Anwyn writes
Gun Advice Question, and sorry for the somewhat off-topic: I really like shooting the Ruger 22-45. But I'm guessing the 22 isn't really a good handgun to keep in your closet to use on intruders, eh? A 22 only slows bad guys down, is the general wisdom? So assuming that's true, what do you get for a bigger handgun that will stop an advancing thug but that is user-friendly without a ridiculous amount of recoil? Recoil is the main reason I don't just plan to buy a Glock 9mm, although if that turns out to be the best gun under the circumstances I guess I'll just learn to handle the recoil. When I finally do get a gun, that is. Currently a projected, rather than actual, plan.
Gun Advice Question, and sorry for the somewhat off-topic: I really like shooting the Ruger 22-45. But I'm guessing the 22 isn't really a good handgun to keep in your closet to use on intruders, eh? A 22 only slows bad guys down, is the general wisdom?
So assuming that's true, what do you get for a bigger handgun that will stop an advancing thug but that is user-friendly without a ridiculous amount of recoil? Recoil is the main reason I don't just plan to buy a Glock 9mm, although if that turns out to be the best gun under the circumstances I guess I'll just learn to handle the recoil.
When I finally do get a gun, that is. Currently a projected, rather than actual, plan.
Rule #1 - Never bring a pistol when you can bring a rifle / shotgun. For home defense, a shotgun is king. A 20 gauge will be manageable, but the recoil is simply going to be significant and you have to learn to deal with it. You do so by practicing with it at your local range.
Now, onto recoil - there are two things when you talk about recoil - felt, and perceived. The problem is it has as much to do with the cartridge as it does the firearm. My .357 Magnum with my patented Sound & Fury loads kick surprisingly little. More than the .22, yes, but less than most 9's I've shot. Put that same cartridge in a snub-nosed, super light frame and you're going to need wrist replacements.
So, the recoil can be managed with a heavier gun. I've shot .45s that felt like mouse farts and .380 that hurt my wrists.
All of this can be overcome with practice. My Glock 29 feels "normal" to me yet most people would think the damned thing is going to jump out of their hands. 10mm is a beast of a cartridge, but if I were to shoot it through a Dan Wesson Commander, I doubt it would feel anywhere near the same. That being said, I have no idea if that's true or not because I can't afford said Dan Wesson...
My ultimate charge is to pick up a shotgun for home. If you decide to carry, then you need to start looking at handguns and find the most powerful cartridge that you can handle comfortably.
And practice, practice, practice.