I’m new to guns and looking for some advice on home defense. I understand that there are a lot of different factors to consider when buying a gun for self-defense. I’d appreciate your thoughts on what would be best for someone like me who’s just starting to get into this. Also, any tips on how to store and handle a gun safely would be great.
First off, if you’re buying guns do not tell anyone it’s specifically for self defense or home defense. Canadians don’t have a right to defend themselves with a castle doctrine or stand your ground statutes. Self defense with firearms is largely looked down upon in this country as they expect you to take every other option to run away or gtfo of a bad situation before using firearms. Reasonable force is the term they use to describe this.
Eg) a guy’s breaking into your house, you’re unsure if he’s got a weapon. Doesn’t look like it. But you feel threatened anyways and you shotty blast him through the door. You open yourself up for massive legal implications and a very uphill battle to prove you didn’t murder this intruder.
That being said. I completely disagree with all that and think we need a castle doctrine in this country. If you are being physically threatened on your property or in your home, IMO you should be able to use any force necessary, not “reasonable” force like they outline in the laws. Criminals accept the risk of death when they commit crimes, civilians shouldn’t be held liable for the demise of a stupid ass criminal.
To answer your question, like others have said… A shorter barrel shotgun with some buckshot is a good firearm for that purpose with minimal risk for collateral damage of your house/neighbours. And I would still apply for a restricted license if you don’t have one, some restricted short barrel rifles are still available. (FX9 SBR/pistol) Also in the event that the cons reverse the handgun ban, you’ll be able to buy one then.
@Micah
100%. Well said
@Micah
A shorter barrel shotgun with some buckshot is a good firearm for that purpose with minimal risk for collateral damage of your house/neighbours.
A great option for this is non-lethal rounds such as:
It’ll hurt like heck but won’t puncture anyone’s body. On a par with the bean bags police use for riot control.
@Micah
I appreciate your comments. I would never own a gun for protection from burglary or anything like that. What I’m afraid of is the recent rise of antisemitism. I’m buying for a worst case scenario where the law is not offering protection, however unlikely that may be. But I take your point. As far as anyone at the course/gun store is concerned I’m buying for hunting/sporting.
Owning firearms for defense is a very bad idea in Canada. Firstly, you have to store guns securely, and unloaded. The chances you’ll be able to get to one in time are poor.
Secondly, the government charges all people who shoot someone, regardless of the situation. Even if you’re justified, it might take years of trial to confirm that, resulting in your life falling apart.
Owning a gun for defense gives the prosecution ammo against you. They’ll argue because you owned it for defense, you wanted to shoot someone. Also, unless you train rigorously (several times a week) with proper methodology, you’re highly unlikely to be able to effectively employ it against a threat anyway.
The best thing to do is to be smart, make your home secure, don’t leave things in your car, have exterior lights etc. Make yourself an unappealing target for aggressors.
Unless you’re prepared to make a large commitment to training, it’s not a valid solution.
@Eli
Dang, sounds awful.
jeans sable wipe fade axiomatic station sharp airport cautious fearless
This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact
IMO a handgun isn’t the best for home defence, but very useful at the least. A shotgun is a good start. A cheap pump is where I would start. This would be non-restricted of course. If the handgun ban goes, I will be applying for restricted and adding handguns to my arsenal. Aside from that I can’t give much advice, but .22 is about the cheapest ammo you can shoot. Good for honing your aim. .22 does not pack a punch but is deadly. For me it’s perfect for varmints. I’ve got my shotgun with buckshot for defence.
@Adi
.22 is deadly eventually, especially with good shot placement, but if some drug-addled adrenaline-filled maniac is rushing you, I wouldn’t trust it with any stopping power.
@Adi
Appreciated thank you
Jumping in late on this one since it was asked a year ago but I need to throw in my two cents. Everyone who says we don’t have a right to defend ourselves in Canada is completely wrong. Under section 34 of the Criminal code if you reasonably believe force is being used against you or another person or the threat of force is being made against you or another person you have the right to take reasonable actions to eliminate the force or threat of force. I’m not saying you won’t be charged and tried but at least you have that on your side. More interesting than that though is section 494 of the criminal code. Under section 494(1), anyone may arrest a person whom they find committing an indictable offence, or who, on reasonable grounds, they believe has committed a criminal offence and is escaping from and freshly pursued by persons who have lawful authority to arrest that person. and even more interesting is section 25 subsections 1 and 3 of the criminal code, Protection of Persons Acting Under Authority. Section 1 states (1) Everyone who is required or authorized by law to do anything in the administration or enforcement of the law
(a) as a private person,
(b) as a peace officer or public officer,
(c) in aid of a peace officer or public officer, or(d) by virtue of his office,
is, if he acts on reasonable grounds, justified in doing what he is required or authorized to do…