I’ve been considering a snubnose .38 for home defense and wanted to hear what others think about it. I know it’s compact, but I’m not sure about its effectiveness for home defense. Is it a good choice or should I look for something else?
I think it’s a bad choice. The snubnose is better for concealed carry, not home defense. A short barrel means less accuracy, and you’d have a hard time getting good follow-up shots.
The snubnose works great for carry, but it’s not good for home defense. The short barrel makes it harder to shoot accurately, has more recoil, and likely a lot of muzzle flash. Plus, it’s less effective than a 9mm pistol. If you’re not carrying it, go for something bigger with more capacity.
@Kai2323
Really? An AR-15 for home defense? That’s a bit much, don’t you think?
@Kai2323
What if the AR-15 is only in .22? Is it still a good option?
@Kai2323
An AR-15 is great, but not if you have kids and need to store it securely. A pistol works better in a smaller safe, and a snubnose would just leave you disoriented after firing it. If you want to stay awake, though, that’s one benefit.
@Kai2323
I don’t agree with that. The snubnose isn’t ideal, but a full-sized pistol or shotgun seems like an overkill in many cases. You can make do with a snubnose if it’s all you have.
RobertWilliams said:
@Kai2323
I don’t agree with that. The snubnose isn’t ideal, but a full-sized pistol or shotgun seems like an overkill in many cases. You can make do with a snubnose if it’s all you have.
That’s a bad take. If you’re relying on a snubnose, you won’t be able to defend yourself well when it matters. Bigger guns offer better chances to stop the threat.
@CathyGenesis
Not everyone needs a big gun for home defense, but okay, you do you.
RobertWilliams said:
@CathyGenesis
Not everyone needs a big gun for home defense, but okay, you do you.
You’re underestimating how much harder it is to use a snubnose, especially in high-stress situations. It’s just not a reliable choice.
If you want a pistol, get a bigger one, like a Glock 19 or 17. These have better capacity and allow you to mount a light, which is essential for home defense. If you’re not stuck on a handgun, I’d say an AR-15 is the best option.
If you’re looking for something small and easy to handle, go with an AR pistol. It’s easy to use, has a high capacity, and you can add optics and lights. Snubnose revolvers just aren’t great for home defense.
Why would you go for a snubnose for home defense? There are much better options out there.
A snubnose revolver might work for concealed carry, but for home defense, it’s too limited. You want a gun that can do more, especially at longer ranges. A full-sized handgun or a shotgun is a much better pick.
Most people agree that the snubnose isn’t the best for home defense, but maybe the OP is trying to make it work in a budget or space issue. If you’re facing an intruder, though, just the sound of a gunshot can make someone run.
zedeck said:
A snubnose revolver is a poor choice. At least go for a semi-auto or a short-barreled AR-15 for home defense.
You might be a bit undergunned. If you really want the best for home defense, maybe look into something like a shotgun or AR-15.
A .38 revolver isn’t even a good caliber for home defense. It doesn’t have the stopping power you need. Shop around and try out some different pistols to find something that fits your needs better.
A snubnose is just about the worst choice for home defense. There are far better options that are easier to use and more effective.
If you’re going for a pistol, don’t limit yourself to 5 rounds. A Glock 19x would be a much better pick. If it’s for home defense, though, go for an AR-15.
If you’re worried about a single intruder in the night, a short barrel revolver could work. It’s simple to use and doesn’t have too much recoil. But in most home defense scenarios, a higher-capacity gun like a semi-auto is better.