Quote:
Originally Posted by Desertice
First of all; I would like to greet everyone here.
I live around Chicago, IL. I have a wife and 3 kids. Although the area I am in is pretty safe, but I recently started to hear some theft stories here and there... I even heard about some home intrusion in the neighborhood.....
so, I started considering buying a gun in order to defend my family and myself in case if i have to.
I do not have a gun at this time, but I do have medium experience in guns (I am a veteran: was an Engineer at the airforce and received basic military training multiple times).
previously (long time ago), I owned a 9mm Browning, a .38 special S&W, and a 9mm Beretta ().
and now i am trying to get back and get one gun which I will use for defense, and for training/practice as well.
here is my criteria (not ordered):
1. preferably brand new
2. less than $500
3. preferably, US Made
4. preferably, stainless steel completely (i don't like the 2-tone ones)
5. semi-auto (not big fan of revolvers, but open to changing my mind)
6. preferably, capacity of 13+ rounds
7. reliable, and safe to store (remember: i have kids at home)
8. accurate
9. preferably, 9mm
is that difficult to find?
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A shotgun for home defense sounds good,but,is not always the perfect choice in every home.One has to consider that pellets will likely hit walls,along with an intruder.If you lived in a rural area with no homes close by,then a shotgun is a good choice.
Regardless of what handgun you choose,after purchase,practice,practice,practice !To meet your criteria,I believe someone mentioned the Beretta Cougar,which would fit into the criteria you asked for.Ruger also makes several 9mm pistols in the price range,and requirements you are looking for.
Also,whatever you purchase,practice night time firing,as you will need to get used to the flash report of your weapon in night conditions,and see where you are grouping in a night time shooting situation.
I personally like a .45acp auto,or one of my.44special revolvers,as they are both accurate,controllable,and have a low flash report in day,or night scenarios.With one ,or two well placed shots with the.45acp,or .44 special,you won't need the high capacity,nor the bright flash that come with high pressure calibers.The 9mm with today's ammo is a good caliber,along with the .357 magnum revolver.However,I consider them daytime defense cartridges.Just a thought to consider ? Standard pressure 9mm ammo would be preferable at night.Once you have shot at night,you will see what I'm talking about !
However,I think a person should always choose the caliber that they can hit their target with consistently.That is why we have so many calibers to choose from !