5 so-called home defense experts.

5 so-called home defense experts

We have all met this guy in light conversation in the office or gun club. He is the resident expert on home defense. He includes statistics and talks in a raised eyebrow you should agree tone. His firearm of choice is the only viable option and will argue like a politician to secure his point, they are the “So-Called Home Defense Experts”

Now keep in mind that this is my perspective and humble opinion. Please let me know if you have a similar experience.

AR-15 Guy:

 This guy wants you to believe that every home defense situation is a quick trip back in time to Vietnam. He does not go into detail about tactics or specific ammunition, just that the black rifle fires an enormous amount of rounds and is great for running off large gangs of thugs.

Reality—The AR-15 used properly is an excellent home defense firearm. Depending on the basic layout of your home--that will determine the ammo and training you will need to ensure success and save the lives of your loved ones.

 Comrade AK-47:

He believes that when you have to absolutely kill every mother-F*&#@ in the room the AK is the weapon of choice. This person will swear up and down that the very sight of the AK will cause a fecal explosion in the pants of the nefarious infiltrator and he will run from your home in fear.

Reality—Once again no mention of training or ballistics with the AK. With the scores of variants in the US, it stands to reason that this firearm is in the average household. However, understanding the firearm is understanding the difficult nature of it as a home defense firearm. The AK fires a round that is roughly equivalent to a 30 caliber brush gun. Again, study the dimensions of your house and the material that lines your walls to ensure there will be little to no penetration.

 Shotgun Noise:

“The very sound of a shotgun will make them stop. That noise-you know-the sound of a shotgun racking a round in the chamber will send chills right up the spine. You see I’ve never had to use ol’ Betty here, because her bark is worse than her bite.” We all know this guy when looking for the best home defense firearm. He is orally passing down the same old story he heard from someone in a bait shop or gun club. This person cannot be reasoned with, nor can they give specifics to the follow-up question; what if they don’t run?

Reality-The shotgun is a superb home defense firearm. It does have some disadvantages such as weight and bulk. Not everyone in your household will be able to shoot or handle a 12 gauge shotgun. Who said it had to be a 12 gauge, more and more people are using the 20 gauge as a viable shotgun option for home defense. It’s light enough and still packs a punch. As for the noise, it may or may not work. Are you willing to bet your life on it? Train, train and more training. No your rounds and your shotgun and various distances within your home. A normal shotgun pattern will stay tight until after a certain distance, so unless you live in a mansion, just aiming in the general direction will not suffice.

Dirty Harry The Revolver Guy:

 

Usually an old timer who once fired a pistol in the air to scare away some “damn” teenagers in his yard. This man will go on and on about how the revolver holds just enough rounds to do the job until the cops show up. I once heard a man at a local gun club exclaim, “If I can’t get him with 6 then I deserve to die” WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY MAN?

Reality-The revolver is one of the oldest home defense firearms in the world. It rarely jams and can pack a mean punch to anyone looking to inflict harm. Not to mention, it does strike an intimidating pose with its iconic standing with Americans. All that aside, how quickly can you reload the revolver? Will you bring extra ammo with you while clearing room to room in your underwear? How do you clear a jam? The revolver is a great defense firearm but needs very special attention to fire and accurately acquire your intended target, especially at night.

 

…Of The Highest Caliber:

 

“I only need one shot to put ‘em down. That’s why I carry a *insert highest caliber possible*. Sure I don’t have a lot of bullets, but don’t need ‘em”. We ALL know this person. They scrutinize and peal back the reasons why you shouldn’t own a smaller caliber firearm. They put no stock into any ballistics except their chosen bullet. It would be easier to get two opposing politicians to agree on pro-life/pro-choice than change his mind.

Reality- Plain and simple situation dependence. I cannot say for certain that one shot is what you will need or not need in a given situation. However, police, military, and many shooting courses will teach follow up shots. The reason is simple, in a home defense situation you will be afraid or at least the adrenaline will be coursing through your body. This makes it very difficult to calmly place a single accurate shot. Furthermore, it is unlikely that a single well placed shot will do the job. If you are truly in fear for your life and your loved ones, then you must fire until the threat has been dealt with. That means out of your home or no longer moving.

 

The reoccurring theme to debunk most of these would-be experts is training. There are many companies that dedicate time and effort that properly train you to defend your home and your family. When it comes to firearm selection, use what you have, but be well trained with that firearm. If the only firearm you can afford is a Highpoint 9mm, then become the unequivocal guru on that firearm. Know the limitations and advantages in your household. As always be aware of your domestic floor plan. Train at night and during the day. If truly serious, then it should be no different than drilling your family for a potential fire.