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:
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.
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.
“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?
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.
“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.
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