What is the smallest caliber that you would trust to protect yourself?

[sammy the sage]

"Woman Stops Gator Attack With a Small Beretta Pistol."
This is a story of self-control and marksmanship by a brave, cool-headed woman with a small pistol against a fierce predator. What is the smallest caliber that you would trust to protect yourself?

Here is her story:
While out walking along the edge of a bayou just below Houma, Louisiana with my "soon-to-be" ex-husband discussing property settlement and other divorce issues, we were surprised by a huge 12-ft. alligator that suddenly emerged from the murky water and charging us with its large jaws wide open.
She must have been protecting her nest because she was extremely aggressive.
If I had not had my little Beretta Jetfire .25 caliber pistol with me I would not be here today! Just one shot to my estranged husband's knee cap was all it took. The gator got him easily, and I was able to escape by just walking away at a brisk pace. It's one of the best pistols in my collection! Plus ... the amount I saved in lawyer's fees was more than twice the purchase price of the gun.

[horses4courses]

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Works for me....... :ThmbUp:

[elysiantraveller]

Outside or inside?

[JustRalph]

Outside or inside?

Great question! Sharp!

[horses4courses]

Outside or inside?

Oh, quit keeping us uninitiated types in suspense......what the hell is the difference?
Surely, attempting to end someone's life is about the same deal indoors, or out?

[HUSKER55]

does it really matter? at that distance in that situation a good whamo sligshot would have done the trick.

[Clocker]

Double barrel 12 ga. Stick it out the window and fire two shots up in the air to alert the neighbors. Hope that helps. -- Sincerely, Joe Biden

[mostpost]

"Woman Stops Gator Attack With a Small Beretta Pistol."
This is a story of self-control and marksmanship by a brave, cool-headed woman with a small pistol against a fierce predator. What is the smallest caliber that you would trust to protect yourself?

Here is her story:
While out walking along the edge of a bayou just below Houma, Louisiana with my "soon-to-be" ex-husband discussing property settlement and other divorce issues, we were surprised by a huge 12-ft. alligator that suddenly emerged from the murky water and charging us with its large jaws wide open.
She must have been protecting her nest because she was extremely aggressive.
If I had not had my little Beretta Jetfire .25 caliber pistol with me I would not be here today! Just one shot to my estranged husband's knee cap was all it took. The gator got him easily, and I was able to escape by just walking away at a brisk pace. It's one of the best pistols in my collection! Plus ... the amount I saved in lawyer's fees was more than twice the purchase price of the gun.
I wonder how many of those who responded thus far read the entire story. Which, as you know, has little to do with the question you asked.
ETA: It appears Husker did.

[LottaKash]

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Works for me....... :ThmbUp:

Wow !...I was afraid that you were going to run out of zeros....:eek:

[BlueShoe]

It was very lucky for the lady that her Ex was a liberal. The .25 ACP is woefully inadequate for defense. Conservatives know this, but liberals do not, since they fear and hate guns, and know nothing about them. Hubby almost certainly went down and became gator feed, not as a result of the shot, but just out of the shock and terror of being shot, not as a direct result of the bullet. Now, had the husband been a conservative, he would have kept on running, and the gator would have nailed the wicked wife. It would have taken at least a .380 to anchor him, and even that round is considered marginal. The moral to the story is to be sure to use enough gun, except against liberals, since with them it really doesn't matter what you use.

[elysiantraveller]

To actually answer your question.

In the house if you are going handgun I would use a 9mm or a 20 gauge pump loaded with 000. Both are effective and not super wall penetrators. The 20 in a pump would probably be ideal as they are throwing, essentiallly, 7 pellets a shot that are 9mm and will drop anyone you hit instantly. The handgun won't do that effectively but it can put people down and will allow for fast follow-up shots. Also both can be handled by the majority of women.

Outside its a crapshoot depending on the situation. You have choices to make regarding accuracy or firepower.

[elysiantraveller]

Oh, quit keeping us uninitiated types in suspense......what the hell is the difference?
Surely, attempting to end someone's life is about the same deal indoors, or out?

Not at all and I'm responding to actually being attacked by someone.

Inside I grab my 12 gauge pump. Outside the AR-15 would be my go to. My shotgun, which is my home defense weapon, is loaded the AR is not.

[PhantomOnTour]

Not at all and I'm responding to actually being attacked by someone.

Inside I grab my 12 gauge pump. Outside the AR-15 would be my go to. My shotgun, which is my home defense weapon, is loaded the AR is not.
Which one of your guns would you use in the foyer?
You know, that place that's neither indoors nor outdoors.

[elysiantraveller]

Ahhh... this game.

If someone chooses to invade my foyer I guess I'll let them get away with my boots, a couple of coats, and my cat's litter box (litter optional).

[JustRalph]

To actually answer your question.

In the house if you are going handgun I would use a 9mm or a 20 gauge pump loaded with 000. Both are effective and not super wall penetrators. The 20 in a pump would probably be ideal as they are throwing, essentiallly, 7 pellets a shot that are 9mm and will drop anyone you hit instantly. The handgun won't do that effectively but it can put people down and will allow for fast follow-up shots. Also both can be handled by the majority of women.

Outside its a crapshoot depending on the situation. You have choices to make regarding accuracy or firepower.

In my house it's a .20 pump with .08 bird shot and a 5 shot .357 available also.

When I lived MD my house was 4 stories and I had a couple of wheel guns in .38+P strategically placed throughout. I have others but they aren't "immediately available"

I dont plan for "outdoors" because if I am going to use a weapon, in a self defense mode while at home, it will be indoors.

But it makes a huge difference. When I conceal carry out and about it's almost always .40 cal Although a Ruger SP 101 is a 5 shot in .357 or +P sneaks into the picture sometimes due to summer clothing etc. much smaller weapon but capable. It was my backup gun for ten years everyday when I was a cop. I am very fond of the model. It actually saved my ass once.......

[Marshall Bennett]

12 gauge Defender in living room, .44 special at nightstand in bedroom.

[PICSIX]

Outside = sling shot up to grenade launcher
Inside = stun guns, don't want to shoot holes all over the house :lol:

https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play?p=grenade+launcher&vid=740f6803164ebdf9a1ca61b3f9b6e5a8&l=2%3A50&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DV.47 39403191157020%26pid%3D15.1&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DRh LxR9u4o4E&tit=Ultimate+Weapons-+M32+Grenade+Launcher&c=0&sigr=11ajr2mgr&sigt=1167j6m9j&back=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%3Fei% 3DUTF-8%26p%3Dgrenade%2Blauncher%26pvid%3DydAm3zk4LjHEa_ NuUTk73g2iNzYuMlL2Gon_f5fI%26fr%3Dyfp-t-950&sigb=13mrsfan3&ct=p&pstcat=arts+culture+and+entertainment&age=0&&tt=b

[HUSKER55]

has your wife ever accussed you of being lazy....just saying... :D

[Tom]

Oh, quit keeping us uninitiated types in suspense......what the hell is the difference?
Surely, attempting to end someone's life is about the same deal indoors, or out?

By someone, do you mean that "someone" who is threatening to end your life, or take your possessions, or rape you? That "someone" who made the choice to put you in harm's way? That "someone" who could have not initiated the scenario?

I though you guys were pro-choice.
You makes your choice, you takes your chances.
Look at is as a form of natural selection.

Bang bang, bye bye.

* * * * * * * * *
Inside - Little Boy
Outside - Fat Man

[johnhannibalsmith]

Louisville slugger.

If they step up to the plate, might as well enjoy the battle.

[BlueShoe]

For the home defender that is not into guns and only rarely practices, would suggest two choices:

1. A mid frame revolver in .38 special or .357. If the .357 is too much, can always load down a bit and load .38 +Ps in it. Racking a slide or fumbling for a safety in the dark makes the wheelgun a better choice than the semi auto unless you are an experienced shooter.

2. A 20 gauge shotgun loaded with #3 buck. 20 pellets from across the room ranges lands a devastating hit, with more hits on the target, less recoil and less unintended penetration than does the 12 gauge with 00 buck.

[HUSKER55]

a 22 in close quarters will have the bullet bouncing around for a while before it stops. Also, birdshot, upclose and in the face, does a real nice J-O-B. There is hardly any kick so anyone should be close to target.

If knock down power is the issue, nothing says screw you like a 12 ga. shotgun with slugs.

when I was a kid we had a friend who inherited a 45 peacemaker. We fired it one day into an old oil burning stove. I can't begin to explain the hole on the other side except to say I don't see how anyone survived the old west.

You could put both of your fists in the hole, at least my dad did. God have mercy on the person you hit if you miss the target because that gun will not.

[Marshall Bennett]

The old Colt 45 cartridges used black-powder and weren't that well designed or manufactured. Today a similar shell can be loaded to nearly that of a .44 magnum.

[Rookies]

Don't own one gun and would be very surprised if anyone in my little neighbourhood does. We've never had one crime with a gun or one shot fired in the 30+ years I've lived here.

Do have some bats in the basement from my Slo-Pitch days! ;)

[badcompany]

In my neck of the woods, there's no 2nd Ammendment, but, if we did have it, I'd go with a nine.

[Tape Reader]

Inside I grab my 12 gauge pump. Outside the AR-15 would be my go to. My shotgun, which is my home defense weapon, is loaded the AR is not.

Why a pump action? I hear many say that nothing scares a perpetrator like the sound of a pump action. Isn’t this from Hollywood? Why telegraph your position when time is critical? I’ll go with Uncle Joe on this: double barrel. This aint a hearing test.

[Marshall Bennett]

Wouldn't hurt to keep a couple grenades handy next to each window. :cool:

[HUSKER55]

Good Point!

[JustRalph]

You guys are hysterical........

[HUSKER55]

thank you ralph,...it feels great to be recognized in ones own time! :p :D

[elysiantraveller]

Why a pump action? I hear many say that nothing scares a perpetrator like the sound of a pump action. Isn’t this from Hollywood? Why telegraph your position when time is critical? I’ll go with Uncle Joe on this: double barrel. This aint a hearing test.

This is a good question.

There are several benefits to a pump. If you have a failure to fire you simply cycle on to the next 5 to 10 rounds. Autos and doubles (and I own plenty of these) are limited, autos when they jam can be a bitch and doubles are simply that doubles..

As far as the noise, yes its probably overplayed, but it also means that I outgun you.

[JustRalph]

This is a good question.

There are several benefits to a pump. If you have a failure to fire you simply cycle on to the next 5 to 10 rounds. Autos and doubles are limited, autos when they jam can be a bitch and doubles are simply that doubles..

As far as the noise, yes its probably overplayed, but it also means that I outgun you.

I used to work with a police Sgt who loved to go on alarm calls in the warehouse areas and pull the racking the shotgun crap. as soon as we found a door open or something like that, he would step inside the Door and rack the shotgun loudly. He thought it to be intimidating and fun to do. Most of the time it was just a plain poor tactical decision and often scared the shit out of some low level employee who had set the alarm off.

[Marshall Bennett]

This is a good question.

There are several benefits to a pump. If you have a failure to fire you simply cycle on to the next 5 to 10 rounds. Autos and doubles (and I own plenty of these) are limited, autos when they jam can be a bitch and doubles are simply that doubles..

A 12 gauge at close range there's seldom a need to continue anyway. :)

[delayjf]

What is the smallest caliber that you would trust to protect yourself?

In general for most people, I would say the largest caliber that you could fire accurately. If that's only a 22, then its better than nothing.

[Dahoss2002]

What is the smallest caliber that you would trust to protect yourself?

In general for most people, I would say the largest caliber that you could fire accurately. If that's only a 22, then its better than nothing.

Well said. Alot of folks into perceived "knockdown power".
I have several different caliber pistols. Smallest is 32acp, largest is 40c. Everyone has a different opinion but a Kel-Tec 32 is one sweet little pocket pistol. So small it can be carried in addition to whatever else you like. Depends on situation because Rifles and shotguns are almost always more effective than handguns regardless of caliber.

[Marshall Bennett]

What is the smallest caliber that you would trust to protect yourself?

In general for most people, I would say the largest caliber that you could fire accurately. If that's only a 22, then its better than nothing.
I fell in love with the .44 Special many years ago. Factory loads with jacketed hollow-point bullets are easy to handle with only moderate recoil. While ballistics are poor at anything beyond say 70 yards, it's more than adequate at close range such as home defense. It's stopping ability is as sound and dependable in my opinion as the .44 or .357 magnum in a home.
For a woman a .38 Special, unless she's tiny and totally unfamiliar with firearms in which case I might step down to the .32 S&W. Anything smaller than this I'd forget about. I'd highly recommend, however, anyone that owns a firearm for personal protection spend some time at a range and familiarize themselves. Also educate yourself with a personal plan in your head of how to deal with an intrusion. No weapon is sufficient if one freezes and does nothing.

[elysiantraveller]

I'd highly recommend, however, anyone that owns a firearm for personal protection spend some time at a range and familiarize themselves. Also educate yourself with a personal plan in your head of how to deal with an intrusion. No weapon is sufficient if one freezes and does nothing.

:ThmbUp:

Completely agree with this. The layout of my house makes a shot gun far and away the best weapon to defend my house. In different circumstances something else might make more sense but if you are in my house in the hallway I'm going to outgun you and you will lose.

[TJDave]

A 12 gauge at close range there's seldom a need to continue anyway. :)

I'm not a fan of shotguns in enclosed spaces. I keep a 1911 on the bedside table along with a blindingly bright flashlight. IMO, just as important as the gun.

[Robert Goren]

If you think a gun will protect you, you put sign outside your residence saying this house/apt/condo is protected by whatever gun you have. It save the robber the trouble of getting shot and you the hassle you will have to go through for having shot him.

[HUSKER55]

I know a guy who tried that. The thieves emptied out his garage of everything, tools, cars, sporting equipment.

[JustRalph]

I'm not a fan of shotguns in enclosed spaces. I keep a 1911 on the bedside table along with a blindingly bright flashlight. IMO, just as important as the gun.


Just got one of these. Very nice.......check out the strobe mode.....about 1 min mark in video

dju2TIcJBXg&sns

[Robert Goren]

I know a guy who tried that. The thieves emptied out his garage of everything, tools, cars, sporting equipment.Did they get the gun too?

[BlueShoe]

I have several different caliber pistols. Smallest is 32acp, largest is 40c. Everyone has a different opinion but a Kel-Tec 32 is one sweet little pocket pistol.
This pistol has mixed reviews in the shooting world. There have been some reliability issues reported, with cases of stovepiping and failures to feed or fire. Hope that you have put a couple of hundred rounds through yours with no problems, proving reliability. A gun that fails at a crucial time will likely cost you your life, it must be 100% flawless.

[Marshall Bennett]

I'm not a fan of shotguns in enclosed spaces.
You might be surprised with the Winchester 12 gauge Defender. Mine's about 20 years old so I'm not sure about the current models. It's very light, has an 18 inch barrel making it quite short and easy to handle, and it holds 8 shells plus one in the chamber. I was also surprised at the recoil, was expecting it to knock me down, but in fact it isn't all that bad. I have an old 16 gauge Springfield thats 80 years old and it's worse.
Your objective is to stop your intruder. It's much harder to miss your target with a shotgun, if it's not difficult to obtain and aim. I live alone now and mine lays on the sofa. If I'm expecting company I simply place it under the sofa. If a friend comes over we don't sit on it anyway. When I'm sleeping at night my .44 Special is on the nightstand next to me.
Nothing of course is fail-safe, but why not cover yourself and be prepared. This is a mad-crazy world these days and appears to be only getting worse.

[Marshall Bennett]

If you think a gun will protect you, you put sign outside your residence saying this house/apt/condo is protected by whatever gun you have. It save the robber the trouble of getting shot and you the hassle you will have to go through for having shot him.
Doubt many thieves, particularly dope-head junkies take the time to read anything. Besides to be large enough to be effective makes the front of your house look like shit, at least Imo it does.

[TJDave]

You might be surprised with the Winchester 12 gauge Defender. Mine's about 20 years old so I'm not sure about the current models. It's very light, has an 18 inch barrel making it quite short and easy to handle, and it holds 8 shells plus one in the chamber. I was also surprised at the recoil, was expecting it to knock me down, but in fact it isn't all that bad. I have an old 16 gauge Springfield thats 80 years old and it's worse.
Your objective is to stop your intruder. It's much harder to miss your target with a shotgun, if it's not difficult to obtain and aim. I live alone now and mine lays on the sofa. If I'm expecting company I simply place it under the sofa. If a friend comes over we don't sit on it anyway. When I'm sleeping at night my .44 Special is on the nightstand next to me.
Nothing of course is fail-safe, but why not cover yourself and be prepared. This is a mad-crazy world these days and appears to be only getting worse.

Not knocking it at all. It's just that I have fired a shotgun in an enclosed space and found it disorienting...and loud. Plus, I like to have one hand freed up for a flashlight.

[spicytomato]

I am a good shot
but also crazy , not allowed to have a gun

so I need a really big bullet
since i will have to insert it manually tween yer eyes
with a hammer

they wont allow me gun
so i have many many swords
of all types and sizes
and three bull dogs to keep you busy shootin till i can
behead you

or so that is how i see
then again.. i said it on top, insanity is my plea :cool:

[horses4courses]

So many people live in fear of intruders.
Raises your stress level so much, life is hardly worth living.

Might be time to think seriously about moving somewhere more peaceful?

[PhantomOnTour]

This thread is absolutely frickin' hilarious :lol:

[elysiantraveller]

Not knocking it at all. It's just that I have fired a shotgun in an enclosed space and found it disorienting...and loud. Plus, I like to have one hand freed up for a flashlight.

Flashlight idea also brilliant.

[PhantomOnTour]

Flashlight idea also brilliant.
...see what I mean?

nice pun

[Grits]

Flashlight idea also brilliant.

Elysian, an ice storm is supposed to cover my region tomorrow. I just changed the batteries in my largest "Maglite" (brand) flashlight. .... Have you ever held one of these things?

Its an outstanding weapon!! If I swung it, and connected either one time or multiple times, with an intruder's head, he'd be dead as a door nail. Honestly!! :lol:

[spicytomato]

Elysian, an ice storm is supposed to cover my region tomorrow. I just changed the batteries in my largest "Maglite" (brand) flashlight. .... Have you ever held one of these things?

Its an outstanding weapon!! If I swung it, and connected either one time or multiple times, with an intruder's head, he'd be dead as a door nail. Honestly!! :lol:

i dont need flashlight that big
i can see very well in the dark

however, something weighted is good to have
lucky for me .. i have about that much weight in my
..... purse.. and they would never expect me to knock them out
with my purse.. :D

[elysiantraveller]

Elysian, an ice storm is supposed to cover my region tomorrow. I just changed the batteries in my largest "Maglite" (brand) flashlight. .... Have you ever held one of these things?

Its an outstanding weapon!! If I swung it, and connected either one time or multiple times, with an intruder's head, he'd be dead as a door nail. Honestly!! :lol:

Have one. Remember the commercial of the semi-truck running over one and it just turning on and off and on again. They are the real deal I need one of those new LED ones.

[Marshall Bennett]

Might be time to think seriously about moving somewhere more peaceful?
Perhaps Greenland?
Problem is, the more peace you find the further away you are from medical facilities if you need them. The closer you are to good medical facilities, the more likely you are to need them.

[Dahoss2002]

This pistol has mixed reviews in the shooting world. There have been some reliability issues reported, with cases of stovepiping and failures to feed or fire. Hope that you have put a couple of hundred rounds through yours with no problems, proving reliability. A gun that fails at a crucial time will likely cost you your life, it must be 100% flawless.

I think most of Kel-tecs issues have been with their 380 and 9mm pistols. Either way, my p-32 has never had a hiccup. I was bragging more about the size of it and how easy it is to carry even if it is not your primary carry. I have a 40c Shield too but my favorite is actually a CZ82, 9x18 Makarov round. For some reason, that one is the most natural "point and shoot " pistol I have ever fired.
Stovepiping or FTF can occur with any automatic pistol. I always carry one in the pipe with pistol in "double-action" so I know i got one shot unless hammer don't drop or primer no good.