What Type of Home Protection Firearm Should a Person Own?

guns

Every firearm has a specific purpose beyond just being a way to defend yourself.

Some are geared for close quarter self-defense, others for hunting game, etc. What you choose should match what you need it for; here are three firearms types to consider.

Mossberg 500/590

A long standing consensus within the firearms community is that the venerable 12 gauge pump action shotgun is the best weapon for home defense. It’s reliable, devastating at close range when loaded with buckshot or slugs, and sometimes the sound of the pump racking alone will be enough to scare an intruder away. Plus, shotguns and their ammunition are relatively inexpensive, allowing you to practice on the shooting range without breaking the bank.

For smaller statured people, a 20 gauge shotgun still offers devastating power with significantly less recoil (just make sure that the actual weight of the shotgun hasn’t been reduced, or the recoil between the two will be comparable).

When it comes to specific pump shotguns, the Mossberg 500/590 and the Remington 870 are easily the two most popular, and for good reason. Both are rugged, economical, have a proven track record.

Glock 17/19

Any quality mid to full size 9mm duty pistol will work well for you for home defense: they carry a lot of rounds, have less than moderate recoil, and are cheap to train with due to the availability and low cost of 9mm ammo. Don’t think we’re limiting you to Glock. Beretta, HK, Kahr, Ruger, Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Taurus, and Walther all make quality pistols in this department that will serve you well.

There’s a reason why many people keep coming back to Glock. They may not be the most ergonomic or the most attractive guns on the market, but they have a lot of things going for them. They’re very simple when it comes to controls. You can learn how to field strip one in under two minutes. They go BANG practically every time. They also have a proven track record that not too many other pistols can boast of.

Ruger GP100/Smith & Wesson 686

The .357 Magnum round itself is a very powerful round that has gained a reputation for being a one shot man stopper, and is sure to stop an invader. We recommend a full size duty revolver, such as the Ruger GP100 or the Smith & Wesson 686, since they absorb the recoil better than a snubnose revolver will and hold six rather than five rounds.

Another benefit to .357 Magnum revolvers is the fact that they can also chamber .38 Specials, which are cheaper to shoot for training purposes and offer less recoil for smaller statured people.

The GP100 is less expensive and more durable than the 686, being designed to shoot an unlimited number of .357 Magnum rounds thanks to its beefier frame and cylinder. The 686, while more expensive, has a nicer finish, an undeniably smoother trigger/hammer pull, and some models hold seven rather than six rounds. It’s up to you to decide what fits your preferences more, but when it comes to overall quality you’re not going to get any better than Ruger or Smith & Wesson.

We do have to caution: If you are opting to purchase a firearm for protection, make sure you review and know the laws governing where you live as they pertain to gun ownership, use, and self-protection. They can vary pretty drastically from local to state governments.

That said, if you are deciding to make a purchase, the list above is about as good as it gets.

To learn more about firearms, ownership and what to buy, please check out the Urban Survival Site.


44 Comments

  1. Don Jones said:

    The one your comfortable with, any is better than none.

  2. Ixora Roberts said:

    Depends on the person and situation! Home defense, concerned carry or open carry! Also training and skill level!

  3. Josh Harden said:

    My go to is my Benelli nova 12 gauge pump but I keep the 44 mag at the ready

  4. Collin Taft said:

    A few big dogs that are specifically bred to gard. And also a few guns.

  5. Tyler Barnes said:

    .40 cal minimum large capacity, AR 15 8 clips loaded with hollow points in case you have to chop their get away rig in half

  6. Charles Hancock said:

    I have an axe. I’ve swung hammer for twenty years.$#%&!@*around,$#%&!@*around, soon you won’t be around.

  7. Frank Bromley said:

    Shotgun is the best in close quarters really don’t have to aim causes more damage at short range and if you miss the target using buckshot it won’t go thru your walls and maybe kill an innocent person

  8. Ivarr Siguroarson said:

    20ga pump-action shotgun. Majority of people are not stress-trained in handgun use so the % of hitting an intruder is minimal. The sound of a pump-action is a universally recognized sound that will inform an intruder you are armed. In close quarters (7 yards typically) the numerous pellets in an 8oz load pattern spread will allow for trigger-jerk where a a single bullet will be a miss. Also, a missed shot becomes a rogue round that could penetrate wall(s) and potentially injure/kill an innocent that you will be charged with. 8oz pellets will lose their ‘power’ once they first hit an obstacle so over-penetration typically isn’t an issue. And the recoil of a 20ga is less so reload retarget is quicker and therfore usable by both genders and wider age range.

  9. Frank Bromley said:

    But not like a 45 or 9mm yrs anything will go thru walls but it won’t be a projectile going thru

  10. Cathy Dunn said:

    Defenatly; At least A 12 Gauge!!! And Loaded At All Times!!!

  11. Von Doz said:

    It is hard to beat any shotgun when in the home. When it comes to general protection I prefer a .40.

  12. Adam Stewart said:

    A compact pistol for conceal carry.

    A reliable shotgun for short range close quarters like 870.

    A medium range rifle that is most reliable, AK47.

    A reliable long range rifle.

    Have plenty of ammo.

  13. Matthew Fitch said:

    All you have to do is rack a pump-action shotgun and perps will take off running.

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