Did you know that there are around 100,000 uses of self-defense firearms each year in the United States of America? A large portion of the American population owns a number of different types of guns for home defense, but there are certain options that make the best home defense guns for your household.
If you’re looking at buying a gun then there are certain things that you should look for. Doing your research will make choosing a firearm that fits your needs a much easier task as sometimes the best guns for hunting are the worst for keeping your family safe.
The good news is that you’re in the right place to learn about your different options for buying a weapon as well as some home defense tips. Keep reading this article to learn more today!
Table of Contents
Shotguns
Shotguns are a popular choice for homeowners that are looking at different types of guns for home defense. They’re affordable and reliable when you start comparing your different firearm options. They also tend to send the most lead in the direction that you point them compared to other options on the market.
The best type of round that you can get for home defense when it comes to shotguns is 00 buckshot. It is equal to shooting nine rounds of .38 caliber ammo at the target with one pull of the trigger.
There are a number of pros that come with getting a shotgun for home defense. They send a ton of lead at your target at one time, and they’re quite affordable. You can get a quality shotgun for less than $500.
They’re also arguably the most reliable option on the market when it comes to the different types of guns. Add in the sound produced when you rack a round and odds are that you’ll never need to fire your shotgun for home defense.
The big downside to shotguns for home defense is their size and length. They’re often heavy and a bit difficult to wield compared to smaller options like tactical rifles and handguns. They also have a harsh recoil that might do some damage to your shoulder when you fire at a target.
Pistols
Pistols are another great option when you start looking at the best home defense guns on the market. They’re much smaller and more compact when you compare them to shotguns but they offer a number of benefits that make them great for protecting your family when you’re buying a gun.
You’ll need to choose between getting a revolver or a semi-automatic handgun when you start shopping. Semi-automatic handguns tend to have a higher capacity for ammunition compared to revolvers. You can learn more on this page.
One of the biggest pros of handguns is their size. They’re much smaller than rifles and shotguns which makes them much better for maneuvering in close quarters within your home. You also get a high capacity of rounds with semi-automatic handguns when you compare them to pump-action shotguns which get paired with quick reloads.
There are also a ton of modifications that you can add to your pistols to make them more accurate. Most modern semi-automatic handguns come with rails that allow you to attach different sights as well as lasers and lights to help you see what you’re aiming at.
You’ll also get a large variety of ammunition types to choose from when you look at getting a pistol for home defense. No matter what caliber size you choose, your best bet is an expanding hollowpoint round since it will pack a good punch without over penetrating the walls in your home.
The big drawback to getting a pistol for home defense is that their size makes them difficult to aim and fire in an accurate fashion without practice. They also tend to have more recoil since they’re smaller, though using the right grip will help you counter that recoil when firing.
Semi-automatic handguns also have a tendency to jam, which is risky when you’re in a life or death situation. You’ll need to practice handling jams and clearing them in a quick manner.
Rifles
The most common rifles that people pick out when it comes to the best guns for home defense are the AR-15 variants. These rifles are coveted because they can hold a ton of rounds. The typical AR-15 magazine will allow you to hold up to 30 rounds.
They’re also quite easy to shoot depending on the round size that you choose. The rifle will absorb a lot more of the recoil since they’re larger than handguns. There are also more contact points with your body and the butt of the rifle when firing to help you control the rifle and your aim.
There are also tons of upgrades that you can add to your AR-15 to help you fire in an accurate fashion. Red dot sights are inexpensive and they make it much easier to keep your reticle on the target. There are also handles that you can add that make it easier to keep the rifle stable when you’re getting ready to fire.
Another benefit is the types of rounds that you can use with rifles to fit your needs. There are plenty of cheap rounds that are perfect for practicing and others that will take down an intruder without over penetrating your home’s walls.
The big downside to rifles is the price that you’ll need to pay when you’re buying a gun. They also have a much longer length which makes them more difficult to handle in tight quarters. You can get a shorter barrel or a smaller buttstock if you want to make it easier to wield.
Start Shopping for the Best Home Defense Guns
Life is crazy and it is only natural that you’d want to find the best home defense guns to keep your family safe should someone try to break into your home. The best guns depend on your situation and preferences. Handguns are versatile and easy to wield while shotguns provide a ton of punch paired with reliability and a good price.
For more helpful articles like this one, make sure you explore the rest of our blog today!