Hey everyone, I figured this forum would be a great place to get some advice.
What do you all recommend as the best weapon for home defense? I work nights, so my girlfriend is often home alone, and we’re looking for something she can safely and confidently use in case of an emergency. I’m comfortable with guns since I grew up around them, but my girlfriend hasn’t had that experience. She’s open to learning, though, and even understands that having a weapon means she might have to make life-or-death decisions.
To answer some questions upfront:
We live in a high-crime area, so a home invasion is a real concern.
My girlfriend is on board with getting a weapon and learning how to use it responsibly.
We’re planning to take a CCW class together so she can get professional training and learn when using a weapon is justified.
Any suggestions for what kind of weapon might work best for her? Or other steps we should take to keep her safe?
One of the most important things is having a plan. For example, choose a ‘safe room’ like the bedroom where she can barricade herself and call 911. She can sit with the weapon pointed at the door and stay on the phone with emergency services.
If that sounds like your setup, I’d suggest a reliable pump-action shotgun like a Remington 870 or Mossberg 590. Add a flashlight or laser attachment so it’s easy to aim in a high-stress situation. Teach her to stay put and not go looking around the house—that’s a common mistake.
@Mali
Great advice! I’d add that you should reinforce the bedroom door with long screws and a solid strike plate. Also, forget the whole ‘rack the shotgun to scare them’ thing—that just gives away her position. Stay quiet and keep it loaded.
@Mali
Seconded. And if you go with a shotgun, consider low-recoil defense loads. They’re easier to handle, especially for someone smaller. The Mossberg 590S is a great option—shorter stock, and it can hold 9 short shells. Just keep it simple and practical.
Vesper said:
A handgun is probably the easiest to use. A Mossberg 590 Shockwave is a good shotgun option, and an AR-15 works well for longer distances.
Rifles for home defense? That’s risky—it could go through walls and into the neighbor’s house. Stick to a shotgun or pistol.
I was in the same situation once. My wife wasn’t comfortable alone at night, so I reinforced the doors and settled on a .38 revolver for her—it’s simple, and it always goes off. But honestly, the game changer was getting a German Shepherd. That dog made her feel so much safer, and we never had any issues.
A pump-action shotgun with buckshot is a classic choice—it’s simple and reliable. For handguns, let her try out a few to see what she’s comfortable with. A good range should have rentals. Don’t overlook revolvers, either—they’re straightforward to use.
Most home break-ins happen when no one’s home, but it’s still good to be prepared. A dog is an excellent deterrent, and for firearms, I’d go with a pistol-caliber carbine. Easy to handle and effective.