Content
The right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental right in the United States, protected by the Second Amendment. Today, 42% of Americans live in a household with a gun, with the majority of gun owners owning more than one gun.
In terms of reasons for owning a gun, protection tops the list. More than two-thirds of gun owners say that protection is the primary reason for owning a gun, followed by hunting, sport shooting, gun collections, and as part of their job. 15% of adults who own a gun say that they have fired it to defend themselves or others.
If you are interested in purchasing a gun for self-defense, this blog post is for you. Here, we will highlight the laws you should be aware of, how to choose the most suitable gun, and how to shoot/defend yourself. Let’s get started.
Understanding the Laws
Gun owners in the United States are required to abide by federal, state, and county firearm laws. Before you take the step to purchase a gun, it is essential that you become familiar with the laws as they relate to you. Online research is a good place to start and it can also help to speak to local gun owners that you know as well as the local police department
There are a number of basic federal laws that apply to all gun owners, which you should be aware of. In order to buy a gun, for example, you must not have a criminal record (there are limited exceptions). You must also pass a strict background check, not suffer from certain mental illnesses, and not have undergone treatment for alcohol or drug addiction in the past five years.
While federal laws do not mandate particular licensing or training, it is the case with many state laws. If you are planning to purchase a gun for concealed carry, it is also necessary to understand the laws that apply to you and your state. Depending on the state, the laws around concealed carry may allow for constitutional carry, shall-issue, may-issue, and no-issue.
Choosing the Right Gun for You
When it comes to guns, one size does not fit all. We recommend that you take some time to research the different types of guns that you can choose from and pick one based on your self-defense needs. A great place to start is here
Furthermore, we will highlight some of the best options to consider.
Handguns
Because of its convenient size, a handgun is one of the most popular choices for personal protection. It offers excellent maneuverability, holds plenty of ammunition, and is easy to control. There are different sizes of handguns you can buy, from “pocket rockets” to full-size.
Brands to consider when buying a handgun include Smith & Wesson, GLOCK, Beretta, Heckler & Koch, and SIG Sauer. 9mm ammunition is a good option for people new to guns, given the minimal recoil, which makes control easier.
Shotguns
In terms of home defense, the shotgun has long been a popular choice. A shotgun fires multiple projectiles every time the trigger is pulled. As the pellets are spread out, it takes the emphasis off accuracy in high-pressure situations.
Compared to handguns, shotguns are generally much more powerful. What’s more, shotguns are rugged and reliable, versatile, offer a fear factor, and are affordable. The heavy recoil and heavy and bulk of the ammunition are other factors that are worth keeping in mind.
Rifles
While many people consider either a handgun or a shotgun, a rifle comes with a host of benefits in a home-defense situation. One highly recommended opinion is the AR-15, a lightweight semi-automatic rifle.
Rifles are excellent for home defense because of their stopping power, ammunition capacity (typically 20 to 30 rounds), minimal recoil, and weight (averaging around seven pounds).
Learn How to Shoot Properly
Owning a gun is only part of self-defense, as it is necessary to properly learn how to use it. Once you have selected the most suitable type of gun, you should begin training with it. We recommend that you enroll in a defense shooting class near you, where you will learn the basics of how to shoot and protect both yourself and your family in a potentially deadly situation.
With proper classes, you will learn everything from how to grip your weapon correctly to practicing specific self-defense drills. These are also an opportunity to replicate different high-stress situations, given that there is a big difference between firing at a range and protecting yourself against an attacker within your home.
Within the home setting, you should also consider where you want to store your gun. Recommended locations include the master bedroom, the kitchen pantry, a closet near the front door, and the guest bedroom. Residents in your home should also be aware of what to do in a dangerous situation, such as leaving the property and meeting at a pre-determined location.
Buying a Gun for Self-Defense
Owning a gun allows people to take back power during conflicts, offering protection in high-stakes situations. Guns act as both a deterrent and a means of physically protecting yourself, your family, and your possessions. The above information on defending yourself with a gun covers the basics of buying a gun.
If you are planning to purchase a gun for self-defense, your premier choice is Target Choice USA. We sell a wide range of handguns, shotguns, and rifles. Check out our shop today and choose from our range of high-quality guns.