Hello, fellow advocates of freedom and self-defense. I make it a point to stay trained and ready for any situations that might pose a threat to me or my family. Lately, my country has been facing significant challenges, resulting in an increase in crime over the past eight years. A few weeks ago, my home was burglarized, but fortunately, no one was there at the time.
I’m not a weapons expert and have never fired a gun, but I plan to receive the necessary training. I’m looking for recommendations on the best lethal or non-lethal weapons for home defense against intruders. I need a reliable weapon with sufficient ammo capacity that can also be used by the women in my family. My initial thoughts are shotguns and handguns. I appreciate your advice, keeping in mind that this is for home defense, so ease of use is extremely important.
Please refrain from discussing legal issues, as I am well-informed about them in my country.
P.S. Most walls in Chile are made of concrete due to seismic considerations.
First, it’s essential for you and your family to have an open discussion about what it means to take a human life. Reflect seriously on how you would feel if you found a dead body in your kitchen. If you resort to lethal force without having thought this through, you might hesitate, putting yourself at risk if an intruder were to take your weapon and use it against you. Forget about aiming for a “leg shot” or anything like that; it’s a small target, and when adrenaline kicks in, it can be challenging to hit anything accurately. Take the time to determine who should truly stop at non-lethal options.
Regarding the best firearm, that’s a highly personal choice. The only way to find the right fit is to visit a shooting range and try out a variety of guns. Personally, I find CZs and similar models easier to handle, while I struggle with Glocks and similar types. My wife requires a smaller gun than I do. Don’t settle; ensure that each person has the firearm they feel most comfortable using.
I thought i was being treated like some child but the truth is hadn’t considered this almost technical aspect of making the choice to own a lethal gun. Also thanks for sharing your take.
This depends a lot on your area and what your needs are. Check out Vigilance Elite on YouTube. He has a video analyzing various weapons for home defense.
A semiautomatic or pump shotgun will be easy to operate and load. I recommend you have a shotgun and a handgun. A pistol is easier for maneuvering and you can hide it if it ends up being a false alarm
Shotguns are not easy to operate under stress unless you train and have low capacity. Semi auto shotguns aren’t known for their reliability and the recoil and noise are awful especially for smaller folk.
Pistols are the hardest guns to shoot accurately
The best self defense gun with the least training to work across a broad group of people is a PCC. Lower recoil, low noise easy to operate
If you are legally allowed to keep a semiautomatic rifle with a detachable magazine, that would be my first suggestion. They are simple to operate, do not have heavy recoil, have good capacity, are easy to reload, and are effective at stopping a determined attacker.
If you cannot legally own a rifle, then I would suggest a shotgun. They are slightly more complicated to operate, have noticeably more recoil than a modern rifle, have a low capacity; but they are effective at stopping a determined attacker.
If you do not have legal access to long guns, then I would suggest a handgun chambered in one of the “big 3” calibers - 9mm, 40SW, or 45ACP. They are easy to operate, have decent capacity; but are not as easy to aim as long guns and are not as effective at stopping a determined attacker as a long gun.
Imagine saying “big 3” and dropping 9mm and then .45 ACP as the biggest round.
If there is a big 3 of pistol calibers it would be .44 Magnum, 454 Cassul, and maybe .357 Magnum since .50 is niche.
You could have said “top 3” and then it might make more sense as you clearly want to push 9mm because ammo is easily acquired in the states (might not be the case in Chile) and its manageable for new shooters
I read your post. You asked for gun advice, not legal advice. You explained your situation. Here is my strategy. My everyday carry in my loose front pocket is a hammerless 38 special. Specifically, mine is the Smith and Wesson model 642. Carry in a sticky pocket holster for j frame revolvers. Moving on from immediate self defense, I have 2 suggestions. First, my rifle suggestion is the Smith and Wesson M&P 15 Sport II. From my experience, the best reliable 5.56/.223 platform for the money. With that gun you could hit targets from a long range. Finally, for a weapon to protect you and your family when barricaded in the bedroom, waiting for the bad guy to break through the door, nothing beats a 12 gauge shotgun. Honestly, if you can learn to handle a pump 12 gauge with confidence, any 12 gauge from Walmart or anywhere will work fine.
I only have theoretical knowledge, so take that as you will.
You mentioned shotguns, which have both advantages and disadvantages. They can provide more stopping power, accuracy, and penetration, though you may not need all of those features. Shotguns certainly have stopping power, but there are some drawbacks.
Long guns can be harder to maneuver in tight spaces. Their longer barrels make them slower to aim, and they can be easier for an intruder to grab if they get too close—something you won’t face with a handgun.
I recommend a semiautomatic shotgun along with a handgun to avoid dealing with pump action. With a semiautomatic, you simply aim and pull the trigger. They cost more than pump-action shotguns, but I believe it’s worth the investment for home defense, especially considering your emphasis on ease of use.
Consider looking into suppressors, which may be legal in your area. They can help protect your hearing, as guns are incredibly loud. Suppressors extend the barrel, but typically not by much. While some shotguns can be suppressed, it’s usually not practical for home defense for obvious reasons.
When choosing ammunition, think about overpenetration. You don’t want to accidentally shoot through walls and harm unintended targets, whether people or property. For this reason, avoid using slugs for home defense.
As for magazine capacity, it’s a personal choice. Aim for the highest capacity possible, as long as it doesn’t hinder your handling (like with an extended magazine). However, keep in mind that no amount of bullets will help if you can’t hit your target, so practice is essential! Statistically, you probably won’t need more than a few bullets in a defensive situation, but having extra won’t hurt.
Additionally, it would be irresponsible of me not to mention this: Ensure that any capable household members are proficient in using firearms. Otherwise, it could lead to disastrous consequences. If you have kids, it’s crucial they understand the dangers firearms pose and are instructed not to touch them unless taught to do so (teach them gun safety). Statistics show that you’re more likely to accidentally shoot a family member than a burglar (this remains true even when ignoring suicides), so keep firearms securely stored unless being carried. This also protects your firearms from theft if someone breaks in while you’re away.
Make sure to practice with the firearms you intend for home defense. Not all guns perform the same, even within the same category. I suggest doing practical scenario training in addition to regular proficiency tests. While you could just wing it, I wouldn’t recommend it, as it’s your family that could suffer if something goes wrong. Check local businesses or organizations that offer practical scenario training with practice or simulation ammunition. Your local gun club, police, or military might have information on courses available for civilians. Some courses use live ammo and popup targets to improve reaction time.
There are many knowledgeable people with practical firearms experience out there. I suggest checking out Paul Harrell on YouTube; he’s my current go-to source. For more general gun knowledge in a relaxed format, Hickok45 is also a great resource—he’s a true treasure.
