One of the most horrifying scenarios for a family is for someone to break into their home. Whether a simple burglary or a violent home invasion, you’re first instinct is to protect your family and your stuff.
Whether during the day, evening or the middle of the night; do you know what you can, should and need to do to protect your family? What if you’re not home? Does your wife know the plan? What if your child is home alone sick? Would they have the presence of mind to not panic and take protective action?
Does that plan include a firearm? Should a firearm be included in your plans and preparation? There are a number of stories of homeowners fending off invaders with a firearm: stories of women huddled in a closet with a gun shooting the invader when they open the closet door; stories of young children reaching for dad’s gun and fending off bad guys – preventing themselves and their younger siblings from becoming victims. But there are just as many stories of the burglar breaking into the home with no one there and stealing that gun.
The foundation for any defense is a well thought out, and practiced plan. Let’s come back to the broader discussion of a plan later and talk today about having a firearm included in that plan.
In the state of Texas, the use of a firearm in the defense of the home is included in the state’s “Castle Doctrine”. Texas Penal Code 9.31 and 9.32 presumes you acted reasonably and justifiably if you use force or deadly force to defend against an intruder (inclusive of home, vehicle and workplace). (Most other states have similar laws on their books.)
The question becomes; not can you use deadly force, but will you be able to use deadly force and what kind?
We are supporters of the Second Amendment and we do believe that good, responsible people should own and safely operate firearms. The use of a firearm in defense of the home is, however, a more personal question for you, the reader, to answer.
But, let’s make one thing clear: a firearm in the home is NOT a magic wand. Just because you have a ‘gun in the house’ does not automatically provide defensive protection from an intruder.
With that said, let’s discuss some considerations for having a firearm designated for home defense.
Firearms can provide a means of defense in a life-threatening situation; and homeowners have successfully defended their families from home invaders in the past; and will likely do so in the future. However, if you want to include a firearm in your preparations for defense, know that you will need to train and practice – and your family will need to train and practice as well.
Successful home invasion defense is 90% preparation: harden your home against an invasion, educate yourself and your family, develop a plan and conduct practice drills. Adding a firearm to that preparation demands that you learn everything about your gun, and spend time training. And you cannot train on your own, find a professional instructor at a reputable range that can take you and your family through your plan; with real firearms or in a simulation room.
Although emergencies NEVER happen in the way you prepare, being prepared will help you stay calm and work through the situation.
Now that we have made the determination and the commitment to include a firearm in our defensive plan, what else should we consider?
First – what type of firearm? Handgun, shotgun or rifle? A handgun is small and easily handled for most people, but does require a bit of ability to effectively use as a home defense firearm. A shotgun, although large and somewhat cumbersome, only requires a point and shoot skill with minimal aiming ability. A rifle should not be used in home defense as the projectile can penetrate not only the bad guy, but several walls and possibly end up in the neighbor’s home.
Whether you select a shotgun or handgun, the next consideration is the size of the ammunition. For a handgun we reference caliber, for shotgun we reference gauge. For the handgun, the larger the caliber number, the bigger the projectile and the explosive discharge. With a shotgun the larger the number the smaller the gauge and packaging of the projectile(s).
Once the type of firearm and size of ammunition is determined, then we can consider the numerous options from which to choose – brand, compactness, accessories, etc. Whether this is your first firearm or you one hundredth; rent one and shoot it – make sure you are comfortable with the way it fits and your ability to shoot it.
Including a firearm into your home defense plan is a personal decision, but if one is included; you’ll want to consider your options, evaluation the obligations and incorporate practice into your plan.
We hope that you never find the need to use your firearm for personal or home defense, but that you enjoy the experience of shooting – training and practicing to hone your skills.
Stay Alert, Stay Aware,
Ron Mullins and Thom Bolsch
