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In these uncertain times, the home is one of the few remaining places where American families can truly feel safe. Protecting that sense of peace and security is imperative, as is selecting the appropriate rifle, pistol, or shotgun to defend it with.
When selecting a designated home defense gun, the type of firearm you choose is just as important as the way you stage it in your house or apartment. You must weigh the pros and cons of each platform against your unique circumstances before you can determine whether a rifle, a pistol, or a shotgun is best for your home defense loadout.
Shotguns offer excellent stopping power, but can be cumbersome and have lower capacity. Rifles are more maneuverable and versatile, but present an increased risk of overpenetration. Pistols are quick and easy to access, but are hindered by their relatively limited range and ballistic performance.
The layout and square footage of your home should always factor into your defensive strategy. For example, if you live in an apartment complex surrounding by neighbors in every direction, a round fired from a rifle or big-bore handgun could punch through your target and several layers of drywall before injuring someone in an adjoining residence. A shorty 12 gauge firearm or a 9mm pistol loaded with defensive rounds may be a better choice in such a setting.
On the other hand, a ranch-style house with lots of open space can present unique challenges that are best tackled with a full-length carbine or tactical shotgun. Overpenetration is less of a concern, so you can safely deploy the most effective tool at your disposal to engage threats from longer distances, minimizing your exposure.
In addition to assessing the constraints your home's floor plan imposes on your defensive strategy, it's important to know what your primary objective will be if you are confronted by a deadly threat inside your house or apartment. The gun you use to hunker down in place with your spouse will be different than the gun you use to clear rooms as you check on any friends and family who may be staying with you.
Experts generally advise against engaging in solo CQB during a home invasion unless doing so is absolutely necessary to protect your life or the life of a loved one. There are simply too many variables at play and it is often safer to occupy a position with an advantageous field of fire. However, some situations may call for more direct action, so if there is any chance you may have to move from your original location, you must ensure that your home defense gun is set up properly.
A semi-auto pistol is ideal for negotiating confined spaces like doorways, hallways, and staircases. With a red dot optic and a weapon-mounted tactical light, you can quickly engage targets during the day or in pitch darkness. We also recommend selecting a model with at least a 15-round capacity, since you may not have conveient access to spare magazines.
For a dedicated home defense carbine, consider an AR-platform rifle chambered in .300 Blackout. This cartridge was specifically developed to run reliably through suppressed guns, plus it is tremendously effective for close to mid-range engagements. Add your preferred optic / light combo and foregrip for a rifle that is equally suited for efficiently maneuvering through the interior of your home or posting up in a secure defensive position.
Modern bullpup shotguns are perfect for CQB because they combine the firepower of 12GA shotshells with a full-length 18" barrel in a relatively compact firearm. With 10-round extended magazines readily available and plenty of rail space for mounting a light or laser, a semi-auto bullpup is perhaps the most effective home defense shotgun setup you can achieve.
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If you want the advantages of a 16-inch barrel without the risk of overpenetration, then a pistol caliber carbine might be the right choice for your home defense setup. Watch our video below to see our top 5 picks for the best PCCs we saw at SHOT Show 2024.
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