With crime at an all-time high in some areas, having a gun to defend you and your family is a very important decision. Although there are many other safety measures that can be taken to prevent home break-ins, guns are typically seen as the last line of defense. There is a sense of peace and security that comes knowing you will be able to protect yourself if ever confronted by a home intruder.
Which gun should I select?
Due to the recent political debate on gun laws, gun sales have been at record highs. More and more people are seriously considering their first gun purchase before more stringent laws are passed. As a first time gun buyer, you may have the same questions as other first time buyers – Full-size handgun or a small carry gun? Rifle or shotgun? Revolver or pistol?
What are the pros and cons of each type of gun?
Pistols – Majority of pistols are semi-automatic, meaning they reload after each fire until all the rounds are used. Pistols are typically seen as easier to use than revolvers because of their lighter trigger. However, pistols can sometimes be difficult to operate. As a gun for home defense, a full-size pistol is arguably the most preferred option by gun owners.
Revolvers – Revolvers are best known for their reliability. Although revolvers typically hold fewer rounds than pistols, they also have the least risk of malfunction. If ever confronted with a home intruder situation, a revolver would be surest bet to perform as expected without jamming.
Shotgun – A Shotgun is the quintessential gun for home defense. There is nothing that will strike more fear in the eyes of a home intruder than the sight of a shotgun, as well as the sound of a shotgun being racked. However, there are some potential drawbacks. First, the spray of shotgun pellets could hit unintended targets and cause a lot of damage to the interior of your home. Second, shotguns require the use of both hands, handicapping your ability to turn on lights or open doors.
Rifle – Rifles are usually a very reliable and accurate option, however, you do run the risk of over penetration (occupants of your home and neighbors as well). Rifles are a lot easier to shoot accurately than a handgun and also have a higher ammunition capacity. Although not the number one preferred option, a rifle can be a very reliable gun for home defense.
What about gun storage?
If you decide to buy gun for home defense, it is essential to make sure it is properly stowed. To best prepare yourself for a home intrusion situation, you will want to make sure the gun is loaded and is stored in an easily accessible location. However, making sure the gun is properly stored will help prevent a tragedy within the home. The most recommended safe for gun storage is a biometric safe. Biometric safes recognize authorized fingerprints and will open once touched by the owner. These safes typically run for $200-$300 and can be stored on a nightstand for easy access.
