Best Guns for Apartment Home Defense?

Hi,

I’m very new to firearms and considering purchasing a gun (after completing necessary training, of course). I live in an apartment building in California and am looking for advice on what type of guns are best suited for home defense in this setting. My main concern is the potential risk of overpenetration—accidentally hitting neighbors through walls. This has made me hesitant to consider owning a gun for years.

I’d appreciate recommendations for firearms and ammunition that balance effectiveness for home defense with minimizing risks to those around me.

Paul Harrell has some great videos covering this topic. Long story short, any projectile capable of stopping a threat will likely go through drywall. The best way to prevent accidents is proper training and accuracy. Here’s one of his videos that might help: https://youtu.be/Qw8IiRgSMFQ.

@Ocean
Paul Harrell’s tests showed #4 buckshot from a 12-gauge shotgun to be a solid choice for minimizing wall penetration while being effective for self-defense. If you’re considering a shotgun, look into shorter models like the Mossberg or Remington tactical options.

Before buying a gun, focus on hardening your home. Replace door strike plate screws with 3” construction screws, use dowels in window tracks, and consider door jamb reinforcement kits. These measures work even when you’re not home and reduce the need for lethal force.

For a firearm, a handgun in 9mm with hollow-point rounds is a good starting point. It’s manageable for beginners, ammo is affordable for practice, and hollow points reduce the risk of overpenetration. Are there ranges near you where you can try different guns before buying?

A 12-gauge shotgun with low-recoil buckshot, like #4 buck, is great for apartments. It’s effective at stopping threats without excessive penetration. Plus, shotguns are easier to aim in high-stress situations.

Thanks for the suggestions! I’ll look into these options. I also have access to a shooting range and friends who can guide me. I’m located in West LA if anyone knows of local instructors or classes.

Vern said:
Thanks for the suggestions! I’ll look into these options. I also have access to a shooting range and friends who can guide me. I’m located in West LA if anyone knows of local instructors or classes.

Check out LA Progressive Shooters. They offer great beginner classes and are very inclusive. I’ve taken a class with them, and they focus on safety and fundamentals. If you’re new, they’ll walk you through everything step by step.

A 9mm carbine, like the Ruger PC Carbine, is a solid choice for apartment defense. It’s lightweight, has low recoil, and 9mm hollow points minimize overpenetration. Practice is key—invest in training to ensure you’re comfortable and confident with whatever you choose.

California-compliant options include the Glock 19 (9mm pistol) or a Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II (AR-15 style rifle). Pair them with hollow-point ammunition to reduce risks of overpenetration. Try out different guns at the range to find what feels best for you.

For ultimate safety, consider frangible ammunition, which disintegrates on impact with hard surfaces and reduces the risk of unintended injury. It’s harder to find but worth it if overpenetration is a major concern.

Statistically, a gun in your home increases the risk of accidents if you’re not passionate about training. Consider other options like reinforcing doors and windows, a loud alarm system, or non-lethal tools like pepper gel or a taser.