If you had to defend your home and loved ones, what Caliber?

[salmonriverjohn]

I actually just gave a converted Saiga 12 to my oldest daughter,, she loves it! But then again she has killed a bunch of Elk with the .338 Winchester mag. that I gave her and is no slouch when it comes to recoil or tenacity. Pretty as a picture too, sorry boys all of em are married off, thank goodness!

 

[drewp]

Agreed. I was in a 12x14 room when a .38 went off. Instant deaf for several minutes.

other than a 10/22 my rifle length mac10 is the quietest gun I own...32 rds of 45 should do the trick...ive been in a room whem a pocket 22lr was shot and my ears where ringing for a long time. Id hate to be behind a glock or shotgun. Id rather beat the Perp with a baseball bat over deafness. ..seriously. im young, 29 and already have permanent hearing issues and it sucks. id really hate to loose it all because I had to unload a magazine on a guy who wants some crap from my house to buy himself some crack. I'll stick with the bat or golf club for my home defense.

 

[Three Bars]

It happened to me too. I was in a small apartment when a 9mm went off, I was quartered behind the shooter, and it was loud. My ears did ring for a couple of days, but not as bad as my .300 Win. Mag I used to hunt with.

I really don't think report of inside shots would have much effect on the out come of dealing with an intruder, unless the fight went on more than the one or two shot average for a gun fight, or if there was an armed accomplice outside who would decide to jump in the fight rather than run as most do.

However, my hearing is half shot (I know, bad pun) from making a living with a chain saw for a dozen years, so I may not be affected the same as someone with normal hearing

 

[Certaindeaf]

.ive been in a room whem a pocket 22lr was shot and my ears where ringing for a long time..

High velocity .22 to include Stingers etc. out of a pocket gun are actually pretty sharp/loud.. not to be compared to an 18" .243 though.

 

[The Heretic]

Let me put it this way; I have a 9MM, .45 ACP and .44 Mag in the headboard of my bed.

It won't make one whit of difference which one I choose if I don't hit my target.

I probably would choose the 9MM as the handgun that is chambered for it is my favorite to shoot.

 

[Certaindeaf]

It's always interesting how handwringing evolves regarding loud noises (oh my!) while defending your ears.. I mean life.

 

[Flopsweat]

It happened to me too. I was in a small apartment when a 9mm went off, I was quartered behind the shooter, and it was loud. My ears did ring for a couple of days, but not as bad as my .300 Win. Mag I used to hunt with.

I really don't think report of inside shots would have much effect on the out come of dealing with an intruder, unless the fight went on more than the one or two shot average for a gun fight, or if there was an armed accomplice outside who would decide to jump in the fight rather than run as most do.

However, my hearing is half shot (I know, bad pun) from making a living with a chain saw for a dozen years, so I may not be affected the same as someone with normal hearing

I've been around more than one indoor firearm use without hearing protection, and it's never a picnic. Part of your home protection strategy should be a decent pair of amplified earmuffs. If you have time to put them on, great. If not, I'd rather be alive and half deaf.

 

[Certaindeaf]

A copper is a paid gunman.. and about 1/1000 (or whatever) will fire their gun on duty.. they don't don cotton for the elephant last I heard.. a measly citizen will likely fire his gat under duress 1000x less than a "pro".. chicken little much? never mind

 

[Certaindeaf]

I hope to Jesus that when the flag flies, I have a semi-automatic .308 rifle in my hands.. but that, realistically, ain't gonna happen.

 

[Fast Eddie]

I have an uncle that put the family dog down out behind the house, on the farm. There were 2 brick walls, one to the back of the house and the side of the garage. He pulled the trigger and put the dog and one ear drum down.

 

[revjen45]

The caliber I would use is the one available quickest - usually 9X19mm because that's what I carry on my person at home.

 

[Znztivguy]

benelli m4 close by then my AR15...... got a glock....but if after all that I still need it...I'm screwed....
My wife can handle herself very well with her AR15...they are very female friendly defense weapons

 

[mikeybuck]

Ruger 44 carbine for in the house. 4 rds of 240 gr nosler backed up with 22 gr of h110.... if they are still shooting at me from there car, than the bmg50 loaded with a api. Once they realize that they are not driving away, the ar15 is ready with two 30 rd mags.

 

[ZigZagZeke]

.357 Mag, 180 gr. JHP.

 

[2ndDefendsThe1st]

A 150mm howitzer will do it for me. Seriously this is one of the most potent subjects on the gun forums. The 9mm vs 45 debate will never end.

 

[Sabertooth]

How much recoil can you handle? And how much money you want to spend? Here its a 40 S&W Deawoo on my desk. Maybe a 870 loaded with 2 3/4 # 6 shot. Most of the #6 shot will not go through two layers of sheet rock, how ever who ever is standing in front of the sheetrock is toasted. As to your hearing? Worry about that later.
#6 shot sounds like a no go but remember you firing at no more then 20 feet. So there is no shot spread. 1oz and 1/4 slug results. Try it outside on a sheet of plywood.
Also keep in mine you don't want to be shooting through the walls in you house. Like into the room where you wife and kids are.

 

[PNWHunter]

In the home: .45 acp (glock 21 gen 4) until I can get to my AR-15 or Mossberg 590a1

CCW: 9mm (Glock 17 gen 4)

 

[GuyBMeredith]

Mossberg 500 in 12 GA with buckshot and slugs. Long guns are easier to handle when my nerves are shot. I don't miss at combat ranges.

 

[bakersman345]

Definitely 00 buck. My main concern with my choice and any other is over penetration. I'd hate to tag a guy and have it go through the wall and hit my son or A tone else

 

[Thumper]

9mm Glock longslide.