LogFAQs > #912786102

EpicKingdom_ posted...

Handgun or shotgun, I'm thinking a shotgun good enough for tight spaces (such as walking in a hallway). Eventually, probably the handgun and shotgun. For the handgun, I assume a Glock is the way to go?

Short version- Glock 19 and Mossberg 500 are the simple go to answers for a new shooter. if money is a problem get a Maverick 88 and a S&W SD9VE (i wouldnt personally go lower than these). Use hallow points in the pistol and bird shot (#6 or lower) or lower end buck shot (like #1-4) in the shotgun if you have to worry about over penetration.

Long version- get out and see what suits you (hold them and try them if you can) when it comes to handguns. glocks are simple and made to work, but are nothing particularly nice when it comes to triggers and ergonomics and in the end it all comes down to what YOU shoot better. and dont cheap out if you can help it, especially if you think this item may defend you or your familys life some day. get something that will last and you know will work which generally means the more notable brands like CZ, Glock, HK, Beretta, SW ect. or Mossberg, Benelli, Beretta, FN ect. for shotguns.

if you want the pistol to be able to pull double duty (carry gun at some point and home defense one) i personally like mid size or compact versions of their big brothers. ones like the Glock 26, S&W M&P compact or the CZ RAMI. small enough to comfortably carry around, but also thick enough to take their larger counterparts magazines so you still got some good firepower. regardless also make sure what ever you pick will shoot the ammo you choose. a great gun will eat anything you put in it, but some can be finicky especially with hallow points. you dont need to get crazy with round counts to make sure, but atleast make sure it flawlessly feeds a few boxes of what you want to use.

a shotgun is a more basic device which you dont need to worry too much about. when it comes down to it a $150 one and a $500 one will function 99.9% the same especially if you arnt going to be shooting them all the time. they tend to make the best HD option thanks to their power and versatility of ammunition available, but they also tend to be longer and harder to move around with in tighter areas. you can go with one that uses a pistol grip or something like a mossberg shockwave, but imo they tend to limit your ammo options (full power buckshot isnt particularly pleasant to shoot out of them) and despite what movies taught us you still need to aim with a shotgun which is harder to do without a stock.

another bit of a controversial topic is the addition of lights on weapons. it can be convenient, but im personally not a fan of needing to point your weapon in the direction of something to see it. because of this i tend to like handguns more for a home defense setup. this is manageable for long guns too with some practice, but mainly for semi-auto ones.