Personal safety is something that’s on everyone’s mind these days. It is especially true for women, who are statistically more likely than men to be victims of violent crime.
While having a firearm in your home can help keep you safe, choosing the right gun for your needs and budget can be daunting. Keep in mind you can always build your own with lowers from 5D Tactical. So here’s some advice, don’t try to do it all by yourself. We’re here with our guide on how to pick the best firearm for personal safety in 2023.
Assess Your Needs
According to Pew research, there are around 77.49 million adult gun owners in the US. But before you buy, it’s essential to assess your needs. What do you plan on doing with the gun? How often will you use it? Do you have a safe place to store it when not in use, and will the firearm at home increase the risk of theft or accidental injury by someone else in your house?
When choosing a firearm, consider how comfortable you are with its safety features and handling characteristics. Suppose there is a choice between models with different safety mechanisms.
In that case, it maybe worth it for some people to get retrained on using whatever type of trigger lock or other mechanism comes standard on one model over another.
Do Your Research
Next, you should research what type of gun will work best for your needs. Do you want something small and compact for concealed carry? A larger pistol would be better for home defense purposes. Or maybe an AR-15 rifle would be best if there was ever an attack at school or work. And let’s face it, we could use all the additional firepower possible these days.
Next up is researching the laws in your state regarding firearms ownership and usage. These vary wildly from state to state, so make sure that whatever firearm you choose is legal where they’re kept.
Choose Your Firearm Type
According to Small Arms Analytics, six firearms were sold for every 100 Americans in 2021. When selecting a gun, the first distinction is whether it will be a handgun, shotgun, or rifle. Handguns are the most popular option for personal safety and home defense because of their size, ease of use, and portability.
Knowing what type of firearm you want to purchase will help narrow down your options when choosing which manufacturer’s product best suits your needs. You can check this link to look up different types of firearms.
Take a Safety and Handling Class
Taking a safety and handling class is one of the best ways to learn how to pick up, carry, and store your firearm safely. The course will also teach you about laws and regulations regarding firearms in your local area, which can help you avoid legal issues.
The course will also teach you how to use your firearm safely in various situations. You’ll learn how to handle different types of weapons like rifles or pistols and what kind of ammunition they use. You might even get some time on the shooting range.
Practice, Practice, Practice
It’s easy to think of your firearm as just another tool, but it requires a lot more than that. Like any other skill, you need to practice it regularly to be good at using it.
You can practice with your firearm at the range by going there and shooting targets or paper plates with different types of ammunition. For instance, when practicing at the range, consider trying out different types of ammunition such as Aguila Ammo to see which works best with your firearm.
If you don’t have access to a range nearby, consider practicing at home by finding a friend who owns one and is willing to let you shoot their gun on occasion or by renting time at your local range.
That said, please do not try firing off rounds outside these safe environments, as it’s just too dangerous. Even professionals get injured from unintended discharges all the time.
You Can Be Safe With a Gun That’s Right for You
If you’re thinking about getting a gun to defend yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s essential to know that the best way to be safe is to choose the right firearm for your needs. It means researching and assessing what you need from your gun before deciding on one.
There are many different types of firearms available today. Some are better suited for certain situations than others. It’s a must to have some firearm training because, according to Everytown for Gun Safety, 81% of individuals agree that gun buyers must have some sort of training before buying a firearm. It also helps if you have some prior knowledge about guns before deciding which one is right for you.
Conclusion
Now, with all your research and practice, you can feel confident in choosing the best firearm for personal safety. The first step is to assess your needs and take a class to learn about the available types of guns. Choose the kind of gun that fits your lifestyle and interests. Practice using it until you feel comfortable carrying it around all day long.