“What are the best guns for home defense?” Many of you have probably asked this question before. 

As civilians, we would rarely ever need to use a gun; however, there is a particular situation where one would have to—home defense. There are three options regarding which guns are better for home defense. Shotguns, rifles, or pistols, each option has its pros and cons.

Shotguns For Home Defense: The Most Commonly Recommended

Shotguns are one of the most common recommendations for home defense guns—presumably a 20- or 12-gauge shotgun. Essentially, you’d barely have to aim. The shotgun scatters tons of pellets in the general direction you aim and increases the chances of a good hit. Home protected. 

However, one major disadvantage of a shotgun is that it is hard to shoot since it has enormous recoil. That buttstock needs to sit correctly on your shoulder; if not, it will feel like a kick from a horse. Shooting a shotgun is not for everyone.

In addition, it is often assumed that shotguns have a shorter range, that the pellets lose velocity quicker than other guns. This is not always true. 

Rifles For Home Defense

A rifle or a carbine is the gun to bring if you are ever in a gunfight. For example, ARs carry more ammo than shotguns or pistols. They are easier to shoot with little recoil, bringing a lot of stability and accuracy. 

However, the power of rifle bullets offers both positive and negative aspects when it comes to home defense. A rifle bullet will likely go through the bad guy, then through the walls, and even the house when shot.

Additionally, rifles are more extended, making them trickier to use in closed spaces such as inside a house. Rifle bullets will over-penetrate, depending on any number of situations. Therefore, making it hard to control where they go.

Pistols For Home Defense

Last but not least, a pistol for home defense. They are small, compact, relatively easy to shoot (more effortless than a shotgun), and made for close range. Pistol bullets tend to be less powerful, with less bullet pushing power. Nevertheless, the pistol’s shorter barrel and smaller size make it easier to maneuver inside a building or a home.

What makes pistols less powerful than a shotgun or rifle makes them ideal for home defense. The last thing you want is for the bullet to land somewhere else in the house.

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