What would you use for home defense.

12ga. w/18inch barrel
AR w/16 inch barrel
Various handguns 9mm and .45

I currently keep a 1911 in the bedstand, but want to consider all options.

Hard to beat a 12 ga for pure stopping power. Smaller shot to not penetrate walls and the psychological effect from working the action to chamber a round. Put a good light on it to identify target.

Shotgun is my go to choice...

Shotgun and make mine a pump. Sound of jacking a shell in chamber has sent more than one person running... If they do not leave from the sound, most mostlikely will not leave under their own power.

Mossberg 500 w/18" brl with #4s would probably be the best inside of a home.

My duck gun is currently loaded with Hornady TAP buckshot. I sure hope I remember to put the plug back in for duck hunting though.

D. All of the above.

Shotgun.. Ever seen one fired in the dark. Impressive.

Shotgun also gets my vote. I do not buy they idea of a 12 ga not penetrating walls. Even bird shot will easily penetrate multiple walls of sheetrock.

Can't beat the shotgun!!!

410

I disagree about racking-the-slide philosophy...the first (and last) sound a bad guy should hear is "boom" (maybe, just maybe, preceeded by the sound of the safety clicking off if he was paying attention).

16" BCM mid-length (w/ light and Aimpoint) is my go-to for home and things that go bump in the night.

I'd stick with the 45, it's easy to weild and makes enough noise that if you should miss with the first shot you'll have plenty of time for the second shot before they get through messin their pants.

If any one else lives in the house I'd use Glazier Safety Rounds.

I've always thought 223's are bad choices for home defense because if the highly likely possibly of over pentrating several walls, especially your neighbors. I live in a town home, btw, so it's very much a concern. As much as I truly believe in the racking-the-slide philosophy (great name, Budgeteer), I would overall prefer the mobility of a handgun.

An Ithaca model 37 with a tritium sight

Absolutely nothing better than a 12 ga. for home defense.....

With that being said.....I also keep a 1911 with extra mag handy.

Yep, Shotgun is by far the best if it is home defense you are wanting. Rounds are your choice but Hornady TAP is a very good choice.

Handguns should only be used to fight your way to your shotty or assault rifle. That's my way of thinking.

870 tactical

I have two flintlock pistols at my bedside...I wanna bust a Jim Bowie if anyone enters my room, minus getting bayonetted.

12 ga. Buckshot. Save the AR for when they are running down the street trying to get away (if they get away)

12ga with #6 will make um look like hamburger meat.

I watched an episode on this a few months ago. It was either 20 or 12 gauge bird shot they chose as best choice. Everything else penetrated multiple walls. I was kind of surprised but I remember the 9mm penetrating the walls better than .45 acp.

12 ga pump, 18" barrel, adjustable buttstock with pistol grip, attached flashlight with pressure strip, #4 buck, kept cruiser ready.

Shotgun, 18" bbl. Turkey loads.