What are the must-have guns for home defense or emergencies? Need advice

The title says it all. I’m not into sports shooting or looking to become a gun collector. I’m really just wondering which firearms would be essential to have for home defense or emergency situations. My initial thought was a shotgun and a pistol, but I’d appreciate input from those with more experience. What do you guys recommend?

A compact 9mm is versatile for most situations. Pair it with a rifle, and you’re set for a range of scenarios.

Jesse said:
A compact 9mm is versatile for most situations. Pair it with a rifle, and you’re set for a range of scenarios.

Why a compact if it’s for home defense? You don’t need to hide it in an emergency. I’d go with a full-size pistol.

@Zayden
The gun you train with most is the one you’ll handle best in a crisis. Most people are more familiar with their carry gun, which is often a compact. Still, you’re right; a full-size could work, too. It all depends on what you’re comfortable using.

@Jesse
True, but if it’s just sitting in a nightstand, I don’t see the point of a compact. If you need to evacuate with it, a full-size can be concealed well enough.

Zayden said:
@Jesse
True, but if it’s just sitting in a nightstand, I don’t see the point of a compact. If you need to evacuate with it, a full-size can be concealed well enough.

Fair enough. I’ve carried a full-size before, so I get it. If you’re only getting one gun, a compact might be more versatile, but everyone has different needs.

@Jesse
I think it depends on what kind of training you’re planning to do. If you don’t intend to carry it, a full-size makes more sense for home use.

@Jesse
For strictly home defense, I’d go with the full-size as well. No point in worrying about concealment.

Jesse said:
A compact 9mm is versatile for most situations. Pair it with a rifle, and you’re set for a range of scenarios.

The CZ p10c is a solid choice. It works well for home defense and could double as a carry gun.

@Peyton
Sounds practical, but is it reliable enough for someone who’s not going to put in tons of range time?

Stick with common calibers for your guns. For pistols, go with 9mm or .45 ACP. For rifles, .223 or .308, and for shotguns, 12 gauge. This way, ammo is easier to find and usually more affordable.

Parker said:
Stick with common calibers for your guns. For pistols, go with 9mm or .45 ACP. For rifles, .223 or .308, and for shotguns, 12 gauge. This way, ammo is easier to find and usually more affordable.

A 20-gauge shotgun is a good option, too. It’s less intimidating for new shooters but still effective.

Parker said:
Stick with common calibers for your guns. For pistols, go with 9mm or .45 ACP. For rifles, .223 or .308, and for shotguns, 12 gauge. This way, ammo is easier to find and usually more affordable.

I’d add .357/.38 for revolvers. A 20-gauge shotgun has less recoil, which can be helpful for beginners.

I’d say a 9mm pistol and an AR. You really don’t need much more than that.

Nico said:
I’d say a 9mm pistol and an AR. You really don’t need much more than that.

If you want a full setup, go with a 9mm Glock, a quality AR-15, and a Mossberg 500 shotgun. Covers all the bases.

@Ellery
Agreed, though I’m more of a Remington 870 guy. They’re easier to take apart and clean, in my opinion.

Laken said:
@Ellery
Agreed, though I’m more of a Remington 870 guy. They’re easier to take apart and clean, in my opinion.

Totally get that. I think it comes down to preference. You can often find a Mossberg 500 at a bargain, and they’re good quality.

@Ellery
Exactly. Any of them would be good choices, really.

@Ellery
How’s the recoil on the Mossberg compared to the Remington? I’ve only tried the 870.

Laken said:
@Ellery
Agreed, though I’m more of a Remington 870 guy. They’re easier to take apart and clean, in my opinion.

If you’re looking at Remington, make sure to get an older model. The newer ones aren’t as reliable.