What Should I Use for Home Defense?

What’s your go to for home defense: pistol, rifle, or shotgun?

 Everyone's environment, living conditions,and situation  will be different, so this question will have a nuanced and personalized answer for everyone, but here’s what our instructors have to say. 

Rob: “For me, I’m picking the handgun. My pistol is easy to safely store close by and is ready to go in an emergency. It has a weapon mounted light, which gives me good maneuverability in my home. With a high capacity magazine,  17 rounds of 9mm should be enough to solve any problem that might arise.”

Erik: “I landed on a shotgun for my needs. My 18 inch 12ga isn’t quite as maneuverable as a handgun, but with a little practice I’ve learned how to round corners well and move though my home with my weapon. As a trans person living in a known queer home, my security concern is transphobic violence, so I’ve chosen my setup based on what I know will swiftly end the encounter.” 

Here are things you should consider if picking a home defense weapon:

• What can you afford?

• What type of firearm do you have the most practice with?

• What gun will work well in the space of your home?

• What are the threats that you are concerned about?

• What are the acceptable outcomes of encountering a threat?

Keep in mind your home defense gun should be one you are well practiced with. It needs to be reliable. It needs to be stored safely but accessibly. You need some sort of light. Remember, it’s always important to know your target. Do not shoot at something you can’t see to confirm whether it is a true threat to you. 

Solidarity, and stay safe.