Concerns over potential social instability and apprehensions about societal breakdowns have led to an increase in the number of households owning guns. These sentiments are further intensified by the persuasive rhetoric from the National Rifle Association (NRA). As individuals grapple with uncertainties about the future, they prioritize the importance of safeguarding their homes effectively. Consequently, this has brought the decision-making process regarding the optimal firearms for home defense to the forefront of their considerations.
Semiautomatic Pistol: Glock 17 9mm For in-home protection with a semiautomatic pistol, none can top a Glock 17 9mm. Its design is simplicity itself with a striker-fired “Safe Action” system; the trigger pull is much the same, shot after shot. Furthermore, the absence of manual safety or decocking levers enhances this simplicity of use to the degree that the Glock 17 is, in effect, as intuitive as a revolver. As Lt. Col. Dave Grossman put it in his “On Killing,” “The Glock pistol has a well-deserved reputation for simplicity and reliability.”
Handgun (Double-Action Revolver) Ruger GP-100 .357 Magnum For that reassuring heft and dependability of the double-action revolver, look toward the Ruger GP-100 .357 Magnum. Such is the strength and durability of this revolver that it is made using an investment casting technique that earned it the nickname “the Timex of its category.” As the disclaimer in the reloading manual reads, “For Ruger Guns Only,” this GP-100 is truly built to take a pounding from the most powerful of the .357 Magnum loads. “The Ruger GP-100 is a workhorse revolver that can handle hot .357 Magnum loads with ease,” notes firearms expert Richard Nance.
Shotgun: Remington 870 12-Gauge Pump-Action The Remington 870 12-gauge pump-action shotgun is an iconic and arguably the most popular choice for home defense. As Steve Balestrieri of 19FortyFive 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 combination of reliability, accuracy, and affordability solidifies the Remington 870’s reputation as a top pick for home defense.
RIMFIRE RIFLE: RUGER 10/22 .22LR Not a perfect self-defense cartridge, the .22 Long Rifle, teamed with the Ruger 10/22’s accuracy, reliability, and superb handling, might just work very well. Particularly if multiple, well-placed shots are called for. They say: “But a hit with a.22 beats a miss with a.44 Magnum.” Costing $389 MSRP, with low-cost ammunition, the Ruger 10/22 is a cheap solution for anyone looking for a rimfire rifle for home defense.
M4 .223 Remington/5.56mm Centerfire Rifle: Centerfire rifles were not historically a recommended choice for home defense, because of their length and bulk; being excessively penetrative, they posed some risks. That has changed in recent years, with the M16/AR-15 having issued an M4 compact variant. Coupled with advances in frangible bullet designs to lessen the risk of over-penetration, this now renders the M4, in the .223 Remington/5.56mm caliber, a centerfire rifle to recon with, which today can be confidently recommended for home defense.
Any self-defense homeowner who’s considering arming during these challenging times should make wise decisions when choosing firearms. From the reliable simplicity of the Glock 17 to the rugged dependability of the Ruger GP-100, the iconic Remington 870 shotgun, the economical Ruger 10/22, or the versatile M4 carbine, these firearms have attributes that uniquely position them for specific needs and tastes. Ultimately, it is your choice, but with this well-rounded guide, you will have a better idea of how to proceed given an increasingly uncertain future.
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