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Have you thought about what to do if someone breaks into your home?
What about if you were sound asleep in the middle of the night?
Do you and your family have a plan for if something like this happens?
Honestly, it’s incredible how many people assume this cannot happen to them. In reality, this crime happens more often than you think.
If you live in California, you can check out crimes in your city and some additional stats on this website. And yes, there are similar sites for all states.
The reality is that when we are home, we generally lower our guard. This is due to it being our safe zone.
It doesn’t matter that most home burglaries happen during the day (due to many people being at work). We should always be ready for when someone wants to do us harm.
If you are reading this, you are looking for the best home protection for you. And I’m glad you’re here.
Like many people, a bat, knife, or shotgun seems to be the best option.
You might be interested to learn that I thought these were the best options.
But, after hours of training, my mind has officially changed. You might be able to guess what it is, but let’s see if you would agree with me.
But first, let’s add a disclaimer so we are all on the same page.
Because we are in this day and age, here is a quick disclaimer.
The following is from the viewpoint of the author. This is not an end-all or solution for everyone. Instead, this blog post is intended to get you thinking about your current situation. The author has a few suggestions and ideas, but it’s up to you to determine the appropriate path for protecting yourself and your family.
If this includes a firearm, you must always practice safe firearm safety!
Home Protection
The decision to protect your home and family is an important one.
It requires you to think, research, and understand all the risks associated with various forms of self-protection.
Many don’t consider this, but it’s important in setting up the best home protection for you and your family.
Let’s start by seeing your many options.
As always, if any are missed, remember to share them in the comments below.
Some popular options include:
- Security systems: A security system with motion detectors, door and window sensors, and cameras can help deter burglars and alert you to suspicious activity.
- Innovative home technology: Smart home devices such as doorbell cameras, smart locks, and bright lighting can also help increase security and give you a home remote control. Many smart devices include smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to protect against fire hazards and gas leaks, respectively (not all threats are bad guys trying to break in, after all).
- Deadbolts and locks: Installing high-quality deadbolts and locks on all exterior doors can make it more difficult for burglars to enter your home.
- Outdoor lighting: Installing motion-sensor lights around the perimeter of your home can help deter burglars by illuminating any suspicious activity.
- Neighborhood watch: Joining or starting a neighborhood watch program can also help increase security by getting to know your neighbors and keeping an eye out for each other.
- Weapons: This includes bats, golf clubs, knives, and anything you have handy. If the worst case happens and you are fighting off an attacker, anything can be used as an improvised weapon. Remember that.
- Firearms: We will cover more on this soon, but this includes handguns, shotguns, and rifles.
Ultimately, if you want my personal opinion, the best home protection is a combination of different measures that work together to keep your home safe.
I feel some people will question number six from the list above.
Anything lying around can be used as a weapon. But remember, not to alarm you but to make you aware these exact weapons can be used against you.
With that said most people would immediately go for a knife. And unless you know what you’re doing, you could end up in a bad situation.
I’ve seen it happen, and in one training, I had my knife used against me!
If you are using a bat as your weapon, here is a tip I like to share. Keep a large sock on the end of the bat.
Yep, that’s it. Simple but very effective.
This is so great because it allows you to use the bat to create space from the attacker. But if said attacker attempts to grab the bat, the sock will slip out of their hands. This shocking moment will provide you time to get away.
Something that should go without saying, but regardless of your improvised weapon choice, make sure you practice and know where they are.
It’s important to note that the best home defense weapon will depend on various factors, including personal preferences, skill level, and the specific circumstances of the home and each occupant.
Your New Safety Strategies
Again, our top priority is ensuring your family’s and home’s safety and security.
As we have briefly mentioned, there are always threats looming around. This is why we are starting to build the perfect home protection plan for you.
You can and should implement several home safety strategies to secure your family and home (see the list above).
Many people reading this live with someone else, and that means you should have a plan for it if something happens. This means that everyone (roommates, family, and even children) must be on the same page.
An example would be that everyone has a weapon they can quickly access. For extra credit, ensure everyone will meet in a close location, such as a back bedroom. If all rooms are close to each other, this will help make sure everyone is accounted for and requires the intruder to come to you.
The main point is to have a plan with your loved ones. Check out Making a Family Emergency Plan for more information and ideas.
Speaking of your home, generally, you know the terrain better than anyone else. But where are the motion lights and security system? What are your walls made out of? Are your doors solid? Do you have any places where you don’t have concealment or cover? Where are your neighbors?
If you decide to use firearms as part of your protection plan, knowing that rounds will travel through the walls of a modern house is important.
And depending on the walls and how your home was built, bullets can ricochet and change directions.
Whatever you choose, make sure you have a plan, your family knows the plan, and always practice.
A Note on Firearm Safety
I want to make this clear. You should always be safe when handling any firearm.
This includes the four basic firearm safety rules!
Don’t know what they are? Click here.
When you talk about firearms, you need to make sure you know the four safety rules. The main is that you won’t shoot anything in your home. That is the LAST thing you want to do!
As discussed above, always make sure you and your family have a plan.
If you aren’t sure how or what to do, look up a local range and take a class from them. It will be worth the money.
As I’m sure you have already guessed, the best home protection (I feel) is a firearm. I might get some pushback on this statement, but after countless hours of training and classes, I’ve decided the best home protection is to use an AR.
The key here is to have the firearm as part of your total home protection plan.
Using some examples from above, along with an AR, will give you the peace of mind your looking for.
Best Home Protection
Now we are getting to what I’ve really wanted to talk about.
Yes, we are building a custom plan for you and your family, but there is one part that I want to share. That is choosing the right firearm for your home protection plan!
There are many choices out there, but where do you start? I would suggest starting with what you already have.
Many people will choose their handgun or shotgun. Back in the day, that was what I had and what I used.
Even to this day, when I ask about the best home defense firearm, I always get someone saying, “Shotguns!”
One good point about the shotgun is that this is one sound everyone on Earth recognizes. The slide of a shotgun. It’s a beautiful thing.
And I would generally agree, but then the same people will talk about loading the shotgun with birdshot and maybe a round of buckshot or keeping extra rounds on the buttstock if the situation gets “crazy.”
My first response is that birdshot is for the bids, not for home defense.
Another response to the best home firearm protection is using a handgun.
This is another great choice, but there are so many things people don’t consider.
Here is a quick scenario for you.
It’s the middle of the night, and you hear a window in your home shatter. You live alone and don’t know anyone that would be breaking into your house. So you grab your shotgun or handgun (your choice) and start to clear your home.
The questions I have for you are as follows:
- How many rounds do you have with you?
- Do you have any extra rounds?
- Do you have a flashlight with you?
- Do you wear glasses? Are you currently wearing them?
- Are you carrying a holster, or will you put your firearm down at some point?
(You better answer no to putting your firearm down unless instructed by the Police.) - Where’s your phone to call for help?
I hope this quick scenario helped you realize that you might not be as repaired as you thought.
On the other hand, maybe you are on point and have everything and more that you need. Great!
What About Another Option? Enter The AR-15
What if you used your AR-15 for home protection?
This is an excellent question, as there are many of us that choose an AR-15 for home defense purposes.
It is still important to note that the choice of a firearm for home defense is a highly personal decision that should be based on the individual’s specific needs, preferences, and circumstances.
To quickly make my point, this platform has everything you need. And you will never need to put the firearm down, let’s take a minute and consider the following about using an AR.
- You have more rounds than a handgun or shotgun
- Your AR (or even the shotgun) should have a sling
- Install a light, and you are good in the dark
- Easy to maneuver
If you didn’t know, the AR-15 platform has many customization options.
There are many other benefits, but the AR is one of the most effective firearms for home defense due to its accuracy and stopping power.
It’s important to note that owning an AR requires responsibility and knowledge of proper handling and storage.
It’s difficult not to disclose what I use for home protection, but because I often get this question, here is a blanket response. I have a few firearms as well as strategically placed improvised weapons I can get to in seconds.
Let’s not forget that I have my glasses, holster, cuffs, and first aid kit nearby.
REMEMBER THIS – You must keep ALL your firearms securely locked away from unauthorized access!
This is crucial in maintaining a safe environment for everyone in the household as well as, in many states, the law.
Things To Note About AR-15s
These are perfect for home protection, but it’s also important to consider the potential downsides of using an AR-15 for home defense.
One factor to consider is overpenetration, the risk of the bullet passing through walls and injuring innocent people in adjacent rooms or outside the home.
This is why knowing and following your four safety rules is and always will be important, as well as ensuring everyone in your household knows where and how to use them.
This is why we have already discussed having a family plan in place!
Sadly, another factor to consider is the potential for increased scrutiny and legal issues surrounding using an AR-15 for home defense.
We are discussing this AR-15 platform strictly for home defense.
It’s clear how some people feel about firearms, but I want to add that I will not get into a debate about firearms.
This is due to the AR-15’s reputation as a military-style weapon. Which, sadly, is viewed with suspicion by some.
Ultimately, the choice of a firearm for home defense is a highly personal decision that should be based on careful consideration of the individual’s needs, preferences, and circumstances, as well as an understanding of the potential risks and benefits of various firearm platforms.
I’m going to mention it again. I always suggest people seek expert advice and training to use their firearms safely and effectively.
What do you think?
Choosing the best home protection can be daunting, but it is worthwhile.
Whether you choose an AR or another weapon, such as a bat, arming yourself with knowledge and planning for home and family safety is essential for protecting your home.
By researching all available options and considering your family’s unique needs, you can find the perfect choice that allows you to feel safe in your own home.
It comes down to choosing the best option for home protection that you and your family are comfortable with. And remember to practice using whatever that plan is!
Disclaimer Reminder
What you just read is from the author’s viewpoint. This is not an end-all or solution for everyone. Instead, this blog post is intended to get you thinking about your current situation. The author has a few suggestions and ideas, but it’s up to you to determine the appropriate path for protecting yourself and your family.
And remember, always practice safe firearm safety!