- Pretty much all modern handguns are accurate & reliable.
Go to a range that will let you try before you buy and get a feel for a number of different brands/models. It won't take long until you find the one that fits you.
- All the common calibers (9mm, .40, .45) are available in modern JHP loadings that are capable of meeting the generally accepted criteria for effectiveness (ie reliably penetrate more than 12" in ballistic gelatin).
That just brings us back back to the beginning first point, try a number of handguns and you'll find the one that feels comfortable. If it's 9mm and your buddy swears you need a .45, tell him to fuck off.
-All three primary firearm platforms (handguns, shotguns & rifles) will penetrate more layers of sheetrock than you have in your home. Remember the rule of thumb is that to be reliably effective a round needs to consistently penetrate at least 12" (and preferably upwards of 18") of ballistic gelatin which simulates the penetration necessary to disrupt vital organs in a human being.
If a projectile is unable to penetrate 1/2" of gypsum plaster, how much damage is it going to cause to a human being? In short, not enough.
Shotguns:
-Shot placement is just as important with a shotgun as it is when shooting single projectiles. At the average distance that home shootings take place (20') properly grouped buckshot is only going to be 3-4" across.
-There is no need for 12 gauge 3" magnum loads. It's a waste and is one of the prime causes of the too much recoil shotgun myth. 2 3/4" reduced recoil loads work fine, so do 20 gauge guns. #4 or #1 shot are the most commonly recommended for defense, just be sure to avoid bird shot. My just 'inside the back door' shotgun is a 16 gauge Ithaca 37 that small framed teenage girls have learned on with no difficulty whatsoever.
-A 'sawed off' barrel of less than 18" is illegal and will likely cause you to end up in federal pound me in the ass prison. The exception being if you've paid the NFA tax stamp & registered it as short-barreled shotgun with the ATF.
-"Tactical" is usually euphemism for black & expensive. For the most part you don't need the mall ninja stuff. Do you have need of an AN/PEQ-2 IR laser illuminator/designator? No? Then you probably don't need tactical rails all over the forend. A weapon light is VERY useful but you don't really need anything else hanging off of it.
-Handgun, rifle or shotgun is really a matter of taste. Just go with whichever you are more comfortable using. Yes a long gun might be a bit more awkward if you are moving around. That being said are you really going to be moving from room to room tactically clearing your house?
If you didn't immediately come up with an answer let me help...
No, you're not. You're going plop your ass in a nice defensive position with your family safely behind you. On the battlefield the defender has (almost) always had the advantage. Doorways (and other choke points) are called
fatal funnels for a reason. Take advantage of it.
-Purchasing a weapon is only the beginning. Learn how to use it safely & build up the muscle memory necessary to use it effectively. That means shoot, shoot, shoot.
-Your weapon is only part of the picture. Do you have a plan on what to do if someone does attempt to enter your home? No? Why the hell not? Why doesn't your family know the plan? Why don't you practice it regularly?
-Finally if you wood forbid you are forced to shoot someone be prepared to go to court. You may not be face legal charges for defending yourself but there's always a chance you'll be sued either by the criminal (if he survives) or his family (if he doesn't). When that attorney holds up your weapon in court what exactly will the people who see it think it says about you? Are they likely to react differently to grand-pa's traditional shotgun than they will to your black uber tactical mall ninja rifle of death? Just something to think about.
Useful reads:
Best Choices for Self Defense Ammo
Defensive Shotgun Ammo
Shotgun Home Defense Ammo (Some of the specific load recommendations are a bit dated but still good info)
12 Gauge Wound Profile
.223 Drywall Penetration
Drywall Penetration: High Velocity Rifle Rounds
The Box O' Truth
Shotguns Meets The Box O' Truth
Rifles, Shotguns & Walls
Insulated Walls
Consider The 20 Gauge
20 Gauge Shotgun vs The Box O' Truth
I recommend getting the gun that fits both your comfort level and your intended use/environment/bank account. Until the time comes that you truely feel proficient with it I also recommend a nice BIG cuddly dog, the bigger and cuddlier the better.
