Off topic-gun ownership

[Dlirium]

Originally Posted by 10/10ths

...there is an old saying, "A handgun is something you pick up on your way to your long gun."

If it's home defense, yes, shotgun all the way. And I will go along with the Winchester Defender.

Remington 870 is also great.

Mossbergs are cheap and reliable.

Totally agree with this post. If you haven't owned a gun and this is for home defense, a Mossberg 500/590 or Remington 870 tactical is the way to go.

In CA, you aren't going to be able to conceal carry a pistol anyway, so no point in even thinking about that option. Plus, there is a lot less "pain and suffering" associated with buying a shotgun vs a pistol out here.

Now, you DO have to be careful about what ammo you use, as 00 buck will go right through sheet rock. If you have kids, or others in the house, you may want to consider #4 shot - and NOT magnum! 2 3/4 is fine!

[rick3000]

Originally Posted by Dlirium

Totally agree with this post. If you haven't owned a gun and this is for home defense, a Mossberg 500/590 or Remington 870 tactical is the way to go.

In CA, you aren't going to be able to conceal carry a pistol anyway, so no point in even thinking about that option. Plus, there is a lot less "pain and suffering" associated with buying a shotgun vs a pistol out here.

Now, you DO have to be careful about what ammo you use, as 00 buck will go right through sheet rock. If you have kids, or others in the house, you may want to consider #4 shot - and NOT magnum! 2 3/4 is fine!

I 100% agree with this, a shotgun if the best option if you are looking for home defense, and do not have any interest in shooting as a hobby. (A handgun requires aim and practice.) With a shotgun you don't really need to aim, and with the correct ammunition you can be less worried about a stray round going through a wall. I personally like the Mossberg 500.

If you are new to firearms definitely take a class and learn the basics.

[Topless]

Yep, this crazy stuff is going to get worse before it gets better. I have owned rifles and shotguns all my life and it's time to stock up and spend some quality time on the range.

I agree with most of the other posters. If you really want to own a gun for home defense in CA, get a 12 GA shotgun and train with it regularly. Maybe take up skeet as a hobby to get you out to the range monthly. A gun is like a dog and needs regular exercise, care, and feeding. A gun in the house that you are not completely familiar with is more dangerous to you than the bad guys.

In addition, I recommend layers of security so that going for the 12 GA is never your first move when taken by surprise in your sleep, but your last resort when fully awake and aware. A gated property, dog for early warning, motion sensor outdoor lighting, big azz lock hardware, and a can of bear spray, all offer you a non-lethal opportunity for the bad guy to re-think entering your house and taking two in the chest. It also buys you a lot of time to get fully awake and aware, know his location, call the cops and take a strong defensive position if this perp really does want in. If you do have to make a mess in your house, you did everything right to try and stop him first

Good luck!

[BYprodriver]

A new can of wasp & hornet spray will shoot 30ft & temporarily blind someone if it gets in their eyes. That gives you time to restore your night vision from sleeping & get you weapon.