I would prioritize securing your home over getting a firearm. Owning a firearm comes with significant responsibility and, in my view, requires a high level of proficiency, especially if you’re using it for defense in a household with a child.
Ensure your home has strong locks on doors and windows, and use them consistently. This is your house, and there’s no reason to allow anyone in uninvited. Install longer screws in hinges and door frames, as others often recommend, and consider motion-detecting outdoor lights. A simple sign that says “dog on premises” can be effective without being overly aggressive.
When it comes to firearms, you have handguns and long guns (rifles and shotguns). Rifles are more effective than handguns in a fight, but they require two hands, are heavier, and need more secure storage, especially with children around. Handguns, though less powerful and harder to use, are more maneuverable, easier to store, and can be used with one hand, allowing you to hold a baby or call for help.
Shotguns can be great but aren’t ideal for new shooters or those just looking to check a box for home defense. A lot of what people believe about shotguns is based on myths. At close range, the shot spread is small, so you still need to aim carefully, and if it’s a pump-action, you need to manually chamber each round. Ammo selection is crucial, and training with shotguns is less common than with handguns or rifles. Plus, ammo can be expensive and hard to find.
Handguns, while versatile, require a lot of practice to master. When I got my first handgun, I thought it would be sufficient for defense, but after years of regular practice and classes, I realized how much more there is to learn, especially under stress. Being proficient with a gun is a major time commitment, and safety needs to become second nature, especially in life-or-death situations.
If all of this seems overwhelming, focus on reinforcing your home’s security and consider getting pepper spray for personal and home defense.