What should my first home defense handgun be?

[1MudDobber2]

What do you think about a .32 H&R Magnum revolver?

[m14a4]

a m1911 or a 45.

[texasbud100]

YOU CANNOT CANNOT SHOOT .357 IN A 38 REVOLVER!

[philly4458]

You are right I agree with you the best choice would be the 9mm it is cheaper to train with. A few days ago I picked up new Kimber CDP full size 1911 and will have buy 45 ACP rounds on line at the tune of 190 bucks for 500 rounds plus there us a break in period. My next chic would be the Sig P226 9mm.

[72awesomeman]

the hornady critacl defence

[dbuschhorn]

Your first home defense handgun should be a shotgun. 12 gauge pump, model 870 is perfect. Like the old adage goes. "You only use your handgun to fight your way back to your rifle."

[hammerogod]

"One Shot Drop" is a myth...more or less

I am a lifelong handgun shooter, name it and I've shot it..

BUT my Home Defense weapon of choice is a 20Ga shotgun cut down to 18 in.

(Or as short as you want if you pay the $200 Tax for a Class III Weapon)

12 Ga and 20 Ga shotguns (loaded correctly) are the only weapons civilians can buy that are PROVEN Man Stoppers. (16Ga and 10Ga too but have fewer load options)

Ballistic Studies (and Mythbusters) agree, shotguns are the deal.

I "carry" a S&W 642.

[TacticalxSolutions]

@hammerogod /razor cat .45?

[hammerogod]

@TacticalxSolutions

The only problem with using an expensive handgun for Home Defense is that If you ever have to shoot someone (in your home, justifiably) the gun will be "Impounded" in many states....you may even lose the gun permanently.

How much money are you willing to risk?

Things to consider:

Can everyone in the family handle a large caliber handgun?

Can you afford the ammo for practice?

How thin are the walls in your home?

Shotguns are cheap to buy and shoot and they are effective.

[ehhyo76]

a 22 magnum will be more then sufficient 

[ZeBigStrat]

on your door in the back: "trespassers will be host, survivors will be shot again". I saw something similar but it said "forget about the dog; beware of the owner". nice video!

[buzzclark]

Hi Fred. Now If anyone would have an opinion about this I know you would. I plan to purchase a Hi Point c9 9mm. It has a "reputation" of being a junk gun or jam o matic - BUT those who own one love them. ALSO, for the .45acp WHAT do you think of the Wolf Non-Corrosive .45acp cartridge?? In the Glock (21sf) there are so few parts & so easy to completely disassemble, you could treat all the parts in the appropriate fluids & wash the frame with dishwash lotion. I'd appreciate what you know-JAMES

[jsmonk]

I have over 20 guns that I like to take to the range, but my "night stand gun" is a Ruger GP100 with a 4" barrell. It's very easy to bring into action and aim, and never fails to fire when I pull the trigger.

[noblinger]

Are you in your moms basement or spare guest room??

[fredhart]

@noblinger What does this have to do with this video? I'll answer your question anyway, this video is in MY computer room, in MY house that I pay for with MY job that I earned with 22 years of service and 8 certifications. Your question seems to be condescending so I am answering in the same tone. If you were not, then I am sorry in advanced.

[hammerogod]

@noblinger

I'm in your Mom's basement.

So is your Mom.

Stay upstairs.

[Lvl22nerd]

@TheFirearmsChannel right on!, i prefer #4

[glocky2]

Good common sense advice. Neat about the book recommendation. Keep up the good work.

[Alexn1067]

its really this simple, chose a handgun that is reliable, and that you are comfortable with.

rule of thumb you should chose a reliable, comfortable handgun in the largest caliber that you can get/comfortably use

me I have a .45 1911, if shit really hits the fan, I got an SKS in my closet

[DrShakalu619]

You made alot of good points

[acostaaaron]

great video thanks a lot mann

[TheBenOutdoorsShow]

Get yourself a nice Glock, 9mm is best. Im 14 by the way.

[mhayd990]

Oh, and also...Semi-Autos with the front rails are nice for the fact you can place a cheap light on it. It really does make a difference walking around a dark house and not having to worry about carrying a light. It makes a ton of a difference keeping a free hand for defensive purposes

[mhayd990]

40 cal is a pretty good round. It doesnt over penetrate like the 9 does and the target rounds are just as cheap as 9. It does have a snapier recoil than 9 and 45 but check out corbon's balistic videos, you will like ;-). I keep the Taurus PT101 by my bed and love it.

[Lvl22nerd]

@mhayd990 dunno where u are from, but 'round here, a box of .40 is 1.5x as much as a box of 9mm, when comparing equal quality/brand rounds

also, .45 here is about equal to .40, and i know which i would rather be packing :)

[odddreams]

Thanks fo the vid. I personally like a revolver for strictly self defense situations. I know that you know the difference but you mis-stated that a .38 revolver will shoot a .357 round. .38 revolvers don't shoot .357 rounds. It is .357 revolvers that will shoot .38 rounds.

[Lvl22nerd]

@odddreams i love my old 10-5 smith, but for HD i reach for my CZ-75b, because it has a safety, and it holds 3x as many rounds, AND i can carry it in a pocket fully loaded without fear that it will go off (heavier trigger)

[masivatak]

desert eagle

[Lvl22nerd]

@masivatak is an inaccurate piece of junk....thats what u meant to say isnt it?

[masivatak]

@Lvl22nerd It does have a bolt like an AR and a similar wt.

[ZippoVarga]

Another awesome and "real" video Fred! Glad to know you!!

[KingRyltar]

All depends on taste, no right or wrong answer. Just get a gun, and if the need arises, don't pull it, unless you intend to use it. To many people are killed by their own gun.

[DemonHide]

Great question, now I got a few more for ya: What should my first home defense shotgun do and not do? And when I inevitably acquire a personal defense pistol, I want a small .380, how does that sound?

You're welcome for video topics :D

[gitrdone8383]

glock 19 

[condor5x5]

Great vid! Thanks for all the great info!

[dithbmine1]

Fred

Sig P220 45 acp.

There is NO question.

30 years experience.

[semiautoriflelover]

Glock 19 is great for first timers.

[MrBladeDude]

@semiautoriflelover Thats what i went with about a month ago. Its a sweet gun and the recoil is very manageable

[Trex1268]

Lots of good advice here!

[harr77]

I say whatever is easiest to operate unless you've got prior training. My first handgun was a glock 17 just load point and shoot. If you're new guns extra safeties and decockers need to be avoided imo and the gun needs to be something you can handle recoil wise.

[tglassburner]

Thanks Fred, I have a few co-workers that have asked this exact question in the past 2 weeks.

[buzzclark]

Hi Fred. Great Review - You mentioned a few very wise issues. Glad you mentioned if a person was handicapped/arthritic as this is a reality - we all share drawbacks. My suggestion is possibly: buy 2. The first would be a .22 revolver. One can learn/practice without breaking the bank. THEN, purchase the firearm of choice & you will know by then how to operate a firearm (just a thought). You would then have 2 guns located stratigically in the home. Thx. Sincerely,d JAMES.

[humans4targets2]

Fred I will consult the big bag-o-truth and think about this question lolololol, good video

[fredhart]

@humans4targets2 Yep, Mike got me good! Thanks for stopping by and watching!

[Monger4142]

you're too fat to own a gun 

[fredhart]

@Monger4142 Thank you so much for your kind comment

[Monger4142]

@fredhart

you are welcome. the pleasure is all mine. 

[ShotgunShooter666]

Good video. I watched it even though it had NOTHING to do with me. Keep it up, Fred!

[fredhart]

@ShotgunShooter666 Thank you very much, I appreciate the support

[cromer77]

great vid

[fredhart]

@cromer77 Thank you friend

[biguy525]

Fred, that is a very good book for the first time gun owner and us old know it all's. Very nice video.

[fredhart]

@biguy525 Thank you sir

[Gunnut226]

Nice video. I have had this question posed to me before and I did the best I could to answer it using some of the things you discussed. I do really like the idea of giving the person a book to help them with the new acquisition. I will be reading armed response as soon as I get it from amazon. I also, agree that the 9mm is a good round for a first timer to shoot with a balance between stopping power and control. My first handgun was a .38sp and it worked well for the first couple of years.

[fredhart]

@Gunnut226 Thank you sir, it's a tough question. I appreciate your continued support and comments friend

[Brantoc]

mossburg 500 with bird shot or Winchester PDX-1 Defense round.

but yes 9mm is the pistol round.

[MrDowneast]

thanks for the quick response Fred, the duality of the hand gun pod cast channel is aggravating. but you as usual are the man. thanks for all your hard work.

[gwargwar1981]

great vid with great info. i agree with research and training too!!

[xAZAZELx13]

Why wouldn't someone call or go to an actual gun store and ask this question?

[fredhart]

@xAZAZELx13 Because there is no requirements, certifications or minimum IQ for the salesman behind the counter. Recommendations may also be infuenced by cost of commission.

[xAZAZELx13]

@fredhart I guess.

[swvaoutlaws]

excellent info Fred great stuff

[MrDowneast]

Hi Fred 1st love you channel, and this it not toward you but the hand gun pod cast. i.e. that guy trashing the highpoint c-9. calling it a jam o matic and a cheap gun. Then he says Oh by the way we were using the cheapest russian made steel jacket ammo made, but when we used brass ammo it worked great and hes going to buy one. ? every stays away from wolf ammo. high points company USA sucsess story. that guy is just another gun snob ,its no good unless u pay 800$ stay away form HGPC chan jerk.

[fredhart]

@MrDowneast Yep. he will never live down the statements about highpoint. I've disagreed with several of his statement also such as weapon mounted lights but he also has a lot of good info so I just filter the other stuff. I think it's cool what he did with the 6%ers. He does a lot to to help fight the anti-gunners. Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting.

[turbotechnique]

Just went to Amazon and checked out that book. I read the forward and was hooked! That is a perfect explanation, and great analogies to give to the anti gun people that want to debate. Thanks!

[fredhart]

@turbotechnique Thank you too

[aquosman99]

Armor piercing .223 lol just kidding i would use a 12 gauge with different shells in the tube. The tube would consist of 00 buck, dragons breath shells, and slugs

[flabazoid]

you anotated desertscout1 wrong. you put desertscount1

[fredhart]

@flabazoid Thank you pointing that out sir, I will anotate the video

[jasonsg4111]

Good advice Fred.

[MegaGewehr]

I could do without the TNP music in the beginning, haha. God I hate that music.

I'll do a vidya response for ya.

[fredhart]

@MegaGewehr Really? You really hate the 6 secounds of music? :)

[Ahassnake]

@fredhart I don't hate the music but could you turn it down just a bit? It covers the raw sound (you) a bit.

[boomdog72]

very good video fred very informative and covered all the much needed info

[eje1079]

My first (and only ) firearm at the moment is a Glock 26. What a fantastic little gun. I've never shot a gun before purchasing this one and surprisingly I'm a pretty decent shot. Trying to figure out what I want my next firearm purchase to be. Hmmm.... Great vid Fred.

[practicalskills]

Excellent video Fred alot of good points

[mixwell1983]

What I will say is that whatever weapon people choose, you should make that (for a while) your primary range practice firearm.. Its better to use your home defense weapon to get familiar with than the gun that might be "more fun" so to speak.

[tyler55g]

1911 colt best handgun i have besides my glock and thay r equil in my eyes

[supermaucat]

9mm pistol is the way to go. Also, a shotgun is a must.

[TheJamesinTexas]

The FN-57 best home defense handgun/firearm on the market. Light weight, extremely low recoil and 30 round capacity and accurate out to 105 yards.

[lookin4memarbles]

You are right! Research is the Key!!! Thumbs up!!

[fredhart]

@lookin4memarbles Thank you friend!

[Mrcaffinebean]

Go to the local range and rent a few full sized handguns. See what you like shooting. There is no way to tell what you will like. For years I though I would love Glocks. Shot one and was not a fan. I found out I was into the steeper grip angle. Know way anyone could have told me that. BTW If possible I would take a shotgun/rifle over a handgun any day. I'll check out Armed Response, looks good. Why not put a light on a gun. I would rather have it point at me with a light. Then shoot at me.

[Mrcaffinebean]

@Mrcaffinebean One more thing. It is gonna to be rare that you get anyone out to a really good training class. It just isn't worth it to an average person. So Safety classes don't help with stupid people. A stupid person doesn't point a gun at something he thinks isn't a target. A safety class just can't fix stupid.

[tim12161974]

I don't think there is enough emphasis on where a round goes after it's hit it's target in a home defense situation. Revolver in .38sp and/ or a shotgun with #7 or 8 birdshot is about right in my opinion. Thanks Fred!

[GunznGear]

Nicely done! Good book, I've read it, and it's very informative.

[Roberthurz]

Good informative video Fred. If I lived in a densely populated area I would use something in the line of Glaser Blue Safety Slugs. They give good stopping power with greatly reduced penetration in a good handgun caliber. I have played around with this ammo and in my opinion it seems like a good choice for in the home defense where over penetration is an issue. I have it for .45 ACP,.40 and 9mm too. Look into it and form your own opinion. Let me know what you think. Thanks!

[fredhart]

@Roberthurz I have some Glaser Blue safety slugs that a will be testing soon :) Hopefully this weekend!

[roentgen571]

@Roberthurz the Box o Truth website's testing shows the Glaser rounds DON'T offer much protection from overpenetration when it comes to things like walls. Basically, the Glasers act like FMJ rounds when it comes to sheetrock. The more I look into it, the more it seems like the best choice is a premium hollowpoint and a lot of practice at the range. I have Hornady Critical Defense .38 Special +P in my revolver at home.

[NaplesSwampRat]

when i got my carry permit they gave us a copy of that book. if someone wants a gun just to sit by their bed i would get a glock 17 or 19. lots of ammo and no worrys about the gun messing up

[fredhart]

@NaplesSwampRat This would be a great choice as long as the person is able to work the slide when under stress, It is also my first pistol of choice!

[NaplesSwampRat]

@fredhart not only work the slide under stress, but be able to pull it back in general. my mom cant pull the slide back on alot of different guns.

[Monophony1]

It depends if they are a DU (dedicated user) or a NDU (non dedicated user.) If your less dedicated, I'd look at a S&W 686, 67, a Ruger GP100, or a Glock. If you are not dedicated avoid 1911s and J frames like the plague. If you are dedicated I'd look at a Remington 870, a 1911, or a N frame revolver (629, 29, 627.) If you have weak hands a 9mm 1911, or Beretta 92 would probably be a good bet assuming you learn how to use and maintain them.

[fredhart]

@Monophony1 Outstanding comment, thank you, I really like your suggestions

[Monophony1]

@fredhart Thanks, no problem.

[treon123456]

A 12GAUGE PUMP WITH A LIGHT! THERE IS NO EQUAL....FOR A ROOKIE OR A VETRAN....NOTHIN COMES CLOSE! HAVE A SELECTION OF NON-LETHAL AND LETHAL ROUNDS......EVEN SLUGS!!!!

[fredhart]

@treon123456 This may not be the weapon of choose for Grandma in a senior community, the weapon must be taylored to the individual and enviorment.

[fredhart]

@treon123456 That is a great choose for some.

[MadBadVoodo]

All you need is a little .38 Subby!! BTW net 2 my bed is a Remmington 870!!

Thumbs Up!!

[fredhart]

@MadBadVoodo That is a great choose for some. Thank you Friend for stopping by!

[3charter]

1st gun...Revolver...period. 4" .357...can shoot .38 to train.

[fredhart]

@3charter I feel this is also a good choice, thank you sir

[roentgen571]

@3charter I think so, too. A .357 revolver is about as reliable as handguns can get, and it gives the user a very wide range of loadings to fit their comfort...everything from anemic .38 Special CAS loads used by children to "whoa, this isn't fun any more" hot .357 mags, and all the shades in between. And just about every company that makes ammunition sells a variety of both, so you can find ammo dirt cheap anywhere.

[FFAFOOL]

well evry one is different, i thing the glock is a good choice the specific modelis wat u like best. the m and p is also good. i would go with a 40 or 45.

[EurofighterVsRaptor]

wow.. you' ve opened my eyes a little. I realise now theres alot to consider when choosing your handgun. Thanks Buddy.

[dave360dave]

glock 36 ( i think that is the .45acp) if not the 45 glock. but on the other hand that is less rounds so 10mm glock dont know off hand which ones they are of a relover S&W 686???

[PetrolClock]

the judge

[pjicleanair420]

5 * on this one fred, well done

[Mraussieadventurer]

Glock 17

[TheChainProductions]

I personally don't believe in firearms in the home but i do understand the good intentiond. I do find it reasonable if you get trained to use the firearm.

[SocomElite187]

@TheChainProductions Then were would you keep your firearms..

[SocomElite187]

Glock 20 !

[glock10mm]

@SocomElite187 great choice

[SocomElite187]

@glock10mm My favorite glock, along with you i would assume. haha.

[glock10mm]

@SocomElite187 yep i love my 20c