central Florida is walking distance from the shop.

[Samckitt]

Very nice. Took the little 380 out and it does indeed have some kick. Like holding a rabid chihuahua! The kid is quite a good shot with that little gun though. He is getting a little collection going. Next time down bring your toys with you and we will go to the range. Best one in Central Florida is walking distance from the shop.

I could get addicted to buying pistols. Got my eye on another one now. My problem is the ones I have my eyes on are over $1000. I'de love to bring it with me & go shoot with you but I don't know how I would get it on the plane..... ? Guess I will have to drive....:crying:

[ProdigyCustoms]

They can go in your checked luggage.

[Samckitt]

They can go in your checked luggage.
Really? I'm calling you if I end up in jail.....

[T-CHRGD]

If you are still looking, look at a Taurus 410 "the Judge"
Best of both worlds - .410 (shotgun) REVOLVER :eek:

[41565 chevelle]

My vote for dear old mom is small frame revolver. My wife has her concealed carry and shots both semi-auto and revolver. She prefers the revolver much more. A few things to think about. It's not what YOU will be shooting, it's your mom and her gun. It is what fits her and what she is comfortable with. It is just as concealable as the semi and no issues with function. Cant jam it, wont stovepipe, mag wont fall out or get disengaged. No safety to deal with ot decocking lever to fumble with.

Not nearly as cumbersome as a shotgun but lacks the sound effects. You can had aftermarket "crimson trace" laser grips to it and up the intimidation factor and throw in a bitchen bright surefire light and you have a solid, functional, no issue personal defense gun when none of the boys are around. Some mild 38 loads that she wont be afraid to shoot so she will be accurate if it is ever needed. Just my 2 cents.

[Shiro666]

A small frame revolver would be the way to go. Easy to shoot, operate and clean. Obvious if it is loaded, and will shoot every time you pull the trigger. Recoil is managable with .38 hollow points. The kel tec I find to be tough to operate.

[Hogshooter]

The Judge is a wicked piece it has a pretty good muzzle flip with the 410 shells, but is very effective. If mom aint skeerd I would get her one and load it with #4 shot and a couple of 45 long colts that would give somebody a belly ache.

[Texas 1972 Velle]

Get, her a glock model 26, in a 9mm! It is my backup weapon of choice! I am a girl and have small hands! I find glocks very easy to operate and control!

[chicane67]

First... for home defense, a 12G shotgun is all you should be considering... and I would be looking at semi-auto shotguns first. Not everyone can cycle a long gun and keep their head straight when looking down the barrel and dealing with adrenalin. My former girlfriend was 5'4" and a buck twelve... and she could wield my Benelli M3 around like no other... and shot high base out of it without one complaint.

If monnies are tight... a good used Police 'turn in' 12G 870 can be obtained for around $100-200 at the ole gun store.

Secondly... in consideration for any handgun, it is in your best interest not to own a sidearm that does not start with .4x or larger... (with the exception of some +P .357's.) Remember, the larger the number... the larger the hole... and the greater the muzzle energy.

I carry a Springfield Officer Compact .45... in shorts, a tee shirt and flip flops no less. If you are worried about recoil and muzzle lift... just drop in a 16 lb recoil spring and shoot 165gr projectiles out of it. Its something that you can do with a 1911 that you cannot do with just about all other handguns on the market. The 1911 is the small block of the handgun world... and anything is possible.

[Flyntrd]

Both the Kel Tec P3AT and the Ruer LCP are hard to control due to there small frame. I have a P3AT and there is a finger extension that you can put on the magazine that makes it much more controlable. I would take a look at some of the compact 9mm. That is what I sell a lot of well that and AR15 . (I am a licenced firearms dealer)

Casey

[WS6]

Since you guys already have shot guns, I say get bean bags for it. There's no/very little recoil. Bean bags will hurt like hell. For a dynamics project me and two other students did some testing with homemade ballistics gel. We calibrated it to the FBI standard and were very close. At 10 yards, the bean bags would knock the crap out of the gel which was easily 10 pounds. At 5 yards, it would penetrate. Getting hit with a bean bag at close range is no joke. They will not go through walls and possibly hurt your brother as a slug or any other metal shot can. If in doubt, have the second or third shot be a metal shot. The a$$hat gets one warning to turn and run, the next one goes through them.

[Hogshooter]

My firearms instructor told me that if the situation warrents the use of force, shoot to kill, dead robbers do not hire lawyers and take your house in court. Shotguns are the only home defense weapon, but they need to be short. the owner needs to train in the house as to not let the barrel go around the corners before they do cause it would suck to have your gun taken and used on you. The shooter also needs to be very familiar with clearing a possible jam.

[Young Gun]

Yup my mom has the shotgun slid under the bed...and now we are all out of the house...but its killing me not being able to go shooting up in illinois hahaha I need to find a shooting range up here!

[gordonquixote]

If your looking for a small hand gun, check out the springfield XDs in sub-compacts i belive they have a .40 s&w as well as the 9mm. i have one and love mine, recoil is nothing. the gun just feels natural..

No doubt, I have a .40 and love it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/DSC02412-1.jpg

[bwhinnen]

I'll be getting the XD equiv over here in the next 6 - 8 months (the HS Arms 2000). We can only go to a max of 9mm equiv though (so 9mm, 38 super, 357 etc)... Would have loved to have a 40 s&w in the XD.

[RAMKAT2]

Doesn't Remington make a 20 Ga. "Youth model" 870 or 1100 shotgun that has a shorter stock and barrel? Might work well for a small framed shooter like your mom, and a 20 Ga. will still do some serious damage to an intruder.