Choosing a Gun for Home Defense

My dad used to say, “if you don’t own a car, you walk and if you don’t have a gun, you run.” So just what is the best home defense weapon? Let’s compare the most common firearms used for home defense.

Home Defense Rifles

A semi-automatic rifle makes an excellent choice for a home defense weapon. They are more accurate, easier to aim than a handgun, and offer greater stopping power.

A .22 caliber rimfire is certainly capable of injuring, but it creates a small wound and a big risk. In some cases, it just angers a wounded intruder and makes him come after you with additional fury. There is also the disadvantage of any long barreled weapon being taken from you by an assailant and used on you. If you have to shoot an intruder, don’t wait until he is within range of grabbing your gun.

On the other hand, centerfire rifles have plenty of stopping power, but be careful not to overdo it. Large caliber centerfire rifles are extremely likely to over penetrate. Stick to rifles that shoot a smaller caliber and high velocity round. These smaller rounds are much less prone to overpenetration and shouldn’t cause unintended damage or injury.

Home Defense Shotguns

Hunting shotguns with extremely long barrels are great for longer range shooting, but can be unwieldy indoors. Short barreled shotguns, on the other hand, can be extremely effective if you understand a few things about using a shotgun at close range. The 12 gauge is the most popular, but not everyone can handle the recoil. The most important thing is to be sure to practice with your self-defense weapon so that you are familiar with how it handles and performs.

Many people discourage the use of a small bore .410 shotguns for home defense simply because of the small number of shot delivered. Though not my primary weapon, my old .410 is one of my “shelf guns” for home defense and I keep it loaded with buckshot. One thing you must know if you plan to use a shotgun for home defense is that it takes distance for spread to occur. You won’t get the spread that you do on the range, and you will have to aim. Avoid the use of slugs for home defense as they have the same risk as a rifle in overpenetration, placing your family members and bystanders at risk.

Buttstock Vs. Pistol Grip Shotguns

People often replace the buttstock of a shotgun with pistol grips to make it easier to use in tight spaces. This action is going to diminish aim, stability and control. I suggest you try a buttstock versus a pistol grip shotgun before you buy. You should also be aware that some pistol grips are created for a specific type of firearm and will work poorly on a shotgun.

There are gun owners who love their pistol grip shotgun, and appear to overall recommend a lot of practice to gain experience in overcoming the loss of control, aim and stability. If it works for them it may work for you but I prefer the greater control and accuracy of a buttstock. Pachmayr manufactures a specialty grip called the Vindicator that is created for shotguns.

Pump Action Shotgun

If you are considering the purchase of a shotgun for home defense the best option is to choose a pump action shotgun with a 20 inch barrel. Some people prefer the 18 inch, but the former will provide you with a greater variety to choose from. Shotguns are one of the best choices for a home defense weapon and they are available from brands like Remington and Mossberg.

Home Defense Handguns

Handguns from the 9mm caliber and up are effective in stopping assailants inside or outside the home. When loaded with the appropriate ammunition for inside home use, they are less likely to put your loved ones and others at risk. They are also less likely to cause damage to the home or to be taken from you in a struggle with an intruder.

A handgun is an fantastic weapon for home defense and major brands like Glock, Smith and Wesson and Sig Sauer are all quality firearms. But a handgun, or any gun, is useless if you can’t use it or, even worse, if you use it incorrectly. You don’t want to fire a weapon that you have no accuracy for in your home. Any bullet, even a .22 caliber, will go through today’s walls and potentially endanger your family. Make sure to practice with your handgun or any firearm until the correct and accurate skills become second nature.

Home Defense Weapons at GrabAGun

GrabAGun is your online source for guns for sale. We offer one of the internet’s largest varieties of firearms from pistols for sale to rifles and shotguns for sale, as well as the venerable AK-47 for sale and the versatile and popular AR-15 for sale. We also offer a large variety of gun parts & accessories for your upgrades and repairs. Check out our site and, if you don’t find what you’re looking for, give us a call. We will find any available firearm and provide the GrabAGun discount.