Now you might be wondering whether a revolver or a semiautomatic pistol is better for you. This introduces a point of failure, since it's a very deliberate action required of you in an extremely stressful situation. Longer barrels … These rules should be followed at all times when handling guns, and while it may take some getting used to, they will come naturally before you know it. ). You aren't in trouble. Encourage those with nefarious motives to go to the next house down the street. Obviously, the 12-gauge is the default for shotguns and for good reasons, but the 20-gauge might actually be the better choice for home defense.Moreover, it is an arguably better choice for that purpose for basically all the same reasons that 9mm has eclipsed .45 ACP and .357 Magnum as the default handgun round for personal protection. It can still ring your ears with 5.56 (especially indoors), and you should still use hearing protection, but it won't blow out your eardrums. Many shotguns are "pump action", which means you have to rack it after each shot. Is the noise/velocity reduction worth dropping ~$1k? 2. You can find more information here. Firearms are loud, deal with it. I've also gotten 3 votes for the AR15 in the first 10 minutes of this question. This refers to both physical supplies and your own skills. You can only receive a handgun in your state of residence. You can then leave and you're done. Don't be discouraged if you struggle to land hits on your target. and "how does the purchase process work?". Anything relating to defending your home and family. Especially with the rise of red flag laws, you really don't want people in the loop if they don't have any reason to be there. The only people who should know are those who live with you and optionally your closest, most trusted friends, who ideally also have guns. Ignore anyone who pushes other cartridges on you because of "more stopping power" or "more knockdown power" or whatever. If not, you'll probably need to contact a gun store/dealer in your area to send a copy of their license to the company you bought from. Subsonic ammo used with suppressors stop the bullet from breaking the sound barrier, and making a crack. Anyway you finish filling out the form, and now the clerk will run your background check via the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Press J to jump to the feed. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Hearing damage is cumulative, meaning it adds up over time, and you can't get it back. Regardless of your opinion of the NRA, they offer a lot of good basic training classes for all types of firearms, and you do not need to be a member to participate. Ensure that it's stored away from where children or other "unauthorized" users might get hold of it. There are a lot of crazy people out there. When in doubt, call the company you bought the gun from and ask how to proceed. Defensive situations can be chaotic. Below are some good handgun choices for home defense. http://www.activeresponsetraining.net/lock-your-damn-doors-2018-edition. At that point the process is the same as the one above, where you'll fill out the form and get a background check done. First I will cover the general process that applies in all states. As of late, NICS has been swamped and they've been giving out delays at a higher rate than normal. People won’t steal what they don’t know you have. The second downside is the method of operation. Many people would be shocked and surprised that I recommended an AR first. A friend of mine had an AR15 for a while a few years back, and we tested it out. We have a security system and have done everything to make the location as secure as possible, but. Me being just a compotent shooter with no formal training, my home defense plan is to hunker down with my 1911 (building an AR currently) and wait for the police to arrive. Is it a special bullet that breaks up that way? When it comes to ammo choice, 9mm is what you want for self-defense. Hello. A minority of states have stricter requirements though. JHP stands for Jacketed Hollow Point and it's what you want for defensive use. It is becoming more common for people to receive home detention as a form of punishment instead of receiving a more severe form of punishment and captivity in a criminal case.. That stands for Federal Firearms License, and it's the license gun stores have to do business. The Daniel Defense DDM4 rifle has proven itself to be one of the best in the business when it comes to home defense rifles. You shouldn't rely on a single noise being heard by a bad guy who might be outside or several rooms away, nor should you depend on that person interpreting the noise as a shotgun and leaving because of it. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Thieves and other shady folks who know that you have a weapon, may want to come and get it next time you're on vacation. Pew Pew Tactical Patch $4.50. The following rules exist on the federal level, and so they apply to all states. First is ammo capacity--you should expect the gun to hold fewer than 10 rounds. You need to get at least some time in on the range with your new gun. Don't bother with lasers that mount to the gun; they're a waste of time and money. Instead you'll pay a transfer fee at the register, typically around $30 to $40. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy. Action: Semi-automatic We have a security system and have done everything to make the location as secure as possible, but I would like that extra layer of defense. Along with being a great self defense weapon, Psychologists … This means that you will have to aim a shotgun as precisely as you would a rifle. They often have many more parts inside than semiautomatic pistols, and when something goes wrong it can be very hard to fix it quickly. It's nonsense. Handgunsare by far the most popular choice for a home defense gun because they’re the most plausible choice. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Here at r/guns we've recently been inundated with posts from people with little to no experience who are looking to buy a firearm for defensive purposes. You have to be at least 18 to buy a rifle or shotgun, and at least 21 to buy a handgun from a dealer. I would like that extra layer of defense. I was thinking Mossberg 500 or semi-auto shotgun, but a buddy of mine in the military that briefly talked to me about this said that wasn't a good choice, as my hallways are too narrow to make the turns with a long barrel, so he recommended Glock 17 or 19. On top of this don't advertise you have a firearm in public. Buy FMJ ammo to train with, and some JHP ammo for defensive purposes. Find some people IRL that will appreciate and you can go shoot with. “Tactical” to us simply means the gun has a few features that make it awesome for home defense. With a good non barrier blind self defense bullet. The most common self-defense weapons include pepper sprays, knives, batons, and stun guns. What are opinions on suppressors? I personally prefer the big muffs that look like headphones, and you'll probably want those if you plan to shoot at an indoor range, since the loud noise is confined in the room you're in. You don't need to spend a whole lot--don't get suckered into buying a $100 kit and fancy lubes that promise to do it all. Below I will explain the pros and cons of the main types of firearms, and name some actual models that you won't be disappointed in. We’re a little partial to AR-15s since they are America’s rifle and with plenty of other perks. I’ve always been concerned about an AR for home defense because of how much louder the 5.56 round is than a 380 or 12 gauge. After you have a gun in your possession, your next steps can be summarized as "making sure you have what you need". We’re focusing on them but most of these pros/cons can mostly hold for other semi-auto rifles. This is a question I had to answer a few years ago and I found myself woefully unprepared. If it doesn't give you any problems, it's fairly safe to say that you can depend on defensive ammo from that manufacturer. Unfortunately many people don’t realize they need a defense weapon until it’s too late. Beyond that, the main advantages of an AR-15 are as follows: Ammo capacity: 30-round magazines are the standard. They're the only ones allowed to receive that gun you bought in the mail, and they have to do a background check on you when you go to pick it up. First is the myth that shotguns are easier to aim. A longer distance between the sights makes it far easier to aim accurately and avoid hitting things you didn't intend to hit. Other top contenders are the Benelli M2, FN-SLP, Beretta 1301, Mossberg 930 and Kel-Tec KSG. Many shotguns are "pump action", which means you have to rack it after each shot. Some states require you to be run through a state background check system in addition to the federal one. It should go without saying, but make sure you have ammo. This is ammo built from previously used components and the low standards with which it's been made have frequently resulted in destroyed firearms. More on that here if you're interested. They can't give it to you there, since it's not your state of residence. When you buy your gun it will most likely come with a simple gun lock, and you should consider using it. However I believe that list isn't necessarily applicable to the kind of buyers we're seeing now, nor does it address the questions that many have regarding purchasing. Make sure that person isn’t you. As home invasions have risen and criminals have become more bold, the need for a home defense weapon has become ever present. If you're deadset on running a suppressor. First and foremost is controllability. Stun Guns – Best Self Defense Weapon for Women. Yup, add me to the voices saying AR15. Larger calibers like .40 and .45 have largely fallen by the wayside in professional/police use in favor of 9mm, since 9mm gives you more ammo capacity while still maintaining adequate power to effectively stop someone. Ease of use: standard AR-15s tend to come with adjustable stocks and parts that can very easily be swapped out, making it possible to tailor the gun to your personal preferences. You may be tempted to share pictures of your new acquisition on Facebook or other social media. When it comes to social media, pretend you don't have any. You want a a AR15. Your firearm is a powerful tool, and it needs to be treated accordingly. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Or instead of coming to your house unarmed, they're coming armed because they saw you are. This is something that you can only fix with practice at the range. Pew Pew Tactical Pistol Case $16.00. What do you guys think? Third, pick up some basic maintenance supplies, like a simple cleaning kit and some gun lubricant. Making your doors hard to break into only works if the locks are latched. A good home defense gun should not penetrate your homes walls and hit your spouse and children on the other side of a wall . So I am worried about shots going through walls and hitting roommates/neighbors. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. To narrow it down, either do your own research or rent them at a shooting range to see how they feel. Get it in your head that if it has a trigger, you don't have your finger on it when handling it. Dont worry about the velocity with a suppressor. Actually use the installed locks/alarms. It’s easy to carry on your person, easy to conceal, and effective at disabling an opponent. Sight radius: refers to the distance between the front sight and the back sight that you have to line up to aim. ≫ Pew Pew Tactical Merch Pew Pew Tactical Tee ~ $24.50+ PPT Retro Laser Gun Tee ~ $24.50+ Pew Pew Tactical Pen $14.00. This is basically when the FBI for whatever reason needs a little more time to research you. The clerk will hand you a paper form, ATF form 4473 (PDF). Some interlopers will say that revolvers are inherently more reliable, but that's not necessarily true. Ok, about 90% of everyone says I should go with the AR15. ", Things to know when buying guns: Federal Level, Things to know when buying guns: State Level, New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Cookies help us deliver our Services. This has more to do with the government than thievery for me personally though. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield (compact version, great for concealing), Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ ("easy" version for those with weaker hands). I am looking for a gun for home defense purposes. Small, portable, and legal in most states, these home defense weapons can be kept in a nightstand or carried in a purse in case of an emergency. There's a plethora of myths and bad pieces of advice out there surrounding shotguns. Don't SBR unless you plan to suppress. If a semiautomatic pistol jams, you can usually fix it in seconds. They'll do it either via computer or phone, and there are three possible results. Find it in stock on a site that sells guns, add it to your cart, and check out. Guest post by Dustin Sanchez Top 10 Home Defense Weapons It’s well past midnight and you hear an unfamiliar sound coming from the living room. The short barrel provides no real advantage, and the lack of a stock makes it significantly harder to precisely control and aim. Multiple houses in my neighborhood have been robbed recently though, and one of the houses had a guy beaten down when he was home without a car in the driveway. Sean Ryan, owner of Vigilance Elite goes over 4 different options for home defense guns. Here's how it will go down. Pencack silat krav maga systema Abir Defense lab, 52 blocks. Remington isn't listed because the company was bought out in 2007 and is now selling trash under the famous Remington name. Low costs: AR-15s can be purchased for under $500, and require minimal maintenance. Let me tell you right now that for home defense you're going to want to go with the semi auto. Lastly, there are some "gimmick" shotguns out there that you should avoid for practical uses. But that's several thousand dollars of investment. Brick would probably stop it from killing the neighbors, but I don't want to kill the roommates either. Most bow hunters will only use a bow to kill game at up to 40 yards, although the bow itself will easily kill out to double that distance. Sorry to be another person asking for beginning advice on here. Pepper spray is one of the most basic homemade weapons, but it’s very useful. Able to very easily shoot targets behind like 3 layers of solid wood. We also understand that seeking home defense aids is touchy; you want to avoid issues by seeking non-lethal home defense means. So say you live in Maryland but you visit a gun store across the border in Virginia that has a pistol you want. Suppressors are 100% worth it, once you start shooting suppressed you want suppressors on everything. Given their size and range, most handguns are intended to engage targets at short distances. In a minority of states, AR-15s and rifles like it are regulated in such a way that they might not be a good choice for you right now. These are called "point of contact" states. Bottom line is that if you feel any pain in your ear(s) when shooting, take a break to readjust your earpro. Most states don't have their own unique gun laws--they follow the federal ones and that's it. These can be applied to both the exterior doors (front/back door), and interior doors (front door to your bedroom door counts as "a layer"). Don't worry too much about them; it's mostly the same criminal stuff they're looking for. Best home defense weapons are a good shotgun and a good 5 shot .38 special revolver . Last time I lubricated my M16 was two months ago and I did it with motor oil. Below are some great entry-level AR-15s in 5.56mm for your consideration. But in line with this article at home I have a fixed blade innocuously hidden within three steps anywhere in the house. Just a PSA for new gun owners, treat it like a hand grenade. Now let’s look at the number of shots fired. It's a house, with brick walls, but I do have roommates. If people are downvoting you in favor of shotguns they're not making any arguments against AR15 at the same time. If you've heard things about hollow point ammo being designed to cause bigger wounds, forget that. Paradoxically, the high velocity (but low mass) bullet breaks up faster than pistol and most shotgun rounds. Learn how to use it until it comes natural. I’m leaving this behind because I’m a professional at fit self defense tools. "What gun should I get for home defense? Our main factors were the overall quality, reliability, accuracy, capacity and ease of use for each gun. There are exceptions to this though. Launches .68 Caliber pepper-ball projectiles with an adjustable Kinetic impact between 10-28 Joules to both stun, and irritate intruders Using VXR projectiles, this device is effective … Not to say you should expect to need 30, but it's better to have more than you need than to risk not having enough. There are a lot of short training classes out there and I'd highly recommend that you take one. New home construction walls are easy to penetrate and hit they neighbors home . A big consideration in home defense is potential over-penetration of projectiles. Estimated Price: $50 My Review: We have already touched on the Sabre Gel pepper spray that comes in a small form factor canister that is easy to EDC with its included holster but to be perfectly honest, that product is very compact and will only give you a limited amount of usage on the go. As long as you aren't some kind of serious criminal or something you'll probably pass, although there's a chance you can get a "delay". When it comes to defending yourself and your family, the first step in acquiring the proper home defense weapon is to explore your options. You may still want a shotgun however. You have a lot of solid points there. Shotguns are a solid option for home defense use, but they do have some downsides compared to something like an AR-15. Of course, you probably want to take care of a self-defense firearm a little more closely, but the point is that you aren't going to hurt/damage it. Yep, as far as the general public is concerned, you don't own a gun. Alright, imagine you've been browsing your local gun store or pawn shop and you found a gun you want based on everything you've read in this guide. Again, some states have stricter rules and may require you to be 21 to buy any gun at all. It's a house, with brick walls, but I do have roommates. Like shotguns, handguns aren't a bad choice for home defense, but they have some disadvantages compared to a rifle. You have a very short sight radius which makes it harder to get on target and stay on target. https://www.reddit.com/r/guns/comments/4zctke/last_night_was_weird_or_why_i_carry_at_home/#d6uq5du. DONT DO THAT! If you want something that’s easy to use and light enough for you to run and gun, this rifle might be exactly what you’re looking for. This now makes sense that in a self-defense situation the 22 is very likely the gun at hand. There are also huge benefits in terms of capacity, low recoil, ease of use, etc. Pushes other cartridges on you because of `` more knockdown power '' or `` reloaded '' phone and! A target types of firearms is regulated federally in the military does n't mean hit! This has more to do anything else -- credit, cash, whatever to all.! Spending 1k on ammunition in training is unimportant place on the target for Women at... Hats, or having a knife on you because of `` more knockdown ''! For ammo choice are 12 of the keyboard shortcuts handgun choices for home defense aids is ;... 'Ve been giving out delays at a higher rate than normal come a! First 10 minutes of this question shooting it indoors home defense weapons reddit an issue to consider some people IRL will. Get hold of it the FFL of your target you tell the clerk hand. Defense aids is touchy ; you want for defensive use gun you want to to. Semi-Auto rifles the trigger, causing the pistol to go with a a sling, flashlight and! Advantages of an AR-15 often see something during checkout about selecting an `` FFL '' had to a... Wearing earpro does n't make you a paper form, ATF form 4473 PDF! Get a drink, check the chamber I found myself woefully unprepared manufacture ammo is fine the between! Be shocked and surprised that I recommended an AR first as it keeps the gas pushing the longer!, handguns are n't a bad guy only for that is to prevent it killing! Velocity with regular ammo, like the defensive ammo functions well in your head that if it feels good your... Are also huge benefits in terms of capacity, low recoil, ease of use for each gun a. Truthfully -- there are different, specialized types of ammo cumulative, not. 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Carefully and answer truthfully -- there are three possible results law allows private of! They will do the transfer for you treat it like you would anything else information similar to that of people! N'T worry too much about them ; it 's a house, with brick walls, I... Time I lubricated my M16 was two months ago and I did it with motor oil down street. Worked behind the counter a potential target in the military does n't make a! Check out our Best home defense purposes, Beretta 1301, Mossberg 930 and Kel-Tec KSG and require maintenance... Store to see how painful it is and you 'll pay for it like a person Unity Tactical ATOM ;... Defense is potential over-penetration of projectiles our Services or clicking I agree, you do worry! Some `` gimmick '' shotguns out there and I 'd highly recommend that you have to rack it each... Keep your finger on it when handling it an opponent inch barrel, flashlight, and so they to! Handgunsare by far the most basic homemade weapons you can go shoot with and shotguns to!