Thinking about getting a gun for home defense… what’s the best option?

Hey everyone, first time posting here. I’m a pretty liberal guy, married with two boys (one’s 4 and the other’s a newborn). Lately, my neighborhood in NJ has been feeling less safe—there’s been an uptick in attempted break-ins, strangers hanging around kids in backyards, and even some far-right biker gangs stirring up trouble.

I’m seriously considering getting a gun for home defense, but I’ve never owned one before. I’m not scared of guns, and I’m good with mechanical stuff, so learning to use one isn’t the issue. My biggest concerns are choosing the right one and keeping it 100% safe from my kids. Any advice for someone completely new to this?

First off, you’ll need to apply for a NJ firearms ID card. You can find the form online, and while you’re at it, apply for pistol permits too—get at least three. Even if you don’t think you need them now, it’s better to have them because the process takes forever. Legally, it’s supposed to take 30 days, but in reality, some people wait months, even over a year. Mine took 3 months.

You’ll also need references, so pick people who won’t delay things and who won’t work against you. I asked a family friend who hunts and a coworker who’s pro-gun. Plus, you’ll need to do fingerprinting—make sure you don’t miss any appointments because delays are common.

While you’re waiting, start prepping. Get a gun safe to store it securely, and maybe an ammo safe too since lead and kids don’t mix. Long guns like shotguns or rifles are easier to aim but harder to store within quick access. If you want a long gun, you’ll need reduced-capacity magazines (NJ limits them to 10 rounds).

Finally, read up on NJ’s self-defense laws. They’re pretty strict, so it’s better to know the rules ahead of time. My advice: get something you actually enjoy shooting, because practicing and being familiar with your gun matters more than picking the ‘perfect’ model.

@Harlem
Solid advice here! Thanks for breaking it all down.

@Harlem
This is super detailed and helpful. Thanks for taking the time!

Nico said:
@Harlem
This is super detailed and helpful. Thanks for taking the time!

I was in the same boat as you a couple of years ago. DYP pretty much nailed everything about NJ. Start with the firearms ID—it’s a pain, but necessary. For your first gun, I’d suggest a tactical shotgun with a shorter barrel for easier handling indoors.

@Vale
Thanks! I’ve been looking at some tactical shotguns online, and they seem like a solid choice. Appreciate the advice.

@Harlem
Wow, NJ sounds like a nightmare for gun ownership. Glad I’m not there!

NJ gun laws are no joke. Make sure you know exactly what you’re allowed to own and what the process looks like.

For a family man like you, I’d suggest a handgun for home defense. If something happens, you might need to use one hand to carry a kid or open a door while holding the gun in the other.

Also, take steps to harden your doors and windows, add outdoor cameras, and keep a good flashlight nearby. Practice drills with your wife so you both know what to do in an emergency. Store your gun in a quick-access bedside safe, but make sure it’s secure from little hands.

@Bela
Hardened entry points should honestly be step one for anyone asking about home defense. If they can’t get in, you’re already winning.

Dev said:
@Bela
Hardened entry points should honestly be step one for anyone asking about home defense. If they can’t get in, you’re already winning.

A loud dog helps too. Most burglars won’t even try if they hear one barking inside.

@Chan
We’ve got a dog—he’s not huge (about 60 lbs), but his bark is loud, and he freaks out over the smallest noises outside. We also have outdoor cameras that alert my phone, but I’d like to reinforce our doors just to be extra safe.

If it’s your first time, I’d recommend a rifle like an AR-15. They’re easier to aim and control compared to a pistol. Plus, they’re safer for home use because they tend to overpenetrate less than a shotgun or pistol. You’ll still need to train, but they’re much more forgiving.

For storage, get a quick-access steel safe. Biometrics or a mechanical lock is a good idea. If you’ve got kids, make guns as boring and unexciting as possible—teach safety and responsibility from the start.

Before buying anything, take some safety and firearms training classes. A gun isn’t a magic wand—it’s a tool you need to learn to use properly.

Wow, there’s so much to think about. Thanks for all the help. I’m leaning toward a pump-action shotgun because it seems simple to use, not too pricey, and I’ve heard the sound of racking it alone can scare people off. Plus, I enjoy learning about mechanical stuff, so I might end up with a few different guns over time!

@Nico
Don’t rely on the racking sound to scare anyone—it’s a myth. If you’re using a gun, it’s because you have no other choice. A pump-action shotgun is a solid choice, though—just make sure to practice using it!

@Nico
Shotguns are great for beginners, but don’t underestimate the need for practice. At close range, you still have to aim carefully—there’s no magic spread like in the movies.