Installing a 12” strike plate for security

[CoyPatton]

I have nothing against the .38 load itself. My concern is limited number of shots and likelihood of multiple folks in the break-in. Also a bit heavier might help to steady her handling of the firearm. I would say go to a store that has a firing range, and will rent out firearms. Try out several calibers. She needs to be able to rack the slide as well as handle the recoil. As for loaded magazines, multiple magazines helps reduce that issue.
As for your 3.5” screws, take off 1 side of the molding carefully to avoid damage and put in a spacer where you put screws. Too much tension on the door frame, can make longer screws as much of a compromise as the short screws.

 

[Sid Post]

In my case, I gave my elderly Mom a Sig P226 9mm and had my friend who is professionally skilled instruct her. Pulling the 9mm slide back was a little bit of a challenge but, she could do that if needed. With 15 rounds and a loaded chamber, all she needed to do was the long double-action stroke similar to a revolver and it was "game on".

I was much more confident in her abilities with modern 9mm JHP loads versus the 38's in the old revolver Dad left her after his death. She used that P226 until her death ~15 years later, thankfully never fired in anger at evil doers.

 

[tstorzuk]

Have you considered an "active security system" to drive away the intruders? I have some friends living on remote acreage that swear by the products from Burglar Bomb. See burglarbomb.com They even have systems that will re-arm and repel intruders multiple times in case they come back.

I've reviewed this site. I don't know if this would be beneficial if someone is home (his wife). She would get a blast of spray as well as the burglars.

I can see using this for when no one is home though. Or on a shop/shed/barn.

 

[5030]

When my good friend built his new home, I built him a kick proof door jamb from 1/4" hot rolled plate 6 foot long. Only thing he has to do is keep it painted. Of course he also has a not too friendly dog, just like we do and here, someone is always home and my Kimber 45 is always handy as well plus my wife is a crack shot. Nice living in 'Flyover Country' not much crime out here. More domestic violence than anything else actually.

I have an NRA sign out front as well as another sign on the fence that states... Don't be afraid of the owner, be afraid of his handgun and it has a picture of a revolver pointing out. The sell them at Harbor Freight pretty cheap.

 

[perfdoc]

Frightening how some think the use of firearms is the answer. 38 snubnose as a first handgun for an inexperienced shooter is usually a mistake. Small size, low weight and very short sight radius serve to expand the shooter’s lack of skill, inconsistent grip, recoil and trigger control. A few of the comments suggest lack of knowledge, and that’s a scary thought.

 

[Sid Post]

Yep, that's why I gave mom a full-size P226. Weight dampens recoil and the longer sight radius reduces aiming errors. Both help the novice shooter stay on target.

Smaller and lighter pistols take more skill to use effectively which is why I always start new folks out on a full-size Semi-Auto or a 6" revolver.

The hardest pistol to keep on target for me was a S&W Sigma 380. Truly terrible! The guy that had it shot the shooting bench 6 times and the lane divider twice in the 8 rounds he fired. I put 8 in the 10-ring of a 50' pistol target. I think the owner's jaw hit the ground when he saw my target with his pistol. That owner was at least on paper with my Glock 17 at the time.

 

[tradosaurus]

Frightening how some think the use of firearms is the answer. 38 snubnose as a first handgun for an inexperienced shooter is usually a mistake. Small size, low weight and very short sight radius serve to expand the shooter’s lack of skill, inconsistent grip, recoil and trigger control. A few of the comments suggest lack of knowledge, and that’s a scary thought.

I bought my wife a .38 Ruger revolver. Terrible accuracy for both her and myself. Sold that one and she picked out a Sig 365. Great gun.
Home defense gun is the one you feel comfortable shooting and is readily available.

 

[JethroB]

I’d rather deter a thief rather than shoot or catch him. Dog or several VISIBLE big ugly Pelco cameras, working or not.

 

[Sid Post]

I’d rather deter a thief rather than shoot or catch him. Dog or several VISIBLE big ugly Pelco cameras, working or not.
View attachment 919488

Fair point but, a drunk or meth head won't notice your cameras and may not recognize an aggressive dog while they beat you to death with a rock or brick they found somewhere.

A defensive barricade with enough firepower to stop a determined attacker is what I want so I can see the next Sunrise if they continue a lethal attack. If they leave me alone, I'll let law enforcement deal with it.

 

[rvds]

In Canada our houses are pretty solid because of our winters. I remember hearing that in many warmer places you can cut your way through a wall with a box cutter knife and not bother with the door.