Firearms and Home Defense for Newbies

If you have a family, you want to protect them.  In a society where crimes such as home invasions, robbery, rape, and murder happen every day, you must make a decision on the best method to keep your family safe.  You may call the police (assuming that you have time to dial and reach someone) and by the time they arrive, the assailant will most likely be gone; and who knows what he or she, or even a group, may have done to your family before fleeing.  You have another option – purchasing a firearm.

There is an unlimited number of options when it comes to firearms and their different calibers.  You must take into consideration the availability of ammunition.  Is it too big for the job?  Is it too small for the job?  Do you want a shotgun, handgun, or possibly a rifle?  If you are unsure, you can go to your local shooting range and rent several different weapons for a comparison.  Get something that you are accurate with and are comfortable shooting.  It is recommended that you stick with either a handgun or shotgun, as rifles may be too powerful and penetrate the external walls of your home – potentially injuring innocent pedestrians (although all firearms have that potential).  Don’t go with the cheapest option either.  Get a name brand with a good reputation for reliability.  Feel free to ask for opinions at both the range and when making your purchase.  Many employees at the gun ranges and dealers are experts in their field, and some are even ex-military and law enforcement.

Once you have made your decision and purchased your new firearm, take the time to become familiar with it.  Read the owner’s manual and learn the safety rules.  Practice breaking it down and reassembling it.  Get a feel for the trigger (be sure it is unloaded).  One of the most important things you can do is to learn how to use it.  Go to the range and practice as often as you can.  Get tips and advice on your stance, trigger pull, aiming, etc.  Practice until it becomes second nature so that you will have no worries in case you ever need to use it in a dangerous situation.  Most importantly, be safe.

Here are a few things that you must consider when it comes to home protection:

• If you have children, you must keep your weapon stored out of their reach, yet easily accessible if you need it.
•  It is vital that you know the different “zones” within your home that are a safe direction for shooting if the situation arises.  It would be pointless to try to defend yourself only to find that you have shot through a wall and fatally wounded a family member (contrary to some urban myths, if you chose a shotgun, birdshot will penetrate a wall).
•  Be sure that you understand the laws in your area.  Don’t just assume that you do.
• Ask yourself:  Are you willing to take someone else’s life to protect your family?

Once you have considered those things and know how to use your weapon, take some time to walk through your home and establish where the safe lines of fire are.  Train your family to duck and take cover if you have to use your weapon.  Plan paths of escape in case they are needed.  Even if you feel silly, you can walk through different scenarios in preparation.  In the case of an emergency, you will be happy that you did, and your new firearm will be your best friend.