Prepper guides: How to choose firearms for self-defense

At some point, many preppers have considered purchasing a firearm for a variety of reasons. Some want a good gun for hunting game so they can sustain their families. Others prefer keeping a stockpile of weapons in case of societal collapse. These personal firearms could range from pistols that fit in your pocket to large heavy-caliber rifles. With a large variety to choose from, how would you know which gun is suitable for you? (h/t to Survivopedia.com)

Lock and load

Everyone has a different opinion on what the best gun is, but there really isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” type of gun. Different guns are designed for different purposes. You can even customize your guns to further enhance their purpose or allow them to perform other niches. Because of this, determining when and how to use a firearm can help you narrow down your options and pinpoint which gun is the right one for you. Are you planning to use it to actively defend your home or do you plan to carry it around?

Another thing to consider is researching gun laws. Some states outlaw certain types of weapons so you should definitely know which firearms are and aren’t allowed. Some states even prohibit concealed carry so that’s another thing to consider before making your first firearm purchase.

However, there is one question you need to ask yourself before you even decide to purchase a firearm for self-defense: Are you willing to pull the trigger? In high-pressure situations, like an ongoing home invasion, a moment of doubt can mean the difference between life and death. It doesn’t matter if you have the greatest gun in existence at your disposal if you freeze in place when facing an armed home invader. Unfortunately, most people won’t really know how they’d react until it actually happens, but leaving any doubts aside can significantly help you make the right decision when it matters the most.

The best defense is a good offense

Any prepper should have the necessary tools needed to defend themselves and their families from any potential threats. If a firearm happens to be the weapon of choice, consider what type would work well in threatening situations that are likely to happen in your own home. (Related: SHTF: If you are well prepared, you will become an instant target of the non-prepared.)

For home defense, you might find a shotgun useful for close-quarter encounters. These guns pack a solid punch that could blow away any intruder with a single pull of the trigger, assuming you have the experience to handle them. But bigger does not always mean better. Some situations usually call for incapacitating the threat until the police arrive to handle the situation. In this case, people might find themselves more comfortable keeping a handgun or small rifle with them. They may lack the stopping power of a shotgun, but they can easily injure any target as long as you aim correctly.

Gun training also plays an important part in picking out the right gun for self-defense. You can’t protect your loved ones if you can’t even hit the target. The more experienced you are with handling firearms, the more options you get. Training with firearms also allows you to discover which type of gun you’re comfortable with, making the choice much easier. With proper gun training, you can easily hit whatever you are aiming at using the fewest number of bullets. This not only saves you money on ammunition, but it also saves your life.

Lastly, consider the amount of money you’re willing to spend on firearms. If you’re just starting out, about $500 is enough to get you an entry-level firearm. The higher the price tag, the more firepower you’d get. Start small and work your way up as you get better with handling firearms.

Choosing a personal firearm can be a daunting task but by limiting your options to your strengths, you can find the perfect gun suited to your tastes.

Still undecided? Check out SurvivalGear.news for more tips and gun recommendations.

Sources include: 

Survivopedia.com

GrayWolfSurvival.com

GunCarrier.com