Looking to get a handgun for home defense... Best/most economic calibre?

[LaboonTheWhale]

Hey all

 

There have been a series of robberies in my area (6 in the past week) and I've been looking into getting a gun for self defense in my property. (not to conceal carry or anything since thats not allowed on campus. I live a foot off campus so I can't carry it around anyways) 

 

What calibre is decent in a home defense roll but also wont break my bank? I'll probably go to the range often to practice my aim so ammo will get pricey eventually.

.45? 9mm? Or go for a shotgun? 

 

Thanks. 

 

Edit: PLEASE TELL ME IF THIS IS BREAKING THE RULES. I will delete everything if it is. 

 

Edit 2: I have gone to the range before with my dad's friend who owns a 9mm beretta and a .357 blackhawk... thats quite a kick. 

 

Edit 3: holy wow this thread exploded. 

[SovietOnion]

10mm, .40 caliber, decent stopping power but also not to much recoil for new shooter. 

 

10mm Glocks 20's go for about $550

[KamiKatze]

Pretty sure that's against the CoC.

 

#BackSeatModerating

[seabass9990]

9mm, or if you can get a .22 its even cheaper but does like NO damage (man i sound like im playing a videogame)

[Totally-A-Hero]

I had a .38 revolver. It was good but had no saftey. For house defense a shotgun could be good.

[TheKDub]

9mm, or if you can get a .22 its even cheaper but does like NO damage (man i sound like im playing a videogame)

 

Are we talking like cuddly kitten damage? or wooden spoon damage?

 

 

 

I had a .38 revolver. It was good but had no saftey. For house defense a shotgun could be good.

 

All the birdshot! (So many holes )

[Hirad123]

If you don't have much experience firing, 9mm is a good round.

[RelentlessAF]

Anything with a lot of stopping power. Basically whatever drops the assailant to the ground so they are no longer a threat, can be done without killing them if you're a good shot too. Probably .357 or .45 caliber.

[mvitkun]

Pretty sure that's against the CoC.

#BackSeatModerating

Why would this be against CoC?

[Pugs501]

I found a Five-SeveN for ~500$.

[SeriouslyMikey]

Oh please, you don't need a gun. A simple blunt instrument will do the job. 

[IdortMasterRace]

Why would this be against CoC?

 

"B-BECAUSE G-GUNS ARE BAD!"

 

It isn't against the CoC at all.

[Interfectorem]

I found a Five-SeveN for ~500$.

The Five-Seven's round is a "cute" neat little round. I say "little" but I'm sure i packs a decent punch.

 

EDIT: *facepalm* I feel retarded, I commented before looking at the link. >.>

[LaboonTheWhale]

I had a .38 revolver. It was good but had no saftey. For house defense a shotgun could be good.

I have a narrow hallway leading down a narrow staircase so that made me think a shotgun wouldnt be as maneuverable around the house being so long which is why I though handgun. 

 

If you don't have much experience firing, 9mm is a good round.

I've shot guns before (of course no safety course training) just fired a friend's gun at the range. 

 

Anything with a lot of stopping power. Basically whatever drops the assailant to the ground so they are no longer a threat, can be done without killing them if you're a good shot too. Probably .357 or .45 caliber.

Are .357 available in a semi automatic version? or basically with revolvers. .45 sounds nice but I hear that gets pricey. 

[SovietOnion]

I found a Five-SeveN for ~500$.

No way god dammit, shouldn't have bought those 970s

[SovietOnion]

I found a Five-SeveN for ~500$.

damn you!!!

[IdortMasterRace]

Oh please, you don't need a gun. A simple blunt instrument will do the job. 

 

Go away.

 

I'd love to see your house be broken into by some guy with a gun about to rob your house and shoot your family dead, while you try to defend yourself with a bat.

[kayodoc]

I use my bare fists. If things get out of hand I can always resort to open-hand slapping the shit out of them.

[LaboonTheWhale]

The Five-Seven's round is a "cute" neat little round. I say "little" but I'm sure i packs a decent punch.

Isnt the 5.7x28mm round kinda expensive? 

[RelentlessAF]

I have a narrow hallway leading down a narrow staircase so that made me think a shotgun wouldnt be as maneuverable around the house being so long which is why I though handgun. 

 

I've shot guns before (of course no safety course training) just fired a friend's gun at the range. 

 

Are .357 available in a semi automatic version? or basically with revolvers. .45 sounds nice but I hear that gets pricey. 

.357 are magnum rounds which basically means they have more gunpowder so they are only designed for revolvers. Other than that 10mm or 9mm can carry a bit of weight behind them too and are much cheaper than .45 caliber.

[Hirad123]

I've shot guns before (of course no safety course training) just fired a friend's gun at the range. 

If you have experience then .45 is a heavy hitting round. Like you said though, the fire arms do get more expensive.

[Pugs501]

damn you!!!

HA HA!

[LaboonTheWhale]

I use my bare fists. If things get out of hand I can always resort to open-hand slapping the shit out of them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCgjQD1kvrc Relevant 

[LancerBG]

45 acp hits like a truck and target rounds are very affordable. You can get a revolver or semi in that caliber which is a nice way to optimize the rounds you need to buy. I have a commander 1911 for carry and a Governor that sits on the nightstand next to my 870 Magpul. 

 

I will say being the owner of several handguns that nothing will make someone run away faster then an alarm in your home. I would say if you want a gun cool, get one but get a wireless alarm and have a panic button or two in areas you see as practical. You own guns "just in case" but its great never to have to use them in that "case"

[SovietOnion]

Isnt the 5.7x28mm round kinda expensive? 

Armor piercing punch, not much stopping power but it's military rounds can penetrate body armor