Beginner’s Guide to Selecting the Right Firearm for Home Protection

Introduction

When it comes to protecting your home and loved ones, choosing the right firearm is a crucial decision. The right firearm can provide peace of mind and a reliable means of defense in critical situations. However, with the variety of firearms available, making an informed choice can be challenging, especially for beginners. This guide is designed to help you understand the key factors involved in selecting the best firearm for home protection, including an assessment of your specific needs, an overview of different firearm types, and the pros and cons of each option.

Assessing Your Home Defense Needs

Before selecting a firearm, it’s important to assess your unique home defense needs. Consider the layout of your home, the number of occupants, and the typical scenarios you might face in a defensive situation. Here are some factors to think about:

• Home Environment:
  • Urban vs. Rural: In urban settings (particularly apartments), close neighbors and confined spaces might leave you wanting a firearm with lower penetration to avoid unintentional harm. In rural areas this is generally not a concern, and additionally, potentially longer engagement distances might make rifles a smarter choice.
  • Home Size and Layout: A large, multi-level home may require a firearm that’s effective at varying ranges, whereas a smaller apartment may benefit from a more compact firearm for easier and faster maneuvering.
• Occupants:
  • Household Members: Consider the physical ability and training level of everyone in the home. If multiple people might need to use the firearm, it makes the most sense to choose one that all potential users can handle confidently.
  • Children: Safe storage becomes paramount if children live in or visit the home.
• Potential Threats:
  • Likelihood of Intrusion: Evaluate the likelihood of a home invasion or burglary based on your location and personal circumstances. This can help determine the level of protection needed.
  • Response Time: Response times are climbing across the country, but that is less important than you may think, because even the fastest response time can be far too late. In New York City, the police response time reported in early 2024 was 16 minutes. Even if that was only 5 minutes, you’d be surprised how long 5 minutes feels when you are on your own facing a threat. Plan to have sufficient firepower, ammunition, and practice to resolve a threat on your own, instead of just planning to buy time until the police arrive.

By thoroughly assessing these factors, you can better understand what kind of firearm will best suit your home defense needs.

Types of Firearms for Home Protection

Choosing the right type of firearm for home defense is essential, as each type offers unique advantages and potential drawbacks. The three main categories to consider are handguns, shotguns, and rifles.

Handguns: A Versatile Option for Home Defense

• Pros:
  • Compact and Maneuverable: Handguns are easy to handle in confined spaces, making them ideal for use inside a home. They can be operated fairly easily with one hand, leaving your other hand free for whatever else you may need to hold.
  • Ease of Storage: Their small size makes handguns easier to store securely and access quickly when needed.
  • Wide Variety: Handguns are available in numerous calibers, allowing users to choose one that balances stopping power with manageable recoil.
• Cons:
  • Limited Range and Accuracy: Compared to rifles and shotguns, handguns generally have a shorter effective range and require more skill to shoot accurately.
  • Lower Stopping Power: While handguns can be effective, they often have less stopping power compared to rifles and shotguns, especially in smaller calibers.

Shotguns: Power and Coverage

• Pros:
  • High Stopping Power: Shotguns, especially those loaded with buckshot, deliver considerable stopping power, making them highly effective at close range.
  • Wider Spread: The spread of shotgun pellets increases the chance of hitting a target, which can be advantageous in high-stress situations, though the spread is not as much as you may think: only about 8 inches of spread over 30 feet. Aiming is still required.
  • Intimidation Factor: The distinctive (and terrifying) sound of a shotgun being racked can be a powerful deterrent to intruders, jarring them into flight with a surge of adrenaline.
• Cons:
  • Recoil: Shotguns often have significant recoil, which can be challenging for some users to manage, particularly with heavier loads.
  • Size and Maneuverability: Shotguns are generally larger and less maneuverable than handguns in tight spaces, making them less practical for some home environments.
  • Limited Ammunition Capacity: Most shotguns hold fewer rounds than handguns or rifles, requiring more frequent reloading during extended engagements.

Rifles: Precision and Range

• Pros:
  • Accuracy and Range: Rifles, especially modern semi-automatic models like the AR-15, offer superior accuracy and range, making them effective for engaging threats over greater distances.
  • Stopping Power: Rifles chambered in calibers like .223/5.56 deliver significant stopping power while maintaining very manageable recoil to facilitate highly accurate follow-up shots.
  • Customization: Modern rifles often come with a wide range of customization options, allowing users to tailor the firearm to their specific needs (e.g., adding lights, optics, or grips).
  • Large Capacity Magazines: AR-15’s often come equipped with 30-round magazines, significantly higher than the capacities of handguns and shotguns.
• Cons:
  • Possible Over-Penetration: High-powered rifle rounds can over-penetrate walls similar to 9mm handgun rounds but more than buckshot, potentially posing a risk to others in or near the home.
  • Size: Rifles are generally longer than handguns, which can make them more challenging to maneuver in close quarters.
  • Legal Considerations: Depending on your location (California comes to mind), there may be additional legal restrictions on owning certain types of rifles. 

Handguns

Common Calibers and Their Effectiveness

Choosing the right caliber is critical for home defense, balancing stopping power, recoil, and capacity. However, simply because there are a lot of options doesn’t mean you will find one that works well for you. There are hard physical limits associated with handguns that can’t be bypassed without increasing the size of the gun. For example, increasing stopping power generally increases recoil:

• 9mm: The 9mm is one of the most popular calibers for self-defense, offering manageable recoil, high capacity, and affordability. It provides a good balance between stopping power and ease of shooting, making it ideal for most users.
• .40 S&W: This caliber offers more stopping power than the 9mm, with slightly increased recoil. It’s a good option for those who want a bit more power while still maintaining decent capacity and control.
• .45 ACP: Known for its large bullet size and stopping power, the .45 ACP has more recoil but is effective at neutralizing threats quickly. It’s a strong choice for those who can handle the additional recoil, but be aware that training with it may eventually start to hurt.
• .380 ACP: The .380 ACP is a smaller caliber often used in compact handguns. It has less stopping power than the 9mm, but its lower recoil makes it easier to shoot, particularly for those with less experience or physical strength.

Popular Handgun Models

When selecting a handgun for home defense, reliability, and ease of use are crucial. Here are some models that are highly recommended for beginners:

• Glock 19 (9mm): The Glock 19 is a versatile, semi-automatic handgun known for its reliability, simplicity, and ease of use. Its size makes it suitable for both home defense and concealed carry.
• Smith & Wesson M&P Shield (9mm/.40 S&W): The M&P Shield is a compact, lightweight handgun with excellent ergonomics and ease of handling, making it a popular choice for beginners.
• Sig Sauer P365 XL (9mm): The Sig P365 XL is a compact, striker-fired handgun that offers a higher capacity (12+1 rounds) with manageable recoil, making it an excellent choice for those who want a smaller defensive option. 

Shotguns

Choosing the Right Gauge and Load for Home Use

Selecting the appropriate gauge and load for your shotgun is crucial for home defense:

• Gauge: The most common gauges for home defense are 12 gauge and 20 gauge. The 12 gauge is more powerful and has a larger spread, but it also has more recoil. The 20 gauge offers less recoil, making it easier to handle, especially for those who are smaller or new to shotguns.
• Load: For home defense, buckshot is typically recommended because it provides a good balance between stopping power and the risk of over-penetration. #00 buckshot is a popular choice, but other options like #1 or #4 buckshot may also be effective depending on the specific environment.

Recommended Shotgun Models for Beginners

Here are some shotgun models that are recommended for beginners due to their reliability and ease of use:

• Mossberg 500 (12/20 gauge): The Mossberg 500 is a versatile pump-action shotgun known for its reliability and durability. It’s available in various configurations, making it easy to find a model that fits your needs.
• Remington 870 (12/20 gauge): The Remington 870 is another pump-action shotgun that has been a staple in the home defense market for decades. Its solid construction and smooth action make it a top choice for beginners.
• Benelli M4 (12 gauge): The Benelli M4 is a semi-automatic shotgun that offers faster follow-up shots and reduced recoil. While it’s more expensive, its ease of use and reliability make it a good option for those looking for a higher-end firearm.

Rifles

The Popularity of the AR-15

The AR-15 is a popular choice for home defense due to its versatility and performance:

• AR-15: The AR-15 platform is favored for its modularity, accuracy, and ease of use. Chambered in .223/5.56, it strikes a balance between power and recoil, making it suitable for most users. Its customizable nature allows owners to add accessories such as red dot sights, tactical lights, and foregrips to enhance its effectiveness in home defense situations.

Understanding Caliber and Customization Options

• Caliber: When selecting a rifle for home defense, the most common caliber are .223/5.56. The .223/5.56 is preferred for its balance of power, recoil, and availability.
• Customization: One of the biggest advantages of modern rifles is their ability to be customized. Popular customization options include:
  • Optics: Red dot sights, holographic sights, and magnified scopes improve target acquisition and accuracy.
  • Lights: Tactical lights are essential for identifying threats in low-light conditions.
  • Grips and Stocks: Upgrading the grip or stock can improve comfort and control, making the rifle easier to handle.
  • Muzzle Devices: Adding a flash suppressor or muzzle brake can reduce muzzle flash or recoil, improving performance during rapid fire.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Firearm

Ease of Use and Handling

When selecting a firearm for home defense, it’s essential to choose one that is easy to use and handle, especially in high-stress situations. Consider the following factors:

• Simplicity of Operation: The firearm should have controls that are intuitive and easy to operate, even for those with limited experience. Features like straightforward safety mechanisms, easy-to-load magazines, and simple sighting systems are important.
• Weight and Size: The firearm should be comfortable to hold and maneuver, particularly in the confined spaces of a home. A gun that’s too heavy or cumbersome can be difficult to control, especially for extended periods.
• Familiarity: It’s crucial to practice regularly with your chosen firearm to become familiar with its operation, recoil, and handling characteristics. This familiarity can make a significant difference in your ability to use the firearm effectively during an emergency.

Recoil Management and Ergonomics

Recoil management is another critical factor when selecting a home defense firearm. Recoil can affect your ability to fire successive shots accurately and can be intimidating for beginners:

• Recoil Considerations: Larger calibers tend to have more recoil, which can be challenging to manage. It’s important to select a caliber that balances stopping power with manageable recoil. For instance, when considering a handgun, a 9mm handgun offers a balance between power and recoil. If you are thinking of buying an AR-15, the recoil is much less than that of the 9mm handgun, while also providing more stopping power and more accurate follow-up shots.
• Ergonomics: The firearm’s design should allow for a comfortable grip and natural pointing. Features like adjustable stocks, grips, and foregrips can help improve ergonomics, making the firearm easier to control and shoot accurately.

Ammunition Availability and Cost

When choosing a home defense firearm, consider the availability and cost of ammunition, as these factors will impact both your training and readiness:

• Common Calibers: Opting for a firearm chambered in a common caliber like 9mm, .223/5.56, or 12 gauge ensures that ammunition is readily available and affordable. This is important not only for maintaining a stockpile but also for regular practice.
• Cost: The cost of ammunition varies significantly by caliber, so it’s important to consider your budget for both initial purchase and ongoing practice. Some of the most affordable calibers are 9mm or .223/5.56, which allow for more frequent training without breaking the bank. If you ever need to face a threat, you don’t rise to the occasion: you fall to the level of your training.

By considering ease of use, recoil management, and ammunition availability, you can select a firearm that not only suits your home defense needs but is also practical for regular use and training.

Training and Practice

The Importance of Regular Training for Proficiency

Owning a firearm for home defense is only the first step; regular training is essential to ensure you can use it effectively under pressure. Proficiency with your firearm is critical because, in a high-stress situation, muscle memory and familiarity with your weapon will guide your actions. Regular training helps you develop these skills, ensuring that you can respond quickly and accurately if an emergency arises. It also allows you to become comfortable with your firearm’s controls, recoil, and operation, reducing the likelihood of mistakes during a critical moment. As the Navy Seals say, the more you sweat during training, the less you will bleed during combat.

Finding a Local Shooting Range or Instructor

To maintain and improve your skills, it’s important to practice regularly at a shooting range. Local shooting ranges offer a controlled environment where you can safely practice shooting techniques, familiarize yourself with your firearm, and receive professional guidance. Many ranges offer classes specifically designed for home defense, where you can learn from certified instructors who can provide personalized tips and corrections. If you’re new to firearms, investing in one-on-one instruction is highly recommended to build a solid foundation of safe and effective shooting practices.

Recommended Drills and Exercises for Home Defense Scenarios

Practicing specific drills can help you prepare for real-life home defense situations, but most of these will need to be done somewhere other than a typical indoor range. Some recommended exercises include:

• Dry Fire Drills: Practice drawing, aiming, and pulling the trigger without live ammunition (we recommend removing any live ammunition from the same room to eliminate any possible mistakes). This helps improve your trigger control and handling skills.
• Target Transition Drills: Set up multiple targets at varying distances and practice quickly transitioning between them. This drill improves your ability to acquire and engage multiple threats effectively.
• Low-Light Drills: Since many home defense situations occur in low light, practice shooting with reduced lighting, with a flashlight attached to your firearm or in your other hand. This helps you learn to identify targets and shoot accurately in the dark.
• Magazine Change Drills: Practice quickly and efficiently changing magazines to ensure you can reload under pressure.
• Movement Drills: Practice shooting while moving to simulate real-world scenarios where you might need to take cover or move to a safer position while defending your home.

Accessories and Enhancements

Essential Accessories for Home Defense Firearms

Enhancing your firearm with the right accessories can significantly improve your effectiveness in a home defense scenario. Some essential accessories include:

• Flashlights: A tactical flashlight mounted on your firearm allows you to identify and engage threats in low-light conditions. It’s crucial for identification to verify if you are truly facing a threat or not.
• Lasers: Laser sights can help you quickly acquire your target, especially in high-stress situations where aiming through traditional sights might be challenging.
• Optics: Red dot sights or holographic sights can improve accuracy and speed by providing a clear aiming point.

Safe Storage Options Like Gun Safes and Lockboxes

Safe storage of firearms is critical to prevent unauthorized access, especially in homes with children. Options include:

• Gun Safes: A gun safe provides the highest level of security, offering protection against theft, fire, and unauthorized access. Safes come in various sizes, from small safes for handguns to larger ones that can store multiple firearms and ammunition.
• Quick-Access Safes: These are smaller safes designed to provide secure storage while allowing you to quickly access your firearm in an emergency. They often use biometric or keypad entry systems.
• Lockboxes: Lockboxes are portable and can be secured in various locations around your home. They are ideal for keeping a firearm within reach while ensuring it’s locked away when not needed.

Conclusion

Recap of Key Points for Selecting the Right Firearm

Choosing the right firearm for home defense is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of your home environment, personal abilities, and the specific needs of your household. When situations allow for it, we would pick the rifle every time, but whether you opt for a handgun, shotgun, or rifle, each type of firearm offers unique advantages that can make it an effective tool for protecting your home and loved ones.

Encouragement to Invest in Training and Safe Practices

Owning a firearm is just the beginning; investing in regular training and practicing safe handling are essential to becoming proficient and confident in its use. Proper training ensures that you can effectively respond to an emergency, while safe storage practices protect your family from accidents and unauthorized access.

Final Thoughts on Making an Informed Decision for Home Protection

Selecting a home defense firearm is about more than just the weapon itself; it’s about being prepared, responsible, and informed. Take the time to understand your options, practice regularly, and equip your firearm with the necessary accessories to enhance your ability to protect your home. With the right firearm, training, and mindset, you can create a safer environment for your family.