Selecting a weapon for defensive purposes is a crucial and daunting decision. Generally speaking, there are two types of guns: handguns and long guns. Handguns are designed for one handed use and portability, but generally lack the stopping power of long guns, which range from shotguns to rifles to submachine guns. Keep reading for help in choosing which type you need.

Method 1
Method 1 of 10:

Handguns

  1. 1
    While the size, weight, and design of the handgun makes them the most common choice for personal defense (they're carried with minimal discomfort or exposure), this forces them to use a weaker cartridge for repeated shots with relative ease.
  2. 2
    The concealability of handguns lends them to be the most used gunfight weapon. If you aren't expecting trouble, you bring something easy to manage.[1]
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  3. 3
    Reliability is the number one aspect to look at when selecting a personal or home defense weapon.
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Method 2
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Selecting a Caliber

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    Caliber selection in pistols is a hot source of debate amongst tactics-minded handgun users. While the general stopping power of a pistol is measurably low compared to almost any long gun, you want to make an informed choice to give you the best advantage.[2]
  2. 2
    The most crucial factor in determining what caliber you will choose is how accurate and comfortable you are with any particular caliber. Most U.S. self-defense experts consider .380 ACP (9 x 17 mm Browning Short) or 9mm as the minimum for adequate defense, while European Police believe that .32 ACP (7.65 x 17 mm Browning) as adequate. Making an informed decision about what caliber you will use requires experience. Shoot many different calibers and choose the biggest caliber that you can comfortably shoot and make fast, accurate followup shots with.
  3. 3
    Don't completely disregard a .22 if your objective is home defense. A semi-automatic .22 pistol or Ruger 10/22 carbine with a high-capacity magazine is easy to control when shooting fast and can be very effective at close range (most home-defense shots occur at less than 7 yards), and .22 ammunition is very cheap. Furthermore, a .22 won't penetrate as many walls, thus reducing property damage and risk to your neighbors if you miss.[3]
  4. 4
    When making your decision, also keep in mind the cost of ammunition! You'll want to be able to easily afford enough ammunition to keep up a regular practice routine.
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Method 3
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Frame Size

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    Handguns come in all shapes and sizes. From derringers that are only two or three inches long, to what are jokingly called "hand cannons" that can be 12 or more inches long.[4]
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    For those who are expecting to carry a concealed handgun, a lighter, polymer framed firearm is often preferred over a heavier metal framed firearm because the weight of the firearm can become burdensome over time. Heavier belts are available, however, to mitigate the effect of weight. Smaller handguns also aid concealment as they are easier to hide under clothing.
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    For home defense, or openly carried handguns, it makes sense to have a larger frame. The longer slide will aid accuracy by increasing the distance between the front and rear sights, and the heavier weight will reduce recoil and allow for faster followup shots.[5]
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    Choosing a mid-sized frame can allow for more versatility, owing to a compromise between weight and size that will allow you to use the handgun in more roles.
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Pistols

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    Pistols represent newer handgun technology than revolvers (though John Browning invented the idea of a slide enclosed barrel around 1900). Many law enforcement and militaries around the world rely on pistols for their sidearms.
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    A pistol usually keeps its ammunition in a spring loaded box of metal called a magazine (not a clip as is commonly misunderstood). The pistol primes itself for the next shot through the action of a slide - a piece of metal that covers the barrel. The forces of the gasses propelling the bullet from the barrel after it is fired push backwards on the slide, causing it to travel to the rear and pulling/ejecting the spent shell from the gun, at which time a spring compressed by the rearward action pushes the slide forward, which causes the slide to catch the rear of another cartridge from the magazine, pushing it into the barrel.
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    Early pistols were plagued by reliability problems. In the past 50 years, however, the reliability of semi-automatic handguns has improved markedly as compared to revolvers.
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    To some degree, a more expensive, name brand handgun may perform more reliably than a very inexpensive one. While you don't have to spend thousands of dollars, expect to pay at least $400US for a brand new semi-automatic handgun with a reasonable level of quality.
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    Cost is not the only consideration though; the best gun is the one you actually have with you - it's better to have an inexpensive gun that no gun at all (assuming it's reliable).
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    Pistols have a number of advantages over revolvers:[6]
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    There are also disadvantages to pistols:[7]
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Method 5
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Revolvers

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    Revolvers have been a popular firearm choice since they were invented. Their ultra-simple mechanics make them very easy to manufacture, and their basic design has been around for centuries.
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    Revolvers allow you to fire between four and eight rounds in succession without reloading. Ammunition is stored in a round piece of metal called a "cylinder", which rotates when the hammer is cocked or the trigger is pulled (depending on the "action" of the revolver). If a round fails to fire, simply cocking the hammer or pulling the trigger again (depending on the capabilities of the revolver) will rotate the cylinder for a new cartridge.
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    The advantages to choosing a revolver:
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    Disadvantages to revolvers include:
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Method 6
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Handgun Conclusion

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    Handguns take skill and practice to use. If you are not willing to devote time and effort to learn the skills, don't endanger others by trying to use one under stress. Handgun marksmanship is considered a sport because it takes training and skill.
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    For first time handgun owners, revolvers are probably the better choice as they are simpler. Typically they hold 5-6 rounds which is enough so that you will not have to reload during most home defense incidents.
  3. 3
    For more experienced users, or users willing to take a formal instruction, a semi-automatic handgun may make more sense due to their increased capacity and easier follow-up shots. Operation takes a bit more learning and practice, but the positives are why the majority of law enforcement and military personnel carry semi-automatic handguns.
  4. 4
    Every person is different. A firearm that "fits" my hand perfectly will not feel right to you. Most firearm owners are happy to allow a novice to try a couple of shots. Do your research, test fire a few weapons before you invest.
  5. 5
    When hunting, a larger caliber may be required as many dangerous game have tough skin and muscles the need the extra energy to penetrate through skin and muscle to reach vital organs. Many lower-power cartridges may not penetrate deeply enough to cause incapacitating damage.[8]
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Method 7
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Long Guns

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    It has been said, "Pack a handgun for the unexpected, but if you know you'll be in a gunfight, always grab a bigger gun!" Handguns lack power. A high-end .44 Magnum pistol will produce about 1,000 ft/lb of muzzle energy; a traditional "varmint" caliber, the .223, will produce about 50% more energy, and high-end rifles produce over 10,000 ft/lb![9]
  2. 2
    The main advantages of long guns are power and accuracy. With a bit of practice, a decent shooter can hit a man sized target at greater than 300 yards (274.3 m) with the proper rifle, due to the more powerful round, longer barrel and the longer sight-base (the distance between the front and rear sights).
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Method 8
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Shotguns

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    Shotguns can have either smooth or rifled bores. They are used to fire large caliber "shells" that contain either shot (a multiple quantity of metal pellets) or a single large slug.
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    The advantages of a shotgun:[10]
  3. 3
    There are some disadvantages as well:[11]
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Method 9
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Rifles

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    Rifles are what most people envision when they think of a long gun. Rifles are designed to fire a single projectile, often smaller than most pistol bullets, at a much higher rate of speed.
  2. 2
    Rifles have a smaller cousin called a "carbine". Carbines are usually lighter in weight, and are shorter barreled (and stocked) than full blown rifles. They often fire the same cartridges, however due to their length they are often chambered in smaller, less powerful calibers.
  3. 3
    Rifle advantages:[12]
  4. 4
    The disadvantages of a rifle:[13]
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Method 10
Method 10 of 10:

Long Gun Conclusion

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    Carrying a long gun is more difficult, due to its size and weight, but the greater velocity and power of the bullets delivers much better results with a hit than a handgun.
  2. 2
    That said, for defense within the home, the shotgun is generally recognized by many to be a superior choice due to the close ranges and reduced likelihood of over penetration. The sound of a shotgun being racked delivers the universal message that says "wrong house, go away".
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Warnings

  • Firearms should only be fired in safe and legal locations. Know and adhere to state and local laws on transporting and using them. Laws change drastically between states, counties and cities.
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  • Thoroughly learn the safety rules before going to a range and be sure to follow them at all times. Rangemasters will often not be polite if they have to remind you of even a seemingly minor safety rule.
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  • Practice only at shooting ranges, obeying all safety rules, or in legal/private locations without rounds or with blanks or snap caps.
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  • Carefully consider your living surroundings when selecting a firearm and caliber. Large calibers, such as .357 Magnum, have considerable penetration, so they are not ideal if you live in close quarters with other people, such as in an apartment.
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  • Always secure any firearms that are not directly under your control. Ensure a burglar/robber (or children) do not have access to your firearms by locking them inside a safe when practical.
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  • Know the laws in your area regarding self defense. Each state has a different burden that is placed on the home owner with regards to using a deadly weapon against an intruder.
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  • Before firing, think about what is behind your target. Are there innocent people or family members back there that may be injured if you miss or the bullet over penetrates?
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  • Always identify your target before firing. If you don't know who or what it is, find out before you fire!
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  • Safety first! Firearms can be very dangerous. Assume all firearms are loaded. Only use firearms if you are comfortable with your knowledge of or are supervised by an experienced shooter.
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About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 33 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 452,260 times.
288 votes - 88%
Co-authors: 33
Updated: March 11, 2023
Views: 452,260
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