Rifle or Pistol for my situation?

I live in California, and the 10-round magazine limit applies to both rifles and pistols here, so magazine capacity isn’t a deciding factor.

I’ve been to the range a few times and have some experience with firearms, but I plan on taking more safety training once I actually own one. The two firearms I’m considering are the S&W MP Sport 2 (5.56 rifle) and the Glock 19 (9mm pistol) – both of which I’ve tried before and found comfortable.

I’m in a single-family home, but the houses here are close – about 20-25 feet between me and my neighbors – so I worry about rounds passing through walls and potentially reaching the neighbors. My house is two stories, mostly open on the second floor with only a few walls on the first floor, and from the master bedroom, I can see much of the second-floor area.

So, in a home defense situation, which option would be safer and more effective for my setup?

Anything that misses will go through drywall – it’s unavoidable. A two-handed firearm is usually easier to control and aim, especially if you’re waking up in the middle of the night and need to react quickly.

Here’s a guide on over-penetration for home defense: [Study] Home Defense Overpenetration: Shotgun, Handgun, Rifle - Pew Pew Tactical

For myself, I like using #4 buckshot or 110-grain 300blk.

If you’ve got kids, a handgun might be more practical since it lets you carry or grab a child if you need to.

Honestly, there’s no such thing as a magic bullet that can stop an attacker and also prevent over-penetration completely. It’s just the nature of it – something strong enough to stop a threat can go through walls too. But, you can minimize risk by avoiding things like steel-core rounds.

If you’re not set on rifle or pistol, you might want to consider a shotgun. I wouldn’t go for birdshot, though – buckshot is much more reliable in stopping an attacker.

@Rayne
Agreed! You can look up FBI or police studies on home defense incidents – on average, 1-3 shots are usually enough to stop a threat.

@Rayne
Yep, as long as you’re comfortable with a pump-action, a Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 could be great. They’re simple and reliable, and used ones are usually solid, too. #4 Buckshot might be a better choice if you’re worried about penetration.

@Rayne

Nothing can reliably stop an attacker without also being able to penetrate a few walls.

There’s a common misconception here. Heavier, slower rounds tend to penetrate harder materials better, whereas lighter, faster rounds are more effective on soft targets like people. That’s why something like M193 5.56 is very effective against people but doesn’t easily penetrate masonry blocks.

If you’re considering concealed carry down the line, I’d lean toward the Glock.

No matter what firearm you choose, always be aware of your backstop. Drywall isn’t reliable for stopping a bullet, so practicing accurate and controlled shooting is key.

5.56 might actually be safer for neighbors compared to 9mm due to how it behaves when hitting walls.

Cameron said:
5.56 might actually be safer for neighbors compared to 9mm due to how it behaves when hitting walls.

Do you have any sources for that? That goes against the usual thinking.

@Addison
It’s all about energy vs. mass. A lighter 5.56 round tends to break apart and change direction upon impact, unlike a 9mm which can stay whole and keep going through walls. Here’s a video on it by Garand Thumb: https://youtu.be/j3BlRPtCj2E?si=9Y_UN35c4bWHlGNu

@Cameron
I remember seeing FLETC studies that found differently, though they might have used steel-core rounds.

Addison said:
@Cameron
I remember seeing FLETC studies that found differently, though they might have used steel-core rounds.

That makes sense; there are definitely variables at play, like bullet type. There are also a lot of videos on YouTube that test these scenarios with regular ammo in mock walls.

@Cameron
Agreed. Bullet type matters a lot. 147-grain hollow points act differently than standard FMJ rounds. FLETC is usually my go-to for reliable info on these things.

Addison said:
@Cameron
Agreed. Bullet type matters a lot. 147-grain hollow points act differently than standard FMJ rounds. FLETC is usually my go-to for reliable info on these things.

FLETC is usually my go-to for reliable info

If they’re suggesting that 5.56 is better at barrier penetration than 9mm, they might need to re-evaluate. Many sources, including videos showing test setups, confirm that 9mm ball rounds often penetrate more interior walls than standard 5.56.

Cameron said:
5.56 might actually be safer for neighbors compared to 9mm due to how it behaves when hitting walls.

Nah, both can penetrate through walls.

Niko said:

Cameron said:
5.56 might actually be safer for neighbors compared to 9mm due to how it behaves when hitting walls.

Nah, both can penetrate through walls.

Actually, 9mm tends to stay intact and hold its trajectory better through barriers compared to 5.56, which often breaks up and loses energy.

Niko said:

Cameron said:
5.56 might actually be safer for neighbors compared to 9mm due to how it behaves when hitting walls.

Nah, both can penetrate through walls.

If you’re not sure about something, it’s fine not to comment.

@Cameron
Classic ‘fudd’ logic right there – ‘5.56 won’t penetrate’ :roll_eyes:

A pistol has some practical benefits:

  1. Easier to store and lock up.
  2. Lower initial cost.
  3. Lets you keep one hand free, like for calling 911.
  4. Cheaper ammo for practice.