Americans and their guns?

angelhunter54

You didn't specify whether you're interested in home protection or concealed carry. For home protection, as one obviously unfamiliar with firearms, a short barreled (18 1/4"), 12 guage shotgun, along the lines of the Mossberg 500 (Cruiser model), loaded with 4.0 buckshot to reduce over-penetration.

To carry concealed, once again for one with limited experience/training, a short barreled (2 1/2 ") .38 special with a hammer shroud. They're safe for the beginner and easily concealable. I would recommend Smith & Wesson or Taurus.

Some who have had no practical experience with combat arms, getting their "knowlege" through movies and TV, will argue for exotic, high capacity (number of rounds), high power weapons that they think are 'cool.' These are the type who blather about AK's, 9mm's, .357's and the like. The reality is that life is not a movie. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to fire your weapon more than twice at a range of more than 25 feet, you're clearly in over your head and your best option (lacking extensive combat training) for survival (in 99.9% of cases) is to retreat as quickly as possible. "Cool" will only get you killed.

.

Just "B" Free

Short barreled 12ga semi auto pump shotgun. Cant miss! And it sounds like a cannon in close quarters.

yag158

Try a mossberg 500

Home Security model
The model 500 HS410, or "Home Security" model, is only available in .410, and is specifically designed for defensive use. It comes with a youth sized stock, a vertical foregrip with, in some versions, a built in laser sight, and a special muzzle brake and spreader choke on an 18.5 inch (47 cm) bead sight barrel. The .410, while by far the least powerful common shotgun chambering, still generates energy in excess of a .357 Magnum, and the spreader choke produces wider patterns, as well as less chance of wall penetration, in the short ranges to be expected in a defensive situation. This model is targeted at the novice user, who needs a simple, easy to use yet effective defensive weapon, and is packaged with an introductory video covering use and safety.

Mike

For the home I recommend a 12 gague shotgun.

I prefer a pump shotgun with a 9 round magazine.

texaslivewire360

12 gauge shotgun. If an Intruder enters your home and your half asleep you can't miss him and you can't accidental shoot some one in the other room. It isn't like a bullet it won't keep going. It just makes big holes.

If you are not overly familiar with firearms, my suggestion for home defense would be a shotgun, something in the realm of a Mossburg or a Remington. The reason being, if you are not familiar with how to handle a pistol and don't get enough muscle memory practice with it, at the moment of truth, you most likely will not perform well.
With the shotgun, it takes out most of the exact aiming and really only requires you to point in the correct direction of your threat.
That way, in the middle of night when someone breaks in, the chance of you hitting what you want to hit while half asleep is much higher. Try that with some OO loads and you should be in business.

Probably some type of .45 it is called the man stopper. a S&W will be good. Like this. Scroll down the page. I mean self protection actually in the city.

br@ini@c

depends on whether you'll be keeping it in your house or if you will be wearing it on your person.

For home defense I would recommend a 12 gauge shotgun. Mossberg 500a is a good gun for a low price. If you are not a good shot, no problem, just load it up with buckshot and point it in the general area of the intruder and pull the trigger, odds are good that you'll get him.

For personal carry I would recommend that you go through the proper authorities and get a permit/concealed carry license. As for the weapon, you want something a little compact (so you can conceal it), but that is also comfortable for you to shoot accurately.

mek_anic

if you are thinking home/condo right off the bat forget a handgun. they require lots of practice, coolness under stress and good aim. shotgun is the way to go. 12 or 20 gauge, pistol grip, barrel cut down to the legal length. buckshot, single or double 00. no double barrel or single shot. slide action (pump). you will stop your invader but not over penetrate. PRACTICE!!! if you do need to use it, make certain it is put away before the police arrive. goes with out saying but i will anyway. make certain it's legal in your city or whatever to even posess one. another point is that make certain your life in danger before you pull the trigger

James B

guess that depends on the city....Baghdad is going to generate a different answer than Miami...

Seriously, weather and concealment as well as local laws make a difference in your choice. Baghdad, I'm swinging toward the AK suggestions there...for your home defense in a city, the shotgun folks are giving you good Intel and for concealed carry in a hot climate and not much weapons experience (or you wouldn't be asking) a lightweight .357 snub nosed revolver with a belt clip for retention. The lightweight models kick more so a .38 with good ammo might be the way to go if it makes ya nervous. I assume you aren't too serious or you wouldn't be asking here for something your life may depend on :) but in case you are that's still a good answer. Go to a local range, they let you rent their weapons. Try a few out and find what feels comfortable to you. Try and remember for a carry gun that its size and weight can come back to haunt you so don't let them convince you that the Desert Eagle is the way to go! Fun to shoot, not to hump all day....

Mr. Goodhi

.357 magnum revolver with a 2"-3" barrel.

ISABELL DUE 05/28/09

for self i would get a 40 cal for home defense a shotgun that is the once sound that can never be mistaken lol

Steven C

Off duty I carry a Smith and Wesson 40 cal.

charles p

I would carry a Colt .357magnum .

Greyeagle

I'm assuming you mean to carry with you while in the city shopping etc. If this is the case,I would recommend either a 22.caliber hand Gun or a 38 caliber snub nose! I would also recommend that you have your weapon registered and get a permit to carry a concealed weapon! Get- er DONE! & Good-Luck!

cpt.carrotironfoundersson

Ilike 2:06's response but I'd go for a .30 cal you know something small so it's not heavy and bulky

turingschild

For home defense, a large gage shotgun. If you have a concealed carry permit, a 9mm glock.

edit- okay yeah. The .357, .40, AND .45 are better than a 9mm. but any of them will do the job in a pinch!

John C

Something lightweight and on the smaller side. Take a look at the local gun store and shooting range. You will be amazed at how "normal" everyone is. Great places.

Iknowstuff...

Taurus 9mm

anotherbsdparent

I would recommend a good nose for trouble and a tendency to turn and leave when you smell it.

10:16pm

A gun? I would want something like a World War II tank.

MUFASA

depends a hand gun would probably be the best unless your willing to walk around with a rifle on your back and being watched by everyone......but most of the time you wont need a gun unless you provoke someone first.

James R

Besides the Mossberg all those are dumb, no offence to the taurus, but 9mm is not good protection. Go with a hollow point 40 S&W, i have an FNP-40 and I love it. Its about 400 bucks and comes with three 14-round magazines and the ammo is semi cheap. I believe Winchester just came out with a new round style for home protection and it looks to be pretty good, thats the next box Im buying when I goto Bass Pro again

sweeetl0vin

AK47 for sure.

SynDicAte

An MK-47, DUH!!!

Krazythugzsta

I hate guns... I don't kill. I use base ball bat or steal a baton from a police officer and use it for protection.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: