Information Overload (Home Defense)

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  • stadlers1

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    Jan 14, 2020
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    I know next to nothing about guns. I was in the Army and I have shot all kinds of weapons but that is easy, they just give it to you, teach you about it and tell you to go shoot. Now that I am retired and living off of a nice secure (ha) base my wife and I have been discussing home defense. She has come around to wanting to get some firearms. We will both be taking a basic pistol course together to start and will then go to shotgun and then rifle. I have been watching YouTube videos, reading reviews, and articles about home defense. I have decided that given our limited experience I need to keep it as simple as possible (at least to start) and want to have a pistol and rifle that are the same caliber and can share magazines. While my wife agrees that we need to have some guns she isn't keen on spending a ton of money, I believe the purse strings will open up over time. To that end I have been looking at the Ruger EC9s / PC Carbine. I am not married to this combo, it was probably the easiest for me to match. I would appreciate any and all input to my decision process. Additionally I have been to a few gun stores and felt treated like a dummy for not knowing some basics. Can you recommend a gun store and or instructor?
    Capitol Armory ad
     

    deemus

    my mama says I'm special
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    Thanks for your service.

    Try Cabela or Bass Pro. They tend to have some knowledgeable guys who won’t make you feel like an idiot.

    There are likely some local SA guys on this board that would be willing to help you out.
     

    Charlie

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    'Top of the hill, Kerr County!
    Welcome to the forum, sir! From just up the road. If you're interested in recommendations, you can get the most varied opinions available right here on this forum! :green: I've been shooting firearms of all types for a little more than 60 years (which does not make me an expert). My recommendation to you for a home defense weapon that would definitely do the job would be in the area of a 20 ga. pump shotgun! Others may agree or disagree.
     

    etmo

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    Jan 25, 2020
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    1) Welcome

    2) Home defense is a journey, not a destination. Start anywhere, understand you'll never be finished, and you will make changes over time. Don't try to know everything, just try to improve.

    3) 80/20 rule applies. For example, just putting a "Home Protected by ABC Alarm Company" sign in your front yard reduces your chance of being burglarized by a huge percentage. Here in Central TX I think it reduces your chances by 3/4 or so. It's crazy. Night lights outside your house, Ring doorbell or similar, Ring floodlights / security cameras or similar and you're way ahead of the game.

    4) Firearms training is infinitely more important than which firearms, which calibers, which brands. Get training, practice at home (called "dry firing", look it up and do it), go to the range, get more training and go around the loop again.

    5) Enjoy the journey. Shooting is tons of fun.
     

    Fishkiller

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    Definitely shotgun. Be careful on barrel length sine you may be in the house and swing a long barrel around may not be possible. Personally I have an 8 shot Mossberg with a 18 inch barrel. definitely get some training and practice. Soon you will be thinking I need a rifle and a pistol and another pistol and a revolver and...
     

    TipBledsoe

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    @stadlers1 - Howdy, welcome, and thank you for your service to our country sir.
    You're off to a great start just by joining TGT and introducing yourself so modestly. There's a lot of really good people here from all over Texas and even beyond who won't make you feel like an idiot, but there's also a few idiots here who may treat you like an idiot which you should just ignore. I guarantee you'll get lots of good answers to questions you ask here. Oh, and choosing to take a firearm safety course is an EXCELLENT idea for both you and your wife - make a "date" out of it, and treat your wife to a romantic dinner afterwards!
    There are also many of us right here in the San Antonio area who would love nothing more than just to meet up for coffee and talk guns, home defense, etc, and/or meet up at a range to shoot. I'm near La Vernia if that's convenient at all for you. I like Marion Community Shooting Range and A Place To Shoot because they are conveniently located somewhat near me and because I prefer outdoor ranges by far.
    As for your first firearm purchase, I certainly understand your desire of a caliber that can be shared between pistol and rifle, although using the same magazine may be highly unlikely, and 9mm is not a bad choice, but there are better choices in my opinion.
    The choice of a home defense weapon is a subject of continuous debate, and the right answer is not the same for everyone. But I honestly believe that 12g shotgun (using buckshot) leads the pack.
     

    rotor

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    2o gauge pump with heavy birdshot. Nice thing about pumps is the ability to reload without taking a magazine out.
    I don't know anyone that recommends birdshot for self defense. I think ammo choices are better with a 12 g. I personally use a Maverick 88 18" barrel with #4 buck shot. Very inexpensive and quite effective. Hard to find in todays market though.
     

    bbbass

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    You will find an infinite number of opinions about home defense on a gun board, at any gun store, and from various professional instructors. Best advice you were given was to consider it a journey. Take everything with a grain of salt and continue to learn and form your own individual plan.

    I don't know anything about the EC9 ( I have a Ruger SR9c for carry), but I have shot the PC Carbine in IDPA. IMO they are a reliable weapon with good ergonomics and simple controls... a good choice for newbies.

    Thank you for your service.

    Semper Paratus
     

    oldag

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    Nothing wrong with your plan.

    I can't help on your particular question, as I am a 1911 guy and so don't have knowledge of pistols which have interchangeable mags with rifles. Was there a particular reason for this criteria?
     

    stadlers1

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    Jan 14, 2020
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    Nothing wrong with your plan.

    I can't help on your particular question, as I am a 1911 guy and so don't have knowledge of pistols which have interchangeable mags with rifles. Was there a particular reason for this criteria?
    Yes, I wanted to keep it simple for my wife. Just grab, stick it in and shoot. I may not be giving her enough credit though.
     

    toddnjoyce

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    Sep 27, 2017
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    Yes, I wanted to keep it simple for my wife. Just grab, stick it in and shoot. I may not be giving her enough credit though.

    Howdy, again. I’m up on the Bexar/Kendall County Line.

    Before you go overboard, go back to that basic Army training: What is the threat and what are the most likely and most dangerous courses of action that threat will take.

    If you can only think of a general threat (walk in on burglar) and not a specific one (a kid’s ex is violent and showing up despite a restraining order), then keep that in consideration.

    As for keeping it simple for the spouse, the easiest thing is a handgun that is striker fired and always loaded next to a set of ear pro.

    We usually have a once a month lunch around the La Cantera area, watch for that in the San Antonio sub forum. Y’all are both welcome to come.
     

    Byrd666

    Flyin' 'round in circles........somewhere
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    Howdy

    Look for an NRA 'Basic Pistol' course or NRA 'Home Defense' course. USCCA (U.S. Concealed Carry Association) also has a few basic type courses as well. Starting links for both are below.

    https://explore.nra.org/interests/firearms-training/


    Another good, basic start, leading to some good drills and tips for more advanced stuff, is book called 'Trouble Shooting' by Gabby Franco. Link below.

    Amazon product ASIN 0615824188
    Take your time, re-learn the basics, and as you go, adjust your requirements to your specific needs.
     

    F350-6

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    I like the pump shotgun for home defense too. You can get one pretty cheap, and you have the benefit of being able to make that unmistakable sound in the dark of the night that will give most pause and make them reconsider their next steps.

    If there's a chance you can make someone turn and run away without firing a shot, that means it's a great caliber (gauge) to own.
     

    txgirliegirl

    loves dogs more than people
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    Somehow I think that will wind up in the Out Of Context Quote thread. :green:

    glad i was not the only one thinking that! :laughing:

    anyway, good luck to the OP...there are so many options and many great people here who would be happy to help you with your journey...like someone said, it is a journey....a marathon, not a sprint :)
     
    Every Day Man
    Tyrant

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