[hogger129]

Keep a .45 holstered up on the hip with a 12-gauge sitting close by. And a big bowie knife.

[GatorDude]

Handgun. You should be able to get a hit on a human-sized target from across a room. If you can't, a shotgun might not be a great idea either...

[WDB]

More questions than answers.
What is your experience with a shotgun or a pistol?
What firearms do you own or expect to own for HD?
How often do you shoot either?
Do you practice drills in your home?
Do you have a plan that you and your family undrstands?
What kind of security do you have at home (dead bolts, motions lights, alarm system)?
Do you own a dog?
If not have you considerred getting a dog?
What is the response time for local LEO?
Whats the crime rate in your area?

Lots of questions but they truly impact how you should think. The best defense is making your home less of a target, make the bad guy look for an easier home to hit. If that fails a solid plan needs to be in place and practiced by everyone that lives in the home. The final line of defense requires you to fully understand the above questions and to be able to react with the right force to keep you and yours safe. If I could honestly answer your question I'd be rich, there is no single answer to your question, just a lot of questions you need to consider.

Telling you what keeps me safe at home is like telling you what size pants to wear. It's all about what fits your life to keep you and yours safe.

[sausn2002]

Originally Posted by WDB

More questions than answers.
What is your experience with a shotgun or a pistol?
What firearms do you own or expect to own for HD?
How often do you shoot either?
Do you practice drills in your home?
Do you have a plan that you and your family undrstands?
What kind of security do you have at home (dead bolts, motions lights, alarm system)?
Do you own a dog?
If not have you considerred getting a dog?
What is the response time for local LEO?
Whats the crime rate in your area?

Lots of questions but they truly impact how you should think. The best defense is making your home less of a target, make the bad guy look for an easier home to hit. If that fails a solid plan needs to be in place and practiced by everyone that lives in the home. The final line of defense requires you to fully understand the above questions and to be able to react with the right force to keep you and yours safe. If I could honestly answer your question I'd be rich, there is no single answer to your question, just a lot of questions you need to consider.

Telling you what keeps me safe at home is like telling you what size pants to wear. It's all about what fits your life to keep you and yours safe.

Why didn't I think of that! Make your home a hard target. Well, might as well deter the enemy from thinking of coming to your house in the first place!

[Shotgun Shooter]

A sign I recommend putting up is
"Trespasser will be shot, survivors will be shot again"

S.S.

[WDB]

Originally Posted by sausn2002

Why didn't I think of that! Make your home a hard target. Well, might as well deter the enemy from thinking of coming to your house in the first place!

Being a smart azz doesn't help you at all, good advice. sorry if you were looking for a blazing gun response. I noticed you didn't bother answering any of the questions, read them again there was more questions than those concerning making your home a hard target. The questions conecerning your firearm experience, the firearms you own and the training you do. Don't ask a question if you don't want good advice and don't disrespect a person who ask you more questions before giving you advice. I asked the questions to provide an informed response, clearly not something you want.

Based on your thougthful response I think an airsoft pistol would be the prefect choice

[canebrake]

45 acp.............

[Defender]

For those who don't currently own any guns, and can only afford one, you really can't go wrong with a .45 ACP semi-auto pistol like the 1911 or Springfield XD.

It's very capable for home defense, and with a concealed carry permit, you can carry it on your person or stashed away in your vehicle.

The handgun simply gives you good protection in more places.

A pistol is also best for people who don't have the time, money or inclination to practice their shooting regularly.

It's also easier for people of smaller physical stature (like wives and kids) to handle and fire in an emergency, in case you get waylaid by intruders while trying to defend them.

[sausn2002]

What's the barrell length/overall size of the .45 ACP and Springfield XD?

[spittinfire]

THe XD is available with a 4 and 5" barrel in 45. 3" in 40, 9, 357. There is a 45 compact available with a shortened grip for easier conceal carry.