Had a change of mind about compact and other home defense guns.

[KATMAN]

I'm a simple guy when it comes to home defense.But the other day I was at my parents (no guns there) when some police officers tackled a guy right outside my folks living room window. What happened was this clown jumped in back of a undercover police car who was doing surveilence on a house.They tried to get rid of him at first,but the criminal then tried to sell them crack. Then he relized where he was,it must have been the handcuffs,binoculars and police papers that gave it away,dove out the car and started running.He ran for two blocks until the police tackled him at my folks.

It was clear he had a gun in his waist band and my dad had the storm door locked but the door wasa opened.I know this could've been my house.I have some guns but not in the true defense line.Well,other than my S&W .38 I can see why people would want lighter guns and tatical shotguns. There's a lot stupid people in this world. Luckily,the guy didn't get inside my parents home where he could've taken us all hostage.I guess I might have to get some other types of guns!

[Clavicula_Nox]

This is all you need:

[Firefighter]

I carry a H&K USP .45 Mod.I every day. If I leave my house, it is on my side. When I am in my house, it is close by. I hope I never again have to fire a shot, but if I am forced to, I will have something to fire it with readily available.

The CZ that CN posted above is also an excellent choice.

[Gilligan]

This one should do the trick.

[TomH]

This one should do the trick.

That's where you have to say, "Pardon me, would you mind stepping back about five paces, so I can shoot you?"

[Gilligan]

True. Look at the bullet. I have fired a 44 magnum, but this would kick much harder.

[KATMAN]

You would have to have wrists the size of your calves to shoot that thing! I've seen people on YouTube trying to shoot the .600 Nitro Express,without much success. I have a .44 magnum as well. I'm saying lighter may be better when you need to get it in a hurry. But in the woods,the .44 is still king for most of us.

[tango]

I'd go for something smaller, partly because it's easier to handle and partly because I wouldn't want a bullet to pass through an intruder and then on through something else.

It's not as if I'll get to choose though - weapon control in the UK is so strict there's rumour the new James Bond movie will be titled "007 - Licensed To Fish".

[IMINXTC]

Yeah, I'm seriously chewing this same issue, and am about to make a purchasing decision sooner than later. Carrying is out of the question where I live (though I've been licensed in the past), but there is a growing need for house and home.

Keeps coming down to a 9 for balance and reasonable price for shells. (firing range - gun club - practice, etc)

In my circumstance, It would be against folks who knew and used weapons regularly. (gangs, drugs and nuts in whatever order)

Broke my collar-bone with a twelve gauge so have shied away from shot-guns since, though I can still keep one around.

[TomH]

I have a little S&W 22 semi for V.

Like a friend of mine said, It probably won' kill em, but they'll leak like a sieve on the way out.

[KATMAN]

I already decided my next gun will be a small frame .357. No offense to you guys that swear by autos,but I like revovlers. I don't go to the range that often (this will change),plus I'm mechaniclly impaired. Doesn't take a lot of work to clean a revolver.

[TomH]

Plus, no shell casings left behind as evidence.

[tango]

Plus, no shell casings left behind as evidence.

If it's your own home you'll probably have time to clear up a few shell casings. Of course a downside to a revolver is you can't just slide another clip into place if you need it.

[KATMAN]

That and if it's true self defense you don't have to worry about leaving evidence.

[MaddJack]

The experience you had at your fathers house was a harrowing experience. It happened licky-split. Its a shame that we can't leave our doors and windows open anymore but that is what is now our culture. Drugs are a disease on our nation.

But remember this, you may have 1-3 seconds to respond to a home invasion. The best firearm would not have done a bit of good if you could not have accessed it.

A better defense for the home is a multiple approach:

1. Strong doors AND door frames. The strongest door is rendered useless if you have a weak door-frame. Plus good strong dead-bolts for the doors.

2. Get those sticky bushes for around your windows.

3. A good yappy dog. It will serve as an 'alarm' plus a dog will usually deter would-be intruders.

4. Install a burglar alarm system.
*If you can't afford a real security system, get those 'fake' signs that say protected by XYZ Security systems.
*Put those cheap 'screechers on your doors and windows. I found them at Wally-World for $20 for two. An intruder will high- tail it if he breaks into your home and one of them goes off. They emit a good loud sound.
*Install motion lights around the doors of your home.

I am sure there are some other ideas that you can think of.

Most in law enforcement will tell you that the best weapon to have for home protection is a shot-gun. You have a better chance of hitting your target with a shot-gun than with a pistol. Face it, if God forbid, a home invasion does happen to you, your heart is going to be pounding 100 mph and you will be super-charged with aderline. Unless you are trained to the hilt for this situation, your hand will not be as steady. Plus, a shot-gun blast will not penetrate through a wall, potentially hitting a loved one in another room.

I see you have went with a revolver and there is nothing wrong with that type weapon. I have shot them but I like the semi-auto. Just remember to practice practice practice.

We live in a sinful society and its only getting worse. Pray for Gods protection and His Guidance.