Posted on 01/06/2013 9:42:01 PM PST by ru4liberty
This question pertains to a diminutive woman in her mid-60s. She has a .38 handgun but has been told by a few people (shooting range owner, RTC instructor's cousin, co-worker, etc.) that the best thing to have is a shotgun. They pretty much said that sometimes the only thing a perp needs is to hear the cocking of the shotgun and he'll flee the scene.
I wanted to tap into the expertise of those FReepers who are knowledgeable of such things so I can pass along the info. Also, her funds are limited (fixed income), so any recommendations that would keep her from having to spend too much and where would be the best place to buy it would be helpful.
As you can see, nobody has strong opinions on firearms on FR. My own is that the lady should take a class or two - most good ranges have women-only classes. It's a more comfortable environment - I don't know a lot of men who would try a gun because it was "cute" but I do know a few who would try one because it is awesomely macho. (Or at least so I've heard. Naturally my own circle of friends in Idaho is restricted to vegetarian bee-keeping Buddhists). It's a scary thing until it's not, and the point is getting to where it's not. Whatever that takes, I'm not particular.
Actual use of firearms in self-defense is lethal, or as Massad Ayoob put it, "In The Gravest Extreme". It is a very serious matter for responsible adults, and it takes a certain mental as well as physical preparation in order to make it not destroy lives on both sides of the firearm. Get her to some training is my best advice.
I never mentioned anything about "spraying" or that "aiming isn't needed" or "there's no need to practice". Chances of hitting a target are greatly increased by diameter of the projectile/projectiles. Missing by an 1/8 of an inch with a 230 grain bullet would be a hit with an open choke shotgun firing No. 7 1/2 or 8 shot at equal distances.
Yep.
Dude
Sage advice.
It's about time someone said that!!! Thank you!
The idea of taking a gun into your dark home, LOOKING for the bad guy is just flat out stupid. You wait for him to come to YOU!! Use the bed as "leverage" if you will. Place your arms on it cuz by gosh by golly, the average person WILL be shaking...
.44 Mag with hollow points.
That’s what I said.
LoL
The thing really patterns nicely though, but I always kinda cringe when I shoot it now.
I shitcanned my Mossberg 500 because is was so clunky and crude to cycle for followups. Could be done if you were concentrating on it, but geez, it was a workout. If I ever get another shotgun, it will be a Benelli or other tactical semiauto.
I am talking about setting up the springs and other classified action behind the paddles to allow double fire.
This question pertains to a diminutive woman in her mid-60s.
I would suggest to first look at her arms. If she has solid arms a shotgun is an option. However, if she has granny - flappy arms that look like sheets on a clothesline . . . a shottie will be too much to control.
Forget all the macho BS posted here. Have her work with an Instructor to find what works for her.
Yep! One on one, if she can afford it!!!
You one smart Grammy.
Maverick 88 20 Gauge shotgun.
It’s made by Mossberg, but assembled in Mexico instead of the US like the Mossy 500 and costs less.
About $200.00 for brand new if you can find one as nearly every source I checked says “Out of Stock”
12 Gauge is about the same price, but again, “Out of Stock” in most cases.
Academy Sports, a chain of Sporting Goods stores in the SouthWest US has the Maverick 88 in 12 and 20 Gauge listed for $179.00 as well as a “Youth Model” in both 12 Gauge and 20 Gauge which might be easier for an older person to handle.
Inexpensive and basically a re-branded Mossberg 500.
In fact, they are now called a “Mossberg - Maverick 88”
Best value for a Shotgun IMO
And yes, at combat range (7 yards or less) the shot spread will only be about 5” in diameter.
The myth of point and shoot and you’ll hit your target is just that — a myth.
Naaaaaaaaa........I just had great teachers in California! ;)
Oh. I failed to mention having a big ole bright flashlight right there with you. You can blind him for a second as you’re screaming for help *cough* AS you’re blowing him away.
Sez she who’s never been through it, thankfully!
Ha! Thanks. I have to run off to the big city in the morning.
Take care gentlemen and keep everybody alert. GodBless
Ta-da.
Nice to see I’m not the only one who read the OP.
“Is da bat named “Bella Louielagossi”?
The bat is “Cold Steel Brooklyn Smasher”. It has a heavy weight in the strike area and bones crush. A person wouldn’t survive if hit in the head with it.
I knew some smart cookies in Ca.
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