Home Defense? What You Need To Know

March 4, 2014 | 0 Comments

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.

History of Firearms & Guns For Sale

February 25, 2014 | 0 Comments

Gun History

Did you know? Guns didn’t always look like they do now. The first known “gun” was a bamboo tube using gunpowder to propel a spear and appeared in China at about 1000AD. The Chinese invented gunpowder in the 9th century.

The Fire Lance

The fire lance was an early form of a firearm. It consisted of a black-powder filled tube attached to the end of a spear and used as a flamethrower. Occasionally, the barrel held shrapnel and would fly out with the flames. Over time, the amount of saltpeter was increased to provide a greater explosive force and metal replaced paper and bamboo barrels as a direct need of increased explosive force.

The Projectile

Later, the projectile replaced shrapnel and more fully filled the metal tube. This provided the metal barrel, high nitrate gunpowder, and a projectile occluding the muzzle which allowed the powder charge to provide a guns propellant potential.

Gunpowder & Handheld Cannons

Gunpowder came to Europe by the 13th century. The oldest known firearm in Europe was found in Otepaa, Estonia and dates to 1380 or earlier. In Italy during the late 13th century, Italians developed small portable handheld cannons, creating the first smooth-bore personal firearm.

During the early years of the modern age, these personal hand held cannons developed into the flintlock rifle, which then evolved into the breech loader and lastly into the modern automatic weapons of today.

Fixed Ammunition & Civil War

The paper cartridge was developed in 1586 and, by 1850, brass was used for fixed ammunition. Repeating firearms was the next innovation with repeating revolvers. The first successful rapid-fire firearm was the Gatling gun, invented by Richard Gatling and used by the Union forces during the American Civil War. At the time, it required four men to operate it and subsequent upgrades saw it used in the Spanish American War. However, its unreliability on the battlefield resulted in its retirement.

Guns in America

America and guns grew up together. The advances in firearms at the hands of Americans grew faster than what came before. American gun legends were born and American ingenuity had begun with a rapid succession in inventions and innovations that would change the world.

Through the ages, guns have grown increasingly sophisticated and continue to do so year after year. From a bamboo tube “gun” to modern firearms able to acquire targets, the ages offer a peek into the future.

Guns For Sale at GrabAGun

GrabAGun is your source for online guns for sale. We offer an extensive line of firearms in pistols for sale, shotguns for sale, rifles for sale, AK-47 for sale, and the AR-15 for sale.

Buying The Right Gun Safes

February 11, 2014 | 0 Comments

Gun Safes for Sale

Gun owners have a responsibility to ensure their guns don’t end up in the wrong hands. The factors you will want to consider when selecting gun safes are protection, safety, security, and size.

Those factors are your checklist, and you will need to determine which of these you need in a safe. If you want all the factors in a safe, you look for gun safes that provide all of these factors. If you only want to keep your guns out of the hands of thieves, you will need a safe of heavy gauge steel to deter thieves. You can forego water and fire prevention. If the safety of children is your only concern, the more economical 12 gauge safes will suffice. When you have decided the features you require, the choices can be narrowed down to safes for sale that fill your need.

Factors to Look for in Gun Safes

The features that aid in preventing theft are heavy gauge steel, weight of the safe, the ability to attach the safe to a floor, and the locking mechanism.

Heavy Gauge Steel Safe

Heavy gauge steel is an important deterrent for thieves. No safe is completely burglar proof. The goal is to slow thieves up as most burglars want to run in, grab what they can, and be out within a short time. With steel, the smaller the gauge is, the thicker the steel will be. Inexpensive safes most commonly use 12 gauge steel which is easily entered with common tools.

Choose the best gauge your budget allows and, if it is within your budget, choose at least a 10 or 7 gauge steel. A 10 gauge steel gun safe can weigh 1,000 lbs. or more. Due to the weight of a gun safe, you may prefer to have multiple safes, rather than one large safe. Multiple anchored safes do have the advantage of reducing weight for movement, and decrease the chances of a thief getting all of your guns.

Safe Attachment

Attaching a safe to the floor is another safeguard to deter thieves. This will require holes to be drilled into the floor, and you will have to know how many holes, what size holes and the exact distance between them. Before you buy ensure the owner’s manual provides this information.

Use large washers on the inside of the safe around bolts to prevent thieves from simply ripping the bolts out of the bottom of a 12 gauge safe. Another tip is to attach a 4 × 4 post across the bottom of floor joists and attach the bolts through the 4 × 4 and secure with a nuts. Most homes sub-floors are made of ½ or ¾ inch plywood, and the anchors for a safe will easily pull out of this material. The stronger the anchor, the more time it will take them to succeed.

The Door & Lock

The door and lock are the point at which most burglars will attempt to gain access. Pins are used to lock down the door to the safe. One inch pins are standard in most safes and are generally adequate. Larger and more numerous pins are even better, but will increase the cost of the safe. Higher grade safes will also have pins at the top, bottom, and corners as well.

The type of lock is another factor to consider in securing a safe. Your standard lock will suffice for keeping children out of it. For thieves you need the best lock possible. Electronic locks are popular for convenient and fast access; they are also the root of most problems with gun safes. The most common concern is with batteries, which must be routinely replaced.

Mechanical dial locks last and last, but it can take time to open, a negative if you need fast access for home defense. Key locks are the easiest to use but are no competition for a skilled burglar. Biometric gun safes locks are the most secure, but also require battery power and routine replacement.

Fireproof

If you choose a fireproof gun safe, fire rating will be a critical factor to consider. The majority of today’s fire resistant safes meet basic fire protection standards, with the minimum being able to withstand a 1200º F temperature for up to 30 minutes. This means the temperature inside the safe shouldn’t exceed about 275 degrees during those 30 minutes. At higher cost, a premium safe might be rated at 1200° F for up to 100 minutes. In determining the fire rating of a safe you should consider the response time of your local or attending fire department.

Gun Safes For Sale at GrabAGun

GrabAGun sells gun safes for the safe securement and protection of your guns. GrabAGun is your premier source for gun sales. New stock arrives daily so check back with us often. Give our friendly customer service agents a call today for assistance. GrabAGun has gun safes for sale and provides a larger selection of guns for sale.

The Mossberg M500: One of the Best Shotguns For Sale

February 6, 2014 | 0 Comments

Mossberg M500 | Flex Modular Shotgun

With versatility being a popular feature in guns today, we most often hear of versatility in conjunction with the AR-15. You can also have versatility with a shotgun. The Mossberg M500 Flex modular shotgun is a versatile gun that changes out quickly. With its field proven reliability, the core of the Flex is the 500/590 pump-action platform.

Mossberg Flex Options

The system starts with a Flex shotgun base model from three Mossberg 500 All-Purpose in 12 gauge, four 500/590 Tactical in 12 gauge and 20 gauge, and four 500 Hunting options in 12 gauge and 20 gauge. Finally, there are also gun accessories and a large line of 500 barrels compatible to the Flex shotgun available.

Flex All-Purpose Model

Select models will be offered with Mossberg’s patent pending Lightning Pump Action Adjustable Trigger System, which can be adjusted from 3 to 8 pounds with an Allen wrench. Flex All-Purpose models can have 26 or 28 inch vent rib, ACCU-CHOKE ported barrels in a matte or optional all-weather Marinecote finish. They also come with a full length synthetic stock and standard synthetic fore end.

Flex Hunting Models

Mossberg Flex Hunting models are available in 24 or 28 inch vent rib barrels. Available finishes are OD Green, Coyote Tan, Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity, or Real Tree Max-4 camo receiver.

Flex Tactical Models

Mossberg FLEX 590 Tactical 12 Gauge 20" Barrel 3" Chamber 8-Rounds

The Flex 500/590 Tactical model is available in matte black, OD Green, and Coyote Tan finishes. Tactical tri-rail fore ends can accommodate a touchpad. Stock options also include standard synthetic, six position adjustable tactical, or pistol grip. The Mossberg 590 tactical barrel is available in 18 ½ inch stand-off barrel or a 20 inch barrel.

Mossberg 500 Flex Accessories

Without using any tools, the Flex shotgun is easily transformed with Mossberg accessories that feature the TLS connector system. These accessories include three recoil pads in ¾ inch, 1 inch, and 1 ½ inches thickness. It also includes four synthetic fore ends of three standard, one tactical tri-rail, and nine stock options. The stocks will include standard full-length stocks with 12 ½, 13 ½, and 14 ½ inch LOP’s. Other options include pistol grips, a six position adjustable tactical stock, a four position adjustable stock, and a dual-comb hunting stock. Fore ends and stocks are available in black matte, Break-Up Infinity, and Max-4 finishes.

Legendary Mossberg has made shotgun versatility easier than ever with its tool-less technology. It can readily be adapted for smaller or larger shooters. With fast and easy conversion, the Flex exchanges from hunting mode to tactical mode enabling its use for home defense. The Mossberg 500 was already an extremely reliable shotgun and Mossberg has elevated it to a new level by adding the spice of versatility.

Mossberg at GrabAGun

GrabAGun is America’s fastest growing online source for the Mossberg 590 for sale and we offer the Mossberg M500 Flex Modular Shotgun in various models available online today. You can also get other shotguns for sale, gun holsters, and more for all of your firearm needs.

Family Hunting Trips

December 22, 2013 | 0 Comments

The morning was cold but the sun was shining bright. Steam rose from the frost as the sun began to warm that December day when I was 8. The frost hadn’t reached the forest floor and the leaf litter was damp, enabling us to move through the forest on quiet feet. Daddy carried his hunting essentials which included an old .22 ri fle and his hunting vest with the deep pockets for small game, while I carried the saw.

We were officially on a Christmas tree hunt, but daddy had wanted to first hunt some squirrel. In a stand of oak trees we heard a squirrel begin to fuss and a moment later an acorn hit me in the head. I stepped back as another acorn came down and daddy took the squirrel. White oak acorns are fairly big compared to live oak acorns and hit squarely in the head I was sure my skull was cracked even with the cushioning of my toboggan.

Daddy placed the squirrel in his hunting vest and we proceeded on through the tall trees. In those days logging wasn’t as commonplace. In the 1820’s most of the big timber had been cut as settlers moved in. The year was 1967 and these trees were 2nd growth, and were very large.

Predominately pine and hardwood growth in those days of my youth, the forests were healthy, with little underbrush. This was in the days before the 2nd growth was cut, and pine beetles moved in.

I thought it magical how the sun’s rays slanted through openings in the tree canopy. Another squirrel sounded off and I backed away before a barrage of acorns could come down. Again, daddy was able to place another squirrel in his hunting vest.

We hadn’t gone over 200 feet when an acorn thrown from the trees struck my nose accompanied by the angry chatter of a squirrel. Blood ran down my face from the cut and tears poured from my eyes. Daddy took that squirrel and laughed so hard he leaned against a tree. Handing me a handkerchief and telling me to apply pressure he felt of my nose to ensure it wasn’t broken.

After a while I noticed the sun was on our opposite side and asked daddy if we were lost. He replied no and asked why. I told him and he replied ‘Good girl’. By the time we came out of the forest and into a field full of cedar trees daddy had enough squirrel for supper. We cut down a Christmas tree and dragged it a short distance through a forest trail to his truck. My nose was no longer bleeding but throbbed and was stuffy. I commented that I never knew squirrel were armed which sent daddy laughing again.

That night we ate fried squirrel with gravy and scratch biscuits. To the child I was, it was an adventure and to this day I still recall the stinging nose and the scent of the cedar tree during this family hunting trip. Daddy is long gone now, but my memory of that day survives with the golden hue of a time long since passed, as I recall the time when I was 8 and went hunting with daddy.

GrabAGun is your online source for hunting essentials including shotguns for sale, hunting rifles, bulk ammo and hunting vests. Also, check out our blog post on how to stay warm while hunting for other must-have hunting essentials for cold weather.

The Comeback of the Side by Side Shotgun

December 12, 2013 | 0 Comments

Side by side shotguns are experiencing a rise in popularity of late, and are considered by many to be the best home defense weapon. After 1883 the popularity of the S x S declined to the point where some manufacturers ceased production. A recent climb in popularity of the venerable S x S is again placing it back on production lines. Many would question the purchase of an outdated gun, but the fact is the S x S has advantages not featured in today’s pump-action shotguns or semi-automatic shotguns.

First of all, the side by side shotgun is pure simplicity. Even a first time shooter can learn to use one in less than a minute. It is easier to operate than any pump action shotgun or semi-automatic shotgun.

Next, it has no action making it shorter, lighter and easier to operate. The S x S is easier to move through the narrow confines of a home accounting for its rise in popularity as a home defense weapon. Its smaller size and easier maneuverability is a plus when hunting in dense thickets and is gaining ground with feral pig hunters.

Third, the break action enables the use of non-standard rounds that won’t cycle well in auto-loading or pump action shotguns. If the shell will fit and close it will most likely fire.
Having two separate barrels and triggers enables you to use a mixed load. You can use buckshot in one and a slug in the other for example.
Any hunter who has missed a shot, or home owner defending himself who has ever had a shotgun to jam will appreciate the S x S. It is almost unheard of for the reliable S x S to jam a shell. On the rare occasions that one has, it is a 2 second fix.

The use of short shells provides a very mild recoil and this type of ammo is frequently used in home defense. It is great for those less experienced or unable to effective handle a weapon due to heavy recoil.

The disadvantages of the S x S are the need to reload after the two shots. More importantly is the fact that an S x S presents serious safety issues in a home with small children. Your best bet-leave it unloaded with the shells locked away or the gun in a gun safe. Not the best scenario when using it for home defense but absolutely necessary when safety is an issue.

Easy to use, fun to shoot, dependable and effective the side by side has advantages for the right user. With production increasing to meet the demand we can expect to see more of the S x S in use. Want to know more about the Side by Side? Check out our blog post on what you need to know about this shotgun.

Shop GrabAGun for a great selection of side by side shotguns for sale. We offer a variety of brands, with pricing to fit any budget. Shop with GrabAGun for all your guns and accessories.

Choosing a Tactical Shotgun

November 26, 2013 | 0 Comments

Once you have made the decision of purchasing a shotgun for home defense, your first consideration, as it is with any firearm for home defense, is where it will be placed in the home, especially when children are present. Securing the weapon from young hands and maintaining accessibility can be a real challenge, but is of utmost necessity.

Next you will want to consider the kind of shotgun you will purchase, as there are distinct differences between shotguns for hunting and home defense. You can certainly use a hunting shotgun for defense, it simply lacks the advantages of a tactical shotgun.

Experts recommend using shot designed for use within the home, such as tungsten shot containing a mixture of #2 and #4 pellets designed for close quarters. One example of this shot is Remington HD™ Ultimate Home Defense. Keep in mind, shots fired at close range will have minimal spread, so acquire the target before firing.

With this in mind, you must now decide as to whether you will buy a manufactured tactical shotgun, or build one yourself.

Home defense shotguns are shorter than hunting shotguns, an 18” barrel is ideal for home defense when a longer barrel could be a detriment to the defense of your loved ones. The longer barrel makes hunting shotguns difficult to maneuver in halls, around corners, in doorways and other areas with limited space.

Some of today’s shotgun models have stocks that are adjustable. Another tactical accessory is slings. These are useful for carrying a weapon outdoors, such as if you are using a tactical shotgun for defense when camping. In the home, a sling can hang up on cabinet and door knobs or even be grabbed by a perpetrator. Slings are useful if you plan to switch to a secondary weapon, otherwise you must take the time to lay the shotgun down before switching to your secondary weapon. It’s a personal choice, but generally in very small cramped homes most experts agree it is best to simply forego a sling.

If you have opted to convert a tactical shotgun yourself, part of the upgrades will be to change the stock and forend. Choose a stock that fits comfortably in your hands. Don’t assume all stocks are the same. In today’s market of versatility you can certainly use an adjustable stock for the best fit for your hands. This will increase comfort, help to prevent fatigue and overall result in greater accuracy. Stocks are available in sizes including youth and short. These are great for smaller hands. An adjustable stock can be modified to accommodate multiple shooters, allowing the length of pull to be easily adjusted.

In the old days shotguns kicked like a mule. A hunter adjusted and continued to bring in the small game. Many of today’s shotguns provide options to reduce recoil. The simplest method is a stock designed to reduce recoil. Others designs include a system that provide absorption of recoil in one or two stages. These systems can eliminate up to 70% of recoil, reducing barrel rise and improving accuracy.

Before you discount polymer stocks and forends, consider that today’s materials are enduring and much lighter in weight. Lights are great as well, and are available integrated within forends allowing operation of the light without having to remove your hand from the forends. Lights can pinpoint an intruder, and even temporarily blind them. If you plan to use your tactical shotgun in camp, a light is especially useful when a predator enters your campsite and is threatening campers.

Another popular and useful tactical shotgun accessory is pistol grips, fo l ding stocks or a short LOP stock. Choose one that fits your hand well. The wrong size can make handling of the weapon more awkward, and can cost you accuracy.

Magazine extensions provide more firepower, just keep in mind that extensions longer than the barrel are going to reduce maneuverability, and make pointless having an 18” barrel.

Tactical shotguns are an effective method of increasing the probability of a hit. Many people don’t realize that the spread of shot increases with distance but is minimal in close quarters. The barrel choke plays a large role in the amount of shot spread and an effective hit can be at a range of as much as 75 yards. You will still need to aim your weapon in close quarters, don’t count on the spread unless you are shooting at a distant perpetrator drawing his bead on you within your effective firing range.

Tactical shotgun accessories are increasingly being used on shotguns for civilian use as a home defense weapon. GrabAGun has numerous tactical shotgun accessories such as rails, lights, slings, pistol grips, conversion kits, lasers and much more.
If you prefer to purchase a factory tactical shotgun GrabAGun carries several models. If you don’t see the one you prefer, give us a call, we will be happy to order any available shotguns for sale on the market and provide the GrabAGun value pricing.

Shotguns For Sale

November 22, 2013 | 0 Comments

Shotguns for Sale

If you have a shotgun on your Christmas Wish List, GrabAGun has shotguns for sale. Semi-automatic shotguns, over-under shotguns, pump action/tactical shotguns, bolt action shotguns, side-by-side shotguns, revolving cylinder shotguns, single shot shotguns, and lever action shotguns are all available in a number of name brands.

We sell hunting shotguns as well as tactical shotguns for home defense and law enforcement personnel. GrabAGun also carries tactical shotgun accessories including pistol grips, drum magazines, upper receivers, lower receivers and much more.

Shotguns have always been popular for hunting and competition shooting. Often handed down through the generations, shotguns are generally durable and reliable firearms. Recent advances in gun manufacturing have created shotguns that take the abuse of dusty or wet environments and keep on shooting, as well as significant reduction in recoil and extreme accuracy.

As popular as the deer rifle is, there remain a few die hard shotgun fans who successfully hunt deer with a shotgun. Though many would scoff, when hunting in areas with houses in close proximity that prevent hunting with large caliber rifles, a shotgun is a viable alternative. As with any firearm the key to success is practice and then more practice on the range.

GrabAGun offers shotguns for sale from a number of popular manufacturers such as Beretta, Browning, Mossberg, Remington, and Winchester.

Get the best shotguns for sale online from GrabAGun today! Shop hunting shotguns and tactical shotguns.

Firearms For Sale at GrabAGun

November 8, 2013 | 0 Comments

GrabAGun are gun dealers who are hunters and gun enthusiasts dedicated to providing quality guns for sale, gun accessories and parts at a reasonable price to our fellow gun enthusiasts.

We offer pistols for sale, revolvers, and shotguns. Accessories, parts and supplies are available, including magazines, and holsters.

We offer semi-automatics rifles, bolt action rifles, lever action rifles, revolving cylinder rifles and single shot rifles in over 70 brands, as well as the AR-15 for sale in an impressive lineup of brands.

In addition, we stock AR-15 accessories and AR-15 parts including AR uppers and AR lowers, as well as everything else needed to fully customize an AR-15 to suit your individual needs. We offer conversion kits for many firearms, configurations as well as other caliber weapons.

GrabAGun provides one of the most extensive inventories of shotgun brands available on the internet. Whether you are looking for semi-automatic shotguns, pump-action shotguns, over and under shotguns, side-by-side shotguns, single shot shotguns or lever action shotguns, you will likely find it on our site. GrabAGun also offers tactical shotguns, parts and accessories.

GrabAGun customers receive the benefits of our dedicated customer service agents who will locate any available gun that we don’t stock and provide the value price we are known for.