Shotguns?

[Chinniechantel]

So, after getting a creepy call at work and my husband going out of town soon, I am getting myself a shotgun. I remember an old thread on CnQ with Hedgemom, and she talked about having a shotgun, and if someone heard that "chuck chuck" sound in the dark, they would run and you would not even have to shoot them! I liked that, and now just feel like I should have one, just in case. Plus it is easier to hit them with a shotgun!

What should I buy? We have a gun range right here so I can go learn how to shoot, and think that will be really fun. They even have ladies night! So, suggestions would be great, I don't want to spend a lot of money, but obviously want something safe and easy to use. I know nothing about them, and they kind of scare me, but I think it is time. Thank you!

 

[Lmbswimmer]

I would first go down to the gun shop and talk with a professional. You don't want anything that you can't shoot. See if they have some guns you can take a few lessons on without buying. A 12 gauge has a lot of kick if you are not used to it. I keep a 28 gauge around. It is considered a "kids" gun, it was my mom's for skeet shooting. Has half the kick of a 12 gauge, pretty much you can only get birdshot for it. Probably won't kill someone unless you are at point blank range, but it would definitely be a wake up call, and looks almost exactly like a 12 gauge. Personally when I can afford to purchase a few more guns I will have a 12 gauge, and I will have a few smaller handguns. I will have at least a 45. I will also be purchasing a gun cabinent before any of those are bought.

Quite a few accidental shootings occur every year because someone keeps a loaded firearm in their bedroom - they end up firing it before being fully awake. You should have a gun safe near your bed and an easy combo - the act of getting up to get it should be enough time to fully wake and become concious to what is going on. Gun ownership is serious. My 28 is not loaded, I keep the bullets on the opposite side of the bed (not saying where exactly), this way I have to conciously get up, get the gun, get the bullets, then load the gun prior to use. I also have 2 70 lbs early warning signs (malinois and boxer).

My dad keeps a 22 near his side of the bed, but it is an old fashion revolver, so he keeps the rod out, you have to know how to assemble the gun prior to shooting it, this again gives a person time to wake up, and unless someone knows how to assemble the gun they won't accidentally fire it.

If the gun shop doesn't give classes, they probably can refer you to someone who can, this person will then help you choose a firearm best suited for your circumstances.

 

[addictedtochins]

Here is the shotgun Hedgemom was talking about, the Mossberg 500 12 gauge shotgun. We have one too. http://www.mossberg.com/products/default.asp?id=3#
They will not let us shoot this at the local shooting range because they spray shotgun pellets everywhere, unlike a pistol where the ammo slug just slams into the backdrop and the end of the shooting range. But it is probably the best for home defence. I would not use a .22 or anything small, if I have to use it it would be to kill not anger them with a nasty wound. If they are hopped up on drugs they likely will totally ignore a hit from a small caliber weapon.

 

[3CsMommy]

My father's preference for home defense was his old service revolver, but he's got some *ahem* "Redneck" tendencies and would enjoy taking a robber/drug addict out of the gene pool.

You should definitely talk to someone who works with firearms professionally. In fact, talk to several of them. You'll get different opinions from everyone. (For example, I'm more partial to a rifle, just b/c I had a much better learning experience with it than with the 12 gauge that bruised the hell out of my ****, shoulder and chin at the ripe old age of 14. Yes, it's an all or nothing shot like a hand gun, but I would rather shoot to scare and have to re-plaster my ceiling than kill someone if I don't have to.)

That said, the best defense is a good offense. Do you have a security system, outdoor lighting, etc.? There's an interesting show on the Discovery Channel called "It Takes a Thief" in which 2 former professional burglars show homeowners how easy it is for even "secure" homes to be robbed, and then outfit the house with a security system, document/valuables safe, and other protection devices. It's a real eye opener.

 

[Sandi]

You guys are bada**es! And I mean that in a good way.

 

[Aneesa's Muse]

I have a Mossberg 5** series, as well. It's a 12 guage.

I can vouch for the sound of the rack engaging ..making someone's ..uhh... it will make a certain part of your anatomy "pucker" with fear.. yes!

It does have a substantial "kick", though ..and it would be a good idea to fire one a few times ..just to learn how to compensate for that "kick" ...or to find an appropriate gun for your particular stature.

I grew up shooting rifles ..my first was a 410, when I was 10'ish ..and even that thing would knock me down ..until I learned how to compensate. It can be done.

Good for you! I wish more people would utilize their right to defend themselves.

 

[Spoof]

You've already mentioned going to a firing range, go talk with them first. Few allow shotguns due to the spray they cause but people there can suggest a good scary protection gun. If you do go with a shotgun, find a farmer with a barn full of pigeons and have at it! It's good fun.

The good is that you'll likely never kill someone like mentioned above, they're scary - the bad is that you'd better hope you don't have any buddies near the target or they'll all get peppered. They're not a terribly accurate weapon. Shot is a ***** to pick out of your walls/sink drain/disposal so don't aim even remotely towards the house.

I prefer bullet guns, if it comes down to me or them it's them. End of story. However, shooting people makes a bloody mess, if you're really worried about self defense take a class. Learn to use everyday objects in the room as weapons, if you're worried about "scaring people off" - they ain't gonna hear the "click click" sound through your door in modern houses - get motion lights.

Like addictedtochins mentioned, if you get into a scuffle with a heavy drunk/druggie, you've got to take them out, not piss them off.

Have fun!! )

 

[Rickman]

One of my pit bulls is about 80 lbs. and doesn't bark - just kinda waits to see who comes in, to greet them face to face, as he stands on his hind legs!
Don't want think what'll happen if said person has nasty on their mind!
Chantel, I heard a sign saying "CAUTION - SNAKE PATROLLED" deters a lot of problems down there, especially since they determined there's 150,000 Burmese Pythons in the Everglades, ranging up to 15 feet long!! Weight about 200 lbs!!
You're not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy!!

 

[Lmbswimmer]

Some shotguns you can get slugs for. Up here we have a lot of gravel pits, and with written landowner permission they make awesome places to practice. I am partial to riffles, just don't own any. I do not believe in shooting to wound -they can still react. If my weapon is being drawn then it will be shoot to kill. I have seen too many vidoes during trainings of what happens when someone is a poor shot. Oh and when shooting on the range if your accuracy is 80% divide that in half for an actual event. So your accuracy will most likely drop to 40%.

 

[Chinniechantel]

Thank you so much for all the help, maybe I do want a gun to kill. I live in a gated community, gaurded and everything, but still worry. Rick- I read about the pythons and that is really scary. Good thing I don't venture past the east coast hardly ever! Icky mucky everglades are not my idea of a good time. Anything that can eat a gator- I will stay far away from thank you!

So there are no shotguns that will seriously injure or kill? That most likely isn't the best, because I am more scared about the drugged out crazies than anything- they seem to be multiplying by the day with this crappy economy.

And yes- you girls are bad*** in a very good way!

 

[susansheila]

Wow, am I behind. I was thinking of getting a permit for pepper spray. illowfight:

 

[jags]

Any gun can kill! Its all a matter of where you aim and how far away they are. Hopefully you never have the need to use it, but if you have it make sure you are comfortable using it so it does not end up being used against you.

 

[EveningChin]

We had a break in about a year ago. One of my roommate (he no longer lives with us) left the side door unlocked. Around three am I here the side door open and a minute later I here Billy yelling something about sharp swords and knowing out to use them. (He is actually very good and his sword collection is vast and sharp) I dialed 911 and grabbed my M1 Carbine (Its a rifle), When I engaged it at the top of the stairs everybody downstairs got very quiet. Very movie-esque as I flipped on the light and said our address to the police.

I have three rifles and a Bow because i hunt. The Carbine is actually from World War 2 and is the lightest thats why I keep it in my room. But although the rifle was handy because it scared the bejeesus out of the guys it would have been alot nicer to just have had the door locked. The best way is to have good locks and other deterents.

I lived in LA for three months and all the girls I knew would go to the shooting range and then hang their targets in their windows. It basically told potential intruders that you have a gun and you know how to use it.

You said you lived in a gated community, I would just make sure your doors are locked. Sounds like your in a safe place.

 

[addictedtochins]

My son really knows all about guns and I told him about this post and he has offered to comment to you about them, here's Jeremy;
If you can handle the recoil get a mossberg 500 home security in 12 gauge. Also dont believe the scatter gun myth. At a range of about ten yards a the shot will still only have a diameter of about 3 or four inches so it is still very easy to miss. A good technique when loading is to make your first shot be bird shot and if the guy is just some thug that will stop him right there. Then load the rest with .30 cal buckshot and if he is drunk or something this will stop him in his tracks. If you decide not to get a shotgun and get a handgun instead use a taurus judge. This cool gun can fire .410 shotgun rounds or .45 colt. As for rifles they are an absolute no no. A high power rifle will go through the bad guy and have enough energy to pass straight through your house and possibly kill somebody in the next house. The same goes for shotgun slugs with the exception of the .410 since it is not as powerful. I hope this will help you and I am glad you refuse to be a victim.

 

[Chinniechantel]

Thank you so much Addictedtochins and Jeremy that was very helpful. I think the taurus judge sounds really good, and it would be nice to be able to get used to MY gun and not some borrowed gun from the gun range. Thank you again, now I can go to a shop and not feel like a complete idiot!

Jeremy- (if he comes back!) I am finding a bunch of Taurus Judge handguns, what number is the best? Thank you so much!

 

[6Dusters]

Need back up? :hilarious: I don't have a shot gun so I can't help you there. I keep a Glock 9mm and of course my rifle I could not live without!! Weapons work pretty much the same. They all have a different safety. Handguns will have a safety you turn on/off....... or a two stage trigger pull like the Glock. You pull the trigger and feel two stages. There is no on/off. The second trigger pull is fire. Modern shot guns have a safety. I don't like the shot guns because they beat the crap out of me. However I wouldn't use my rifle in the house. The rounds have a great chance of running through the body, through my walls and into the neighbors house. Thus my choice is the handgun.

 

[InkedupTara]

My only advice, and this was advice given to me awhile back, If you get a gun, make sure you are willing to use it, otherwise the "would be attacker" will take it and it will be used against you.

if you are unsure about being able to pull the trigger when someone's life is on the line, do not get it. The sound enough, where I live, of a gun being readied, would NOT even remotely scare someone off in this town......so Be prepared to use it if you own it. Not just to have it to scare them with the threat of it.

 

[Chinniechantel]

If it ever came to me or them I wouldn't think twice about it, and since I live in FL I can pretty much shoot anyone that comes on my land. Not that I would, but you know what I mean. I am now thinking a handgun would be great- I looked at videos of the taurus judge and it looks pretty perfect for what I want. I am a small girl and don't know if I will be able to handle the kick back very well of a shotgun. I think speaking with an employee of a gun shop is a great idea and I will be doing that soon. Thanks so much you guys are the best!

 

[Tiatrack]

I have a general question about gun ownership that I'll never understand. People know not to keep a loaded weapon in their home, since curious children can find it and get hurt. I always hear people say "I NEVER keep my gun loaded, and the bullets are in XYZ place" (usually a locked cabinet or the other end of the house).

So what is the point of the gun? Do you think an intruder is going to listen when you say "hold on a minute, I have to unlock the safe to get my bullets so I can shoot you"? Even if your safe was nearby, have you ever had to unlock a safe in a stressful situation? I've known several people, including myself, that had trouble dialing 911 in the middle of a very scary situation.

Clearly I'm one of those people that doesn't understand owing a gun for protection. You're just as likely to hurt yourself or someone you love than actually protect yourself in the rare chance a burglar gets in your house. I personally think people are better off taking a safety/self defense course, getting an alarm system with an emergency button, and locking doors/windows. Just my 2 cents.

 

[6Dusters]

We have our handguns loaded in the house with children. However they are in a Cannon combination safe. You press the buttons and the safe opens. Was meant to be a safe way to arm yourself in the dark without having to turn on a light. We also attended a class and have a family plan in the event someone breaks in the house. You DON'T go looking for them. You lock up in a safe room and call the police. However you will be "armed to the teeth" so to speak. I keep my handgun downstairs with me during the day with no children around. And I don't have a problem opening the door with a holster and a loaded handgun. I will agree with the statement about using it. If you won't shoot someone to defend your life.....whats the point? And there are alot of people out there that are smart enough NOT to have them.
One last thing about the alarm system and you being home....the class was taught by a cop who said it can take up to 13 minutes for the police to reach your home. And in the state of Virginia ( at the time I took the class ) said that 3/4 of all crimes committed against women will involve two men. That lead me to opt for the concealed weapons permit for the public.