How to Pick a Firearm for Home Defense

If you made the decision to purchase a firearm for home defense, there are several key issues to address before you even step foot inside a gun shop or attend a gun show. Legal considerations and safety issues are prime among them. Here's what to consider when purchasing a firearm for home defense.

Instructions

    • 1

      Understand the laws in your state pertaining to the legal use of force for self defense. Each state has slightly different rules and regulations that govern the use of firearms for self defense, and it is the firearm owner's responsibility to know them. Ignorance of the law is not a defense that will stand up in court.

    • 2

      Go to a firing range that rents handguns, and try some. It makes no sense to purchase a firearm before you know what it feels like to shoot it. Nor does it make sense to buy the biggest, baddest gun in the showcase if the recoil knocks you off your feet every time you fire. It is imperative that you be able to stay in control before, during and after a conflict that may require you to use a firearm.

    • 3

      Take a firearm safety course that addresses home defense concerns. The National Rifle Association has a tool on its website that you can use to locate approved courses and instructors in your area. Talk to the instructor. Describe your circumstances, and ask the instructor for advice on the best type of home defense firearm for your needs.

    • 4

      Understand that different guns are intended for different purposes. Rifles and shot guns, also known as long guns, are generally not the best choice for home defense. They are bulky, difficult to fire accurately in confined spaces such as the rooms of a home and they are so powerful that the bullets may penetrate walls and injure innocent bystanders--including your family members--in adjoining rooms. There are many handguns that are so powerful that they may also penetrate the intruder's body and pass through walls to injure innocent bystanders.

    • 5

      Get to know the characteristics of different calibers. Go to gun shows and gun shops and ask questions. Responsible gun shop owners are generally more than pleased to take the time to educate customers so that they make the safest, best choice of firearm for their home defense needs.

    • 6

      Buy a home defense firearm that you are comfortable with. Make sure it is comfortable to hold, fire, clean and store. Practice shooting your home defense firearm at a firing range, and store it under lock and key--especially if there are children in the home.