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No CC, just home defense. Let’s say 800 budget, based on the other person’s comment. Hope that helps!
I had to step away from the computer for a bit but it looks like you got some good info in the meantime.
I will say that it’s hard to go wrong with any of the popular striker-fired 9mm handguns (Glock 17/19, CZs, Sig Sauers, M&P Shields, Springfields). A lot of it will come down to preference, but practicing with whatever you have is a bigger factor in my opinion. And if one model really doesn’t suit you after a few hundred rounds, they usually maintain their resale value pretty well.
If you want a gun that is exceptionally easy to use (but it makes some key sacrifices for the ease of use), check out the M&P Shield EZ. 9mm is a better and cheaper round but it also comes in 380 if you really want to minimize recoil.
I will also say that a handgun isn’t usually the best option for home defense, depending on your circumstances and needs. It takes much more practice to become proficient with a handgun than a rifle, PCC, or shotgun. So you might consider getting an AR-15 or shotgun first, if you don’t already have one. There’s decent AR-15s in the $500-800 range, or a Maverick 88 12-gauge is like $200.
The best HD gun, assuming all other things are equal, is an AR or a similar style of gun in a HVSC intermediate cartridge. Compared to that option, a shotgun is longer, heavier, harder to aim, has worse sights, worse recoil, worse capacity, lower reliability, is not drop safe, penetrates further through walls, is louder, is more likely to cause collateral damage via the 9th pellet flyer issue, and is more prone to user induced malfunction via short stroking. Which if you havent fired a shotgun under stress is definitely gonna happen.
Thanks for the input. Agree about ARs.
I’ve shot shotguns much longer than I have handguns (since I was a kid) so my experience may be different than people entirely new to guns. Would you personally recommend a handgun before a shotgun, then?
I feel like half of those issues can be solved by ammo selection. But I could be wrong. Also, shotguns seem more effective for community defense and potentially hunting than handguns (assuming an AR is out of budget or not an option).
It takes much more practice to become proficient with a handgun than a rifle, PCC, or shotgun. So you might consider getting an AR-15 or shotgun first
I would need to look up state laws, but…AK47? I feel like that might be too much. We’re talking apartments here, in terms of home.
Definitely look up your state laws, especially if you’re in a coastal or otherwise gun-hostile state. Key things to know are whether certain features are banned and whether there’s a limit on magazine capacity. I believe a couple states even have a list of guns that are allowed, all others being restricted to law enforcement or something of the sort. Also good to know castle doctrine and other defense laws. There’s usually sites that show up on a quick google search that will provide a good summary/chart of your state’s laws. Could also check out your state gun subreddit (/r/CAguns, for example).
Any round capable of being used for home defense is going to go through multiple walls, whether that be 9mm, 223, or buckshot. Drywall is unfortunately just not good at stopping bullets. The best gun for home defense is the one you shoot the most accurately, which for most people is a rifle before a handgun. Additionally, 223 usually overpenetrates less than 9mm does. Whatever you get, never use FMJ/ball rounds for anything other than range training. Get some good hollow points or frangible rounds for defense.
And as much as I love AKs, there’s no practical reason in the US to get one over an AR. Entry-level AKs that don’t have reliability/safety issues start at $1k, whereas you can get a solid entry-level AR for $500.
So you might consider getting an AR-15 or shotgun first, if you don’t already have one.
As they say, usually the sound of racking the shotgun is all you need for defense
