Self Defense Firearms

[Lavaandy]

On Thursday night a man barged into my place of work put a gun into my face and demanded money. Being forced to comply with his demands I opened the cash register and he emptied it. Normally I don't take much crap from anyone, but I had a moment of selflessness when I noticed that there were about 12 or so innocent customers and employees who I am sure wouldn't have appreciated getting shot. I let the man walk out of the store and promptly called police. This incident has prompted my interest in something I have been putting of for far too long, purchasing a firearm. I don't have a lot of money to put into this so I plan on buying used at the local gunshow this weekend.

I am looking for a defense shotgun/scatter gun for my apartment.

Which models should I pay particular attention to?

Any advice would be help!

I am 19 and live in Texas so keep that in mind.

(No anti-gun pussies or liberals please)

[Nova]

Originally Posted by Lavaandy

I am looking for a defense shotgun/scatter gun for my apartment.

Which models should I pay particular attention to?

Any advice would be help!

I am 19 and live in Texas so keep that in mind.

(No anti-gun pussies or liberals please)

This. You know, just in case there's more that one guy.

[Zefram]

What you need is glock 29.
Its compact, and glock guns requires less maintainance, so yeah

Anyway for your situation during the robbery, i wont take out my firearms because you're in a precarious position. You could've shoot the robber, but it could be a wounding shot and he could continue shooting at you.......

And, please, if you're going to own firearms, do practice shooting at your local shooting range. In self defense shootouts you want to incapacitate the villain ASAP so that they wont have time to shoot back at you. The last thing you want is to emptied 10 without hitting your target

And since i'm half-liberal, you could own a taser gun or something........ less lethal. By golly, you could've taken martial arts and pwned guy that points his gun so close to you

[DoK]

Mossberg 500 Cruiser or Persuader in 12 gauge. The Remington 870 series is also a fine choice. Load it with 2-3/4" 00 Buck, not the lighter stuff like some "progressive" thinking people might advise.

I'm really sorry to hear about what happened. Having numerous innocents around always makes things more complicated, so be sure to weigh that as a factor in your decision to bring out a gun if, God-forbid, something like this should ever happen again. That being Texas, I'm surprised one of the other customers at the very least didn't have a concealed weapon to use.

This is what I own in 12 gauge, 8 shot configuration (Mossberg Cruiser):



Another option is the Persuader:


Another is the Remington 870 Tactical, but it is much more pricey than the Mossberg 500 series:



It is easy to change out the stocks on any of these with a pistol grip only or pistol grip + butt stock configuration. The pistol grip + butt stock configuration is the better configuration in my opinion; that being said, I haven't gotten around to adding one to my Cruiser yet (the compact size is nice for putting in the cab of my truck).

[Zefram]

I was given the impression that for self defense you would need something compact, something that you could conceal and reach to when you're in trouble ?

And i can you bring that to your workplace?

[Joe]

i second the mossberg 500 series. they are cheap and good guns.

plus you want something that will scatter. like a shotgun.

[Lavaandy]

Well Like I said since I am only 19 laws prevent me from carrying a concealed handgun. The day I turn 21 is the day I go out and get my license. I love the model 1911 .45! Its the only handgun which I can field strip easily.

I am a fairly good shot since I have been shooting since age 8. I know the importance of practice.

No I cannot bring this into my place of work. I work as a clerk in a pet-store. I carry my switch blade where ever I go. During the incident the situation in general wasn't conducive to my using it. The safest thing to do was get the man out of the store as soon as possible by giving him what he wanted.

I really like the feel of the Mossberg 500 Cruiser becuase its the model my father owns. I must be going now thanks for the quick advise.

[Lavaandy]

Got the 12 gauge Remington model 870 with the pistol grip. It feels nice and solid. Going out tomorrow to the range to try it out. I am excited and finally feel safer in my own home.

[FrozenMercury]

Originally Posted by Zefram

I was given the impression that for self defense you would need something compact, something that you could conceal and reach to when you're in trouble ?

And i can you bring that to your workplace?

Lavaandy wanted it for the home....


If you're trying to do things on the cheap, New England firearms are getting some positive reviews. http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/16597

I'm not making a recommendation, just pointing out the price difference. You get what you pay for in my opinion.


EDIT: In Canada tasers are the deadliest thing over here. Which made me think. What's the laws surrounding concealment of those around there?

EDIT2: Nevermind. The ones that kill people are the same price as a 1911. I know witch one I'd rather have. $999 seems a little steep for something you'd just end up shocking your friends with.

[DoK]

Originally Posted by Lavaandy

Got the 12 gauge Remington model 870 with the pistol grip. It feels nice and solid. Going out tomorrow to the range to try it out. I am excited and finally feel safer in my own home.

I would recommend this ammo:

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/AMM817-5.html

The 3" and 3-1/2" stuff packs more of a punch, but the recoil can prove to be a challenge to handle, especially if you find yourself needing to make a quick follow-up shot. You can also fit more rounds of the 2-3/4" in the magazine than you can of 3" or 3-1/2".

[Lavaandy]

Right now I am going to stick with a light target load until I get the hang of the pistol grip. I have shot before using a pistol grip but I still find it challenging at times. I went out today and bought a box of 2 3/4in 1oz shells for six bucks at wal-mart. My particular shot gun is a Remington Model 870 Wingmaster. It has a 5 shot capacity and an 18.5 inch barrel. Its small shot gun, but still legal by a half inch. I doubt it will be a pleasure to shoot at first but I looks like a some good ol' Texas fun.

I plan on purchasing a few accesories once I establish that I like this gun. They are in order

Folding stock. So I can use it in pistol grip and butt stock.
Light source. For obvious reasons.
Extended magazine. Again for obvious reasons.
Laser. Just for fun.

Thanks for all the advice guys, I realize that I rushed into buying this weapon. I needed something for the here and now that was cheap. I picked up my used 870 for $254.38 tax included. Had it looked over by my gunsmith who gave it his seal of approval. While walking walking around the gunshow with my new shotgun I have numerous offers for it, to the point were I had to put it away to stop the harassment. I plan an upgrading my new found arsenal as time goes on.

Special thanks to Dok who never ceases to amaze with his free speech gun toting antics.

[Comixion]

Didn't know you were in Texas. Which city?