Which Gun Should I Use for Home Defense?

Whether you live alone, or with friends or family, everyone wants to feel safe and protected at home. While hopefully, a home intrusion is a worst-case scenario type situation, it’s still good to be proactive and armed just in case. At Liberty Home Concealment, we believe that purchasing a gun for home protection is a big decision that should be made after much deliberation and research. We’ve rounded the pros and cons of pistols, shotguns, and rifles for home protection. Keep reading to learn more about which gun you should use for home defense. 

Should I use a pistol for home defense? 

Pistols are a great option for first-time gun owners or gun-owners with less experience on the range. While some gun-owners might be quick to denounce the role of the shotgun in terms of home defense, remember the saying “A .22 on you is better than a .45 in the truck.” Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of using a pistol for home protection. 

Pros: As mentioned above, a pistol makes a nice choice for a new gun owner. If you want a weapon to give you a sense of security during a home invasion, then a pistol is a great option for you. Pistols are usually simple to operate, small, lightweight, and can be operated with only one hand. 

Cons: Pistols don’t hold as much ammo as a shotgun or rifle, and in a worst-case home defense scenario, you might need more bullets than you think. The average smaller pistol, similar to what one might use for concealed carry, holds around 9-14 bullets. While this might serve you well to scare someone away, if you are in a life-threatening situation you might use up your ammo before you’re done needing it.

Should I use a shotgun for home defense?

Shotguns are a popular choice for defense among gun enthusiasts. Read more about the pros and cons of using a shotgun for home defense, so that you can make an informed decision with your best interests in mind. 

Pros: Shotguns are known for having a ton of power and are flexible on ammunition types. Most shotguns can shoot accurately from a long distance. For example, some shotguns can hit a target 50 yards out. Remember though, that an accurate shot from a long distance is usually made by a skilled marksman. From a more cosmetic standpoint, shotguns are weighty and imposing, giving users more confidence in their weapon. The heft and weight are a reminder of the raw power of this firearm. 

Cons: Shotguns can be intimidating for new gun owners. From a maneuverability standpoint, a shotgun can be awkward to wield indoors, especially in a home. Similar to the pistol, shotguns do not hold a lot of ammo. If you are interested in a shotgun for home defense, look into models with a semi-automatic loading system, that way, your second round is ready to go after the first round is out. If you aren’t an experienced shooter, it might be challenging to get an accurate shot. The power of a shotgun also makes it easy to puncture drywall. If you live in an urban area, a shotgun is probably not the safest choice for you (or your neighbors). 

Should I use a rifle for home defense?

Rifles aren’t just for hunting, many gun-owners find the rifle to be ideal for home protection as well. Here are some pros and cons of using a rifle as your primary method of home defense. 

Pros: Right off the bat, rifles shoot ammo at high speeds and with a lot of force. This combination can be devastating to your target. Rifles are powerful, have a high ammo capacity, and are also great for distance shooting. When used by a skilled shooter, a rifle can accurately hit a target at 100 yards and beyond. If you live in a rural area, a rifle is a great option to consider. 

Cons: Similar to the shotgun, rifles are usually long and heavy. You need to use both hands to shoot a rifle, and their length can make them difficult to maneuver indoors. 

Remember, guns are not one-size-fits-all. Do your research to determine which type of gun is a good fit for home protection within your household. Just because a shotgun works great for your friend, doesn’t mean it should be your first choice. Also, make sure to check your local gun laws to determine what firearms are legal for you to own. 

After you choose the gun you want for home-defense, make sure to check out gun concealment furniture and decor! We have many different sizes and designs to accommodate your firearm. Contact Liberty Home Concealment to learn more about concealment furniture and storing a gun in your home.