Shotgun or 9mm?

pam · #1 (**permalink**) 08-24-2009, 03:42 PM

For preparedness and defense purposes..I have gotten different answers on what is best for me. Being a female and at some point living by myself after the kids move away. Wondering what the opinion would be as to what would be best.

I've had a few say shotgun..but my brother and a couple of law enforcement officers have recommended 9mm. Also what's the best way to store ammo so that they will lost for a long period of time?

Mahone · #2 (**permalink**) 08-24-2009, 03:53 PM

I didn't scare you that much did I, Pam?

Hemidakota · #3 (**permalink**) 08-24-2009, 04:10 PM

9mm has no real stopping power when pruchasing the usual stock ammo if you planned for home self-defense. But on the other hand, shotgun is more frightening to hear when cocking or loading the weapon [talk to those who fought in urban warfare with captured enemies testimonies]. Traveler is a good source for this one...

Jbs2763 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-24-2009, 04:37 PM

for close combat i'd use a 12 ga, pistol grip, pump action...you can point and shoot in the general diretion in a home invasion and do some serious damage, i carry a 9mm and a .38 stub nose...you hit anything center mass, it'll drop

BenRaines · #5 (**permalink**) 08-24-2009, 04:41 PM

Shotgun. I look at it this way. I have a rifle that can take down most anything at 500 yards. I have a semi auto for those outside my doors. I have a shotgun for anyone standing in my doorway. I do agree, having played seek and find in the police dept, that nothing is more frightening than to hear the racking of a shotgun in the dark.

Pistol is for carrying concealed and under the mattress if I am surprised.

Pam, another thing to worry about is if you live where there are several mobile homes is a 9mm round may travel a long ways if fired. Through several walls. Shotgun not much further than out your walls.

Ben Raines

pam · #6 (**permalink**) 08-24-2009, 04:57 PM

But what about the easiness of use for a female? Keep in mind I know nothing about firearms so I really am asking the questions from the perspective of a complete novice. If I had to quickly get ahold of something for protection..what's going to be the easiest?

Also why would law enforcement officers recommend a 9mm verses a shotgun?

pam · #7 (**permalink**) 08-24-2009, 04:58 PM

Also..whatever I were to choose..what's the best way to store the ammo for long term storage?

Jbs2763 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-24-2009, 08:05 PM

a shotgun with no choke is like a digital camera...point and shoot...it'll "focus" just fine

BenRaines · #9 (**permalink**) 08-24-2009, 08:12 PM

Shotgun ammo lasts for a long time. It can be kept in a drawer nearby and loads very easy with some practice. A pistol or a rifle require a lot of training to be accurate. A shotgun as JBS said is point and shoot. Don't even need to be accurate and can hit something.

I worked for ten years in law enforcement and would recommend a shotgun over anything for self defense in the home especially by someone without a lot of experience and time to prepare. Also much less expensive for the weapon and ammo.

Hero Training: The Best Weapons for Home Defense | Primer

Ben Raines

Danite · #10 (**permalink**) 08-24-2009, 08:20 PM

I"m for the shotgun unless you been thru close quater combat training then the 9 will be fine