Home defense caliber?

[thehemi]

What do some of you prefer for a home defense caliber and why?
I understand opinions may vary, but I'm curious as to your ideas?
CHL requirements (minimum caliber size?) would be good to keep
in mind, too, in order to keep that possibility available. Having an
available supply of reasonably priced ammo would be nice, too.

 

[claymore504]

I believe minumum caliber for CHl is 25 auto or 380....someone help me out here. I prefer the 40 S&W and the 45 ACP. I just have never really liked 9mm and I have not tried many of the revolver rounds. it is all on what you feal comfortable shooting!

 

[40Arpent]

I believe minumum caliber for CHl is 25 auto or 380....someone help me out here.

.32

 

[thehemi]

Any calibers better than others at stopping an intruder?
Or is that argument just splitting hairs? I've heard some
suggest that holding more rounds is of higher importance
than the actual caliber being used.

 

[40Arpent]

Any calibers better than others at stopping an intruder?
Or is that argument just splitting hairs? I've heard some
suggest that holding more rounds is of higher importance
than the actual caliber being used.

Consider the can of worms now open...

 

[thehemi]

Consider the can of worms now open...

I was hoping to find a 10 page discussion about this already,
but I wasn't having much luck finding it already discussed or
argued -- whichever best describes what's to come!

 

[kingofwylietx]

You're just splitting hairs when discussing calibers. About the only thing 95% will agree with is that it should be more powerful than a .380.

Actually, for cheap shooting and an effective weapon....it's hard to beat a shotgun. However, I've seen a very compelling argument that rifles are the best home defense weapon.

 

[claymore504]

Any calibers better than others at stopping an intruder?
Or is that argument just splitting hairs? I've heard some
suggest that holding more rounds is of higher importance
than the actual caliber being used.

I believe shot placement is the key. I also believe that the amount of rounds is imprtant. That is why I like the 40cal. I think of it as a median between the 9mm and 45acp. I am also a firm believer in the 5.56 service rifles over a 7.62 SERVICE RIFLE. So, it is all on what you are comfortable with. Now I have not even touched on the revolver loads!

Thanks for the correction TXSUT!! I could not remember.

 

[claymore504]

You're just splitting hairs when discussing calibers. About the only thing 95% will agree with is that it should be more powerful than a .380.

Actually, for cheap shooting and an effective weapon....it's hard to beat a shotgun. However, I've seen a very compelling argument that rifles are the best home defense weapon.[/quote]


I can agree with that. I feel much more comfortable with my M4 than a pistol!!!!

 

[navyguy]

Everyone's got an opinion, so since you asked here's mine. Anything 9mm or heavier is good for hand gun. 12 ga 00 buck and or slug is also good. I wouldn't suggest .380, .32. .25 or .22 for home defense, as there's no reason for that except if it's your only gun. For carry, a lessor that 9mm might be okay if you need a very small size (like a Beretta Tom Cat or some such) to conceal it. Something is better than nothing, but you would need bear in mind that if you shoot someone with a .32, you better be ready to run your ass off, because the likelihood of that load making a one or two hit stop is very unlikely.

If you have multiple guns, then for HD it comes down to what you shoot and handle the best. Although I've got .40's and .45, I've chosen a Glock G19 as my HD gun. I have a TRL-1 light mounted on it, and of the guns I have with light rails, the G19 ergonomics allow me to manipulate the light better than others. Just the way my left thumb rides perfectly on the light lever on that gun. So I give up a little ballistics for capacity and handling with a light.