Best options for home defense in the city?

Hey everyone! The other night, someone walked up to my door in a gated community and rang the bell at 2:40 AM before running off. I don’t currently own a gun, but this experience made me think about getting one since I live in inner-city Houston. Should I go for a rifle or a handgun? Any specific models you’d recommend?

I’d recommend taking a class first. After that, try out a few guns to see what feels comfortable. The Glock 9mm is a popular recommendation and a good place to start, but everyone’s preferences are different.

Whatever you choose, make sure you train with it regularly.

Go for a pistol, something reliable like a Glock. You can often find good deals on used ones in great condition. But the most important thing is to take a class with whatever you buy. I’ve seen people who’ve owned guns for years completely miss their targets because they didn’t know how to use them properly.

@Toby
Try out a few modern pistols at a range if you can. Police trade-ins can also be a great deal. While Glock is a solid choice, not everyone shoots well with them because of things like grip angle. Pick what works for you.

@Teo
Most modern pistols will work fine, but Glocks are generally more reliable than budget brands like Taurus.

Harlan said:
@Teo
Most modern pistols will work fine, but Glocks are generally more reliable than budget brands like Taurus.

No firearm is invincible. Even Glocks need maintenance to function properly. The idea that they never fail is just marketing hype.

@Teo
Nobody’s saying Glocks are invincible. They’re just generally more reliable and have been proven in real-world use for decades.

@Toby
Police trade-in Glocks are a great option for about $300. They’re not fancy, but they’re accurate, reliable, and easy to use.

Shan said:
@Toby
Police trade-in Glocks are a great option for about $300. They’re not fancy, but they’re accurate, reliable, and easy to use.

A Glock is like a Toyota Corolla—boring, but it gets the job done reliably.

If you don’t have much experience, a handgun might not be the best starting point. Consider a shotgun or carbine instead.

An AR-15 or a pistol-caliber carbine (PCC) is usually easier for beginners to learn on than a handgun. Start by taking a class at a local range or gun club to build a good foundation.

Get some training first. A gun is useless without it. For home defense, pistols like SIG, S&W M&P, or Walther are great options. If you live in an apartment, avoid rifles—they can over-penetrate walls. I use a shotgun with #4 birdshot for home defense.

A Glock 17 or 19 is a great option if you go with a pistol. If you own your home, a shotgun is also an excellent choice. They’re easier to control and have some spread, which can be helpful in high-stress situations. Just remember to stay inside and let the police handle the situation if possible.

For home defense, a short-barreled, suppressed AR-15 would be ideal. It’s maneuverable, effective, and doesn’t over-penetrate as much as you’d think. However, the tax and paperwork for suppressors and short-barreled rifles might be a hassle. If that’s not an option, a standard AR-15, pistol, or shotgun will work just fine.

A full-size 9mm pistol with a good light is a versatile and effective choice. Make sure to train with it.

Start with a safety and home-defense class. Shoot a variety of firearms to see what feels right for you. Most first-time owners do well with a full-sized 9mm pistol or a .357 revolver. Also, consider buying pepper spray as a less-lethal option for certain situations.

For home defense, a full-size 9mm pistol, pistol-caliber carbine, or a short-barreled AR-15 are all good options. They’re easy to use, have good capacity, and are versatile. For beginners, I’d recommend starting with a 9mm pistol and getting a quality light for it. Rent a few models at a range to see what works best for you.

A 9mm carbine or pistol-caliber AR is a great option for inner-city defense. It’s easy to handle, can be equipped with lights and optics, and has less recoil than a rifle.

If it’s strictly for home defense, consider a metal-frame pistol. Heavier guns are easier to shoot for beginners. Glocks are good, but they’re not the only option out there.