Post by Russ Koon on Feb 11, 2013 15:49:37 GMT -5
I'd also suggest two guns for these two widely separate uses.
The .22 pistol is a good idea for the boys to learn with and practice. I have a Ruger semi-auto that has been very reliable and is comfortable and controllable in a variety of hands of different sizes. It is also a versatile gun for just fun plinking, even squirrel hunting, and holds its value well.
For home defense, I would recommend a shotgun instead. Any shotgun would be more menacing to an intruder, be easier to hit with in a home defense situation, and have more stopping power for immediate resolution of the threat than just about any pistol that would be reasonable to consider. If it's to be a designated weapon for home defense only, a "riot gun" version would be very hard to beat. The popular Mossberg is a proven example, with or without the 8-shot tube and extra grips. An attached flashlight is a good idea.
Light loads for training on the basics with it are a good idea for any family members unaccustomed to shooting who might be discouraged or intimidated by the recoil, and are probably all that would be really needed to take out any intruder inside the home, but I'd load it up with some heavier stuff for that purpose just to be on the safe side.
The "long gun", even in the shortest versions, will be much more likely to hit where it is needed in an emergency situation.
And the shotgun pellets will be much less likely to penetrate into adjoining rooms or the neighbor's place and do unplanned collateral damage.
The .22 pistol is a good idea for the boys to learn with and practice. I have a Ruger semi-auto that has been very reliable and is comfortable and controllable in a variety of hands of different sizes. It is also a versatile gun for just fun plinking, even squirrel hunting, and holds its value well.
For home defense, I would recommend a shotgun instead. Any shotgun would be more menacing to an intruder, be easier to hit with in a home defense situation, and have more stopping power for immediate resolution of the threat than just about any pistol that would be reasonable to consider. If it's to be a designated weapon for home defense only, a "riot gun" version would be very hard to beat. The popular Mossberg is a proven example, with or without the 8-shot tube and extra grips. An attached flashlight is a good idea.
Light loads for training on the basics with it are a good idea for any family members unaccustomed to shooting who might be discouraged or intimidated by the recoil, and are probably all that would be really needed to take out any intruder inside the home, but I'd load it up with some heavier stuff for that purpose just to be on the safe side.
The "long gun", even in the shortest versions, will be much more likely to hit where it is needed in an emergency situation.
And the shotgun pellets will be much less likely to penetrate into adjoining rooms or the neighbor's place and do unplanned collateral damage.