OT: Best personal defense weapon under 1k

[NikkiSixx_rivals269993]

Sold off all my rifles and such years ago, now considering getting a 9mm carbine, but thought I would ask..

If you had up to 1k budgeted and you could only buy 1, what would you get, and what caliber?

Mainly for personal defense, SHTF type scenario

 

[Captain Nick]

All I need are my fists.

 

[Wyldcard]

I have 2 that I carry and sometimes at the same time!

SIG P226 X5 40 Cal and a Kimber Sub Compact 45

 

[PeliniTheCrutch_rivals294365]

I’ve got Jack Johnson and Tom O’Leary right here waiting for you.

 

[jeans15]

12 guage shotgun for the house.

 

[jeans15]

All I need are my fists.

Good luck

 

[corndogfan0120]

Supernova is what I’m buying with pistol grip

 

[BHeinDaHuskers]

Cant have just one as one cant fit everything.

conceal & carry - Springfield armory xdm 9mm

home defense - 12 gauge auto shotgun or "The judge"

SHTF - Springfield Armory The Saint AR15

 

[mkihne]

Sold off all my rifles and such years ago, now considering getting a 9mm carbine, but thought I would ask..

If you had up to 1k budgeted and you could only buy 1, what would you get, and what caliber?

Mainly for personal defense, SHTF type scenario

Most experts(other than us scrollers) would recommend a 12 gauge shotgun. Highly rated units specifically for defense from Mossberg, Remington, FN and Kel-Tec among others. All well under 1k. Mossberg has a model specifically designed for and by Special Forces for reliability under adverse conditions. They are pump or semi auto. Of course you can spend more on some exotics.

 

[JohnRossEwing]

A For Sale Sign...move to a better neighborhood.

 

[TruHusker]

The shotgun is a good choice for your overall needs of "personal defense." You didn't say whether you wanted to carry this defense with you. In that case the the shotgun isn't what you want.

Lots of opinions on calibers and what is best. I like a 40 but recoil is significant. Same with 45. Ammo is readily available, less expensive and you can carry more in 9mm. Get the right ammo for a 9 and you won't be giving up much if anything in.stippimg power.

If you are going the semi-auto handgun route just go to some shops until you find one that fits your hands and is comfortable to carry. You need to decide how you are going to carry it. If you are not comfortable with it, you won't carry it. You really do not have to spend a lot of money to get something reliable. Stay with name brands, Sig, S&W, Springfield, etc. You can probably find a nice 9 and a shotgun for close to that price range you are looking at.

If you.dont like semi-autos, then look at a Ruger LCR. Wife has a 38+ and it is very nice. She doesn't have the hand strength to rack a semi, so that is another option.

The 9 carbine is nice for home protection. I assume you are looking at the Ruger.

 

[kerpal_68]

If your looking for in the house get a shorter shotgun. I have a M&P shield 9mm for conceal carry.

 

[WestCoastCornhusker2]

I have 2 that I carry and sometimes at the same time!

SIG P226 X5 40 Cal and a Kimber Sub Compact 45

Those are both over $1k. Nice guns though especially for conceal carry self defense. Home self defense would have other options. I have ARs for home defense, in particular BARRET REC7 GEN2.

 

[corndogfan0120]

Supernova by Benelli

 

[JohnRossEwing]

I bought a Bazooka and Rocket Launcher on Craigslist from some guy who was getting rid of most of his collection, he contacted me a bit later looking to buy it back, dude seemed kind of out of it, something about "Last blood" or something...anyway. Not sure if he is still selling or if he is just looking to buy but you can find him on Craigslist, username is: RamboJohnJ

 

[rrthusker]

I carry a Smith & Wesson M&P 9 and love it. For the home, two Belgian Malinois are the first line of defense. After that they can deal with a Mossberg and a Remington short barrel 12 gauge.

 

[litespeedhuskerfan_rivals19671]

Had this conversation with a friend who is way to into guns and I asked him about a 12 gauge with a slug and he said, "That thing will not only go through your intended target, but the next 3 houses as well"...and I hadn't really thought about that.

 

[F5Tornado]

Here's a few shotguns to ponder:


https://www.wideopenspaces.com/best-home-defense-shotguns/

 

[gw2kpro]

Had this conversation with a friend who is way to into guns and I asked him about a 12 gauge with a slug and he said, "That thing will not only go through your intended target, but the next 3 houses as well"...and I hadn't really thought about that.

No to the shotgun slug for home defense.

One of the big appeals of using a shotgun for home defense (buckshot personal defense ammo) is that it puts large holes in things with a tremendous amount of energy transferred at close range with greatly reduced risk to people in other rooms / neighbors.

 

[kerpal_68]

Had this conversation with a friend who is way to into guns and I asked him about a 12 gauge with a slug and he said, "That thing will not only go through your intended target, but the next 3 houses as well"...and I hadn't really thought about that.

Ideally you want spread anyway. Think of high high your adrenaline is in that situation. There is a reason you hear of cops fire so many rounds in a situation where adrenaline is high and they only get hit once or twice, and they are highly trained for that situation.

 

[BigB87]

Alot depends on if you are using "personal defense weapon" as a general term or if you are actually talking about a PDW. Also depends on what you already have and what your more specific intended use is for it. I'm going to assume you want some kind of rifle or carbine, LMK if that's not the case.

If you have absolutely no rifles and need a "Jack of all trades" rifle, I'd lean towards an established brand AR-15 in the standard 5.56/.223 with a low magnification optic (1-4, 1-6, 1-8). It gives you the versatility to use it for CQB and also reach out of you need to.

If you are looking for a simple Pistol Caliber Carbine, the KelTec Sub 2000 is an option. It folds down pretty small so you can stow it and you can set it up to take Glock, M&P, or CZ mags at least, I think there are more kits too. The other options I'd lean towards would be a purpose built 9mm AR that takes Glock mags. Even if you don't have any Glocks, the mags are crazy plentiful and inexpensive.

If you are talking about the actual PDW term, I'd look at an AR (or AK if that's your preference) pistol in either 9mm or 5.56/.223 with a pistol brace. It's a nice compact setup that is easier to handle for most than a shotgun and more accurate and intuitive than a handgun. Going with a pistol brace setup avoids having to pay the cost and do the paperwork for an actual SBR. Toss a red dot on there and they can be a beast for CQB. Lots of options out there, if you want more specifics LMK.

 

[F5Tornado]

Had this conversation with a friend who is way to into guns and I asked him about a 12 gauge with a slug and he said, "That thing will not only go through your intended target, but the next 3 houses as well"...and I hadn't really thought about that.

Sounds like the Mr. Incredible affect when he threw his boss through the wall, many walls, that is.

 

[BigB87]

I guess I should also add that in the scenario that you have NO firearms, I'd really need more specifics about your actual intended uses. I still lean towards an AR as a jack of all trades option, but your specific use requirements might make another option better.

Shotguns are a good option for home defense if you are hunkering down and defending a specific point. That, by the by, is what most people should do. Most of us aren't high speed low drag operators and once you and/or your family if you have one are in a safe defensible spot, you won't need to risk your life to go find an intruder. In my case, I have a young son that I would need to go get so I also have a handgun available to get me down the hall and back with a hand free.

What people often don't consider about with shotguns, specifically pump actions, is how easy it is to short stroke one especially under duress. If you don't practice regularly, it's very easy to do. Also, outside of the home a shotgun does have versatility but if you are actually talking an shtf/bug out situation, a rifle would be a better all around option.

 

[Tarheelhusker]

With vocal chords removed. Mans best friend coupled with mentioned firepower.

 

[TheBeav815]

1k will easily cover the adoption fee on a big dog and a hell of a lot of kibble. I spend zero minutes worrying about my house with a 105 pounder barking in the window any time someone comes near.

Burglars want an easy job and a nice take. They'll skip a house with guard dogs.

If you got enemies enough that a dozen-man house storming is in your future, you need a new identity, not a new gun.

 

[TheBeav815]

T

I carry a Smith & Wesson M&P 9 and love it. For the home, two Belgian Malinois are the first line of defense. After that they can deal with a Mossberg and a Remington short barrel 12 gauge.

Trust me, nobody's coming through the Mals.

 

[BigB87]

1k will easily cover the adoption fee on a big dog and a hell of a lot of kibble. I spend zero minutes worrying about my house with a 105 pounder barking in the window any time someone comes near.

Burglars want an easy job and a nice take. They'll skip a house with guard dogs.

If you got enemies enough that a dozen-man house storming is in your future, you need a new identity, not a new gun.

While I wouldn't skip a firearm in conjunction, for home security a dog is definitely a great thing to have. I actually went to a training once where the trainer (Phil Chalmers of "Why Teens Kill" fame) recommended you have at least 2 of 3 (and preferably all 3) of:

1. Home Alarm System
2. Large Dog
3. Firearm

 

[wannabee8]

Just bought my first gun the other day. Mossberg 500 on gunbroker. Also plan on getting a glock 26 at some point for concealed carry.

 

[mkihne]

Had this conversation with a friend who is way to into guns and I asked him about a 12 gauge with a slug and he said, "That thing will not only go through your intended target, but the next 3 houses as well"...and I hadn't really thought about that.

00 buck, although smaller would likely work as a non lethal deterrent after the “first deposit”.

 

[BigB87]

00 buck, although smaller would likely work as a non lethal deterrent after the “first deposit”.

*Less Lethal
Even "non lethal" advertised options are generally labeled less lethal now for legal reasons.

That aside, smaller buck and birdshot can be plenty deadly, just not as reliably.

 

[resdog851_rivals159165]

I carry a Smith & Wesson M&P 9 and love it. For the home, two Belgian Malinois are the first line of defense. After that they can deal with a Mossberg and a Remington short barrel 12 gauge.

I am almost positive no shotguns will be necessary if the bad guy had to get through two Maligators first. Dude might be Terminator if he did in which case running like hell might be the best option at that point.

 

[mkihne]

*Less Lethal
Even "non lethal" advertised options are generally labeled less lethal now for legal reasons.

That aside, smaller buck and birdshot can be plenty deadly, just not as reliably.

This also brings up another suggestion. You should “pattern” your selected shotgun and ammunition. Take a big piece of cardboard to a safe shooting area and shoot from the likely self defense range based on your home configuration. Most have no idea of the spread of your selected combination.

Although a purpose built short barrel shotgun spread will be generally wider than your field grade weapon, this will give you a visual memory that will stay with you when the SHTF and more confidence that a nearby family member will not become collateral damage. There are “tailored “ self defense shotgun shell offerings allowing you to tune your combo. The pattern will surprise most by its relatively small diameter, hopefully putting to rest the “point and spray” concept and reinforcing that input from the user is still necessary.

 

[GeorgeFlippin]

With vocal chords removed. Mans best friend coupled with mentioned firepower.

“I thought you said your dog didn’t bite?” “He’s not my dog.”

 

[otismotis08]

A few things....

- The front door is there for an intruder's protection...not mine. Enter at your own risk.
- Security system and camera
- Large dog
- Bedside firearms...Mossberg 500 short barrel for me, 22 rifle for wife
- Several handguns of varying calibers within reach
- SHTF...AK-47 with 30 round mag

 

[Kato]

Based on the OP talking about getting a 9mm carbine, I'd suggest the Kel-Tec SUB2000 Gen 2. Comes in 9mm and 40 S&W, folds in have and fits in a backpack, comes with a 10 round mag but accepts the Glock 17 mags from 10 to 30 rnds. Last but not least, gets great reviews for dependability and accuracy and cost around $400. The Gen 1 could probably be bought cheaper.
2nd for carbines, CZ Scorpion EVO, another great carbine but twice the price and a bit bulkier.

 

[BigB87]

Based on the OP talking about getting a 9mm carbine, I'd suggest the Kel-Tec SUB2000 Gen 2. Comes in 9mm and 40 S&W, folds in have and fits in a backpack, comes with a 10 round mag but accepts the Glock 17 mags from 10 to 30 rnds. Last but not least, gets great reviews for dependability and accuracy and cost around $400. The Gen 1 could probably be bought cheaper.
2nd for carbines, CZ Scorpion EVO, another great carbine but twice the price and a bit bulkier.

I want a CZ Scorpion and a CZ Bren something fierce. I'm something of a CZ fanboy.

 

[TruHusker]

Lots of good recommendations here. If you want simple, stay with one caliber. IF you did get into a difficult situation, having one caliber would be preferable for me. A 9mm carbine and a Shield would be a good place to start. I think shotguns are good for defending but if you are moving and defending, then the shotgun isn't your best option IMHO.

 

[Iguana775]

I've been wanting to build a 9mm AR pistol for a while now. For now, you dont need a tax stamp on pistols with a short barrel. make it foldable and you can put it in a back pack.

 

[rrthusker]

I am almost positive no shotguns will be necessary if the bad guy had to get through two Maligators first. Dude might be Terminator if he did in which case running like hell might be the best option at that point.

There are lots of stupid people in SoCal.

 

[otismotis08]

If you're on a tight budget there is always the Hi-Point 995 TS. Hi-Point's reputation isn't the best on their handguns, but the 995 TS is a solid choice. First-hand experience. It's a lot of fun.