How do I keep my home safe?

Hey everyone, I live in a rough area and need advice on protecting my home. I’ve been thinking about getting a home defense weapon but not sure what’s best. I have some experience with rifles (simulated combat) and pistols (range practice).

Here’s my situation: I have a 7-month-old baby and a big dog (67lb lab/rottweiler mix) who sleeps in a crate at night but is a great alert dog. My husband works overnights about 9 days a month, so I’m home alone with the baby.

What kind of weapon do you recommend? And how do I store it safely so my kid can’t get to it when she starts walking? I plan to teach her firearm safety when she’s older, but right now, she’s still learning how to eat solid food, so it feels impossible.

Any tips on securing the house would be helpful too!

@Bo
This is spot on. Harden the house first. If you get a firearm, remember, the most important weapon is you. The gun is just a tool.

@Bo
Don’t forget, shotguns can penetrate walls easily. You could accidentally hurt a loved one on the other side if you’re not careful.

@Bo
Any advice for hardening a duplex? My neighbors across the street keep shooting at my animals with a BB gun. I filed a police report, but it hasn’t stopped.

Get a good safe first, then the gun. Also, get proper training. I prefer an AR for home defense, but the most important thing is finding something you’re comfortable with.

Pace said:
Get a good safe first, then the gun. Also, get proper training. I prefer an AR for home defense, but the most important thing is finding something you’re comfortable with.

Totally agree. An AR is my go-to over a pistol any day.

First off, think about moving to a better area if possible. If not, upgrade to longer screws for your deadbolts, get motion lights, and consider a firearm with a mounted light for nighttime. Pistols are quick to grab if you’re waking up from deep sleep.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

  1. Entry Control: Reinforce doors and windows with longer screws and better locks. Add exterior lights around entries.
  2. Monitoring: Save for a security system or cameras. Simplisafe is easy to set up, or you can DIY with cameras and sensors.
  3. Defense: If you decide on a firearm, a semi-automatic pistol (like a 9mm) is a good starting point. You can also look at an AR-15 for more serious defense.
  4. Deterrence: Cameras and a dog sign help. Dogs are like living alarm systems.
  5. Neighbors: Get to know them. A friendly neighbor can keep an eye out and provide info about the area.

Budget around $1,000-1,200 to get started with everything above. Stay safe!

@Eliot
Thanks! I’ve got the dog part covered with my lab mix. She’s great at alerting me, but I can’t let her roam at night because she’ll eat the couch.

Make your home as uninviting as possible to intruders. Get a home alarm, secure deadbolts, door stops, and motion lights. For firearms, I’d recommend a pistol with a light and always secured from kids. With my setup, I know I have enough time to prepare before anything happens.

A gun should be your last resort. Start with securing your home first: cameras, lights, strong locks, and thorny bushes under windows. Make it hard for anyone to get in before you need to grab a firearm.

@Eli
I’ve done some of this already, like replacing door screws and installing cameras indoors. My next-door neighbors have outdoor cameras that cover my house too.

Check out the S&W 380 EZ or its 9mm version. Super easy to handle with low recoil. Add a Streamlight for a solid combo around $500. Easier to handle than a rifle if you’re answering the door at night.

A rifle is overkill for home defense. Stick with a good pistol for indoors and maybe a shotgun for outside if needed. Pistols are easier to manage in tight spaces.

Handguns are harder to shoot well than rifles, especially under stress. An AR-15 is easier for beginners to handle and more effective in a defense scenario. But before anything, reinforce your house—most burglars will move on if a door doesn’t give way after a few kicks.