When it comes to keeping your home safe, choosing the right firearm can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re new to firearms. The best choice is whatever you’re most accurate, consistent, and confident with. There are a lot of options but we’re here to break things down for you! Let’s dive into some of the best types of guns for home defense and see how they stack up.
1. Pistol Caliber Carbine
Grading Scale
- Accuracy: 10/10
- Ease of Use: 10/10
- Ammo Capacity: 10/10
- Size 7/10
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Accuracy: Pistol caliber carbines (PCCs) are known for their accuracy. They have longer barrels than pistols which helps in making more precise shots. These are considered close-range weapons which are perfect for home defense.
- Ease of Use: They are generally easy to handle and shoot, making them a good choice for beginners.
- Ammo Capacity: PCCs often have larger magazines, so you can carry more rounds before needing to reload.
- Versatility: They can handle various types of ammunition, and many models are adjustable to fit different needs.
- Size: The shorter barrel will help you navigate around your house easily and safely. You don’t want that barrel sticking out from the corner where a bad guy can grab it.
- Caliber: There’s always a risk of a bullet going through your wall and into your neighbor’s which is why accuracy is important. However, the 9mm doesn’t have the same ability to over-penetrate like rifles do.
- Recoil: The kick on these weapons are very manageable especially with the right braces and stocks.
Cons:
- Cost: These weapons are a little more on the expensive side
- Legalities: Dealing with the legal side of these types of weapons can get a little complex. Make sure that you know your state’s law.
2. Shotguns
Grading Scale
- Accuracy: 10/10
- Ease of Use: 9/10
- Ammo Capacity: 2/10
- Size: 2/10
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stopping Power: Shotguns are very effective at stopping threats quickly due to their powerful rounds and spread. These are excellent weapons when used at close range.
- Versatility: They can be loaded with different types of shells for various situations.
- Ease of Use: These are the point and shoot weapons. You just point in the direction and fire and you’re almost guaranteed to hit your target.
- Less Overpenetration: You’re less likely to send rounds into your neighbor’s dog than all other types of firearms….with the correct ammo that is.
- Durability: These things are low maintenance and last for generations if you take good care of them.
Cons:
- Size: Shotguns are usually heavier and harder to maneuver, especially in close quarters. If you need to move to a different room, you will find it more difficult to do than other guns.
- Recoil: They have a strong recoil, which can be uncomfortable or difficult to manage for some people. You can mitigate the recoil with the type of ammo you use.
- Ammo Capacity: These typically hold only 2-8 rounds.
3. Pistols
Grading Scale
- Accuracy: 4/10
- Ease of Use: 5/10
- Ammo Capacity: 6/10
- Size: 10/10
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact Size: Pistols are small and easy to handle, making them ideal for home defense in tight spaces.
- Accessibility: They are easy to store, hide, and grab when needed.
- Low Risk of Overpenetration: Due to the smaller caliber, your rounds are less likely to be found in your neighbor’s couch cushions.
- One Hand: Should you find the need to move through your home and open doors, you’ll be able to hold a pistol with one hand which can be very useful for a variety of reasons.
Cons:
- Accuracy: Being accurate with a pistol usually takes a lot more training and practice than other gun types. It’s even harder when your adrenaline is out of control.
- Stopping Power: Although pistols have less stopping power than shotguns and rifles, if you use a good defense round, it shouldn’t be a problem. Most people don’t stick around when they’re being shot at.
- Recoil: The pistol, being smaller, has some noticeable kick. However, it can be argued that with the right gun, ammo, and training, you can control the recoil to manageable levels. Additionally, it may not even feel it when you’re fighting for your life.
4. AR-15
Grading Scale
- Accuracy: 8/10
- Ease of Use: 7/10
- Ammo Capacity: 10/10
- Size: 2/10
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Accuracy: The AR-15 is known for its high accuracy and long-range capabilities. It doesn’t take much training to learn how to become accurate with this thing; especially if you have a red-dot sight or laser.
- Ammo Capacity: Typically, your AR-15 will hold anywhere from 30-50 rounds.
- Customizable: There are many options for accessories and modifications to tailor the AR-15 to suit your style and needs.
Cons:
- Size and Handling: AR-15s are bulkier and can be cumbersome in tight spaces or for quick movements. The length of the barrel will put you at a huge disadvantage when working corners in your home.
- Overpenetration: Similar to PCCs, AR-15s can penetrate walls, which might be a concern in a home setting. It is likely that bullet holes will be found in your neighbor’s left-over dinner.
- Maintenance: They are a little bit harder to clean and maintain than its counterparts.
- Legalities: A study was done that people that used an AR-15 self-defense in the home was more likely to be found guilty of a crime and more likely to receive a longer sentence. However, I would rather be in prison than dead.
Conclusion
Choosing the right firearm for home defense depends on your specific needs and preferences. Each type of gun has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to consider factors like accuracy, ease of use, ammo capacity, and handling. Whether you opt for a pistol caliber carbine, shotgun, pistol, or AR-15, make sure to practice regularly and be familiar with your chosen firearm to ensure you’re prepared in an emergency.
Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further assistance in choosing the right firearm for you. Stay safe and informed!
