44 Rem Mag...
Oh no sir, I'm not asking for advice as to what is a good option for me. My 870 suits my needs just fine. A friend of mine made the comment that a majority of people (or nearly a majority) use AR platform rifles for home defense. That didn't seem quite right to me so I turned to you all for input. Sorry for bringing up this incredibly over addressed subject, but I wanted a single source to use as proof from real gunowners and enthusiasts. Not some study done by the media.Dial 911.
But seriously, did you search this subject? I don't normally ask that but to be honest there have been a million threads on this subject.
Consensus pretty much boils down to: A Gun. Whatever you have will do fine. Practice with it frequently and keep it loaded. Don't let kids get anywhere near it and if you have kids in the house drill them relentlessly on firearms safety like their lives depend on it (which, actually, might be the case).
If you are inquiring because you are considering getting a firearms for Home Defense (HD) most people seem to recommend an inexpensive shotgun such as the Mossberg 500 slide action with buckshot. Get an expanded magazine.
Others will recommend a revolver, I do- actually a DAO revolver is what I am recommending for a friend of mine. Maybe in .357 Magnum so you can practice with it at the range using .38 Specials (cheaper). 9mm seems to be popular too.
Also consider having layers of security before it even comes to confronting a Bad Guy at gunpoint. Have motion sensor lights outside. A good deadbolt and secure entryways. Maybe an alarm system. My dogs do a good job of warning when there is someone outside (and one of them would do a number on anyone who gets in the door!).
OK. For HD it is my opinion that a rifle is the worst choice one could make if they have only 1 gun. Some will disagree undoubtedly though.Oh no sir, I'm not asking for advice as to what is a good option for me. My 870 suits my needs just fine. A friend of mine made the comment that a majority of people (or nearly a majority) use AR platform rifles for home defense. That didn't seem quite right to me so I turned to you all for input. Sorry for bringing up this incredibly over addressed subject, but I wanted a single source to use as proof from real gunowners and enthusiasts. Not some study done by the media.
That is, in fact, the question at hand. Not just a debate about the necessity to have this kind of rifle but the sensible application of it. He claims this near majority uses an AR rifle for HD and I believe that if given the option to use another type of firearm (shotgun, revolver, etc), that the average person would not choose the rifle.OK. For HD it is my opinion that a rifle is the worst choice one could make if they have only 1 gun. Some will disagree undoubtedly though.
I mentioned a pistol (.357 magnum) or a shotty because they don't over-penetrate like rifle rounds tend to do (some will disagree on this as well).
If the question really is "What possible reason could one have that legitimately justifies owning an AR15/AK47/"assault rifle"/AR47/AK15 (or any number of "evil" labels that the gun banners are making up) or high capacity magazines?
I suspect that is the question, is it not?
Personally I own a couple of handguns and one shotgun loaded and ready specifically for HD, I do not keep my rifles nor any of my longer-barreled shotguns loaded nor do I expect that they would come out in a HD situation. I live in CA so we are restricted to 10 or fewer rounds for all detachable magazines.
OK. Then approach the answer the same way he posed the question. This can be easy with some people. Does he have an iPhone 5? Why? Is it necessary for his work? If so does he use it when he is not working? Then point out that some professions require carrying a gun, but those people don't always carry off-duty even though they can.That is, in fact, the question at hand. Not just a debate about the necessity to have this kind of rifle but the sensible application of it. He claims this near majority uses an AR rifle for HD and I believe that if given the option to use another type of firearm (shotgun, revolver, etc), that the average person would not choose the rifle.
You do realize the "spread" of a shotgun at room length engagements is less that 3", right? 3" is pretty close. I disagree with the horseshoe analogy.IMHO a 12 gauge shotgun sure is hard to beat for home defense,kind of like Horseshoes....
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