Self-Defense?

Question

your opinion:

Centerfire
Shotgun
Handgun

Answer 1

The Centerfire
(High-powered) rifle is perhaps the most versatile firearm available, which is why it is the weapon issued to soldiers. With proper training, a person can hit a target at ranges from arm's length to distances of more than a half mile. However, such long-range capability isn't usually required in civilian scenarios - with the possible exception of some rural contingencies or situations involving massive civil unrest - and the high penetration inherent in this class of firearm is often a liability. The bullet from a typical centerfire rifle will go through an exterior of house wall like a hot knife through butter. A .22-caliber rim-fire rifle bullet will not penetrate as much, but is less powerful than a shotgun or centerfire handgun, and is therefore not usually recommended as a first choice.


The Shotgun
Is often touted as the ultimate defense weapon, and it's not a bad choice since it is very powerful, easier than a handgun to hit a target with, and much less penetrating than a centerfire rifle bullet. However, a common myth is that the wide shot pattern eliminates, or reduces, the need to aim. Although the pattern size increases with distance, at common self-defense distances, the spread is less than 10 inches. For this reason, and to decrease shot-to-shot recovery time, a shotgun should be fired from the shoulder while using the sights whenever possible.


Handguns
Can be classified in two main types: the revolver and the semiautomatic pistol. The primary advantage with both these weapons is that they are portable and concealable; a holstered handgun can be kept readily accessible all day long without a conscious thought and without alarming your fellow citizens. On the other hand, they are harder to shoot well than a shoulder-fired weapon, and even centerfire handguns are far less powerful than either a shotgun or a centerfire rifle. (Approximately 30% of people shot with a handgun die; 30% of those shot with a shotgun or a centerfire rifle survive.)

As noted above, centerfire rifles probably pose an unacceptable risk of overpenetration for use in an urban or suburban environment, except in extreme cases involving widespread breakdowns of social order. That leaves the centerfire handgun and the shotgun as the candidates for day-to-day defensive firearms. The autopistol and revolver offer some weapon retention advantages that trade off against the greater power and hit success probability of the shotgun. Some experts recommend the autopistol or revolver as a primary weapon; some recommend the shotgun. In any case, the deciding factor in any confrontation will be your personal skill with the weapon.

Answer 2

I Would Say Handgun

Mainly Because Its Alot Less Likely Someone Will Take It From You Whilst In Defense

Answer 3

Depends on the circumstances, most particularly the location. Outside your property (castle) a rifle or shotgun might prove awkward if not illegal. In that situation, a centerfire handgun may be the only recourse. Indoors, a handgun or shotgun. The penetration power of most centerfire rifles (and some handguns) raises the possibility of unwanted collateral damage.

Answer 4

I am not an expert enough to say. But I know from reading that the shotgun has the edge with the fear factor of it. Criminals have actually surrendered to the police when they heard the policeman pulling back the slide of the shotguns.

Answer 5

for in home protection I would say the handgun. For close quarter use and better for staying hidden if needed and still able to respond to the attacker with a shot.
Of course for conceal carry you can only carry a handgun.
I hope this helps and I hope you never have to defend yourself. Safe Shooting...

Answer 6

Home defense? Mossberg S/P 500 series shot gun, loaded with bird shot. Light, agile, intimidating, powerful at close range and less likely to penetrate walls. An intruder will crap his / her pants seeing or hearing one of these.

Personal (not at home) defense? Smith + Wesson 442 Airweight .38 cal.

Answer 7

I have centerfire Rifles...... I should use a handgun for home protection.

Answer 8

I would go with a sawed-off pump shotgun. short as legally able so as to be able to have a wider shotrange and be able to move it around easier.