Firearms - Introduction
Making the decision to purchase a firearm for recreation, home defense, or self-defense is a significant responsibility that requires thoughtful consideration and extensive training. It’s highly recommended to seek guidance from a reputable firearms instructor, such as those certified by the USCCA (United States Concealed Carry Association) or the NRA (National Rifle Association). This ensures you gain the necessary skills and knowledge for safe and effective use. Consulting with your family is equally important as their feelings on firearms and their comfort with the presence of firearms in the home should be factored into your decision.
Beyond training, it’s essential to thoroughly understand your state’s laws regarding safe storage, safe transportation, and the legal use of force to avoid legal pitfalls and ensure responsible ownership. You should also research the ballistics and penetration characteristics of the firearm and ammunition you intend to use, as this knowledge is crucial for safety in a home defense scenario. Additionally, consider factors such as firearm maintenance (cleaning and care), accessibility in emergencies, and mental readiness for owning and potentially using a firearm.
Finally, explore less-than-lethal options and de-escalation strategies as part of a holistic approach to personal and home defense, ensuring you are prepared for a range of situations. Responsible firearms ownership extends beyond the purchase—it encompasses training, education, and a commitment to ongoing skill development and safety.
Why?
“There is a Judge attached to every round that leaves your gun.”
As a firearms instructor, I understand this might sound strange, but I do not recommend buying a gun just to feel safe. Purchasing a firearm is a significant decision, as it is a tool designed for a specific purpose. To provide some context, I began my firearms training at the beginning of 2018, and it wasn't until the end of 2021 that I felt comfortable carrying a gun. That is almost four years and over 300 hours of formal training, including simulator training and use of force law. I recall coming home from my third low-light class, reflecting on the extensive time I had invested in formal training. I turned to my wife and said, "I finally feel comfortable carrying and using a gun for self-defense."
My goal in this section is to provide enough information so that if someone decides to purchase a firearm, they will have a solid foundation to be safe and make the best decision possible for themselves and their family. It is also crucial to seek out reputable instructors and remember that shooting is a perishable skill. These skills diminish quickly, so it is imperative to continually train and challenge yourself.
If you are planning on purchasing a gun for self-defense, ask yourself the following questions:
What are the laws in my state? Understanding local firearm laws is a must to ensure compliance and avoid legal issues.
Can I get Self Defense Insurance in my state? Because of the different Self Defense laws in every state, some insurance companies will not offer insurance. Check with a USCCA representative to see what is available in your state.
How will you safely store your gun? Consider secure storage options to prevent unauthorized access, especially if you have children at home.
How much time are you willing to invest in learning and staying proficient with the operating system of the firearm you plan to purchase? Proficiency with your chosen firearm requires regular practice and training.
Will this firearm be for home defense or everyday carry (EDC)? The intended use will influence the type of firearm you choose.
How will you carry your gun? Decide on your preferred carry method, whether inside the waistband (IWB), outside the waistband (OWB), or off-body carry.
What type of firearm will you choose? Determine if you will get a pistol, shotgun, or AR-15 style rifle.
These are just a few other considerations. As we review each platform, it's important to note that there is no “one size fits all” solution for every scenario. For example, your carry gun will likely be smaller than your home defense gun, your home defense gun can be more robust than your everyday carry (EDC) firearm. Other considerations include how accurate you are with your chosen gun, how easy it is to become proficient with, how maneuverable it is, what the size and weight are, if the gun is customizable, what the stopping power, recoil, and capacity are. Each of these factors will play a role in determining the best firearm for your specific needs and circumstances.
Pistol Options
Some common mistakes people make when buying a handgun include choosing one because it looks cool, it was in a movie, a neighbor recommended it (remember: those making these recommendations will not be there to help you if you need to defend yourself), it's what SEALs and Special Forces use, or because of a misconception that the most stopping power possible is needed-without considering the practicality of the firearm's size and recoil. Please do not let these factors influence your decision. Choose a pistol that you can easily maneuver, reach all the controls, and shoot accurately with both your strong hand and your support hand. This approach ensures you select a handgun that fits your needs and abilities, which ensures better overall performance and safety.
Understanding the different sizes and operating systems available will help make an informed choice. Here is a breakdown of the main categories of pistol sizes and their usual magazine capacities. Each category has its advantages and disadvantages:
Full-Size Pistols: These typically have barrels longer than 4.5 inches and a grip that fully fits the hand even without a magazine. They are larger, more comfortable to shoot, and have better recoil control. This makes them ideal for home defense as well as competition shooting. Examples include the Glock 17, Beretta 92FS, and SIG Sauer P226. The usual magazine capacity for full-size pistols like the Glock 17 is 17+1 rounds, the Beretta 92FS typically holds 15+1 rounds, the SIG Sauer P226 also holds 15+1 rounds and the Sig Sauer 320 can have a 21 rounds.
Compact Pistols: These have barrel lengths between 3.5 to 4.5 inches and are slightly smaller than full-size pistols. They offer a good balance between ease of concealment and shootability, making them versatile for both home defense and concealed carry. Popular models include the Glock 19 and SIG Sauer P229. The Glock 19 usually has a magazine capacity of 17+1 rounds, while the SIG Sauer P229 also holds 15+1 rounds.
Sub-Compact Pistols: With barrel lengths between 3 to 3.5 inches, these pistols are smaller and lighter than compact pistols. Their size makes them more suitable for concealed carry. They are often carried in pockets or small holsters but may have more recoil due to their lighter weight. Examples include the Glock 26 and SIG P365. The Glock 26 typically holds 10+1 rounds, while the SIG P365 has a magazine capacity of 10+1 rounds, with options for 12+1 and 15+1 extended magazines.
Micro-Compact Pistols: These are the smallest and lightest category, designed for maximum concealability. They typically have barrels shorter than 3 inches and are very easy to carry discreetly. However, they can be more challenging to shoot accurately due to their size and higher recoil. Examples include the Glock 43 and SIG Sauer P365X. The Glock 43 generally has a magazine capacity of 6+1 rounds, while the SIG Sauer P365X holds 10+1 rounds, with extended options available.
Note that magazine capacity can vary depending on the caliber. If you choose an extended magazine, I recommend purchasing directly from the manufacturer. Aftermarket equipment may require modifications to function properly, and using the manufacturer's products ensures better compatibility and reliability.
Common Handgun Operating Systems
Revolvers
Single-Action Revolvers (SA): These require the hammer to be manually cocked before each shot. The trigger pull only releases the hammer, making the action light and crisp. This type is commonly seen in old Western movies and is known for its simplicity and reliability.
Double-Action Revolvers (DA): These can be fired either by manually cocking the hammer (like single-action) or by simply pulling the trigger, which both cocks and releases the hammer. This provides a longer and heavier trigger pull but allows for quicker successive shots without manually cocking the hammer each time.
Semi-Automatic Pistols
Single-Action (SA): These pistols require the hammer to be cocked for the first shot, either manually or by racking the slide. Subsequent shots are fired with a light trigger pull as the slide's movement recocks the hammer. The 1911 is a classic example of a single-action semi-automatic pistol.
Double-Action/Single-Action (DA/SA): These pistols combine both actions. The first shot is fired in double-action mode, where pulling the trigger cocks and releases the hammer. Subsequent shots are fired in single-action mode as the slide automatically cocks the hammer. This system is found in pistols like the Beretta 92 and SIG P226.
Double-Action Only (DAO): These pistols operate similarly to double-action revolvers, where every trigger pull both cocks and releases the hammer. The hammer does not stay cocked after a shot, leading to a consistent but heavier trigger pull for every shot. Examples include certain models of the SIG Sauer P250.
Striker-Fired Pistols
Striker-fired pistols: These pistols do not have an external hammer. Instead, they use a spring-loaded striker to hit the primer and fire the cartridge. The trigger pull is typically consistent for every shot, similar to a DAO system but often lighter and shorter. Striker-fired pistols are popular for their simplicity and reliability, with Glock pistols being a notable example. Other manufacturers include Smith & Wesson with their M&P series, and SIG Sauer with the P320.
Other Considerations
Understanding the caliber for a handgun refers to the diameter of the bullet it fires, typically measured in inches or millimeters. It affects the weapon's power, recoil, and overall performance. When choosing a caliber, you must realistically consider your hand strength and ability to manipulate and control the gun with one hand. As I work more with an aging population, I see people with diminished grip strength, wrist injuries, and arthritis in their hands. This is why I can't stress enough the importance of scheduling a session with an instructor from a reputable organization. Go through a detailed safety briefing and try several different handguns to see and feel the differences to determine what works best for you. If you have never done this before, having an explosion in front of your face will be quite startling, to say the least. If you fear pulling the trigger because of recoil or pain, that tool will do you no good if you need to use it.
Shotgun Options
The shotgun is a very versatile firearm, often referred to as the thinking man's gun due to its adaptability. You can use slugs to reach 100 yards or different buckshot loads for various applications (such as home defense). Slugs and buckshot refer to the types of ammunition used for specific purposes. One of the biggest limitations of a shotgun is its ammunition capacity. Most shotguns have a capacity of between 5 to 8 rounds. For our purposes, we will discuss pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns.
Pump-Action Shotguns: Pump-action shotguns are known for their reliability and simplicity. They require manual cycling of the action after each shot, which can make them slightly slower to fire compared to semi-automatic shotguns. Typical magazine capacities for pump-action shotguns range from 4 to 8 rounds, but some models can accommodate more with extended or detachable magazines.
Semi-Automatic Shotguns: Semi-automatic shotguns use either gas-operated or inertia-driven systems to automatically cycle the action, allowing for faster follow-up shots. These shotguns generally have a magazine capacity of 3 to 7 rounds, though some tactical models can hold more.
Because a shotgun can be large, heavy, tough to maneuver in tight spaces, have significant recoil, and because it has limited magazine capacity, it requires a considerable amount of practice and training to feel comfortable using it for home defense. If you are considering a shotgun, it is highly recommended to take a lesson or a class using a shotgun before deciding to purchase one for self-protection.
AR15
When it comes to firearms and the media, there is a lot of misinformation regarding the capabilities of certain guns and ballistics. For example, many people mistakenly believe that "AR" in AR-15 stands for "Assault Rifle." In reality, "AR" stands for ArmaLite Rifle, named after the company that developed it. The AR-15 was designed in the late 1950s by Eugene Stoner as a lightweight, small-caliber rifle based on the larger AR-10 model. In 1959, ArmaLite sold the design to Colt, which then marketed the rifle to military and civilian markets. The U.S. military adopted a select-fire version known as the M-16 during the Vietnam War, and Colt later sold a semi-automatic version to civilians as the AR-15.
The media often portrays the AR-15 as unsuitable for home defense, claiming that its bullets can penetrate through multiple houses. However, this is a misconception. The AR-15 uses .223 or 5.56mm rounds, which, while powerful, are not designed to penetrate through extensive barriers. In fact, many experts argue that these rounds are less likely to over-penetrate compared to common handgun rounds when using self-defense ammo. This topic is further explored in the "Ballistics" section of our website, where the capabilities and limitations of different ammunition types are discussed in detail.
Additionally, it's important to understand that effective use of an AR-15, like any firearm, requires proper training and practice. The AR-15 is often chosen for its lightweight, ease of manipulation in tight areas, accuracy, modularity, and ease of use. These traits make it a popular choice among responsible gun owners for various purposes, including home defense.
With an AR-15, you have four points of contact with the gun- shoulder, cheek, pistol grip, and support hand. These contact points provide a much more stable shooting platform compared to a pistol, which typically involves only two points of contact. This stability can improve accuracy and control. Additionally, you can mount a light to the handguard of an AR-15, making it easier to handle situations in low-light conditions. With a pistol, you might need to hold a flashlight in one hand and the gun in the other, which can be challenging and is why I recommend a handgun that you can control with one hand. But an AR-15 offers superior stability and accessory options for home defense.
Choosing to own a firearm is not just a personal decision, it’s a lifelong responsibility. It demands ongoing training, a deep respect and understanding of the law, and a serious commitment to safety. Whether you’re considering a firearm for home defense, personal protection, or recreation, the key to responsible ownership lies in education, consistent practice, and a mindset of preparedness, not paranoia. At Prepared Not Paranoid, we believe knowledge is your greatest tool. Stay informed, stay trained, and never stop working to be the calm, confident protector your family may one day depend on.
