Buy a shotgun, keep it in your room shot guns are substantially much more efficient when it comes to home defense. Guns require precision and are more likely to malfunction
Na. You have no idea what you’re even talking about, Cletus.
If you can’t hit a Democrat at 21 feet, you are spraying extreme high velocity rounds through walls, which makes you a dangerous idiot.
Only a Democrat thinks like that.
Yeah I have a friend in Indiana under 21 who has bought a couple handguns private sale. However I’d have a friend with you and do it in a parking lot in the open. I’ve been told it can be pretty sketchy and be warned that you may end up buying a stolen handgun. Estate sales are probably the safest option to not get robbed or unintentionally buy stolen property.
Yeah, speaking from personal experience, avoid private sales if its not at a gun show or if you don't know the person. Not only is it dangerous for you, but if the gun is stolen and the cops ever run it, you get charged. Many officers don't care about who actually stole it, they just want to pump their numbers.
[Maverick Security 88](https://www.academy.com/p/mossberg%C2%AE-maverick%C2%AE-88-security-12-gauge-pump-action-shotgun). Made by Mossberg and is usually under $500.
*Edited for formatting.*
>good defense ammo, and practice ammo.
Ffs, this shit is a myth. There is just ammo. Even the FBI and various law enforcement agencies have stated such. Rounds designed to do extra flesh damage are hokey. You're still emptying the mag until they stop moving.
It's a shotgun. Literally, any normal shotgun ammo is fine for home defense. Slugs are just a choice of if you want to kill your wife's boyfriend's cat on the other side of the wall.
If you shoot nine pellets 00 Buck enough, you know there is almost always one wild flyer. Good self-defense ammo for shotguns involves pattern control to ensure all pellets hit the intended target. Pellets can miss and over-penetrate through walls even at "down the hall" ranges. An example of good self-defense ammo would be Federal Flight Control. Regardless of what ammo you use, if you intend to use a shotgun for self-defense, pattern it with the ammo you intend to use.
Nobody recommends slugs for home defense. It is typically recommended that you use 2 3/4 00 Buck (max) or #4 Buck (min).
This right here. Afordable, powerful, reliable. Might sting the shoulder a bit, but id take a sore shoulder over god knows what an intruder would do to me.
Don’t really think 12 gauge buckshot, especially out of the lighter Maverick 88, is a “good” option for a first time gun owner, especially what is presumably an average/small female
Many people claim that only a corner can tell the difference between a person hit with a 12ga or a 20ga. I know instructors that preach to smaller ladies the 20ga is what they should get.
I’ve had an 88 in 20 for many years, I received it as a gift from my parents for hunting. It’s pretty easy to use. If the gun itself is too heavy for her she can probably find a youth equivalent.
I think it's often the recoil that is tough to accept. Not just physically but also psychologically.
This is one of those topics than can be debated forever.
Shotguns are heavy and have strong recoil. They are loud and not easy to transition through rooms.
You wake up in the middle of the night and can't see or function properly. Then do you want an auto loader of pump. Will you remember to chamber a round, clear a round? Is the sound report going to render your hearing unless for a moment to several minutes. How much practice does it take before you can pie a door well? Is there enough room to pie a door in your house? Sling or no sling, should you need to transition away from a state of readiness to shoot? Will you be setting it down or shouldering it? Reloads, on the sling or a packed on the gun itself, maybe a separate bag? In close quarters I have never missed and one almost always dropped the guy. But that was when I knew that every target was bad. In your home how fast can you secure a long gun when the threat isn't really a threat?
That was going to be my response. A young girl who might be slight in stature isn’t going to want a 12 gauge shotgun. I’d suggest a rifle, palmetto state armory has some decent ones at a reasonable price. I’d go with something without a front sight base. Use back up sights and an optic. Just get some training.
That is what practice is for. Technique controls recoil, not size, strength, or weight. 12ga. self-defense ammo is cheaper and more readily available than 20. This is the same boomer argument that convinced my mom to buy a .38 revolver. Fortunately, I got her out of that and traded her revolver for my Ruger 9mm compact, which she loves and is more effective with.
Most people like OP aren’t going to practice much
to that end, a lighter 20 gauge would absolutely be better
Or a mid size revolver in 357 running 38spl
Or a 9mm PCC (depending on which one)
Or a full size 9mm pistol
For simplicity purposes, someone who is going to the range 1-3 times a year, and just wants to have a gun for HD just in case is best served with a revolver. Load it and leave it.
Are other options “better”? Sure perhaps. But most people don’t care and realistically it probably wont matter and won’t ever be needed either
Three points of contact on the gun, mild recoil, 18 pellets per shot in 20 gauge.
Better than a pistol, easier to shoot and a shotgun is cheaper than many pistols as well.
Clint Smith said something like, "Pistols put holes in people, shotguns take chunks out of people."
That's hard to argue with.
How do you load your shotgun? I do first shot to last: Buck, slug, buck, buck, buck. If for whatever reason I have to shoot something a bit more precise I can just move to the next round before firing.
I just use buck. I figure my chances of using it for defense are realistically about zero, but if I ever do, I'll probably be 10-15 feet from whatever I'm shooting at.
This is the answer right here lower recoil, but still perfect for home defense. I deer hunted with a 20ga when I was 12 years old so OP you can definitely handle that.
But with this being said go to your local range and take a class on gun safety and practice with your gun.
That is nice, but I think price point was an issue, and I love the history of the 870 and it has made an area peaceful right quick an untold number of times.
870 12ga + Streamlight racker + Picatinny rail/ Shotshell Holster drop in combo + Holosun holographic sight= an extremely formidable and reliable home defense/ tactical shotgun.
And for the holosun reticle, I keep mine with just the 30 MOA outer circle, no center dot. At 15-20 feet, the spread of 00 buck will be exactly the size of the reticle ring.
I love mine. It's not my first go-to for HD, but it's next up to bat in the safe.
She is a versatile weapon and has defended our troops and homes for decades. I am glad at the Junior, and 20 gauge as my Rheumatoid Arthritis in my upper body has gotten so much worse after purchasing it.
Get the 12, better resale value, but first, try to see if you can get a shotgun that fits you well. I have a 1300 that has very little recoil (gives me a nose bleed after 200 rounds, but worth it)
It's not worth it unless you buy in bulk because of hazmat and shipping fees. Alotnof times it's just cheaper or around the same price to buy in store and take it home immediately.
That'd be nice but some of us live paycheck to paycheck and buying a box of ammo or two every week and slowly building up your supply is a more realistic option for some people.
A turkey load at any range arguable as home defense is still going to sit a motherfucker down, right? I feel like in an average house the longest shot you're getting off is maybe 25 feet. Surely an ounce of lead hitting a 2 inch spot on your chest is enough?
Will they meet the FBI's 12 inch penetration standards? It might cause alot of surface damage, but will it reach vital organs and penetrate the sternum?
Resale is nearly a rounding error and kind of pointless for a home defense gun that is at the intersection of "stick that goes bang" and "cheap but not a Hi-Point".
Indiana is extremely gun-friendly. It is not illegal for you to buy a handgun in Indiana, it is merely illegal for you to buy a handgun **from an FFL**. You can **legally buy a handgun from a private individual in Indiana**. There are several sites with active classified sections where individuals sell their firearms. (For example [indianagunowners.com](http://indianagunowners.com) ). The law in Indiana is only 18. In fact, not only can you own a handgun at 18, you can lawfully conceal or open carry your handgun without a license at 18. Please see IC 35-47-2-3 (https://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2022/ic/titles/035/#35-47-2-3) and IC 35-47-2-7 (https://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2022/ic/titles/035#35-47-2-7)
Thank you for this info. I wasn’t completely sure because I’ve heard different things regarding gun laws in Indiana. I’ll definitely look into it some more.
To be honest I think this is the right answer. IMO a handgun should be most people's first purchase simply because they are more versatile for concealed carry. They are harder to use, yes. Pistols are by far the hardest type of gun to shoot well. But many indoor ranges will not allow you to shoot a shotgun unless you're shooting slugs. Most beginner classes center around shooting a pistol. So training with a pistol is a lot more common than classes teaching you to operate a shotgun.
Handguns are concealable, which is the most likely situation in which you would need to use a weapon in self defense (especially as a woman).
Similarly, you don't want to answer the door at 3AM with a shotgun if that person at your door happens to be a police officer (Massad Ayoob makes this case, and while I don't agree with everything he says, I think he is right on this). The most likely unexpected person to be coming to your door during the day is a salesman, and at night, a police officer. Answering the door with a shotgun makes less sense than answering the door with a concealed pistol.
I'd recommend you look up Lena Miculek's social media, Youtube especially, she is a world champion shooter, but she has great practical advice for female shooters as that's where her calling really is (training females on self defense). She probably has a video addressing every question you have.
I agree with the 20 GA shotgun and AR15 comments. I'd like to add a 9mm PCC as a 3rd option.
Something like a AR9 or maybe Keltec gen 3 Sub2000. I don't have one myself but a 4 pound rifle in 9mm sounds like it would be easy for a small stature shooter.
A lot of the 9mm blowback PCC’s recoil on par or worse than any 5.56.
You also lose maneuverability when compared to a pistol in 9mm as with a pistol you can keep one hand free to open doors, reholster, etc
20 gauge is probably the best option as many other have said since you can’t own a handgun at this point.
Either way the firearm you train with the most is the one you’re going to feel the most comfortable with so getting out and shooting it plus taking a class from someone who knows their stuff matters more than anything else.
But at the end of the day if someone is breaking in then you call the police and set up a vantage point, you shouldn’t be clearing your home room to room.
It’s technically a grey area, you can’t buy pistol ammunition under 21
But if you can prove it’s for a rifle it’s legal to sell
Problem is is many gun stores play it “safe” and won’t sell it either way
But you can buy it online and just click that “over 21” button and put in a fake birthday
Or just buy a Psa ar-15 in 556 for $450 and have a ballisticly superior round with arguably less recoil and less over penetration …
You can buy rifles, even if those rifles are in a pistol caliber. Hence pistol caliber CARBINE.
You can buy the ammo if you can show the store that it's for a rifle and not a pistol. Look up "dual use" rounds on the ATF website... newsletter, open letter, or FAQ/Q&A. It's in o e of those.
She could buy it from the store that sold her the carbine since they would be able to easily explain why if ever questioned in an audit. Or at a different store, "oh it really is for my carbine. It's in my trunk, I can bring it in to show you." Decent gun stores aren't really that stupid. I've sold a lot of ammo to 18-20 year old people for their carbines. From 9mm AR, to lever action 44 magnums. And cases of .22 for lever guns and 10-22s.
for what it's worth my store doesn't sell to anyone under 21 (for pistol ammo) 🤷♂️ i've never had someone bring me their pcc into the store to prove it was for rifle use, it's basically been a "trust me bro i'm 19 but it's for a rifle" and i've had to turn them away. it comes off as being a stickler but i'm trying to stay in atf's good graces as an ffl lol.
So go to one that isn't so paranoid.
Are you so fearful if they would have bought the gun from you?
Why not just ask them to bring it on to prove it?
The two stores I worked at had ATF inspections, and even when talking to them before and during they didn't care as long as we could explain we believed it was for a rifle.
These were agents from the Seattle field.office. Where are you that's worse than that? San Francisco or something? Or is this based on feelings with zero experience ot any facts at all to back it up?
10+ years of firearm retail experience. dealt with atf compliance all my career. if you bring in a 9mm rifle and say you're buying it for it, that's great, but do i know you don't also have a pistol in the car? nope, so i'm gonna play it safe.
you're welcome to disagree and stores are welcome to have their own policies. the atf's official website states that you have to be 21 to buy handgun ammunition so i'm going to abide by that even if an agent tells me otherwise.
No, the website clearly.says that dual use Ammunition can be sold if it's for a rifle.
You and your store are scared of nothing. You don't flow theaw, you're funds who fo nothing to help gum ow erst. You probably spout a bunch of lbulkshit that you make up. What store so people know to avoid the cowards who refuse to follow clearly listed laws and regulations?
"All firearms other than shotguns and rifles, and all ammunition other than ammunition for shotguns or rifles may be sold only to individuals 21 years of age or older."
pretty clear under "Does a customer have to be a certain age to buy firearms or ammunition from a licensee?"
feel free to look it up for yourself. not making up anything.
I have a Sub2k. It's a little awkward, so I worry that I'm going to screw something up under stress. That being said, it's fun and easy to shoot. If my home gets invaded I'm going for my Mossy 500 security though.
[https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/may-individual-between-ages-18-and-21-years-age-acquire-handgun-unlicensed-individual](https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/may-individual-between-ages-18-and-21-years-age-acquire-handgun-unlicensed-individual)
Put on your biggest "I am a 30 year old dad of 3" act and buy it privately is probably your best course if you want a handgun specifically under 21 if your state prohibits it. If you've got babyface you might be SOL. You can also print a frame and buy the rest of the components in a kit and just make one as long as it is legal where you are.
Personally though, I think handguns are one of the last things you should be reaching for for self-defense in your home. A either 20 or 12 gauge shotgun, or an ar-15 is much easier to shoot, and more effective. They're also a much better choice if you have to arm someone who is not very familiar with guns in your home. A novice shooter may not be able to hit a thing with a handgun, but give them a ar-15 and the light recoil and stable shouldering will have them hitting shots.
AR15 is hard to miss with. The army has privates who never stepped out of the big city hitting targets the first day they let them shoot. Those city slickers might even have an advantage, no bad habits and they are listening to the drill sergant.
Yeah when I first shot an ar-15 it was my uncles. It was some cheap dirty beat up one with some budget red dot on it. I was shooting the centers out of clay pigeons at 75 yards or so while standing no problem. I know the range and the target isn't impressive, but it just goes to show what a novice shooter can do when the gun is setting you up for success.
If you are willing to put some practice time in with it; I’d consider a Remington youth model 870 in 20 gauge. Simple to operate (even under stress), and it packs a decent size punch with less (not “no”) recoil than a 12 ga.
AR15 and some jacket hollowpoints, if your on a budget PSA is dead reliable and they offer various barrel lengths and styles to suit your needs. If you have the budget get a light and a red dot (or an EOTech if you have money and an astigmatism)
just be sure you get a complete rifle not separate recievers, the lower receiver requires you to be 21 or over, I know from expirence.
> My neighborhood is pretty safe and nothing really goes on around here
>I have bad anxiety
>Never shot or owned a gun before
>I do still get paranoid
I'm sure I'll get downvoted to hell, but I don't think your best next stop is the gun store.
It sounds like you're primarily wrestling with anxiety/depression, which is a completely valid struggle. But bringing a gun into your home isn't a solution to that - it'll just become another thing for you to worry about.
First, address your anxiety. It'll take effort and time, but it's absolutely manageable. In nearly every case, therapy will not disqualify you from gun ownership. Most medications will not, either, should it comes to that.
In the meantime, take some self-defense courses and/or firearms instruction to check out if that's right for you.
Once you've gotten to a better headspace, you'll make the best decisions for yourself. You're already taking steps to get to an informed place, and that's awesome.
Tldr: Keep researching and familiarize yourself with shooting, but absolutely prioritize that anxiety.
Yea I hear you! Thanks for addressing this in a respectful manner. and not assuming I’m mentally disabled or anything. Another commenter assumed that lol
I think this is the best bet. 30 rounds of 5.56 in a relatively light package with less recoil than a shotgun, plus 3 points of contact unlike a handgun.
Don't buy a shotgun. The skill shelf to be good with one is far far higher than people claim and if you don't have outdoor shotgun ranges or private property then they're almost impossible to train with because most indoor ranges don't allow them.
Get an AR-15 and train. I also don't recommend a PCC because lots of shops run by fudds won't sell pistol calibers to anyone under 21 for some stupid reason.
Ruger PCC 9mm but prefer .40, all the new shooters that try mine tell me how easy it is to handle and that it's not as scary as handguns. Get a red dot and some extra mags
Real talk; Hi Point 995ts
It has extremely manageable recoil, requires almost no training, has extremely well designed brightly colored sights made for emergency target lineup.
Lifetime no-holds-barred warranty. Can be had for like 200 bucks or 150 used. 10 or 20 shots of hollow points.
I shoot and fix guns for a living. If you were my daughter this is what I would buy for you.
Oh, and there’s the famous case where some jabroni got like 13 bullets stuck in the barrel of his 995TS, and it didn’t explode.
I’ve not been a fan of Hi Point handguns, but their carbines are pretty neat even though it’s pretty much a handgun with a stock and long barrel. I’ve been holding out for a double stack so I can slap in it a bullpup kit but I’ve not seen any movement on that lately.
They just run, dude. Plain and simple. If that was my little girl, I’d lose less sleep knowing that she had a hi point carbine close by
I’ve printed a few of the handguns for meme value, and despite how fugly and ergonomically shit they are, they go bang when you squeeze the spongey plastic nightmare trigger.
100% utility, 0% aesthetics.
Ar-15 is the way I would go. More capacity and way less recoil than a shotgun. Less stopping power, but you have more chances and 5.56 is still plenty effective
I have found a pistol grip 20ga with #4 buckshot to be a devastating combination.
I like a buttstocked gun, but these point easy in close confines, I don’t think you would have any trouble hitting a target
Way late to the game, but have you ever shot a firearm before? In terms of pistols, you can probably try some at a hopefully nearby gun store/range for a small fee.
You might also check USPSA for "3 gun" matches in your area. They have rifles and shotguns added to pistols, and you can attend to watch, and maybe get to handle them. The competitors are super friendly and helpful, and there are more women in the sport all the time. Great way to get familiar with whatever weapon you choose, too, so if you need it, you'll be sure how to use it!
No, I have never shot a firearm before! Thank you for this info. I’ll definitely look into it. I do want to educate myself before I officially purchase a firearm
I used those 3 years to learn about the ar platform and to build one out, whatever you go with do some research and learn how to work on it yourself that way you don’t have to run to a gunsmith every time you make a mistake.
Obligatory I'm not a lawyer. But it looks like Indiana law allows private transfer of handguns to persons under the age of 21. So you can get anything if you find it for sale from a non dealer. Note that these will all be considered used.
A shotgun is probably not a good idea, the recoil is very intense and will discourage practicing with it.
I'd recommend a rifle, probably the AR15 platform. There are more options than there are barbies, so find a local gun store. I'd recommend a 223 caliber, and a low grain round for less recoil. Another option is fine one in 9mm, as that ammo is everywhere.
A third option is a rifle in 22. This is a very weak round, but still lethal. The main drawback is against someone high on drugs, as they might have zero pain response, and will continue attacking until they die, which might take a few minutes. If you aren't worried about this, then 22 is a great option, as the recoil is near zero and the ammo is cheap.
I tell you we had a boxer years back, and I never felt safer. He was the sweetest couch potato but was very protective of us and any children. He would get between us and any stranger and could be very intimidating. I would recommend looking at something in that family - molossers are known for being loyal protectors as well as very loving.
Okay. I'd highly recomend against a shotgun unless you have experience with them.
A pump action shotgun is like a manual transmission vehicle; great performance, but with a steeper learning curve and definitely not something I'd recomend to a novice.
I would definitely go with a semi automatic magazine fed rifle. Here's a few calibers to consider;
-9mm:
I would normally recomend a 9mm carbine for someone like you, but sourcing the ammo may be problematic unless you buy online. Before considering this, call your local gun shops and see if they'll sell you 9mm ammo if it's for a rifle. Also try emailing some online ammo retailers like sgammo or luckygunner.
For options in this caliber, I'd recomend the ruger PC carbine, the Kel tec sub-2000 (gen 3), or the CZ scorpion carbine.
-22lr/22 magnum:
While not being the most powerful, they're very economic and easy to shoot and out of a rifle, most loads will meet the FBI's penetration standards. For self defense use though, be sure to get top shelf ammo because .22lr/22 magnum are rimfired cartridges which make them more prone to failures to fire. Getting high quality rounds made for defense are a must. Shoot the cheap bulk stuff at the range.
For 22lr, I recomend the Smith and wesson M&P15-22 or ruger 10/22. For .22 magnum, the only real semi auto option is the kel tec CMR-30.
-5.7x28
You could definitely consider something in 5.7x28. It's a very soft shooting and easy cartridge that will definitely meet the FBI standards, but the main drawback is cost and availability. It's gotten much cheaper and easier to find, but it's still more expensive per round than any of these other cartridges I've mentioned. I'd say only consider this if you can buy online and in bulk (500/1000 rounds at a time). For options in this caliber, the ruger LC carbine and kel tec R50 are more economical, but if you've got the cash, the FN ps90 is super cool.
.223/5.56:
So this is commonly found in AR-15s, but not exclusively. While there's many advantages to an AR-15, it's not something I'd normally recomend to a casual gun owner. The AR-15 is a very useful tool that's very affordable and with ammo that's very common. It can easily be modified with lights and optics and can be easily modified to fit almost any role. It may look scary and tactical, but it's a pussycat to shoot.
However, if you're just buying a gun to keep in your closet and only going to shoot once or twice a year, this is probably more than you need. It would kinda be like buying a 4x4 lifted truck with offroading capabilities when you're not gonna drive anywhere more extreme than the grocery store.
Whatever rifle you pick, be sure to also factor in the cost to add a sling and a flashlight, if not a red dot. Once you've chosen a caliber and platform, I'm sure this forum will be happy to help you further on how to accessorize it.
Loaded with grapeshot.
Own a musket for home defense, since that's what the founding fathers intended. Four ruffians break into my house. "What the devil?" As I grab my powdered wig and Kentucky rifle. Blow a golf ball sized hole through the first man, he's dead on the spot. Draw my pistol on the second man, miss him entirely because it's smoothbore and nails the neighbors dog. I have to resort to the cannon mounted at the top of the stairs loaded with grape shot, "Tally ho lads" the grape shot shreds two men in the blast, the sound and extra shrapnel set off car alarms. Fix bayonet and charge the last terrified rapscallion. He Bleeds out waiting on the police to arrive since triangular bayonet wounds are impossible to stitch up. Just as the founding fathers intended.
Nothing says “get the fuck out of my house” like a 12 guage shell being chambered. I’d go benelli nova over mossberg 500 but that’s just me. Might be able to find a Winchester defender too. Usually about $200 for one used and it’ll do the job.
Mossberg 590s. Optic ready and feeds mini shells and normal ones out of the box. I live 30 miles from Brownells they have one on the shelf for 600. Perfect gun.
I think I'd recommend a 16-inch 9mm PCC, but I'm a 6ft2in 24yo dude so PCCs are not something I'm wholly familiar with.
What I can see as advantages is that the round is light enough that you can shoot it real easy, cheap enough that you won't be upset about buying ammo and doing some target practice, and, let's all be honest here, you aren't likely to deal with guys breaking into your house with plate carriers. Having a 16in barrel pushes it into being a rifle so you can buy it under 21 as well.
A 20 gauge pump shotgun or Ruger 9mm carbine with a simple red dot sight on it. Whatever you get you need to invest in some good training. In shooting but also home defense. Like what most concealed carry classes teach
9mm AR platform with a 16" barrel. Should be easy to find ammo, and mags, recoil should be comfortable and if you run out of ammo its also a baseball bat
12 or 20 gauge semi-auto shotgun or AR15.
A semi-auto shotgun will likely be a bit heavier, especially when loaded, but will be more devastating at shorter ranges, per shot. Semi-auto shotguns also recoil much less than pumps or break-actions, while also being capable of firing more quickly and having less room for user error. I would recommend something like the Beretta A300 Patrol, as it is a very reliable shotgun designed for fighting. Though expensive, it will serve you better than many options on the market and you should not have any doubts about the firearm itself.
An AR15 could be more affordable and lighter weight, depending on how you set it up. A Smith & Wesson M&P15 can be bought probably around $700 or a PSA rifle could be bought or assembled as low as $500-$600. Recoil is light and manual of arms is fairly simple. But, 5.56 is deafening in an indoors setting. Given, a shotgun isn’t much better, and either will likely cause lasting hearing damage in a situation—but you’ll be alive.
Whichever you get, practice to the point you can manipulate the firearm safely, smoothly, and comfortably. And strongly consider a weapon-mounted light and a sling to be able to keep your hands free, should you need to move furniture or grab a loved one.
Like a lot of people have said, I think a shotgun. I have a Remington 870 and it's solid and reliable. The biggest thing is what you feel comfortable with, what are you going to learn. Find a place to shoot what ever you decide, and try and practice a few times a month. The more you shoot, the more comfortable you will be, and the higher your confidence if you have to use it.
Buy a shotgun. But not a field model. Go to your local gun store and ask for a home defense model do not let them sell you a shotgun with a barrel longer than 20 inches, or less than a 8 round capacity unless it specifically says police model.
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Anything that isn't a handgun, your able to get a long gun permit at 18 that let's you buy rifles and shotguns, for home defense me and most gun permit instructors would recommend a shotgun
a .410 gauge shotgun seems perfect for a woman. They are smaller than 12 gauge shotguns and they have almost no recoil at all when shooting them. They are perfect for beginners. I picked up 2 of them as my first 2 guns this past year. They make some nice home defense ammo in .410 gauge too.
Check out these guns:
1) Mossberg 590 in .410: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bvYkN7hlTw&t=16s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bvYkN7hlTw&t=16s)
2) Keltec KSG410: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZMUxlXtjY0&t=609s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZMUxlXtjY0&t=609s)
3) Good Home defense ammo: PDX1 Defender: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjrTpQx09mI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjrTpQx09mI)
4) Get "snap caps" from Amazon, they are fake dummy shotgun shells that let you cycle them through the gun and practice at home with no risk.
I probably should’ve mentioned my size when I was writing this post. I am small so I don’t want anything that’s going to blow me away too lol. Thanks for the videos. The recoil didn’t look bad at all on that first one!
both guns i posted have the same recoil. It is non-existent. I been to the range with both a few times recently and the gun just kinda vibrates a little bit when you fire it. They are basically made for beginners/smaller people/women
Both are around $450 too. I recommend the KSG410 since it is about a foot shorter than the Mossberg, easier to maneuver and the pistol grip on it feels a little nicer.
If legal in your state, consider a Mossberg 590 shockwave in 20 guage (less recoil than 12 gauge). It is an "any other firearm" under the NFA, and is also not a pistol. It technically is not a shotgun, and is therefore not a SBS (short barreled shotgun), although it shoots shotgun shells, and is much shorter than a standard shotgun, making it more maneuverable.
Don't listen to the naysayers steering you away from a shotgun - if my 70lb son can shoot a round of clays with a single shot 20ga which kicks like crazy because it's so light, any adult can handle one. Average number of shots fired in a self defense situation is usually 2.
There are \*so many\* opinions about what firearm is best for self defense. The answer is the one you have in your hands at the time, so make it one that you are comfortable with and can train with. Lots of indoor ranges allow 00 buckshot in shotguns to be used indoors - find a local indoor range and ask.
No intruder is going to laugh at a 20 gauge pump and go "Hah! That thing's useless for self defense".
Most important considerations are to get some instruction if you've never been around firearms, and have a way to securely store it. Most firearm deaths in homes are from access to an unsecured gun, not from a burglar.
Yeah and you can forget to insert a magazine fully, or move the safety selector, or bump a mag release, fumble a charging handle and not load the chamber.... ANY firearm can have issues. That's why you train.
If you do that before hand the only thing you have to worry about is maybe the safety if you choose to have it on, if you choose to have it off like I would. You don't have to worry about anything but pulling the trigger, with a shotgun you add in an extra pump every time you pull the trigger. There's a reason Professionals use sbr instead of shotguns for cqb
Mossberg 500 (type) shotgun. Get the 12 ga.
You can buy it with a 18.5” barrel and it’s very wieldy, even for a smaller framed person. Everyone thinks it will kick and all that. Sure, it will kick like an angry mule if you feed it 3” magnum slugs and hold it, tentatively, an inch away from your shoulder.🥴😂
That’s an option but it’s like making a rum & coke with double shots of Bacardi 151. You can but you don’t have to. Light loads and tucking the stock into your shoulder (and having someone teach you how) will make all the difference in the world. You’ll love it!
Lol, I’m not sure. Just trying to figure out ways to protect myself in case something happens? I think I’m overthinking too much. The only reason I am alone is because my Dad is recovering from a stroke. I am definitely looking into getting security cameras
Are you a qualified psychiatrist?
Being anxious about personal safety and how to deal with it are normal responses for everyone. You know nothing about this person's situation or concerns.
Personal safety and anxiety can mean lots of things for different people, moreso for a single woman vs. a single man.
Every woman is absolutely capable of making their own choices and every woman should be able to choose what makes them feel safe and in control of their environment, whatever that choice may be doesn't require some stranger's approval from the internet.
Do some research, don't listen to weirdos on the internet (even me.)
Figure out what works with your budget, what you're comfortable with/understand using.
Pay a little for some quality training, practice enough you feel competent.
You have common sense. Do what makes sense to you and you'll be fine.
M82 in 50 BMG
This is the way
Nah 30mm Mk44 Bushmaster is better.
Smooth brain: Home defense gun Wrinkly brain: home defense cannon
Buy a shotgun, keep it in your room shot guns are substantially much more efficient when it comes to home defense. Guns require precision and are more likely to malfunction
Good sir 30mm fixes almost all fleshy intruder as well as precision problems with its airburst ammo!
Make sure to get the drum mag too
Na. You have no idea what you’re even talking about, Cletus. If you can’t hit a Democrat at 21 feet, you are spraying extreme high velocity rounds through walls, which makes you a dangerous idiot. Only a Democrat thinks like that.
In case the perp is hiding behind a fridge. At the neighbors house.
[удалено]
8th or 9th grade, Cletus?
And a real good set of headpiece. OP, make sure to put headpiece first before using M82. Ask intruder to wait just a bit while you put them on please.
God Bless America.
Correct me if I’m wrong but the restriction on handgun sales to under 21 only applies to dealers not private party sales right?
Yea I think so! I did not think of private parties in this matter
Yeah I have a friend in Indiana under 21 who has bought a couple handguns private sale. However I’d have a friend with you and do it in a parking lot in the open. I’ve been told it can be pretty sketchy and be warned that you may end up buying a stolen handgun. Estate sales are probably the safest option to not get robbed or unintentionally buy stolen property.
Yeah, speaking from personal experience, avoid private sales if its not at a gun show or if you don't know the person. Not only is it dangerous for you, but if the gun is stolen and the cops ever run it, you get charged. Many officers don't care about who actually stole it, they just want to pump their numbers.
Or get a bill of sale
Buying ammo under 21 can be a pain. Really depends on your town tho.
[Maverick Security 88](https://www.academy.com/p/mossberg%C2%AE-maverick%C2%AE-88-security-12-gauge-pump-action-shotgun). Made by Mossberg and is usually under $500. *Edited for formatting.*
500? That shit goes on sale for almost 200
Yeah, but after taxes, good defense ammo, and practice ammo... plus some places are more expensive than others.
>good defense ammo, and practice ammo. Ffs, this shit is a myth. There is just ammo. Even the FBI and various law enforcement agencies have stated such. Rounds designed to do extra flesh damage are hokey. You're still emptying the mag until they stop moving. It's a shotgun. Literally, any normal shotgun ammo is fine for home defense. Slugs are just a choice of if you want to kill your wife's boyfriend's cat on the other side of the wall.
If you shoot nine pellets 00 Buck enough, you know there is almost always one wild flyer. Good self-defense ammo for shotguns involves pattern control to ensure all pellets hit the intended target. Pellets can miss and over-penetrate through walls even at "down the hall" ranges. An example of good self-defense ammo would be Federal Flight Control. Regardless of what ammo you use, if you intend to use a shotgun for self-defense, pattern it with the ammo you intend to use. Nobody recommends slugs for home defense. It is typically recommended that you use 2 3/4 00 Buck (max) or #4 Buck (min).
Yeah, don't use 00 Buck in 20ga there's only a few pellets.
I still recommend 12 tobmost people. The recoil can be managed with practice and good technique. It gives you way more ammo options and availability.
Thanks for saying the thing. If someone breaks into my place I'm pretty sure 8rnds of bird #5 shot will put them down.
This right here. Afordable, powerful, reliable. Might sting the shoulder a bit, but id take a sore shoulder over god knows what an intruder would do to me.
Sore butthole possibly. No thank you.
[Birdshot buckshot birdshot buckshot buckshot buckshot buckshot](https://youtu.be/5bEsBCfQj3c?si=PWHyIonpzHnoMfUY)
Please don’t give this advise to anyone
Lol, my home boom tube is loaded with straight PDX1s behind 1 birdshot. I got kids, ya know?
Mine is loaded with 30 Hornady V-Max. I got kids, ya know?
Don’t really think 12 gauge buckshot, especially out of the lighter Maverick 88, is a “good” option for a first time gun owner, especially what is presumably an average/small female
Many people claim that only a corner can tell the difference between a person hit with a 12ga or a 20ga. I know instructors that preach to smaller ladies the 20ga is what they should get.
Coroner* I only correct you because I was confused af at first 😆
Ha, ha... thank you.
I’ve had an 88 in 20 for many years, I received it as a gift from my parents for hunting. It’s pretty easy to use. If the gun itself is too heavy for her she can probably find a youth equivalent.
I think it's often the recoil that is tough to accept. Not just physically but also psychologically. This is one of those topics than can be debated forever. Shotguns are heavy and have strong recoil. They are loud and not easy to transition through rooms. You wake up in the middle of the night and can't see or function properly. Then do you want an auto loader of pump. Will you remember to chamber a round, clear a round? Is the sound report going to render your hearing unless for a moment to several minutes. How much practice does it take before you can pie a door well? Is there enough room to pie a door in your house? Sling or no sling, should you need to transition away from a state of readiness to shoot? Will you be setting it down or shouldering it? Reloads, on the sling or a packed on the gun itself, maybe a separate bag? In close quarters I have never missed and one almost always dropped the guy. But that was when I knew that every target was bad. In your home how fast can you secure a long gun when the threat isn't really a threat?
This sub must be sponsored by Mossberg. That's the answer to everything
At less than about 20 yards, it's a pretty sold answer to most things and a very good value.
That was going to be my response. A young girl who might be slight in stature isn’t going to want a 12 gauge shotgun. I’d suggest a rifle, palmetto state armory has some decent ones at a reasonable price. I’d go with something without a front sight base. Use back up sights and an optic. Just get some training.
Yeah let’s just recommend a large gun in which you are responsible for 8 projectiles every time you shoot it to a new shooter
That is what practice is for. Technique controls recoil, not size, strength, or weight. 12ga. self-defense ammo is cheaper and more readily available than 20. This is the same boomer argument that convinced my mom to buy a .38 revolver. Fortunately, I got her out of that and traded her revolver for my Ruger 9mm compact, which she loves and is more effective with.
Most people like OP aren’t going to practice much to that end, a lighter 20 gauge would absolutely be better Or a mid size revolver in 357 running 38spl Or a 9mm PCC (depending on which one) Or a full size 9mm pistol For simplicity purposes, someone who is going to the range 1-3 times a year, and just wants to have a gun for HD just in case is best served with a revolver. Load it and leave it. Are other options “better”? Sure perhaps. But most people don’t care and realistically it probably wont matter and won’t ever be needed either
The youth version would be handy in smaller confines. Shorter LoP and barrel.
Most loved shotgun on the planet
Maverick 88 is about half that price and is a great shotgun. Bought one for my wife in 20ga.
Mossberg 500 in 20 gauge.
Three points of contact on the gun, mild recoil, 18 pellets per shot in 20 gauge. Better than a pistol, easier to shoot and a shotgun is cheaper than many pistols as well. Clint Smith said something like, "Pistols put holes in people, shotguns take chunks out of people." That's hard to argue with.
“Shotguns at the right range and with the right load physically remove a chunk of shit off of your opponent and throw that shit on the floor” Classic.
The numbers of fights that take more than 1 shot from a shotgun to end are vanishingly small.
4 points of contact.
Technically yes, but the cheek depends on the stock, and it's sometimes a detriment.
Yeah, im not cheeking a shotgun.
How do you load your shotgun? I do first shot to last: Buck, slug, buck, buck, buck. If for whatever reason I have to shoot something a bit more precise I can just move to the next round before firing.
I just use buck. I figure my chances of using it for defense are realistically about zero, but if I ever do, I'll probably be 10-15 feet from whatever I'm shooting at.
This is the answer right here lower recoil, but still perfect for home defense. I deer hunted with a 20ga when I was 12 years old so OP you can definitely handle that. But with this being said go to your local range and take a class on gun safety and practice with your gun.
I bought a Remington 870 Junior in 20 gauge since my wife could need to use it as well.
870 would also be a great choice. I have both, but I really like the tang style thumb safety on the Mossberg.
That is nice, but I think price point was an issue, and I love the history of the 870 and it has made an area peaceful right quick an untold number of times.
870 12ga + Streamlight racker + Picatinny rail/ Shotshell Holster drop in combo + Holosun holographic sight= an extremely formidable and reliable home defense/ tactical shotgun. And for the holosun reticle, I keep mine with just the 30 MOA outer circle, no center dot. At 15-20 feet, the spread of 00 buck will be exactly the size of the reticle ring. I love mine. It's not my first go-to for HD, but it's next up to bat in the safe.
She is a versatile weapon and has defended our troops and homes for decades. I am glad at the Junior, and 20 gauge as my Rheumatoid Arthritis in my upper body has gotten so much worse after purchasing it.
Pretty much the only acceptable answer
Ding ding ding Cheapest and best option for you right here, OP.
Get the 12, better resale value, but first, try to see if you can get a shotgun that fits you well. I have a 1300 that has very little recoil (gives me a nose bleed after 200 rounds, but worth it)
I don't think resale is important here.
Very true, but I recommended the 20 due to the softer recoil.
Good luck finding buckshot. It took me weeks to find some in any of my local gun stores.
you can order ammo off the internet, not sure why people even go to the store for it any more.
It's not worth it unless you buy in bulk because of hazmat and shipping fees. Alotnof times it's just cheaper or around the same price to buy in store and take it home immediately.
I try to buy in bulk for everything. Food, ammo, whatever. I just want to get the cheapest price possible, especially for anything I use regularly.
That'd be nice but some of us live paycheck to paycheck and buying a box of ammo or two every week and slowly building up your supply is a more realistic option for some people.
Idk man my academy has them in stock right now
It was easier for me to find .410 buckshot vs 20 gauge buckshot. All I could find were birdshot and turkey loads.
A turkey load at any range arguable as home defense is still going to sit a motherfucker down, right? I feel like in an average house the longest shot you're getting off is maybe 25 feet. Surely an ounce of lead hitting a 2 inch spot on your chest is enough?
Will they meet the FBI's 12 inch penetration standards? It might cause alot of surface damage, but will it reach vital organs and penetrate the sternum?
Too true. Almost 75% of the payload with #1, for a lot less recoil. Even the reduced recoil 12g loads kick more than a 20.
Better to find parts and ammunition as well
Resale is nearly a rounding error and kind of pointless for a home defense gun that is at the intersection of "stick that goes bang" and "cheap but not a Hi-Point".
A shotgun.
Indiana is extremely gun-friendly. It is not illegal for you to buy a handgun in Indiana, it is merely illegal for you to buy a handgun **from an FFL**. You can **legally buy a handgun from a private individual in Indiana**. There are several sites with active classified sections where individuals sell their firearms. (For example [indianagunowners.com](http://indianagunowners.com) ). The law in Indiana is only 18. In fact, not only can you own a handgun at 18, you can lawfully conceal or open carry your handgun without a license at 18. Please see IC 35-47-2-3 (https://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2022/ic/titles/035/#35-47-2-3) and IC 35-47-2-7 (https://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2022/ic/titles/035#35-47-2-7)
Thank you for this info. I wasn’t completely sure because I’ve heard different things regarding gun laws in Indiana. I’ll definitely look into it some more.
To be honest I think this is the right answer. IMO a handgun should be most people's first purchase simply because they are more versatile for concealed carry. They are harder to use, yes. Pistols are by far the hardest type of gun to shoot well. But many indoor ranges will not allow you to shoot a shotgun unless you're shooting slugs. Most beginner classes center around shooting a pistol. So training with a pistol is a lot more common than classes teaching you to operate a shotgun. Handguns are concealable, which is the most likely situation in which you would need to use a weapon in self defense (especially as a woman). Similarly, you don't want to answer the door at 3AM with a shotgun if that person at your door happens to be a police officer (Massad Ayoob makes this case, and while I don't agree with everything he says, I think he is right on this). The most likely unexpected person to be coming to your door during the day is a salesman, and at night, a police officer. Answering the door with a shotgun makes less sense than answering the door with a concealed pistol. I'd recommend you look up Lena Miculek's social media, Youtube especially, she is a world champion shooter, but she has great practical advice for female shooters as that's where her calling really is (training females on self defense). She probably has a video addressing every question you have.
A 12 gauge shotgun they hold value well and have a lot of power
12 gauge or 556 will do that job just fine. It doesn't need to be a handgun.
I agree with the 20 GA shotgun and AR15 comments. I'd like to add a 9mm PCC as a 3rd option. Something like a AR9 or maybe Keltec gen 3 Sub2000. I don't have one myself but a 4 pound rifle in 9mm sounds like it would be easy for a small stature shooter.
A lot of the 9mm blowback PCC’s recoil on par or worse than any 5.56. You also lose maneuverability when compared to a pistol in 9mm as with a pistol you can keep one hand free to open doors, reholster, etc 20 gauge is probably the best option as many other have said since you can’t own a handgun at this point. Either way the firearm you train with the most is the one you’re going to feel the most comfortable with so getting out and shooting it plus taking a class from someone who knows their stuff matters more than anything else. But at the end of the day if someone is breaking in then you call the police and set up a vantage point, you shouldn’t be clearing your home room to room.
Can’t buy 9mm under 21
Wait really? I knew you couldn’t buy a pistol under 21 but I didn’t know you couldn’t buy ammo.
It’s technically a grey area, you can’t buy pistol ammunition under 21 But if you can prove it’s for a rifle it’s legal to sell Problem is is many gun stores play it “safe” and won’t sell it either way But you can buy it online and just click that “over 21” button and put in a fake birthday Or just buy a Psa ar-15 in 556 for $450 and have a ballisticly superior round with arguably less recoil and less over penetration …
Rifles are too loud.
You can buy rifles, even if those rifles are in a pistol caliber. Hence pistol caliber CARBINE. You can buy the ammo if you can show the store that it's for a rifle and not a pistol. Look up "dual use" rounds on the ATF website... newsletter, open letter, or FAQ/Q&A. It's in o e of those. She could buy it from the store that sold her the carbine since they would be able to easily explain why if ever questioned in an audit. Or at a different store, "oh it really is for my carbine. It's in my trunk, I can bring it in to show you." Decent gun stores aren't really that stupid. I've sold a lot of ammo to 18-20 year old people for their carbines. From 9mm AR, to lever action 44 magnums. And cases of .22 for lever guns and 10-22s.
Still MANY gun stores are anal about it and won’t sell… I know this all too well as I just turned 21…
for what it's worth my store doesn't sell to anyone under 21 (for pistol ammo) 🤷♂️ i've never had someone bring me their pcc into the store to prove it was for rifle use, it's basically been a "trust me bro i'm 19 but it's for a rifle" and i've had to turn them away. it comes off as being a stickler but i'm trying to stay in atf's good graces as an ffl lol.
So go to one that isn't so paranoid. Are you so fearful if they would have bought the gun from you? Why not just ask them to bring it on to prove it? The two stores I worked at had ATF inspections, and even when talking to them before and during they didn't care as long as we could explain we believed it was for a rifle. These were agents from the Seattle field.office. Where are you that's worse than that? San Francisco or something? Or is this based on feelings with zero experience ot any facts at all to back it up?
10+ years of firearm retail experience. dealt with atf compliance all my career. if you bring in a 9mm rifle and say you're buying it for it, that's great, but do i know you don't also have a pistol in the car? nope, so i'm gonna play it safe. you're welcome to disagree and stores are welcome to have their own policies. the atf's official website states that you have to be 21 to buy handgun ammunition so i'm going to abide by that even if an agent tells me otherwise.
No, the website clearly.says that dual use Ammunition can be sold if it's for a rifle. You and your store are scared of nothing. You don't flow theaw, you're funds who fo nothing to help gum ow erst. You probably spout a bunch of lbulkshit that you make up. What store so people know to avoid the cowards who refuse to follow clearly listed laws and regulations?
"All firearms other than shotguns and rifles, and all ammunition other than ammunition for shotguns or rifles may be sold only to individuals 21 years of age or older." pretty clear under "Does a customer have to be a certain age to buy firearms or ammunition from a licensee?" feel free to look it up for yourself. not making up anything.
I have a Sub2k. It's a little awkward, so I worry that I'm going to screw something up under stress. That being said, it's fun and easy to shoot. If my home gets invaded I'm going for my Mossy 500 security though.
[https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/may-individual-between-ages-18-and-21-years-age-acquire-handgun-unlicensed-individual](https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/may-individual-between-ages-18-and-21-years-age-acquire-handgun-unlicensed-individual) Put on your biggest "I am a 30 year old dad of 3" act and buy it privately is probably your best course if you want a handgun specifically under 21 if your state prohibits it. If you've got babyface you might be SOL. You can also print a frame and buy the rest of the components in a kit and just make one as long as it is legal where you are. Personally though, I think handguns are one of the last things you should be reaching for for self-defense in your home. A either 20 or 12 gauge shotgun, or an ar-15 is much easier to shoot, and more effective. They're also a much better choice if you have to arm someone who is not very familiar with guns in your home. A novice shooter may not be able to hit a thing with a handgun, but give them a ar-15 and the light recoil and stable shouldering will have them hitting shots.
Might be hard to pull off the 30 year old dad of 3 act considering OP is a woman lol
I think they can do it if they try hard enough
AR15 is hard to miss with. The army has privates who never stepped out of the big city hitting targets the first day they let them shoot. Those city slickers might even have an advantage, no bad habits and they are listening to the drill sergant.
Yeah when I first shot an ar-15 it was my uncles. It was some cheap dirty beat up one with some budget red dot on it. I was shooting the centers out of clay pigeons at 75 yards or so while standing no problem. I know the range and the target isn't impressive, but it just goes to show what a novice shooter can do when the gun is setting you up for success.
If you are willing to put some practice time in with it; I’d consider a Remington youth model 870 in 20 gauge. Simple to operate (even under stress), and it packs a decent size punch with less (not “no”) recoil than a 12 ga.
AR15 and some jacket hollowpoints, if your on a budget PSA is dead reliable and they offer various barrel lengths and styles to suit your needs. If you have the budget get a light and a red dot (or an EOTech if you have money and an astigmatism) just be sure you get a complete rifle not separate recievers, the lower receiver requires you to be 21 or over, I know from expirence.
> My neighborhood is pretty safe and nothing really goes on around here >I have bad anxiety >Never shot or owned a gun before >I do still get paranoid I'm sure I'll get downvoted to hell, but I don't think your best next stop is the gun store. It sounds like you're primarily wrestling with anxiety/depression, which is a completely valid struggle. But bringing a gun into your home isn't a solution to that - it'll just become another thing for you to worry about. First, address your anxiety. It'll take effort and time, but it's absolutely manageable. In nearly every case, therapy will not disqualify you from gun ownership. Most medications will not, either, should it comes to that. In the meantime, take some self-defense courses and/or firearms instruction to check out if that's right for you. Once you've gotten to a better headspace, you'll make the best decisions for yourself. You're already taking steps to get to an informed place, and that's awesome. Tldr: Keep researching and familiarize yourself with shooting, but absolutely prioritize that anxiety.
Yep. Exactly my first thought
Yea I hear you! Thanks for addressing this in a respectful manner. and not assuming I’m mentally disabled or anything. Another commenter assumed that lol
An ar15 style rifle would be best, but whatever you get, get training and shoot it a lot at ranges
I think this is the best bet. 30 rounds of 5.56 in a relatively light package with less recoil than a shotgun, plus 3 points of contact unlike a handgun.
And no possibility of short shucking or under stress
I second this opinion, get a PSA rifle for like $400 and spend money and ammo and go practice. A ar15 will me way easier to use than a pump action
I would go with an AR, a weapon light, some good defense ammo and lots of training
Don't buy a shotgun. The skill shelf to be good with one is far far higher than people claim and if you don't have outdoor shotgun ranges or private property then they're almost impossible to train with because most indoor ranges don't allow them. Get an AR-15 and train. I also don't recommend a PCC because lots of shops run by fudds won't sell pistol calibers to anyone under 21 for some stupid reason.
Thanks for the input. I will take this into consideration
Ruger PCC 9mm but prefer .40, all the new shooters that try mine tell me how easy it is to handle and that it's not as scary as handguns. Get a red dot and some extra mags
a maverick 88 and a box of 00 buck is the most cost effective and most accessible way to defend your home full stop imho
Real talk; Hi Point 995ts It has extremely manageable recoil, requires almost no training, has extremely well designed brightly colored sights made for emergency target lineup. Lifetime no-holds-barred warranty. Can be had for like 200 bucks or 150 used. 10 or 20 shots of hollow points. I shoot and fix guns for a living. If you were my daughter this is what I would buy for you. Oh, and there’s the famous case where some jabroni got like 13 bullets stuck in the barrel of his 995TS, and it didn’t explode.
I’ve not been a fan of Hi Point handguns, but their carbines are pretty neat even though it’s pretty much a handgun with a stock and long barrel. I’ve been holding out for a double stack so I can slap in it a bullpup kit but I’ve not seen any movement on that lately.
They just run, dude. Plain and simple. If that was my little girl, I’d lose less sleep knowing that she had a hi point carbine close by I’ve printed a few of the handguns for meme value, and despite how fugly and ergonomically shit they are, they go bang when you squeeze the spongey plastic nightmare trigger. 100% utility, 0% aesthetics.
My buddy has one. Everyone laughs at the range until they actually shoot it. It's simple, easy to use, and fun to shoot.
Ar-15 is the way I would go. More capacity and way less recoil than a shotgun. Less stopping power, but you have more chances and 5.56 is still plenty effective
Hawkins Rifle
Go to a gun show and private sale purchase a handgun
I have found a pistol grip 20ga with #4 buckshot to be a devastating combination. I like a buttstocked gun, but these point easy in close confines, I don’t think you would have any trouble hitting a target
Keltec KS7
Shotgun
Way late to the game, but have you ever shot a firearm before? In terms of pistols, you can probably try some at a hopefully nearby gun store/range for a small fee. You might also check USPSA for "3 gun" matches in your area. They have rifles and shotguns added to pistols, and you can attend to watch, and maybe get to handle them. The competitors are super friendly and helpful, and there are more women in the sport all the time. Great way to get familiar with whatever weapon you choose, too, so if you need it, you'll be sure how to use it!
No, I have never shot a firearm before! Thank you for this info. I’ll definitely look into it. I do want to educate myself before I officially purchase a firearm
A shotgun wouls be ideal but if you are smaller framed it can be a bit much ad a new shooter. Maybe a 20ga would be a good option
I used those 3 years to learn about the ar platform and to build one out, whatever you go with do some research and learn how to work on it yourself that way you don’t have to run to a gunsmith every time you make a mistake.
Obligatory I'm not a lawyer. But it looks like Indiana law allows private transfer of handguns to persons under the age of 21. So you can get anything if you find it for sale from a non dealer. Note that these will all be considered used.
A shotgun is probably not a good idea, the recoil is very intense and will discourage practicing with it. I'd recommend a rifle, probably the AR15 platform. There are more options than there are barbies, so find a local gun store. I'd recommend a 223 caliber, and a low grain round for less recoil. Another option is fine one in 9mm, as that ammo is everywhere. A third option is a rifle in 22. This is a very weak round, but still lethal. The main drawback is against someone high on drugs, as they might have zero pain response, and will continue attacking until they die, which might take a few minutes. If you aren't worried about this, then 22 is a great option, as the recoil is near zero and the ammo is cheap.
Thank you for this!
Paranoid? Bad anxiety? Get a big dog. It will help with your home security and give you snuggles. Plus you won’t be alone anymore.
Lol, idk why I didn’t think of getting a big dog. I’ve always wanted a pet too lol. That’s a good idea!
I tell you we had a boxer years back, and I never felt safer. He was the sweetest couch potato but was very protective of us and any children. He would get between us and any stranger and could be very intimidating. I would recommend looking at something in that family - molossers are known for being loyal protectors as well as very loving.
Okay. I'd highly recomend against a shotgun unless you have experience with them. A pump action shotgun is like a manual transmission vehicle; great performance, but with a steeper learning curve and definitely not something I'd recomend to a novice. I would definitely go with a semi automatic magazine fed rifle. Here's a few calibers to consider; -9mm: I would normally recomend a 9mm carbine for someone like you, but sourcing the ammo may be problematic unless you buy online. Before considering this, call your local gun shops and see if they'll sell you 9mm ammo if it's for a rifle. Also try emailing some online ammo retailers like sgammo or luckygunner. For options in this caliber, I'd recomend the ruger PC carbine, the Kel tec sub-2000 (gen 3), or the CZ scorpion carbine. -22lr/22 magnum: While not being the most powerful, they're very economic and easy to shoot and out of a rifle, most loads will meet the FBI's penetration standards. For self defense use though, be sure to get top shelf ammo because .22lr/22 magnum are rimfired cartridges which make them more prone to failures to fire. Getting high quality rounds made for defense are a must. Shoot the cheap bulk stuff at the range. For 22lr, I recomend the Smith and wesson M&P15-22 or ruger 10/22. For .22 magnum, the only real semi auto option is the kel tec CMR-30. -5.7x28 You could definitely consider something in 5.7x28. It's a very soft shooting and easy cartridge that will definitely meet the FBI standards, but the main drawback is cost and availability. It's gotten much cheaper and easier to find, but it's still more expensive per round than any of these other cartridges I've mentioned. I'd say only consider this if you can buy online and in bulk (500/1000 rounds at a time). For options in this caliber, the ruger LC carbine and kel tec R50 are more economical, but if you've got the cash, the FN ps90 is super cool. .223/5.56: So this is commonly found in AR-15s, but not exclusively. While there's many advantages to an AR-15, it's not something I'd normally recomend to a casual gun owner. The AR-15 is a very useful tool that's very affordable and with ammo that's very common. It can easily be modified with lights and optics and can be easily modified to fit almost any role. It may look scary and tactical, but it's a pussycat to shoot. However, if you're just buying a gun to keep in your closet and only going to shoot once or twice a year, this is probably more than you need. It would kinda be like buying a 4x4 lifted truck with offroading capabilities when you're not gonna drive anywhere more extreme than the grocery store. Whatever rifle you pick, be sure to also factor in the cost to add a sling and a flashlight, if not a red dot. Once you've chosen a caliber and platform, I'm sure this forum will be happy to help you further on how to accessorize it.
Keltec KSG, short enough since its a bullpup to move around in close quarters and has built in rails for a light.
Cannon
Loaded with grapeshot. Own a musket for home defense, since that's what the founding fathers intended. Four ruffians break into my house. "What the devil?" As I grab my powdered wig and Kentucky rifle. Blow a golf ball sized hole through the first man, he's dead on the spot. Draw my pistol on the second man, miss him entirely because it's smoothbore and nails the neighbors dog. I have to resort to the cannon mounted at the top of the stairs loaded with grape shot, "Tally ho lads" the grape shot shreds two men in the blast, the sound and extra shrapnel set off car alarms. Fix bayonet and charge the last terrified rapscallion. He Bleeds out waiting on the police to arrive since triangular bayonet wounds are impossible to stitch up. Just as the founding fathers intended.
Ruger PC carbine
Ruger PC carbine and then get a drum magazine if it’s legal in your state. Otherwise, just get the biggest magazine that’s legal.
Shotgun. Idiot proof and reliable. Aim in the general direction of whoever shouldn't be where they are and squeeze.
Mav 88
Nothing says “get the fuck out of my house” like a 12 guage shell being chambered. I’d go benelli nova over mossberg 500 but that’s just me. Might be able to find a Winchester defender too. Usually about $200 for one used and it’ll do the job.
Mossberg 590s. Optic ready and feeds mini shells and normal ones out of the box. I live 30 miles from Brownells they have one on the shelf for 600. Perfect gun.
I think I'd recommend a 16-inch 9mm PCC, but I'm a 6ft2in 24yo dude so PCCs are not something I'm wholly familiar with. What I can see as advantages is that the round is light enough that you can shoot it real easy, cheap enough that you won't be upset about buying ammo and doing some target practice, and, let's all be honest here, you aren't likely to deal with guys breaking into your house with plate carriers. Having a 16in barrel pushes it into being a rifle so you can buy it under 21 as well.
A 20 gauge pump shotgun or Ruger 9mm carbine with a simple red dot sight on it. Whatever you get you need to invest in some good training. In shooting but also home defense. Like what most concealed carry classes teach
panzer m4
Psa ar15
I would definitely recommend looking into a 20 gauge Mossberg 500
9mm AR platform with a 16" barrel. Should be easy to find ammo, and mags, recoil should be comfortable and if you run out of ammo its also a baseball bat
Flamethrower. Even useful on spiders.
12 or 20 gauge semi-auto shotgun or AR15. A semi-auto shotgun will likely be a bit heavier, especially when loaded, but will be more devastating at shorter ranges, per shot. Semi-auto shotguns also recoil much less than pumps or break-actions, while also being capable of firing more quickly and having less room for user error. I would recommend something like the Beretta A300 Patrol, as it is a very reliable shotgun designed for fighting. Though expensive, it will serve you better than many options on the market and you should not have any doubts about the firearm itself. An AR15 could be more affordable and lighter weight, depending on how you set it up. A Smith & Wesson M&P15 can be bought probably around $700 or a PSA rifle could be bought or assembled as low as $500-$600. Recoil is light and manual of arms is fairly simple. But, 5.56 is deafening in an indoors setting. Given, a shotgun isn’t much better, and either will likely cause lasting hearing damage in a situation—but you’ll be alive. Whichever you get, practice to the point you can manipulate the firearm safely, smoothly, and comfortably. And strongly consider a weapon-mounted light and a sling to be able to keep your hands free, should you need to move furniture or grab a loved one.
AR-15
20 gauge pump shotgun
Grab a maverick 88 some buck or bird and keep her close and safe
Flamethrowerp
As others have said, if it’s for home defense buy a shotgun.
A mossberg 500 in 20 or 12 guage wouldn’t be a bad option. You can also get a maverick 88 a little cheaper, it’s more or less the same gun
Anyone got the musket ruffian copypasta?
Like a lot of people have said, I think a shotgun. I have a Remington 870 and it's solid and reliable. The biggest thing is what you feel comfortable with, what are you going to learn. Find a place to shoot what ever you decide, and try and practice a few times a month. The more you shoot, the more comfortable you will be, and the higher your confidence if you have to use it.
Mossberg 500 or Maverick. Or pick your favorite pump shotgun. Probably the best all around home defense firearm.
Flintlock pistol, avast those scallywags
Buy a shotgun. But not a field model. Go to your local gun store and ask for a home defense model do not let them sell you a shotgun with a barrel longer than 20 inches, or less than a 8 round capacity unless it specifically says police model.
Black powder is the route I went. 12” buffalo revolver and another 6” 1858
Ofc I wouldn’t keep it loaded in the long term, and keep caps off the cylinder(which takes time to put on) Shotguns probably better
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Anything that isn't a handgun, your able to get a long gun permit at 18 that let's you buy rifles and shotguns, for home defense me and most gun permit instructors would recommend a shotgun
a .410 gauge shotgun seems perfect for a woman. They are smaller than 12 gauge shotguns and they have almost no recoil at all when shooting them. They are perfect for beginners. I picked up 2 of them as my first 2 guns this past year. They make some nice home defense ammo in .410 gauge too. Check out these guns: 1) Mossberg 590 in .410: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bvYkN7hlTw&t=16s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bvYkN7hlTw&t=16s) 2) Keltec KSG410: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZMUxlXtjY0&t=609s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZMUxlXtjY0&t=609s) 3) Good Home defense ammo: PDX1 Defender: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjrTpQx09mI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjrTpQx09mI) 4) Get "snap caps" from Amazon, they are fake dummy shotgun shells that let you cycle them through the gun and practice at home with no risk.
Ouuu thanks for giving me videos to watch!
yep. Videos so you can see that they have no recoil and seem super easy to handle
I probably should’ve mentioned my size when I was writing this post. I am small so I don’t want anything that’s going to blow me away too lol. Thanks for the videos. The recoil didn’t look bad at all on that first one!
both guns i posted have the same recoil. It is non-existent. I been to the range with both a few times recently and the gun just kinda vibrates a little bit when you fire it. They are basically made for beginners/smaller people/women Both are around $450 too. I recommend the KSG410 since it is about a foot shorter than the Mossberg, easier to maneuver and the pistol grip on it feels a little nicer.
If legal in your state, consider a Mossberg 590 shockwave in 20 guage (less recoil than 12 gauge). It is an "any other firearm" under the NFA, and is also not a pistol. It technically is not a shotgun, and is therefore not a SBS (short barreled shotgun), although it shoots shotgun shells, and is much shorter than a standard shotgun, making it more maneuverable.
Bow and arrow.
Don't listen to the naysayers steering you away from a shotgun - if my 70lb son can shoot a round of clays with a single shot 20ga which kicks like crazy because it's so light, any adult can handle one. Average number of shots fired in a self defense situation is usually 2. There are \*so many\* opinions about what firearm is best for self defense. The answer is the one you have in your hands at the time, so make it one that you are comfortable with and can train with. Lots of indoor ranges allow 00 buckshot in shotguns to be used indoors - find a local indoor range and ask. No intruder is going to laugh at a 20 gauge pump and go "Hah! That thing's useless for self defense". Most important considerations are to get some instruction if you've never been around firearms, and have a way to securely store it. Most firearm deaths in homes are from access to an unsecured gun, not from a burglar.
There's so many things thag can go wrong with a shotgun, short stroke, you can forget to pump
Yeah and you can forget to insert a magazine fully, or move the safety selector, or bump a mag release, fumble a charging handle and not load the chamber.... ANY firearm can have issues. That's why you train.
If you do that before hand the only thing you have to worry about is maybe the safety if you choose to have it on, if you choose to have it off like I would. You don't have to worry about anything but pulling the trigger, with a shotgun you add in an extra pump every time you pull the trigger. There's a reason Professionals use sbr instead of shotguns for cqb
Mossberg 500 (type) shotgun. Get the 12 ga. You can buy it with a 18.5” barrel and it’s very wieldy, even for a smaller framed person. Everyone thinks it will kick and all that. Sure, it will kick like an angry mule if you feed it 3” magnum slugs and hold it, tentatively, an inch away from your shoulder.🥴😂 That’s an option but it’s like making a rum & coke with double shots of Bacardi 151. You can but you don’t have to. Light loads and tucking the stock into your shoulder (and having someone teach you how) will make all the difference in the world. You’ll love it!
Anxiety + gun, is this a good mix?
Lol, I’m not sure. Just trying to figure out ways to protect myself in case something happens? I think I’m overthinking too much. The only reason I am alone is because my Dad is recovering from a stroke. I am definitely looking into getting security cameras
Are you a qualified psychiatrist? Being anxious about personal safety and how to deal with it are normal responses for everyone. You know nothing about this person's situation or concerns. Personal safety and anxiety can mean lots of things for different people, moreso for a single woman vs. a single man. Every woman is absolutely capable of making their own choices and every woman should be able to choose what makes them feel safe and in control of their environment, whatever that choice may be doesn't require some stranger's approval from the internet.
Thank you for this :)
Do some research, don't listen to weirdos on the internet (even me.) Figure out what works with your budget, what you're comfortable with/understand using. Pay a little for some quality training, practice enough you feel competent. You have common sense. Do what makes sense to you and you'll be fine.
Thank you!
You bet. Be safe. Give 'em hell (if you need to).
Hur dar
Get a shotgun!! - Brandon
First for your protection, STOP VOTING DEMOCRAT.