A rising threat of social unrest and fears of collapse have driven up a surge in household firearms ownership, partially fanned by the influential NRA messaging. This raises a very fundamental question in the minds of many citizens about effectual home defense against such an uncertain future. Choosing the appropriate firearms for household protection is one of the most important decisions that call for considered thought.
Semiautomatic Pistol: Glock 17 9mm When one contemplates semiautomatic pistols for home defense, the Glock 17 9mm proves to be a pretty difficult competitor. In terms of its simplicity, it is unrivaled, touting 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 lack of any manual safety or decocking levers, meaning that the Glock 17 is as easy to manipulate as a revolver. As Lt. Col. Dave Grossman states in his book “On Killing,” “The Glock pistol has a well-deserved reputation for simplicity and reliability.”
Handgun: Ruger GP-100 .357 Magnum For the person who wants solid weight and reliability in their double-action revolver, among the truly great ones is a Ruger GP-100 .357 Magnum. This double-action revolver has been called a powerhouse of strength and durability that is created through some type of investment casting process and has led to its being called “the Timex of its class.” The reloading manual disclaimer, “For Ruger Guns Only,” further testifies to the construction of the GP-100 that makes it easily endure the heaviest of .357 Magnum loads. “The Ruger GP-100 is a brute of a revolver for use with hot .357 Magnum loads with seeming impunity,” notes firearms guru Richard Nance.
Shotgun: Remington 870 12-gauge Pump-Action No other shotgun has earned the reputation and praise for home-defense applications as has the Remington 870 12-gauge pump-action shotgun. In an article published on 19FortyFive, Steve Balestrieri 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 mix of reliability, accuracy, and affordability solidifies the Remington 870’s reputation as one of the top picks for home defense.
Rimfire Rifle: Ruger 10/22 .22LR The .22 Long Rifle isn’t optimal in any respect for self-defense. However, due to the accuracy, reliability, and excellent handling of a Ruger 10/22, it can still be extremely useful at times, especially when a good volume of well-placed shots is called for. The old saying is, “A hit with a .22 beats a miss with a .44 Magnum.” With its MSRP of $389 and cheap ammo, the Ruger 10/22 serves as an inexpensive yet very capable choice for anyone interested in a rimfire rifle to serve in home defense.
Centerfire Rifle: M4 .223 Remington/5.56mm Historically, centerfire rifles were discouraged for home defense due to their length, bulk, and tendency to be very penetrative. However, compact versions of the M16/AR-15 in the form of the M4 have alleviated many of these concerns, making them more viable in today’s environment. When married with newer frangible ammunition that reduces the risks of over-penetration, the M4 in .223 Remington/5.56mm becomes a formidable option for those seeking a centerfire rifle for home defense.
In these troubled and uncertain times, the decision to equip oneself in one’s home is a serious one, and proper firearms selection is paramount. Starting with the reliable simplicity of the Glock 17, to the sturdy dependability of the Ruger GP-100 or the icon of shotguns past and present, the Remington 870, one can’t forget the economical Ruger 10/22 and the versatile M4 carbine—each one delivering in ways that are sure to suit different requirements and tastes. Ultimately, the choice rests with the individual, but this book provides a foundation upon which one may stand and make an informed decision in the face of a more and more unpredictable future.