10 ways to choose a weapon for your personal defense or that of your property

Choosing a weapon for your self defense is a very big and crucial decision. In general, there are two classes of weapons: handguns and long guns. Handguns are designed for manual and portable use; however, they do not have the same stopping force as long guns, which range in variety from handguns and rifles to submachine guns. Keep reading the article to help you choose the type of weapon you need.

Steps

Method 1 of 10: Handguns

Step 1. Although the size, weight and design of handguns make them the most common choice when choosing a personal defense weapon (they are hardly uncomfortable or difficult to conceal), this forces them to use one more cartridge. weak that allows shooting several times with some ease

Step 2. The fact that handguns can be easily concealed makes them the "most used" firearms

If you don't want to get in trouble, bring something easy to handle.

Step 3. Reliability is the first aspect that you should analyze when choosing a weapon for personal defense or to protect your home

Method 2 of 10: Choose a gauge

Step 1. Choosing a pistol caliber is a hot source of debate among the most skilled users of these firearms

Although the stopping force of pistols is considerably weaker than that of long weapons, you will want to choose one in a well-informed way to get the best advantage.

• Short gauges like.380, 9mm, etc. They execute shots with higher velocity and reduced recoil that allow for faster shots, higher capacity drums (or shorter structured shots), and higher velocity bullets.

  

• Long calibers like the prestigious.45, with slower bullets that have increased overall diameter, allow the wound channel to be wider (giving you a slim chance that the shot will hit a vital organ). The heavier bullets, and in general the power of the muzzle of the pistol increases the recoil resulting in consecutive shots; In addition, the long diameter of the cartridges gives the drums less capacity.

  

Step 2. The most important factor in determining which gauge to choose is the precision comfort you feel with a particular one

Many personal defense experts in the United States think that a.380 ACP (9 x 7mm Browning brand, Short model) or a 9mm caliber is suitable for your personal defense, while the European police believe that the appropriate caliber is a.32 ACP (7.65 x 17mm Browning brand). It takes experience to make an informed decision about the type of gauge to choose. Try different calibers, and choose the largest one that makes you feel comfortable and with which you can take fast, precise, and consecutive shots.

Step 3. If your goal is to get a gun to protect your property, don't completely discard the 22 caliber

A semi-automatic.22 cal pistol or a Ruger 10/22 carbine with a high-capacity barrel is easy to handle when shooting at a fast rate and can be very effective at close range (many of the shots in homes occur at less 6 meter), plus 22 caliber ammunition is very cheap. Also, a 22 gauge will not penetrate walls so it will reduce the damage to your property and the risk of injuring your neighbors if you miss a bullet.

Step 4. When making a decision, also consider the cost of the ammunition

You're going to want to be able to afford the cost of ammunition enough to maintain a regular routine when practicing gun use.

Method 3 of 10: Size

Step 1. Handguns come in all shapes and sizes

From revolvers that are 3 or 5 centimeters long to comically called "hand cannons" that can be 12 or more centimeters long.

Step 2. Those hoping to carry a concealed handgun almost always prefer a lightweight polymer coated firearm over a heavy metal jacket as the weight of the weapon can become uncomfortable over time

However, there are thick gun belts that can lessen the effect of weight. Small handguns can also be hidden, as they are easier to hide under clothing.

Step 3. If it is household or handguns that you can openly display in public, it is natural to have a long gun

A longer slide will help you achieve precision by increasing the distance between the guide and the sight, and the weight will reduce recoil and allow consecutive shots to be faster.

Step 4. Choosing a medium size can allow you to have more versatility, and a compromise between weight and size that will allow you to use the gun in other ways

Method 4 of 10: Guns

Step 1. Pistols represent handguns with more modern technology than revolvers (although John Browning invented the idea of a barrel with a closed slide around 1900)

Many legal and military forces in the world depend on pistols for their defense because of their size.

Step 2. Usually, a pistol keeps its ammunition in a box loaded with a metal spring called a drum (and not a "clip" as it is commonly known)

The pistol is prepared for its next shot by the action of a runner (a piece of metal that covers the barrel). The force of the gases that propels the bullet from the barrel after being fired, pushes back the runner, causing the bullet to travel back and pull or eject the projectile from the weapon; at that moment a spring compressed by the action at the rear pushes the runner forward causing it to catch the back of another cartridge in the drum and push it into the barrel.

Step 3. In the early days, guns were fraught with reliability issues

However, in the last 50 years, the reliability of semi-automatic handguns has improved significantly compared to revolvers.

Step 4. To some extent, a more expensive, well-branded handgun might be more reliable than a very cheap one

Even if you don't have to spend thousands of dollars, expect to pay at least $ 400 for a new, semi-automatic, reasonably quality handgun.

Step 5. However, cost is not the only factor to consider; the best weapon you can have is the one you carry with you, it is better to have a cheap weapon than none

Step 6. Pistols have many more advantages than revolvers:

• They are loaded with drums, that is, after having used between 5 to 33 bullets (depending on the model of the weapon, the capacity of the drum and the state of application or local laws) you can change them quickly and shoot again. Note that this only applies according to the number of drums you have previously loaded with ammo. Reloading the drum under tension with single bullets can take a long time, or it may be almost impossible to do so as your motor skills will have been reduced by the strong effects of adrenaline.

  

• The power required to operate a firearm's runner makes it the most suitable during a multi-shot engagement, as at some point the runner's action decreases recoil. This enables faster and more accurate consecutive shots. While the action at the rear of the runner ejects the casing you've already used, it also reduces the total recoil of the bullet shot because its action lowers energy by accelerating the bullet toward the barrel.

  

Step 7. Likewise, the pistols also have disadvantages such as:

• They are more difficult to operate safely. Cleaning the handgun (removing the ammunition to do it "safely") takes more steps and care than the revolver.

  

• The mechanical operation of pistols is more complex than that of revolvers, and there is a greater chance that one or more components will fail to disable the pistol. As you might already imagine, obstacles like this in a life-threatening situation can be very troublesome. When the cartridge fails to load properly into the chamber, the pistol becomes inoperable until the obstacle is cleared; whereas when the cartridge of a revolver fails to fire, the trigger is pressed again by rotating the cylinder, which will bring a new cartridge to the line with the firing pin. This inconvenience requires additional practice and training to ensure that the steps in clearing the obstacle and the firearm are performed correctly again.

  

• The fact that the pistol has multiple moving parts means that pistols are generally chambered with lower calibers than revolvers.

  

Method 5 of 10: Revolvers

Step 1. Revolvers have been a popular firearm since they were invented

Their ultra-simple mechanisms make them easy to manufacture, and their basic design has been the same for hundreds of years.

Step 2. Revolvers allow you to fire four to eight rounds consecutively without reloading

The ammunition is stored in a piece of metal called a "cylinder" that rotates when the pistol is cocked or the trigger is pulled (depending on the "action" of the revolver). If a bullet misses, simply cock the pistol or pull the trigger again (depending on the capabilities of the revolver) causing the barrel to rotate to bring in a new round.

Step 3. The advantages of revolver:

• Reliability is the most attractive feature of a revolver. A standard shooter would have a hard time making a revolver without a spur (without a hammer), double action not fire when you pull the trigger. The design is simple, and the use is even simpler: take the loaded gun, release the safety (if possible), pull the trigger and fire.

  

• The operation is simpler, that is, a different shooter can easily unload the revolver. By removing all the ammo from the cylinder, you are quickly unloading the weapon.

  

• In general, revolvers are chambered with more powerful calibers than semi-automatic pistols. Magnum brand.357 and.44 revolvers are extremely popular and carry a large charge of energy when firing.

  

Step 4. Disadvantages of a revolver:

• Reloading a revolver is an operation that requires skill and can take time. Even quick loads take practice and are still not as quick to change as the pre-loaded barrel on pistols.

  

• Often times, the cylinders cannot load as many cartridges as the pistol drums, which means you have to reload them more frequently in the rare event of a prolonged firefight. However, keep in mind that in many self defense encounters you need fewer than four or five shots.

  

• Although they could be more "reliable", it does not mean that they are the most resistant. The mechanism of DA revolvers requires the precision of a watch. As renowned firearms trainer Massad Ayoob points out: Auto pistols are superior when fighting in grit and dirt (like large blood stains, etc.).

  

Method 6 of 10: Conclusion about handguns

Step 1. Handguns need skill and practice to use

If you're not willing to put the time and effort into learning these skills, don't put others in jeopardy by trying to use one under pressure. Aiming a handgun is considered a sport as it takes training and requires skill.

Step 2. For people who have a handgun for the first time, revolvers are probably the best option for them due to their simplicity

They usually have between 5 and 6 bullets, in many cases it is enough so that you do not have to reload it while defending yourself.

Step 3. For more experienced users or for those who are willing to follow a formal instruction, a semi-automatic handgun might be suitable for them as they have a higher capacity and are easier to shoot consecutively

The operation requires a bit more learning and practice, but the advantages are why most law enforcement and military personnel carry semi-automatic handguns.

Step 4. Every person is different

A firearm that "fits" in my hand perfectly will not fit in yours. Many firearm owners feel good about letting a novice try a couple of shots. Do your research, try some weapons before you buy.

Step 5. When hunting you may need a long caliber as many animals have thick skin and muscles so more power is needed to penetrate through them and reach their vital organs Many low power cartridges may not penetrate far enough to cause incapacitating damage

Method 7 of 10: Long Guns

Step 1. There is a saying that mentions the following:

"Carry a handgun for the unexpected, but if you know you're going to a firearm fight, always carry a bigger one!" Handguns lack power. A high quality.44 Magnum pistol will produce approximately 1,000 ft / lb (feet per pound of force) of muzzle power; whereas a traditional.223 "varmint" caliber will produce almost 50% more energy, and high quality rifles will produce around 10,000 ft / lb!

Step 2. The main advantages of long guns are power and precision

With a little practice, an acceptable shooter can take aim at a man and hit him at a distance of 274 meters using an appropriate rifle thanks to the power of the bullet, the long barrel and the long base of the sight (distance between the guide and The rise).

Method 8 of 10: Shotguns

Step 1. Shotguns can have light or rifled gauges

They are used to fire long caliber "projectiles" containing one shot (a multiple number of metal pellets) or a single long bullet.

Step 2. The advantages of a shotgun:

• The biggest benefit of shotguns is their ability to fire in one shot (at almost anything). Shot expansion allows you to hit a larger area each time you pull the trigger reducing the need for precision when firing, and depending on ammo type and range, it can deal much more damage than a single bullet from a handgun.

  

• Some shotguns have the flexibility of firing projectile-type shots or bullets (known as "posta"). This allows them to have the characteristics of rifles, but also the option of using a shot depending on the situation.

  

• Shotguns, like many long guns, are also customizable and versatile. Many modern shotguns can be armed with different sizes of barrels, stock, forend, sights, and other accessories to suit your needs.

  

• The use of shocks, a narrow "funnel" like a split at the end of the barrel, allows you to control how widely the shot is spread out of the barrel. Some shotguns have internal scoring or other method to the bottom of the barrel that allows you to easily change a shock to suit your needs. For your personal defense, cylinder calipers (or basically no shocks) and sometimes improved cylinder shocks (IC) are the most common. This allows the shot to expand rapidly and increase your chance of hitting your target. However, in the longer ranges (greater than 18 meters), the shot is spread too far and does not guarantee a good shot.

  

• Another benefit of shooting with a shotgun is the intrinsic lack of penetration. To protect your home, a light shot will become less lethal when it goes through the wall, protecting your neighbors or family members who are not to blame for what is happening. Penetration is usually proportional to the size of the shot (eg a long shot can penetrate significantly). Although the choice of the "best" size shotgun is still a hot topic of debate, when you shoot a bird or pigeon at close range it can be very effective.
• The barrels of the shotguns vary in their length from 45 centimeters if you use them to protect your home to 64 centimeters if it is barrels for hunting. Also, there are many shotguns that are made so that the barrels can be easily changed. In this way, you can place a short barrel if you use the shotgun to protect your property and a long one for hunting or to shoot pigeons. However, don't forget to practice with your short barrel.

  

Step 3. Shotguns also have disadvantages such as:

• Although the shot from the shotgun will spread much more than a solid projectile, it does not mean that it will hit the target. In rooms whose distance is normal, the extended shot, even without a shock, is almost the size of a softball.

  

• Unless you're using slingshots, shotguns aren't useful at long ranges. Between the spread of the shot and the light weight of the pellets, the weapon's power drops precipitously as range increases. I mean, many matchups turn out well within shotgun range.

  

• Shotguns with heavy loads, such as 00 buckshot, can fire very hard making it difficult to control without prior practice.

  

Method 9 of 10: Rifles

Step 1. Rifles are how many people imagine them when they think of a long gun

They are designed to fire a single projectile, often smaller than pistol bullets, at a higher velocity index.

Step 2. There is a rifle-like weapon called a "carbine."

Carbines usually have a lighter weight and shorter barrels (and butts) than cast rifles. They often fire the same cartridges; however, due to their length, their chambers are smaller and the calibers less powerful.

Step 3. The advantages of a rifle:

• Unlike pistol bullets, which usually create permanent, narrow wound channels, the high velocity of rifle bullets creates a shock wave that can destroy large amounts of tissue, increasing your chances of stopping the threat with a single well aimed shot.

  

• Rifle cartridges are more powerful than cartridges in handguns. This higher power means that you can shoot effectively at a longer distance.

  

• Still rifles require good precision, skill that is not needed with a pistol, and the stopping power is much improved.

  

Step 4. The disadvantages of rifles:

• Like any long gun, it cannot be easily maneuvered due to its length. In situations where you have to defend yourself on your property, it may be necessary to place the stock below your shoulder reducing your accuracy. It may be difficult to move around the corners and doors of your property carrying the cannon in front of you when approaching a door as it will warn the enemy where you are.

  

• Also, rifles can "go deeper". This is where the bullet passes through an object, such as a wall, or your target and is still powerful enough to cause a wound that can kill you. Excessive penetration can be lessened with the correct choice of ammunition, but it is something you should always consider with rifles.

  

• Rifle ammunition is much more expensive than handgun ammunition. This means that it is more expensive to practice with your rifle, and it reduces the amount of training and practice you can afford.

  

• Likewise, the overall length of the rifle makes it slower to aim than with handguns due to its weight. Compared to a pistol, swinging a rifle to engage the enemy can take longer, and in a situation where you are defending your life, the loss of time can be deadly.

  

Method 10 of 10: Long Gun Conclusion

Step 1. Carrying a long gun with you is more difficult because of its size and weight; however, the fast speed and power of the bullets gives better results with a shot than a handgun

Step 2. That is, if you are using it to protect your home, the shotgun is recognized by many as a superior option due to the short ranges and reduced chances of excessive penetration

The sound of the shotgun sends a universal message that says, "Wrong house, go away."

Advice

• Although a long caliber can be more effective at stopping someone who is trying to hurt or kill you, if you don't fire the caliber correctly and can't hit the assailant, even the largest weapon in the world will save you. Choose a weapon and caliber based on your ability to shoot it correctly and accurately.
• If you ask people which firearms to buy, they will give you as many suggestions as the number of firearms there are. The best thing to do is find one that you feel comfortable with, that you practice frequently, and that you like to shoot with.
• The best firearm you can have when you need it is the one you have with you.
• There is nothing more useless than an unloaded weapon. Use gun locks or locks when necessary (or required by law), but always keep your firearm ready in an enclosed area as legally and securely as possible. The invader who broke open your door will not sit down for tea or wait for you to find your box of ammunition and load your weapon.
• Practice with the firearm. In an emergency, you won't have time to pull out the manual and find out how it works. A good memory and knowing how to load, use, and troubleshoot your weapon could save your life.

  Practice how you are going to shoot. Don't aim slowly, press a single shot, and then stop and see where it goes. Practice as soon as possible by hitting a target and aiming a quick and accurate shot (or two or three). Get a trusted friend to tell you when to start and stop shooting to motivate you to take the shots you need. Practice solving any mistakes or reloading the weapon. Do all of this carefully

• Practice before you buy! By shooting you will learn faster about what you like and what you don't like, and thus you can make a better informed decision. Also, you will have the opportunity to see different types of weapons in the field and you can have a better idea of what it is all about.
  • Get some friends who can shoot and ask if they can take you to the shooting range with them. Make sure you are properly instructed for your safety and the weapons operation you will be firing.
  • Call your local shooting ranges and ask about their gun rentals. Some courses have firearms that you can rent while you are there.
  • Also ask if they offer classes for beginners. In some classes they allow you to test different types of firearms and teach you important safety procedures.
• If there is a permit available to carry concealed handguns in your state, take the course so you plan to never leave your home with the weapon. This course will teach you about the laws in your state regarding the use of weapons and will inform you more about this topic.
• Common Rifle Companies: Remington, Winchester, Savage, CZ, Browning, Ruger, Sako, Weatherby, and many more. Rifle action and caliber are extremely important to hitting your target.
• Common Shotgun Companies: Remington (very common), Benelli (high quality, excellent autoloaders), Browning, Mossberg (inexpensive, reasonable quality, self defense shotguns), Winchester. Loader shotguns are some of the cheapest firearms to buy, while self-loading ones can be very expensive.
• List of common handgun models. Glock (very popular and reliable), 1911 (traditional and heavy-hitting, Heckler and Koch (AKA H&K, very reliable and well-made), Smith and Wesson (popular for revolvers, but semiautomics are also available), Ruger (very popular and with good quality revolvers), SIG Sauer (comfortable, accurate and well made), Beretta (popular semi-automatic, currently in use with the United States military), Khar (very compact and light, but can be very expensive) and many others, just search!

Warnings

• Your safety is first! Firearms can be very dangerous. Assume all weapons are loaded. Only use them if you feel comfortable with the knowledge you have or are being supervised by someone experienced in the field.
• Consider the environment you live in when choosing a weapon and caliber. Long calibers, such as the.357 Magnum, have considerable penetration so they are not ideal for those who live in closed rooms with other people, for example an apartment.
• Before shooting, think about what's behind your target. Are there innocent people or members of your family who can get hurt if you miss a bullet?
• Learn the safety rules carefully before going to a shooting range, and be sure to follow them at all times. Typically, these professionals are not very friendly if they have to remind you of a seemingly insignificant safety rule.
• Always identify your target first before shooting. If you don't know who it is or what it is, you should know before you shoot!
• Always insure any firearm that is not directly under your control. Verify that the thief or assailant (or children) does not have access to your firearms by keeping them in a safe but practical place.
• Only practice in the shooting ranges, obeying all safety rules, or in private or legal premises, without bullets or with empty casings.
• Firearms should only be fired in safe and legal locations. Know and obey state or local laws regarding the transport and use of these weapons. Laws change dramatically in every state, city, or county.
• Know the laws in your area regarding self defense. Each state has different charges for the property owner regarding the use of a deadly weapon against an intruder.