By Paul Markel Just like clockwork, when people who don’t own or carry guns are faced with the reality that we live in a dangerous, uncertain world, they look to their “gun friends” for advice. Sometimes this is a personal situation. They’ve been robbed, assaulted, threatened, etc. and they seek out advice from someone they … Read more
Reader J.R. writes . . . I like your article on the self defense shotgun. Unfortunately I cannot use a pump. I lost my right arm in Iraq in 2006 so I’m now permanently left handed. I keep my M4 handy because I’m so used to it that, even left handed, I can operate it … Read more
As a firearms and personal defense instructor for just shy of 25 years, I’ve had countless people ask me what’s the best gun for home defense. If only it were so simple. That question is analogous to “Which car should I buy?” The answer is always, “It depends….” For those wanting to buy their first … Read more
A “nightstand gun” — the handgun you keep by the bedside for quick access in a bump-in-the-night-scenario — is a niche firearm. While your nightstand gun can be your everyday concealed carry gun as well, it’s best to have something specifically suited to the task (finances allowing). Here are three criteria which should guide your … Read more
It’s a never-ending debate. The question: what’s the best firearm for home defense? Some like a pistol‘s one-handed maneuverability that lets you corral family members to safety or otherwise frees your off hand to use a flashlight, dial 911, whatever. Some like a carbine‘s combination of power and accuracy. A third group touts the … Read more
Some things just never change. In a time when pistol caliber carbines and ARs have become so popular, especially with some of younger gun buyers, a shotgun is still quite affordable and remains an outstanding choice for home defense. The technology might be centuries old, but it still works extremely well and will stop bad … Read more
“That is one of the only defensive situation(s) where (a shotgun) shines above an AR-15, the other being an attack on your home by people made up of sporting clays.” So sayeth Patrick R. at The Firearm Blog.As you’d expect, his article Have Shotguns Jumped The Shark? I Think So has baited many a click. Patrick takes one … Read more
Over at the highly testicular gunnuts.net Caleb reckons rifles are the way to go for home defense. He makes his case by pitting shotguns against rifles in four categories: Cost, Firepower, Shootability and Ease of Use. After giving the shotgun cost kudos, Caleb proclaims “this post isn’t about home defense on a budget.” OK, then. And while … Read more
A reader writes: I’m a new reader and was wondering if you’ve ever posted about home defense shotguns and what to look for when purchasing one. If not, would you be able to point me toward a few good resources, or perhaps do a post on this topic at some point in the future? I’m … Read more
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