Guidelines for Selecting a Firearm for Personal or Home Defense

Choosing the right firearm for defensive purposes is a significant and daunting task. Broadly, there are two main types of firearms: handguns and long guns. Handguns are designed for one-handed operation and portability, but often lack the stopping power of long guns, which encompass shotguns, rifles, and submachine guns. Read on for assistance in determining the most suitable type for your needs.

Handguns are the preferred choice for personal defense due to their size, weight, and design, making them easy to carry with minimal discomfort or exposure. However, this convenience comes at the cost of using a less powerful cartridge for multiple shots with relative ease.

Handguns' concealability makes them the most commonly used weapon in gunfights. When not anticipating trouble, it's preferable to carry something easy to handle.

When choosing a personal or home defense weapon, reliability is paramount.

The primary consideration in selecting a caliber is your accuracy and comfort level with it. Many U.S. self-defense experts recommend .380 ACP (9 x 17 mm Browning Short) or 9mm as the minimum for effective defense, while European police favor .32 ACP (7.65 x 17 mm Browning). Making an informed decision about caliber requires hands-on experience. Try out various calibers and opt for the largest caliber you can handle comfortably while maintaining quick, accurate follow-up shots.

Consider the .22 for home defense; it's not to be overlooked. Whether it's a semi-automatic .22 pistol or a Ruger 10/22 carbine with a high-capacity magazine, these firearms offer easy control during rapid fire and can be highly effective at close range (where most home-defense scenarios occur, typically within 7 yards). Additionally, .22 ammunition is cost-effective and reduces the risk of collateral damage to neighboring properties due to its reduced wall penetration.

Remember the cost of ammunition when deciding! Ensure you can afford enough ammunition for regular practice sessions.

Handguns come in various shapes and sizes. They range from compact derringers measuring only two or three inches to substantial 'hand cannons' extending 12 inches or more in length.

For those planning to carry a concealed handgun, lighter polymer-framed firearms are often favored over heavier metal-framed ones due to potential weight burdens over time. However, heavier belts can help offset this effect. Additionally, smaller handguns facilitate concealment as they are easier to hide under clothing.

For home defense or openly carried handguns, opting for a larger frame is logical. The extended slide enhances accuracy by widening the distance between front and rear sights, while the added weight diminishes recoil and enables quicker follow-up shots.

Pistols epitomize more recent handgun advancements compared to revolvers (though the concept of a slide enclosing the barrel was pioneered by John Browning around 1900). Numerous law enforcement agencies and military units worldwide rely on pistols as their standard sidearms.

A pistol typically houses its ammunition within a spring-loaded metal box known as a magazine (not to be confused with a clip as commonly misconceived). The pistol prepares for subsequent shots via the slide's action—a metal component that encloses the barrel. Upon firing, the gas forces propelling the bullet rearward push against the slide, causing it to retract and eject the spent shell. Simultaneously, a compressed spring in the rearward motion propels the slide forward, chambering the next cartridge from the magazine into the barrel.

Historically, early pistols faced reliability issues. However, over the past five decades, the reliability of semi-automatic handguns has significantly improved compared to revolvers.

To some extent, a higher-priced, reputable handgun may offer better reliability than a very cheap one. While you don't need to spend thousands, expect to invest at least $400 US for a new semi-automatic handgun of decent quality.

Revolvers have maintained popularity since their inception. Their straightforward mechanics facilitate easy manufacturing, and their fundamental design has endured for centuries.

Revolvers enable consecutive firing of four to eight rounds without reloading. Ammunition is housed in a cylindrical metal chamber, which rotates upon cocking the hammer or pulling the trigger (depending on the revolver's action). If a round misfires, simply recocking the hammer or pulling the trigger (as applicable) will advance the cylinder to a new cartridge.

Using handguns requires skill and dedication. If you're unwilling to invest time and effort into mastering these skills, refrain from using one in stressful situations. Handgun marksmanship is considered a sport because it demands training and proficiency.

For novice handgun owners, revolvers are likely the preferable option due to their simplicity. Typically holding 5-6 rounds, they offer sufficient capacity to avoid frequent reloading during most home defense scenarios.

Experienced users, or those open to formal instruction, may find semi-automatic handguns more suitable due to their higher capacity and easier follow-up shots. While their operation requires additional learning and practice, the benefits are why the majority of law enforcement and military personnel opt for semi-automatic handguns.

Each individual is unique. A firearm that feels perfect in my hand may not suit you. Most firearm owners are willing to let beginners try out a few shots. Conduct your research and test fire several weapons before making a purchase.

When hunting, a larger caliber may be necessary as many dangerous game species have tough skin and muscles that require extra energy to penetrate to vital organs. Lower-powered cartridges may not achieve sufficient penetration to cause incapacitating damage.

It's often said, 'Carry a handgun for the unexpected, but if you anticipate a gunfight, opt for a larger firearm!' Handguns lack the power of high-end rifles; for instance, a .44 Magnum pistol generates around 1,000 ft/lb of muzzle energy, while a typical varmint caliber like the .223 produces approximately 50% more energy, and top-tier rifles can exceed 10,000 ft/lb!

The primary benefits of long guns lie in their power and accuracy. With practice, a proficient shooter can hit a man-sized target beyond 300 yards with the appropriate rifle, thanks to the more potent cartridge, longer barrel, and extended sight base.

Shotguns may feature smooth or rifled bores. They are designed to discharge large-caliber 'shells' containing either shot (multiple metal pellets) or a single large slug.

Rifles epitomize the quintessential long gun in most people's minds. They are designed to propel a single projectile, typically smaller than most pistol bullets, at significantly higher velocities.

Rifles have a smaller variant known as a 'carbine'. Carbines are usually lighter and have shorter barrels and stocks compared to full-sized rifles. While they often utilize the same cartridges, their compactness necessitates chambering in smaller, less potent calibers.

• The most effective firearm is the one you have readily available when needed.
• Notable Shotgun brands include Remington (widely available), Benelli (renowned for high quality autoloaders), Browning, Mossberg (affordable with decent self-defense options), and Winchester. While pump-action shotguns are often budget-friendly, auto-loading variants can be quite pricey.
• Recognizable rifle manufacturers include Remington, Winchester, Savage, CZ, Browning, Ruger, Sako, Weatherby, among others. Rifle action and caliber selection are crucial factors depending on the intended use of the rifle.

• Firearms must only be discharged in safe and legal areas. Adhere to state and local regulations governing their possession and use, which can vary significantly across jurisdictions.
• Prior to visiting a shooting range, thoroughly familiarize yourself with safety protocols and strictly adhere to them at all times. Range officers may not tolerate any breaches of safety regulations.
• Practice shooting exclusively at designated ranges while observing safety guidelines, or in legal and private settings with unloaded firearms, blanks, or snap caps.
• When selecting a firearm and caliber, consider your living environment carefully. Larger calibers, such as .357 Magnum, may pose risks in close quarters, such as apartments, due to their penetration capabilities.
• Always secure firearms when not in immediate use to prevent unauthorized access, whether by intruders, children, or others. Utilize safes for storage whenever feasible.
• Familiarize yourself with the legal statutes in your region concerning self-defense. Each state imposes different responsibilities on homeowners regarding the use of lethal force against intruders.
• Prior to firing, assess the surroundings behind your target to avoid injury to innocent bystanders or family members in case of misses or overpenetration.
• Always positively identify your target before discharging your firearm. Never fire if uncertain about the target's identity.
• Safety should always be prioritized! Firearms can be extremely hazardous. Always assume firearms are loaded, and only handle them if you possess sufficient knowledge or are under the supervision of an experienced individual.