I have a friend who lives in Arizona, around 60 miles from the Mexican border. He has no firearms yet but is considering getting one to protect his home/family. He mentioned shotgun, but I thought a pistol might be better. What do you recommend for him? I advised him to sign up for firearms training locally and see what they say.

AR15.

For one and only, learn this. Use this. It'll do most of what your friend will want or need in most situations.

quote:

Originally posted by craigcpa:
AR15.

For one and only, learn this. Use this. It'll do most of what your friend will want or need in most situations.

Home alarm system, German Shepard, pistol, shotgun, and AR-15. . not necessarily in that order.

Automated outside lights, AR-15, good 9mm pistol.

Add to whatever his weapon of choice is a cell phone with confirmed reception anywhere on his property.

11.5” AR15 pistol from a reputable company with a weapon mounted quality light. USGI AR magazine bandolier with 4 spares, and a CAT, quickclot gauze, and an ace bandage.

Training first, firearm selection later. Working knowledge of Spanish, if the does not have it already.

Many different thoughts on the subject; there's a few videos from reputable trainers posted below, the two have opposing viewpoints.

Personally, I have two kids and always have my pistol on me (next to me when sleeping), so my HD gun (for now) is my P365.
I do have some firearms designed for home defense, but the layout of my house and space constraints prevent me from keeping them handy. That said, if I could safely stage them, my silenced G45 with RMR would be my first choice, followed my my Suppressed .300 Blackout SBR.

As others mentioned, training with whichever he decides is a must!

https://youtu.be/MnVIP3vLrZ8

https://youtu.be/mJCg9CCAJyI

quote:

Originally posted by zipriderson:

quote:

Originally posted by craigcpa:
AR15.

For one and only, learn this. Use this. It'll do most of what your friend will want or need in most situations.

Home alarm system, German Shepard, pistol, shotgun, and AR-15. . not necessarily in that order.

You left out something for the Mrs. Add in one more AR, duty pistol for her bedside, and something like an LC9 or LCP for carry.

quote:

Originally posted by craigcpa:
AR15.

For one and only, learn this. Use this. It'll do most of what your friend will want or need in most situations.

You got your answer in the first post. An AR-15 is my go to home defense weapon.

quote:

Originally posted by ArtieS:
Automated outside lights, AR-15, good 9mm pistol.

And if possible get those lights up where they can't be reached easily from the ground.

Rural, suburban or city environment?
Choices could be different if he owns a couple of sections of land or rents an apartment.
Is he looking to start carrying a firearm, or just something propped up behind the bedroom door?
Is he the type who will want to keep ammo and disassembled weapon in opposite ends of the house?
Any firearms experience at all?
Kids in the house?
Is the SO on board?
Is he the type that will train/practice with said firearm? Or is it a talisman to ward off evil?
(Practice and training are not always mutually inclusive terms, either)

I train/practice more with a pistol because I figure that is what I will probably have with me if something happens. But I carry whenever/wherever legal.
Plus I enjoy pistols more.

There are a few we more questions that need to asked and answered.
We haven’t even talked budget yet.

You are gonna get the phone book for this answer.

First he will need to visit a store and price some different guns.
Then he needs to set a budget
Then some training.

First I’d start with a handgun, and a good light, as the handgun can go places with him, where a carbine cannot.
Then a AR15 with a light.

Several mags already loaded.
Tell him to get good ammo, don’t cheap out as FMJ will put little holes in the bad guy.

Then get him to peruse the forum.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: MikeinNC,

what does he know about guns, arizona law and
shooting?

FWIW, I was "that guy" 35 years ago. A cop friend told me to get a .357 mag with a 4" barrel. I did, I still have it, and it's still my favorite gun.

I'm not certain that advice I got 35 years ago is so outdated.

A good home defense rifle is easier to shoot accurately, is easier to shoot faster, holds more ammunition, is less likely to overpenetrate through a bunch of walls, and is more likely to incapacitate someone shot with it than a good home defense pistol.

About the only advantage a pistol has is being smaller.

I think everyone else pretty much covered the HD weapons of choice. More importantly, have you discussed the concept of...Shoot, shovel, and shut up with him?

Since he mentioned it to you, he's clearly been thinking about it. The general rule I tell everyone is your level of seriousness will determine what to buy.

If he's concerned about home defense but, doesn't want to make the investment in either training or, has a spouse that he's concerned about but, they don't want to commit to much training, get a shotgun. The vast majority of people know how to use a shotgun (Rem 870 or, Moss 590), it's threatening when it needs to be and visually the least 'scary' by liberal standards. Very little skill is needed employ a shotgun or, any long gun, point the thin open end at the threat.

Rifles are the most effective at stopping man, they're easy to use, however they do require a commitment to training to achieve a level proficiency. A lever-action rifle is easiest to work, isn't unwieldy, whereas a bolt-action could be a nightmare due to it's length, and manipulating the bolt could be difficult under stress. An AR or, AK style rifle is hugely popular and suitable, they do require a fair amount of practice to familiarize and achieve a proficiency level to be comfortable.

Handguns are popular, they're small, can easily be carried when not using, and can be canceled going outside but, require A LOT of practice to be familiar with and proficient. Malfunctions, jams and mis-usage are very common with those using handguns without much practice or, familiarity. Many crimes are thwarted or, stunted due to a incompetent criminal and thier lack of handgun familiarity. If need be but, limited practice/training, a revolver is very reliable, whereas a semi-auto points/holds easier has larger capacity but various models range in reliability.

For the least investment, a shotgun and revolver are fine for home defense.
Ideally, an AR and semi-auto pistol for each occupant, shotguns for bedrooms.

The 3 S's..... I like it.

No way in hell would I recommend an AR to a non-gun person who has no interest in becoming proficient with it. Most people who DO become proficient with their ARs are gun people, who have experience with many different firearms before they buy an AR.

I could be wrong, guessing there are lots of millenials who buy AR guns who are not sure which end of the gun the bullets come out.