[ScottA]

Originally Posted by TheGunNovice

Thank you I will take all of the advice given and try to find a range that rents in the area. See if we can find a handgun that fits the both of our hands. The 12 gauge on the other hand. I' ve never shot one but my wife shot her fathers about 10years ago and it knocked her on her ass, kind of funny at the time, Don't know much about shell loads. I do know the 12 gauge scares the crap out of her now as a result. Got to admit kind of scared me too. I should have shot it at the time, didn't want to make a fool of myself after that though. Again I appreciate all of the advice.

Yep, that happens. It often depends on what is loaded in the shotgun. If her father had a hot load in the gun, it would kick like a mule.

[Rick1967]

Whatever you get learn proper use of it. Going to the range is great. But nothing beats a good class. If you dont have the money for a class another option is to go to a shooting event. Go to idpa.com. You can find a local club. We shoot once a month. There is always a safety briefing first. And a much more indepth one for first timers. Whenever we have a new shooter join in we only charge them $10 instead of $20. And we are much more leanient on the rules. We just help them to learn about safe handling. And there are always a bunch of very knowledgable people there.

[eborden1122]

Originally Posted by TheGunNovice

I have never owned a gun. I was in the Navy 25 years ago, we fired the 1911 in boot camp as I remember I did not do really well with it. My wife has no experience with firearms either. The people who live in and around our community are and have been getting robbed and beaten at gun point for nearly a year now. My wife and I have decided to be proactive and protect ourselves. I have done some research and have talked to some people and have decided on a mossberg 20 cal pump action shotgun and a Springfield arms XD9. Unless, someone with more experience than me can give me a better option for my wife and I. Moving to another neighborhood is not an option for us. Thank You very much to anyone who takes the time to help us.

I think you have picked two good weapons that will defend you, your wife and house nicely. As with some other posters as far as ammunition I too would go with buckshot for the shotgun and Hornadys Critical Defense. Good luck, Ed

[vincent]

Good for you!!! Proactive is much better than reactive...

You're on the right path, the guys gave you some great advice...

Be interested in seeing what you chose and how the training is going, be sure to check back with us!!

Good luck and stay safe!

[DrumJunkie]

Originally Posted by TheGunNovice

Thank you I will take all of the advice given and try to find a range that rents in the area. See if we can find a handgun that fits the both of our hands. The 12 gauge on the other hand. I' ve never shot one but my wife shot her fathers about 10years ago and it knocked her on her ass, kind of funny at the time, Don't know much about shell loads. I do know the 12 gauge scares the crap out of her now as a result. Got to admit kind of scared me too. I should have shot it at the time, didn't want to make a fool of myself after that though. Again I appreciate all of the advice.

Well if you are not comfortable wit ha 12 gauge then don't get one. The 20 will do fine with the right loads. I will say a 12 is easy to manage with the right loads too. But you adn your wife have to be comfortable with your choices. What I like and have is if no use to you. And if you are apprehensive of things like recoil then accuracy will be lost to say the least. I have a fathe i nlaw that turkey hunts with a youth model 20 ga. Always tags out and the thing has amazing range. It's lighter and shorter so it's easier to carry in the woods. It gets the desired results so it must have been a good choice. I'd love to say I fired my shotgun 8 times in 4 years and brought home 8 birds. A target is a target. You have to hit it to get any results. And being 100% comfortable with your firearm(s) is the most important step.

[danf_fl]

There also seems to be sufficient ammo available for the .38 Special.

[Tackleberry1]

Originally Posted by c3shooter

As said, good choices. For the shotgun, the mistake that many new shooters make- fearing the shotgun, it is held in a...... gingerly manner. When fired, the gun is able to move freely before it is stopped by your shoulder- and it picked up speed and slapped the poopy out of you.

Shotguns (and rifles) should be pulled FIRMLY into the pocket of the shoulder. When there is not free movement, it turns into more of a push than a collision. My 16 yr old granddaughter shoots a 20. DO NOT go get a Ramboed pistol grip only tacticool shotgun.

Whatever you buy, get some GOOD instruction, and practice practice practice.

PS- birdshot for birds. Buckshot for larger critters.

Bingo...

Training, training, training...because knowing how to load and fire a gun does not equate to knowing how to fight with one.

Tack

[BeyondTheBox]

Robbed and beaten at gun point? Yikes!

In Home invasions then?

2 shotguns, a 20ga for her & 12ga for you. 1 or 2 handguns, I'd suggest 2 so you can each have one you shoot well. Something small, 380 or 9mm, for her and 45 for you.

I guess a thing to think about would be how many attackers has there been in these incidents around your neighborhood. Because I'd want to be sure each possible victim is covered incase they somehow got separated.

[Dearhunter]

As on sailor myself, who put in 20 years and retired, I say you have made a couple of good choices. I have Mossberg 20 under or bed on my side. Wife has a .38 on her side.
Just get out and practice, practice and practice.

[Overkill0084]

Your firearm choices seem pretty reasonable to me.

http://www.nrainstructors.org/searchcourse.aspx

Seek out Basic Pistol & Basic Shotgun. Proper training is imperative.