Fears of social unrest and collapse have driven a surge in household firearms ownership, partially due to the very influential messaging of the NRA. Citizens feel a bit disoriented because of the uncertainty of their future and begin to realize more and more the pressing need for effective home defense. The choice of the right firearms for household protection became critical in these times.
Handgun (Semi Automatic Pistol):Â
Glock 17 9mm When it comes to semi-automatic pistols for home defense, the Glock 17 9mm stands as a formidable choice. Its simplicity is unparalleled, featuring a striker-fired “Safe Action” system that ensures a consistent trigger pull from the first shot to the last. This reliability is further enhanced by the absence of manual safety or decocker levers, making the Glock 17 as straightforward as a revolver in operation. As Lt. Col. Dave Grossman states in his book “On Killing,” “The Glock pistol has a well-deserved reputation for simplicity and reliability.”
A Double-Action Handgun:Â
Ruger GP-100 .357 Magnum In case one feels more assured with the weight and reliability of a double-action revolver, the Ruger GP-100 .357 Magnum is hard to outclass. This revolver, full in strength and hardness, is investment cast, hence nicknamed “the Timex of its category.” As the reloading manual disclaimer says, “For Ruger Guns Only,” the GP-100’s construction truly stands up to withstanding the rigors of even the most potent .357 Magnum loads. “The Ruger GP-100 is simply a workhorse revolver that will shrug off hot .357 Magnum loads with ease,” says firearms instructor Richard Nance.
Shotgun: Remington 870 12-Gauge Pump-Action
The Remington 870 12-gauge pump-action shotgun is an iconic and arguably the most popular choice for home defense. As Steve Balestrieri of 19FortyFive explains, “It is well made, dependable, accurate, and functional. It uses a steel receiver, which while increasing its durability, also increases the weight somewhat. It is also very affordable, coming in at about $450 to $500.” This combination of reliability, accuracy, and affordability solidifies the Remington 870’s reputation as a top pick for home defense.
Rimfire Rifle: Ruger 10/22 .22LR The .22Â
Long Rifle may not be the best ammunition one would want to fall back on in self-defense, but the accuracy, reliability, and great handling of the Ruger 10/22 do make it a feasible option when numerous well-placed shots are called for. As the saying goes, “a hit with a .22 beats a miss with a .44 Magnum.” At an MSRP of $389, and with very affordable ammunition, the Ruger 10/22 gives a budget-friendly yet potent solution to anybody wanting to add a rimfire rifle as part of their home defense.
Centerfire Rifle: M4 .223 Remington/5.56mmÂ
Historically, centerfire rifles were not recommended for home defense because of their length, bulk, and excessively penetrative nature. The introduction of the compact M4 variant of the M16/AR-15 has generally mitigated many of these concerns, making them a viable choice in today’s climate. Further, coupled with advancements in frangible ammunition that reduce over-penetration risks, the M4 in .223 Remington/5.56mm has emerged as one of the most formidable options available for those seeking a centerfire rifle for home defense.
At these uncertain times, the decision to arm oneself for home defense remains weighty and the selection of the right firearms is very important. These range from the dependable simplicity of the Glock 17 to the rugged dependability of the Ruger GP-100, to perhaps the most iconic shotgun in production, the Remington 870, the economical Ruger 10/22, and the versatile M4 carbine, each of these firearms fitting into different needs and tastes. Ultimately, this is a question to be answered on an individual basis, but the comprehensive foundation for making such an informed decision is well provided in the face of an increasingly unpredictable future.