Gun owners and shooters, may I ask your opinions, please

[Funky Feathers]

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I just love mine.

 

[SillyChicken]

Shoot what feels comfortable to you, try renting a few at a traget range. Get to know your laws - each state is different.

I carry a 9mm (Taurus) for personal protection. For varmits I like my trusty 22LR and have a few others at my disposal. I like a larger gripped, weightier hand gun - imho they're easier to control and aim than a lighter one. Con is they are harder to conseal under most women's clothing.

 

[BackyardAR]

LOL, is the OP even looking at this thread we are all tearing up?

I'll say one more thing about all this and be quiet.

It's about handguns. Everyone has their favorite, many have a favorite, ultimate caliber. 9mm are common.

However, most of these people have never shot anyone. They have a weapon with a larger capacity magazine, faster rate of fire, whatever. But still they haven't ever shot anyone.

When you shoot someone, you want it to be over that very second. That person needs to be completely out of commission. Honestly, they should preferably be dead. A dead person can no longer do you harm. Someone you shot in the leg can still kill you. Someone you hit w/ a .25 is going to be madder at you. Yes they might die....later. But for that moment you are still in danger.

With that said, I've shot people with a 9mm. I've shot people with a .45. In... tense situations you don't always have the best shot. Never, not one time, have I shot someone with a .45 and it NOT knocked them down. I've shot and witnessed someone being shot multiple times with a 9mm and still been standing, moving, a danger, etc.

Take it for what it's worth, cause I'm not your uncle.

 

[booker81]

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Super good point.

Even with long guns. I've shot "people size" critters - deer, and some big ones at that (250lbs+). Even a well place shot from a shotgun or heavy rifle may not knock them down. The last buck I shot took a .270 straight through the heart and ran for 50 yards and then finally face planted. Adrenaline is an amazing thing. It sure isn't like the "movies".

Still, the bigger the better. Knockdown power is important, especially if it concerns saving your own life.

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

Still, the bigger the better.

I have to disagree with that. Heavy recoil and muzzle blast cause alot of people to flinch and not practice as much. Not to mention the cost of the ammo goes up with the caliber. I'll take a smaller caliber round and put it in the bullseye rather than a super wabamo magnum in the 6 ring anyday. Doesn't matter what you are shooting but if you can't place the round where it needs to go it doesn't do any good. Adrenaline, drugs etc make knockdown not as much of a factor and getting good bullet placement vital and life saving.

I read a study of actual police shootings a while back and the highest one shot stops were made with a 357 magnum using 125 grain JHP, 2nd was the 45 using 185 grain JHP. The 9 was way down the list.

Steve​

 

[booker81]

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I have to disagree with that. Heavy recoil and muzzle blast cause alot of people to flinch and not practice as much.

Of course, within reason. I'd rather plink with my .22 all day, but if I'm looking to defend myself, I'd rather have the 12ga than the .22 - and I practice with the 12ga every few months so I don't become afraid of it. Same with flinch factor of a .50cal muzzleloader - there is a whole lotta bang in those, so I limit my practice enough to be sufficient, but not so much I start to flinch. Same goes for skeet shooting, I don't usually bring the 12ga other than for a few rounds to practice, I use the 20ga for more fun and ease of handling.

 

[WalkingWolf]

We can go on endlessly on what caliber and what gun, but it comes down to stopping the target or threat period. And that takes training and practice. Shooting predators and game is nothing like self defense. First of most shootings happen in low light stress filled conditions. Concealed weapons become very difficult to bring to ready when under clothing especially if the bad guy already has the drop on you. A civilian cannot react with a gun drawn like a police officer just because the hackles are up on the neck. I prefer to carry openly instead of concealed for several reasons, the main one is access to the weapon.

Download, or buy DVD on the subject of defensive firearm training, there are many good ones out there. After initial classes enroll in more advanced classes for self defense training. If you can afford it take the classes with the specialized outfits in this area, they are not cheap though. Practice, practice, and practice, and then more practice. And not just with paper plates and tin cans, or just in good lighting. After you find your firearm also look for a identical airsoft, this will allow you to train at home. Use it for low light and point(instinct) training. If you opt for revolver you can obtain wax bullets and special shells for training. Wax bullets are what I use for quick draw practice and competition. They are inexpensive if you buy them by the thousand, but not as cheap as airsoft BBs. Air soft BBs also have a advantage that they can be seen traveling to the target. This helps immensely with point shooting training.

Remember it is just as important to not hit the wrong target as to hit the right target. No matter what the justification you will be held accountable for hitting an innocent bystander. If you can hit a balloon at low light with distractions caliber is not that important, that said I do not care much for 9mm due to deflection problems often encountered with that round. If using a 9mm use a high quality defense round, not ball ammo for carry. Ball is fine to practice with.

 

[E.G.Glayer]

It may be overkill but I say go big or go home. Try the Taurus Judge (Handgun) Revolver out. I own one and love it. It chambers 5 rounds of both a 45 Long Colt and .410 Shotgun Shells. Not nearly as much kick as you would think and is available in a sort of compact version. There is literally no limit on types of ammo you can get. Shotshells, slugs, buckshot, or the 45's. Great for whatever your need. Varmits or Intruders. On the lighter side I carry a Walther P99 (9mm) or Ruger LCP (380)which suits my wife as well. I never go unarmed.

 

[jerseygirl1]

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I've read them all!! I am astonished at all te responses and I say it again, BYC'ers are THE best people in the world. Everyone is so well-informed, and I thank all of you, every one of these we have read and re-read and are educating ourselves on this topic

 

[Guinea Goonie]

Personally, I think you need to move away from the idea of self defense. Buying a gun for this is way, way too personal. It takes some many types of guns for this and I too have gone through quite a few before i felt comfortable with one.

I would stick to your original post of what type of varmit rifle or handgun you need. This is OF COURSE going to be different than one for self defense !

I just go on the premise that an armed society is a polite society.