[alcoulter]

Which do think is better to have next to you at night for home protection. A low capacity .45 auto (Springfield XDS 5+1) or a high capacity .9mm (Taurus 24/7 Pro 17+1)? Your thoughts are appreciated.

[gunlinn]

I know it won't fit in the night stand,,,, but always been a fan of a shotgun for home defense. But choosing from your question I go with the 9 mm. I like the idea of having more rounds in a low light situation, bettering your chances of impacting the target....

[MisterMcCool]

It is better to have more opportunities in a crisis.

[jjfuller1]

for home protection where concealment is not a concern, the firearm with which one uses should not be based on caliber,size, or ammunition capacity. but IMHO that you should use whatever firearm you are most comfortable with, and that you can place the most rounds on target. regardless if thats a pistol, shotty or AR15. but, going back to your two choices, go with the 9mm.

[axxe55]

i would have to also agree with the shotgun being the best choice, but of the two pistols listed, which one are you more comfortable and more familiar with? magazine capacity and caliber size are irrelevent if you can't operate the pistol in the dark, under less than ideal conditions. simpler is much better.

[HockaLouis]

A good .38 revolver. Smaller 9mm. They're all good but the .45 is not my HD preference. Mine has been a 9mm-Makarov-chambered 8+1 Makarov or 6+1 P-64 after I put the 5-shot S&W in the safe.

[alcoulter]

Thanks for the responses, I like the point of having more opportunities in the dark. I guess 17 rounds and hitting half of the shots in the dark is better than 100% of the shots with a 6 round .45.

[drvsafe]

A compact or full size 9mm is good for HD, nice capacity and not too heavy that its tough to wield. But you would really need the right ammo for HD with a 9mm. FMJ is not the best although you CAN make it work but a good PD round is always better.

[limbkiller]

A shotgun is the best under most situations. I keep 2 Colt 1911's, a Browning HD shotgun with buckshot and an AR 15 with 52gr HP's. Of your choices 9mm for sure.

[HockaLouis]

Originally Posted by alcoulter

Thanks for the responses, I like the point of having more opportunities in the dark. I guess 17 rounds and hitting half of the shots in the dark is better than 100% of the shots with a 6 round .45.

When u say 100% of the .45 shots do you mean they are hitting or missing? If hitting, I disagree completely. If missing, I would not want stray .45's sailing around...