By Survival Ready Blog Contributor
Arming oneself for home defense is nonnegotiable among many safety-minded Americans. If you choose not to arm yourself and your family, there are plenty of other things you can do to keep yourself safe. If you do choose to take up arms, your choice of weapons is an important one.
For the purposes of this post, we will be talking about firearms. They are the most convenient and effective way to arm yourself for self-defense purposes. Keep in mind that there are many different varieties and hundreds of models to choose from. The question is what is the right choice for you?
For all intents and purposes the three main types of guns you can arm yourself with are:
- handguns
- long guns
- shotguns
Each individual has his or her own preferences in this area. Some prefer handguns because they are smaller, easier to conceal and provide for higher magazines. Others prefer shotguns because they allow for self-defense at greater distances. Still others prefer long guns for their accuracy. It has been said that purchasing a gun is a very personal decision. The pros and cons of all three types is proof of that.
A Gun You Can Handle
Perhaps more important than the type of gun is to choose one you can properly handle. If you are small framed without a lot of upper body strength, for example, you may not be able to control a shotgun well enough to use it effectively. If you do not have the ability to hold your hands relatively steady, a handgun might not be the best option.
It is a good idea to try out a few before you purchase a gun. Most gun shops will have access to a local shooting range if they do not have one on-site. Make a point of visiting the range with experienced gun owners and a number of different models you can experiment with. Most of all go with an open mind. Do not settle on the type of gun you want before trying all three types at the range.
Also keep in mind that home defense involving firearms typically take place in close quarters. You are not likely to be firing at someone from 100 yards in a home defense situation. Therefore, whatever gun you choose is one you will have to be comfortable enough with to adequately control it in tight spaces.
Know How to Use It
The next step after purchasing your gun is to learn how to use it safely and effectively. There are right and wrong ways to fire a gun for self-defense purposes. If you do not know how to use the gun you bought, you could be putting your own life in danger. You could also inadvertently harm family members as well.
Learning how to properly use your weapon includes regular practice in drawing and firing. Let us just say, for example, you have chosen a .38 caliber revolver for personal defense and a shotgun for home defense. Both operate distinctly differently. You need practice drawing, aiming and firing both so that you are prepared for any situation. The more you practice, the more natural it will become. The goal of practice is to be able to safely discharge both firearms without having to think about it. In the heat of the moment, you will likely not have time to think.
Arming yourself for home defense is one of many things you can do to keep yourself and your family safe. When combined with a home security system and high-quality locks, taking up arms could mean the difference between surviving and becoming a victim.
Sources:
1. GunOwners.org - https://www.gunowners.org/sk0802htm.htm
2. Monitronics.com - http://www.monitronics.com/home-security-packages
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