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A Five Gun Salute to Great Self Defense Weapons
Townhall.com ^ | November 29, 2011 | Mike Adams

Posted on 11/29/2011 6:50:34 AM PST by Kaslin

Recently, I have been getting a lot of complaints about the lack of diversity in my opinion column. The Feminazi Party has been complaining that I write about abortion too often. The Gaystapo has been complaining that I write about homosexuality too often. Atheists have been complaining that I write about God too often. College administrators have been complaining that I write about college administrators too often. I just can’t win. So, today, I’m going to dedicate my column to the topic of self-defense weapons just in case a lesbian feminist atheist college administrator goes off the deep end. I meant to say, “Even further off the deep end.” These five guns top my list of good, reliable self-defense weapons for the person, the automobile, and the home

1. Smith and Wesson J Frame Revolver. I recommend one carry weapon for summer and one for winter. My summer gun for the last fourteen years has been the Model 640. Men should carry a .357 revolver. They should also carry it in a stainless frame – especially if it is their summer weapon. Sweat all you like and the stainless J frame will take it. For women, I strongly urge the Model 638. Less recoil, but still enough stopping power. There is no need to drop down to a .380. The 38 has enough power and is both light enough and concealable enough for most women.

2. Smith and Wesson M&P Pistol. I carry a slightly larger gun with a larger capacity during the winter. I only do so because the extra clothing allows me to conceal a little more weapon. For years, my choice has been the Glock Model 23, chambered in .40 caliber. All of my friends in law enforcement have been trying to convince me that Smith now makes a superior pistol. I have finally seen the light. This is an affordable and reliable carry weapon. I strongly recommend that men carry the .40 caliber version. Women may want to opt for the 9mm version with less recoil. Either way, the Smith M&P is the way to go.

3. The Taurus Judge. Taurus revolvers have come a long way. Fifteen years ago, I would not have recommended a Taurus of any kind. Today, the Judge has climbed to the top of my list of car defense weapons. The Judge gives an option of firing either 45 Long Colt ammunition or .410 shotgun ammunition. The rifling on the barrel really allows the 410 pattern to open up nicely within the span of just a few feet. As such, it makes an extremely good weapon to ward off the potential car-jacker. The lethal impact of the 410 dissipates rapidly. Hence, I would feel more comfortable squeezing off a round in the middle of traffic than I would with the 45 Long Colt option.

Regardless, it is nice to have the other option available. It’s a good way to celebrate diversity!

4. Smith and Wesson Model 629. When I take long road trips, I always carry a large bore revolver. The Smith 44 magnum has been my top choice for a very long time. With a Judge under the seat and a Model 629 in the trunk there is little that can come your way that you cannot handle. Some will question whether the 44 magnum is ever necessary. But if you’ve ever hit a deer and watched it slowly die on the side of the road you’ll know why I have included it. The 44 magnum is also good for the occasional encounter with a black bear. When I drive through Colorado, the 44 moves from the trunk to the front seat. The fact that it takes 44 Special rounds is also a plus. That is a good round for personal defense. It will not over-penetrate but will have plenty of knockdown power for the potential car-jacker.

5. Remington 870. I love this gun. That’s why I’ve bought several of them. I like the 870 express tactical the best. It really is ideal for home defense because it is so safe. Generally, all you have to do is rack the pump once and the intruder leaves the premises. The sound of a pump shotgun is unmistakable. All you have left to do is clean the burglar poop off the floor afterwards. Generally speaking, that’s better than raising an argument of self-defense. That can only happen if you find yourself on trial. Remember what they say about an ounce of prevention and a pound of cure.

Author’s Note: Recommendations #1 and #2 are for concealed carry. Recommendations #3 and #4 are for car defense. Recommendation #5 is for home defense. Recommendations #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5, are also useful for blowing stuff up just for the heck of it.


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Culture/Society; Editorial
KEYWORDS: banglist; mikeadams
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To: Kaslin

Kahr PM9


41 posted on 11/29/2011 7:47:31 AM PST by JoeProBono (A closed mouth gathers no feet - Mater tua caligas gerit)
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To: Kaslin

“Some will question whether the 44 magnum is ever necessary. But if you’ve ever hit a deer and watched it slowly die on the side of the road you’ll know why I have included it.”

HAHAHHAHAHA... you need a 44 magnum to kill a wounded deer?


42 posted on 11/29/2011 7:48:08 AM PST by Mashood
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To: Kaslin

These are fine choices in terms of self defense (i.e. a criminal assault), but would those choices change to defend against an “active shooter” such as Mumbai, Ft. Hood, or Tucson?


43 posted on 11/29/2011 7:49:27 AM PST by papertyger (What has islam ever accomplished that treacherous, opportunistic, brutality couldn't do on its own?)
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To: Tenacious 1

That is a great demonstration of an idea turned into reality. Too bad they can’t mass produce those.


44 posted on 11/29/2011 7:51:36 AM PST by Arrowhead1952 (Dear God, thanks for the rain, but please let it rain more in Texas. Amen.)
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To: Tenacious 1

I don’t know what kind of reloading equipment you looked at, but from what you said you just spent on ammo, you would save money on your first reloads.


45 posted on 11/29/2011 7:52:50 AM PST by IMR 4350
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To: dblshot

Check out the Ruger SP-101. It’s small, but heavier than the LCR, so felt recoil will be less. You can still get one in .357 and put .38s in.


46 posted on 11/29/2011 7:54:58 AM PST by Disambiguator
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To: 1malumprohibitum
Anyone who thinks confronting an intruder with an empty chambered shotgun so they can rack the slide to defuse or end the situation is a fool.This is the most often repeated and dangerous nonsense. It is pure hollywood and could get you killed. If you are going to a gunfight in your home, take a loaded gun.

I agree. If someone enters your house knowing that you are home, they are most likely armed. They will have one of three responses when they hear the shotgun rack. 1. They will turn and run. 2. They will freeze in their tracks. 3. They will turn and empty their weapon in the direction of the sound.

47 posted on 11/29/2011 7:55:51 AM PST by mbynack (Retired USAF SMSgt)
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To: Azeem

I carry and XD in a supertuck. Those are great holsters that make concealing a decent sized pistol easy and comfortable.


48 posted on 11/29/2011 7:58:59 AM PST by jospehm20
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To: Kaslin

Thanks Kaslin for this article, I’ve actually been wanting to buy my first gun for a while now, it’s about time IMO.


49 posted on 11/29/2011 7:59:10 AM PST by thesaleboat (Pray The Rosary Daily)
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To: Disambiguator

Sounds about right, I’ll find one she can try out.


50 posted on 11/29/2011 8:00:08 AM PST by dblshot (Insanity: electing the same people over and over and expecting different results.)
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To: mbynack

“Racking the slide” is the audible version of waving your gun around to intimidate the bad guy...and we all know how smart THAT tactic is.


51 posted on 11/29/2011 8:03:52 AM PST by papertyger (What has islam ever accomplished that treacherous, opportunistic, brutality couldn't do on its own?)
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To: TSgt

Configured as a breaching gun, used for shooting out locks with frangible rounds (muzzle fixture is a give-away).

Not really a defense weapon.

I have a 500 just like this, without the breaching fixture. I have found I like my 870 with a regular stock much better. Nothing wrong with the Mossberg really, it’s reliable - I just like more control over something that kicks like a 12 ga.


52 posted on 11/29/2011 8:04:13 AM PST by SargeK
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To: mbynack
no one said you should rack the slide and then just stand there.
Sick your big dogs on them
Rack the slide on your 12 gage
Let your dogs chew on them for a few minutes
Order them to drop their weapons
Fire your riot gun, aim a little higher than center of mass so you don't hit your dogs
Take a quick peek to see if they have a face left.
Repeat if necessary This author must be well paid by smith. Not many LE agencies pick S&W as their duty weapons. Someone indicated that just because a person carries a weapon for a few years that they have the knowledge. That is a crock. I've been carrying a weapon for 40 years, I'm a gunsmith and comp shooter and I damn well don't know everything. I have a springfield .40 that I will put up against the glocks or the S&W.
53 posted on 11/29/2011 8:19:25 AM PST by oldenuff2no (Rangers lead the way...... Delta, the original European home land security)
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To: Mashood

Are you questyioning the choice of caliber or the choice of a gun in general? (BTW, I suspect he’s choosing the .44 more for humans and bears, not for wounded Bambi.)


54 posted on 11/29/2011 8:23:07 AM PST by Mr. Silverback (Anyone who says we need illegals to do the jobs Americans won't do has never watched "Dirty Jobs.")
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To: Kaslin

Sprigfield Armory XD [40 or 45].41 Mag. And NO 1911 A1?


55 posted on 11/29/2011 8:26:46 AM PST by PzLdr ("The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am" - Darth Vader)
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To: Kaslin

S&W 625 JM


56 posted on 11/29/2011 8:30:19 AM PST by wordsofearnest (Proper aim of giving is to put the recipient in a state where he no longer needs it. C.S. Lewis)
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To: MichaelP

We have the Mossberg 500 tactical. That racking sound is frightening. LOL!!


57 posted on 11/29/2011 8:35:09 AM PST by Georgia Girl 2 (The only purpose of a pistol is to fight your way back to the rifle you should never have dropped.)
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To: 1malumprohibitum
Disagree on .45 Long Colt.

Properly loaded, it will take out the trash.

Before everybody went nuts over the Glocks (a feeling that I obviously do not share), the service sidearm for the DeKalb County Police (a county with more than its fair share of trash to take out) was the S&W Mod. 25 in .45 Long Colt. I believe that Georgia Highway Patrol used it also.

We also use it, downloaded substantially, for Cowboy Action. Even with a minimal load it hits the long range knockdown targets most thoroughly.

58 posted on 11/29/2011 8:39:03 AM PST by AnAmericanMother (Ministrix of ye Chasse, TTGC Ladies' Auxiliary (recess appointment))
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To: Kaslin
"Generally, all you have to do is rack the pump once and the intruder leaves the premi"

BZZZZZZZT. Bad move.

(Hey, Mister cold-blooded professional criminal who's armed with his own shotgun, I'm over here and you get a free shot but you better take it RIGHT NOW.)

59 posted on 11/29/2011 8:41:39 AM PST by OKSooner (Today's new tagline. Tomorrow's new tagline pending.)
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To: Mr. Silverback

Are you questyioning the choice of caliber or the choice of a gun in general?

the choice of caliber... a well placed .22 will do....


60 posted on 11/29/2011 8:41:53 AM PST by Mashood
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