The drumbeat of unrest in society and dreads of collapse years and years in the making seem to have generated a tidal wave of household gun ownership. Household defense is paramount in the mind of the populace, wondering what the future might hold. Within this background, consideration should be given to a proper choice of the right firearms for one’s household protection.
Semiautomatic Pistol: Glock 17 9mm When choosing what semiautomatic pistol for home defense, it is easy to see how the Glock 17 9mm comes to be one of great regard. Its simplicity in having a striker-fired “Safe Action” system is what enforces that your trigger will feel the same for the first and last shot. This reliability is enhanced further by the lack of manual safety or decocking levers; the Glock 17 is as easy to use as a revolver. It easily flicks off the safe area that is not safe, i.e., the trigger. As Lt. Col. Dave Grossman puts it in his book “On Killing,” “The Glock pistol has a well-deserved reputation for simplicity and reliability.”
Handgun, Double-Action Revolver Ruger GP-100 .357 Magnum The Ruger GP-100 .357 Magnum is a standard bearer in the world of those who value the reassuring heft and dependability of a double-action revolver. Renowned for its phenomenal strength and durability, this piece is made by an investment casting process that has gained it the nickname of “the Timex of its category.” As the reloading manual’s disclaimer “For Ruger Guns Only” testifies, the construction of the GP-100 is truly built to withstand the rigors of even the most potent .357 Magnum loads. “The Ruger GP-100 is a workhorse revolver that can handle hot .357 Magnum loads with ease,” says noted firearms expert Richard Nance.
Shotgun: Remington 870 12-Gauge Pump-Action. The Remington 870 12-gauge pump-action is iconic and arguably the most popular choice for home defense. Steve Balestrieri of 19FortyFive posits, “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 simply but firmly nails the Remington 870 as one of the top picks for home defense.
Rimfire Rifle: Ruger 10/22 .22LR Of course, the .22 Long Rifle cartridge is not the ideal choice for self-defense purposes, but the proven accuracy and reliability, combined with excellent handling of the Ruger 10/22 make it a wise choice, especially for a situation in which follow-up shots could become compulsory. As the saying goes, “a hit with a .22 beats a miss with a .44 Magnum.” With an MSRP of $389 and inexpensive ammunition, the Ruger 10/22 is an affordable but competent option for those looking for a rimfire rifle to be kept at the ready-for-home defense.
Centerfire Rifle: M4 .223 Remington/5.56mm Historically, centerfire rifles were not recommended for home defense because of their length, bulk, and very penetrative nature. However, compact versions of the M16/AR-15, such as the M4, have remedied many of these issues to make them more viable in today’s environment. The M4 in .223 Remington/5.56mm caliber, combined with advances in frangible ammunition, decreases the potential for over-penetration, and so is now a truly viable option for those who want a centerfire rifle for home defense.
In times of such uncertainty, choosing the right firearms for arming oneself for home defense becomes a heavy decision. In this range of models, starting from the reliable simplicity of a Glock 17 and ending with a Ruger GP-100, from the rugged dependability of a Remington 870 shotgun to an economical Ruger 10/22 and a versatile M4 carbine, each has its merits in one area or another that befits different needs and likings. Ultimately, it would be up to the individual, but this comprehensive guide lays the right foundation to make an informed decision that seems indispensable in an increasingly uncertain future.