A good double action revolver, like a S&W Model 10, or other K-frame .38 Special would do. I'd suggest a 4" barrel over a 2" or 5-6". Cost for a sound used one will run in the 3 bills plus range. The Ruger Security Six and Service Six also show up on the used market occasionally; they are very durable.
Lots to be said for a used LE Glock, preferably a 19 or a 17 (both 9mm). They are almost as simple to operate as a double action revolver. As a plus, they hold 2-3X the ammo in the gun. They go for 4 bills or a little more.
The Glock 23 or 22 is also on the used LE market for about the same price. The 40 S&W cartridge has more high percentile stopping power choices out there than the 9mm. However, the 40 S&W is a good bit more expensive to practice with over the 9mm. There are a few very good stoppers available in the 9mm range of ammo offerings.
If it looks like "Bubba" has been a tinkerin' in the used gun you find to consider, then go find one that he hasn't touched. The typical used LE gun will show some (or considerable) carry wear but likely will be mechanically sound. A used LE gun with bright night sights is always a plus. I'm not particularly fond of most used LE S&W semi-auto's. The 3913 is a notable exception.
Go give this thread a read http://www.okshooters.com/showthread.php?91784-Dr.-Gary-Roberts-Recommended-Ammo-List
Remember that any handgun round counts on proper shot placement for stopping effect. Not even a .44 Magnum will stop an evil doer, if you wing them in the tip of the thumb.
Lots to be said for a .223 carbine with specialized home defense ammo. You'll have to go read up on this. Things have changed markedly in the home defense feasibility of a carbine with this ammo. Cost for an AR-15, set up for home defense, will run perhaps 3X what you might pay for a used LE handgun.
A handgun is harder to shoot well, but is handier in the confines of small spaces of a home. The .223 carbine is easier to shoot well, but is more prone to being snatched away or hung up in very tight spaces. You know your home defense situation better than any of us. Generally you'll want to call LE to come deal with a perpetrator problem. The gun you'll own will be for the situation where they cannot be available quickly enough.
Lots to be said for a used LE Glock, preferably a 19 or a 17 (both 9mm). They are almost as simple to operate as a double action revolver. As a plus, they hold 2-3X the ammo in the gun. They go for 4 bills or a little more.
The Glock 23 or 22 is also on the used LE market for about the same price. The 40 S&W cartridge has more high percentile stopping power choices out there than the 9mm. However, the 40 S&W is a good bit more expensive to practice with over the 9mm. There are a few very good stoppers available in the 9mm range of ammo offerings.
If it looks like "Bubba" has been a tinkerin' in the used gun you find to consider, then go find one that he hasn't touched. The typical used LE gun will show some (or considerable) carry wear but likely will be mechanically sound. A used LE gun with bright night sights is always a plus. I'm not particularly fond of most used LE S&W semi-auto's. The 3913 is a notable exception.
Go give this thread a read http://www.okshooters.com/showthread.php?91784-Dr.-Gary-Roberts-Recommended-Ammo-List
Remember that any handgun round counts on proper shot placement for stopping effect. Not even a .44 Magnum will stop an evil doer, if you wing them in the tip of the thumb.
Lots to be said for a .223 carbine with specialized home defense ammo. You'll have to go read up on this. Things have changed markedly in the home defense feasibility of a carbine with this ammo. Cost for an AR-15, set up for home defense, will run perhaps 3X what you might pay for a used LE handgun.
A handgun is harder to shoot well, but is handier in the confines of small spaces of a home. The .223 carbine is easier to shoot well, but is more prone to being snatched away or hung up in very tight spaces. You know your home defense situation better than any of us. Generally you'll want to call LE to come deal with a perpetrator problem. The gun you'll own will be for the situation where they cannot be available quickly enough.
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