Choosing the appropriate firearms is paramount in the realm of urban prepping and tactical defense. The urban or suburban environment could very well vary based on the kind of weaponry one has at their command to respond effectively against threats. Drawing from these experts’ experience, here are three firearms that stand out based on their versatility, reliability, and effectiveness.
A .357 revolver is highly recommended due to its basic design and corresponding versatility. It will shoot both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition, therefore offering more options in ammunition. “A .357 will stop anything short of a bear,” so it is an excellent choice for self-defense. The simplicity of operation makes it user-friendly, even for beginners, while the small size makes it easily concealable. Under urban rules of engagement, where you may face charges of murder for shooting someone at extended ranges, six rounds seem sufficient.
In cases where one might be facing a bit more firepower, an excellent choice would be a 5.56 NATO-chambered semi-auto rifle, such as an AR-15, Mini-14, or an SU-16. This rifle provides the best balance of effectiveness, capacity, availability, and usability. They are easier to shoot accurately than handguns and handy enough for indoor use. Although they are not suitable for hunting medium to large games, their main role in an urban environment is self-defense—so capacity and ease of use pay off.
Another excellent choice you would have available would be a break-action 12-gauge shotgun, either over/under or side by side. The 12-gauge shotgun is known for its simplicity and reliability and is the definitive stopping round at close range. “A SxS has nearly the simplest manual of arms you can get,” making it a very good choice for those who make ease of use a prime consideration in their decisions. This is not very good for bugging out, since it is kind of a big piece, but it is almost unbeatable when it comes to close quarters.
Other honorable mentions would be any striker-fired 9mm handgun. The intuitiveness vs. versatility makes this an all-rounder, and another one is a .22 semi-auto rifle due to its ease of use and affordability. A pump-action 12-gauge shotgun is always popular, but it has a higher capacity; it takes some familiarity to avoid malfunction.
The Kel-Tec KSG, in itself, is a special example in the field of tactical shotguns. This bullpup-designed, pump-action shotgun has a double-tube magazine that enables it to be compact and extremely maneuverable. “The KSG is the redefinition of a self-defense shotgun,” purpose-built for close-quarters combat. The small size and adaptability make it a formidable home-defense weapon since it’s easily concealed and deployed. Its design sets it a little apart from its two independent magazine tubes, which permit quick switching between different loads to further improve its tactical versatility.
When it comes to handguns for beginners and home defense, there is a high recommendation to go with 9 millimeters. This seems to have the middle ground of mild recoil combined with higher-capacity magazines. “The majority of the police force uses 9mm,” making this caliber pretty trusted. Full-sized handguns are easier on the shooter, with less recoil, and are much easier to shoot and absorb. Compact ones, like the Sig Sauer P365 or Kimber Micro 9, are perfect for any individual who might want to conceal their weapon.
Guns for urban prepping and tactical defense should be chosen based on their use, reliability, and adaptability. From the versatile .357 revolver to the reliable 5.56 NATO-chambered rifle, not to mention the mighty break-action 12-gauge shotgun, each firearm has its positive attributes in combat. Kel-Tec KSG is unrivaled in some tactical situations, while 9mm handguns do offer the golden middle ground for beginners looking to defend their homes.