Best handgun for home protection?

[FETorino]

I have Wilson mags for my plane Jane Colt government model and really prefer them over the standard mags.

But for a small 1911 I like the idea of an Ed Brown Kobra carry

http://www.edbrown.com/kobracarry.htm

[GregWeld]

Ed Brown makes some nice machinery... but I specifically want a light rail and the smaller (compact) with laser grips for the trailer "camping" nights.

[GregWeld]

[Sieg]

There are few critical elements in a 1911 reliably cycling ammunition:
1) Barrel ramp contours
2) Magazine lip contours and dimensions
3) Ammunition overall length and bullet shape (ball, HP, semi-wad-cutter, wad-cutter)
4) Spring rate vs powder charge
5) Operator's grip pressure

[FETorino]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Ed Brown makes some nice machinery... but I specifically want a light rail and the smaller (compact) with laser grips for the trailer "camping" nights.

Originally Posted by Sieg

There are few critical elements in a 1911 reliably cycling ammunition:
1) Barrel ramp contours
2) Magazine lip contours and dimensions
3) Ammunition overall length and bullet shape (ball, HP, semi-wad-cutter, wad-cutter)
4) Spring rate vs powder charge
5) Operator's grip pressure

Yes all good points and 5 may be the most important.

I love my 1911 but for all out drop in the mud reliability I have one of these. And yes it has a light rail.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y

[Sieg]

A good friend and S&W collector has an old S&W Model 29 "Mountain Gun" in .45 LC and that gun is special at the range with Federal .45 acp Gold Medal Match ammo. Soft shooting tack-driver! Similar to this one:



I like revolvers but if it's hitting the fan in close quarters I'll take my 1911's.

FWIW - Here's my heavy concealed carry gun I've had for 15+ years, it's been completely tuned.


Another long time toy that's pretty effective out to 100yds loaded with 240 grn JHP and 24 grns of 2400.

[FETorino]

Originally Posted by Sieg

A good friend and S&W collector has an old S&W Model 29 "Mountain Gun" in .45 LC and that gun is special at the range with Federal .45 acp Gold Medal Match ammo. Soft shooting tack-driver! Similar to this one:

I believe that is the same K frame that the TR is based on.

Everyone needs a wheel gun.

[Sieg]

I agree and Smith has a couple real nice revolvers on the market.

I'd seriously consider this for an everyday carry gun:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y

Note the weight, front shorts pocket carry shouldn't be an issue and the ammo is lite. I'd rather get shot with .380 than a 22 mag.

The reason I'd consider it is less than impressive performance with my Kahr.40 using hot loads on a porcupine and raccoon.

[Vegas69]

I put the .45 in the gun safe and now have the 12 gauge loaded up with 00 buck for home defense. Found a nifty place to conceal it too.
http://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/gun...t-home-defense
http://www.chuckhawks.com/home_defense_shotgun_ammo.htm

[Sieg]

The effectiveness of a shotgun is hard to argue.

The layout of our home puts the kids at the end of the main/central 30' hallway so over-penetration is an issue. We have heavy plaster walls which helps but it's not stopping buckshot. I'm guessing the wife would probably frown upon one of them getting wounded by over-penetrating buckshot.

I tested T, 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 & 8 shot some in steel, buffered copper, and 3" and decided on 2-3/4" magnum #6 lead. It's pretty vicious at 5-7 yards and reduces the penetration factor. FWIW - The Remington load I use kicks like a mad mule. If penetration wasn't an issue #1 Buck would be my preference.