I’m turning 18 soon and looking into self-defense options. I was thinking about getting a handgun, but I found out you need to be 21 to buy one here in Wisconsin. At 18, though, it seems like I could legally buy a shotgun or rifle, but I’m not totally sure about the laws. Some people have told me that private sales of handguns might be an option at 18, but that sounds kind of sketchy. I also thought about less lethal options, but I’m not sure if that’s the best idea. It’s just me, my mom, and my younger siblings at home, and there have been times when I really wished I had something for protection. Any thoughts on what I should go for? I’ve handled rifles a lot through hunting with my dad’s side of the family, and my grandpa takes me to the range pretty often.
There’s some good info here already, but let me clear a few things up:
Gun Laws: Wisconsin law allows an 18-year-old to own pistols, rifles, and shotguns. However, federal law prevents anyone under 21 from buying a handgun from a dealer (FFL), which creates a weird loophole where you can buy a handgun through a private sale at 18. Be careful about SBRs and suppressors though, as they involve submitting paperwork to the ATF, and you could run into issues there.
Home Defense: Before buying anything, consider your home defense setup. Things like a doorbell camera or reinforced doors with 3-inch screws are a great start. If you’re set on getting a firearm, a 12-gauge shotgun with Federal Flight Control 00 Buckshot is a solid choice, but make sure you’re trained to use it safely.
@Nash
This is the most helpful answer I’ve gotten, thank you!
@Nash
Just to add—there’s no ‘surrendering’ NFA items if a Form 4 is denied. The items aren’t transferred to you until it’s approved, so if it’s rejected, you’d have to sell or dispose of them legally.
@Zimri
Got it, thanks for clarifying that!
Make sure you get proper training before using any weapon.
Beckett said:
Make sure you get proper training before using any weapon.
I’ve used rifles a bunch and have access to a range. I agree though, training is key.
Beckett said:
Make sure you get proper training before using any weapon.
I’ve used rifles a bunch and have access to a range. I agree though, training is key.
The comment was more about self-defense training, not just handling the gun. Look into legal and practical training too, like the stuff you can find on Active Self Protection on YouTube.
@Zane
Thanks for the tip, I’ll check that out.
@Zane
All they said was to ‘get proper training’—nothing wrong with OP’s reply.
@Zane
Honestly, ASP gives terrible advice. Be careful with that source.
@Jo
I get what you’re saying, but I’m in a situation where I can’t wait around for training. If something happens tomorrow, I need to be able to protect my family. A little bit of training or none at all is better than having nothing when someone’s breaking in.
Beckett said:
Make sure you get proper training before using any weapon.
I’ve used rifles a bunch and have access to a range. I agree though, training is key.
Handling a gun at a range is very different from real-life defensive scenarios. Make sure you’re getting training that focuses on those situations.
For home defense, a pump-action shotgun with 00 buckshot will definitely scare off intruders and stop them if they try to push through.
Brenner said:
For home defense, a pump-action shotgun with 00 buckshot will definitely scare off intruders and stop them if they try to push through.
I think an AR-15 is a better option for home defense than a shotgun.
I always say that defense comes in many forms, and not just with guns. I carry a bright tactical flashlight and a knife everywhere. A good flashlight can disorient someone long enough for you to either run or get the upper hand. Firearms are important, but they’re not the only tool you need in your self-defense toolkit.
@Sky
Good point! What flashlight and knife do you carry?
@Sky
Definitely agree on the flashlight part. I carry an Emisar D4v2, and it’s insanely bright—can really disorient someone in a dark situation.
Mai said:
@Sky
Definitely agree on the flashlight part. I carry an Emisar D4v2, and it’s insanely bright—can really disorient someone in a dark situation.
How long does it stay on before it heats up? Sounds intense.
@Skyler
It heats up fast on turbo, but you can use lower settings for regular tasks. The brightness levels are adjustable, so turbo is just for emergencies.