Hi everyone,
I’m moving into a new house soon and exploring the best options for home defense. The area is generally safe, but there are a few questionable streets nearby, so I want to be prepared.
I live in Tennessee, but since I didn’t grow up in the U.S., I’m not very familiar with firearms. I’ve only gone shooting a couple of times, and while I enjoyed it, one incident with a shotgun shook me up. I was handed a different gun than I was used to, and I accidentally pulled the trigger without realizing it because it felt different. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the experience stuck with me.
I’ve also dealt with periods of depression every few years, which makes me hesitant about owning a gun. I’m concerned that during a tough time, having access to a firearm might make impulsive decisions easier. A close friend who owns guns has offered to hold mine temporarily if I ever feel like I’m going through a rough patch, but I’m still unsure if owning a gun is the right choice for me.
Another worry is my 4-year-old son. Even though I’d take every precaution, I can’t help but fear he might somehow access the gun. Are biometric safes reliable enough in this case? Is that the safest way to store a firearm at home?
At the moment, I just keep a golf club by my bed for protection, but I’m curious if there are better options. I’ve thought about pepper ball guns, but it seems like they might affect me as much as the intruder. Would a taser be a better idea? Or should I reconsider and take a firearms safety course? Are there any other options I should explore?
Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Baseball bats and golf clubs require enough space to swing effectively, and close-range weapons like knives mean you’ll need to get very close to an intruder, which can be risky. Pepper spray or pepper balls could also affect you when used indoors. Firearms come with their own risks, which you’re already aware of.
Remember, home security should involve multiple layers of protection. Using a weapon for self-defense should be the final layer. Start by focusing on deterrence, detection, and delaying any intruders. If you can achieve that, you may not need to rely on defense.
So you’re saying to get a don’t tread on me flag to make people think I’m armed to the teeth? Haha
Be cautious about displaying anything that suggests “this house has guns,” as it could make your home a target when you’re away.
Consider putting up a security system sign, even if you don’t actually have a system. If you do have one, use a sign that doesn’t reveal the specific brand or type of system. (No need to give potential intruders extra information.)
I’d also recommend visible security cameras, door jamb reinforcement kits, and security window film. The more difficult your home looks to break into, the more likely intruders will move on to an easier target.
Strengthening your doors with longer screws or products like door jamb armor can make it much harder for someone to kick them in, giving you more time to respond in case of an attempted break-in.
Cut 2x4s or small pieces of wood and place them along the top edge of your windows to prevent them from being forced open. This can be done discreetly so that it’s not noticeable.
Strengthen your home’s perimeter: upgrade doors with stronger locks, longer screws, and Dooricade barriers; reinforce windows with shatter-resistant glass or films. Plant defensive landscaping. Consider getting one or two dogs. Install window and door sensors, as well as an external alarm siren and strobe. Build good relationships with neighbors and organize a neighborhood watch. Set up a panic room with reinforced doors and walls. You might also want to explore installing chemical area denial devices for added protection.
Pepper spray and a bat should do
A firearm is the best form of home defense. I recommend working through your depression and focusing on your family’s safety. Choose the right caliber and gun that you feel most comfortable using. Train extensively and take full ownership of your firearm. No criminal will want to stay once they hear the first shot fired.
Thanks y’all for your suggestions. I will decided which option i will use from these 