How to fire a P-38

[Biggus]

Errrr.... magazine springs weaken through cycling, not being stored loaded. You can keep a mag loaded for forty years and it should not suffer any wear.

I agree that a revolver is the best choice, but isn't necessarily safer than a double action pistol.

[Josh Beckett]

About the 870 being overkill, true, but still when a guy is breaking into your house, its best to do the most damage you can do to him so he doesnt have the chance to pull a gun out himself. I wouldnt keep any rounds in the chamber because even if the safety is on, it may fire if its dropped or jarred.

[BostonMark]

I've been reading this thread with much interest. Your best bet for "break in" is a cell phone to call the local police. I can't stress this more, it your best "legal" weapon against an intruder. Your crap isn't worth the legal action from the dead criminal or police.

Retreat into your bedroom with the police being called on the cell phone or land line, don't try to shoot/stalk the perp!!

I have a S&W model 696 in .44 special in my nightstand and if a guy busts through the bedroom door after you call the cops you can shoot him dead with no legal issues, anywhere in the USA ...

Don't hunt perps in your home!!! (unless you live in Texas)

Retreat to the bedroom call the police and wait .... you can call down and tell them to leave but take no action unless they try to get to YOU!

A shotgun is good to have around as well with bird shot in it. The .44 will knock them down quick if they try to get in the door of your bedroom.

Take NO action, call the police, then you are covered legally. (unless you live in Texas where you can shoot them with no problem)

My 2c from a Massachusets "Yankee". ..... Not a fan of the team, just the expression.

Mark