Self defense in an apartment?

Question

Do you think a 12 gauge in #6 shot is still the best bet or get something like a .357sig or 9mm?

Answer 1

Tasers have their place but if someone breaks into my home (especially at night) I'm reaching for something a bit more decisive. You don't know if the invader is armed, high on something or just plain crazy.

In an apartment I would not use anything for home defense except something loaded with Glazier type, pre-fragmented ammo. The walls are just too thin for even a .9mm and I just wouldn't risk a twelve with even #8 shot (which is practically... Dust!).

A .9mm w/pre-fragmented ammo will probably work best in the scenario you are describing.

Best.

H

Answer 2

If you use a shotgun, get one with a full stock. The ones with a pistol grip can cause many novice shooters to miss at even a short distance like 10-15 feet. Yes # 6 shot is quite adequate for this purpose, and it it not over penetrative on sheet rock walls..357 Sig and 9mm are high velocity rounds and if you are not an experienced hand gunner, you misguided missiles may hit an innocent bystander and you could wind up losing everything you own. I cannot emphasize getting proficient with your choice of weapons enough. If you own a gun, get good with it, before the need arise.

Answer 3

12 gauge is not relay a bad choice as long as it has a pistol grip, 18.5 inch barrel for maneuverability.

A regular mossburg 500 is great. walmart its $200 another $25 for a pistol grip, another $50 for the shortened barrel...

The clack of loading a round has stopped more burglars/ bar fights/ criminals in there tracks than about any other gun being loaded. Normal just chambering around is enough to stop an intruder. And if not point the business end of the barrel at them and shoot.

You really don't want anything that will penetrate walls because you don't want to kill your neighbors. So inside Use hollow points, Hydra shocks. 9mm,357,40SW,45acp are all great calibers.

Spanky

Answer 4

12 gauge pump shotguns have this advantage: The sound of the slide being racked can be heard easily through doors, windows, and even walls, and is universally understood to be made by a serious weapon. Usually that sound alone will turn away most intruders. A good old Louisville Slugger is real good in the hands of anyone in their own familiar home especially if they're scared and willing to swing it like they mean it.

Answer 5

The 12 ga with 6 shot is ideal; you can punch a hole the size of a cantalope in an intruder and not have to worry about a solid slug hurting your neighbor's child. The shot will not penetrate two or three walls, just the person in front of you who may not have fled the scene when they heard the sound of a pump going "ker-chunk" as it chambered a shell. I once had an extremely drunk individual facing me over a 12 ga that I thought was drunk AND DEAF until I noticed that he was trembling and standing in a puddle; he just couldn't do two things at the same time, poor guy.

Answer 6

The 12guage has allways been one of my favorites for home defense.But like you said 357 sig or 9mm will work well also
The other day I was looking at a Midway catalog and I seen these bullets that are degisened to stop after it hits somthing they were made for on Airplanes(so somone doesnt puncture the plane and loose preasure)but I think they were called Extreem bullets.You mite want to get some of these if you decide to use a handgun.So no one can get hurt by a stray through a wall.

Answer 7

a shotgun is to big to have use to defend yourself. I would say any handgun 9mm or better will work. Just make sure you choose a bullet for in home defense that will be less likely to go through walls. Ask the gun shop when you get the firearm. As for revolver or semi-auto, that is your choice. Whatever feels better to hold, and aim with. I am assuming this is your first gun by the question you asked (if not forgive me). Make sure you get proper training on how to use, clean (take down and re-assemble), keep in mind all local, state, federal laws (They suck but they are there) and get range practice. Learn to shoot well. Once a month is a great way to get good and stay good. It is also a fun way to meet people, relieve stress, and waste some paper targets. Happy shooting

Answer 8

bird-shot is for birds, it is not a man stopper. Use buckshot in a shotgun. For home defense (or apartment) you can not have a 'magic bullet' that doesn't penetrate walls, but does people. In a handgun I would opt for the .45ACP with 185 grain JHP, (I prefer 230 myself, but this is a compromise on bullet types and penetration). In a shotgun I would use #4 buckshot. Placing barriers in 'shooting lanes of your house (I had a bookcase full of books a the far end of my bedroom hall), refrigerators, furniture, etc. all deform and slow down a bullets penetration.

Answer 9

In an apartment, your best bet is a short sword. Don't want to shoot the neighbors. Yeah, I know about Glaser safety slugs and other pre-fragmented stuff. But if you discharge a firearm, you'll wake the whole building... and you have more important things to do than to explain to the soon to arrive police about the corpse over your shoulder. "Honest, officer,I was taking him to the hospital"

Answer 10

I wouldnt go that route! I just saw that they are offering tazer guns to the public in certain states where laws prohibit!! You dont wanna go to jail over some thug. A tazer is the way to go i think cause your not gonna kill the guy, just paralyze him!! By then you can have the police there ready to cuff and stuff the punk!!