Buying Your First Handgun, Home Defense

Home defense guns are maybe the easiest to choose, simply because it doesn't need to conform to as many caliber of size constraints. We don't need to overthink our cartridge choice, simply a capable cartridge. We don't have to worry as much about size, because we don't have to conceal it or even carry it all day. So the choices may open up considerably.

Some will simply use their carry gun ad a home defense gun, and I believe this to be an excellent choice to a point. If you are very familiar with your carry gun, it is a good choice just based on your capabilities with that particular handgun. The down side is that we made concessions with the carry gun to get it small and light enough to carry. Often these guns recoil more and hold less ammo. If you have more ammunition and a lighter recoiling gun, that could be a distinct advantage.

Capacity is a factor for me when choosing a home defense gun. I like to have a large capacity, given I may have to fight only with what is in the gun. Statistics on home invasions are increasingly bringing additional attackers, meaning I may have to engage multiple threats with multiple rounds. If at all possible, I would like to bring more ammo in the gun.

The other thing I would like to bring is a light. I don't necessarily have to have a weapon mounted light on the gun, but it does allow me to have a light simply by picking up the gun. Remember though, where the light goes, the gun goes. If your intruder ends up being your teenager that broke curfew, you need to know how to use the light WITHOUT pointing it at someone you love. If a handheld light makes more sense to you, learn how to effectively run your gun single handed and make sure it is with your defesnive kit. Get some training on low light skills.

With these two pieces of gear in place, don't skimp on the training "as we fight" portion. Make sure you can access your lock box or drawer easily and efficiently. Practice bench pickups at the range, simulating how you would acces the pistol at home. Understand that without a holster keeping the gun stationary, picking up the gun could be more technical than holster work.

Finally, familiarity with a firearm is paramount. I heard a fellow firearms teacher say that it doesn't matter what they did throughout past, it matters what they have done in the last two weeks. How recent is your training with your home defense gun?

As always, it's a great idea to get out and practice. Take quality training for the skills you don't have, then practice your new techniques to make them work well for your needs.