Gun quantity is the question that everyone considers. Regardless of expertise, all gun owners, new or seasoned, ask themselves questions about how many and what types of long guns, including rifles and shotguns, and handguns, including revolvers and pistols, are necessary for home defense, safety defense, or sport.
There are a variety of answers depending on your objective and specific circumstances. If you live alone and require home defense, it is much easier to determine what you need and the quantity. As an example, I have multiples of most of my firearms. My philosophy is always to have a backup and to ensure that everything is safely stored.
If you belong to a NAAGA Emergency Support Team (NEST) and work in a group format, the number of guns and types of firearms needed might vary depending upon your team’s guidelines.
If you prefer one firearm, I would strongly recommend a long gun, AR – 15. It can do everything a pistol can. The high-capacity magazines of thirty bullets can give you a strategic advantage when facing intruders. I know some folks will argue that the first gun for home defense should be a hand or shotgun, but I believe differently.
There is a commonly used phrase called the “gun bug” that occurs in the firearms industry. Gun enthusiasts are intrigued to start collections based upon defense or sportsmanship. The first purchase leads to many more coupled with firearms accessories.
Lastly, have a plan that affords each adult to have one firearm. This standard will at least allow everyone to have a fighting chance against an intruder. The overall objective is to keep everyone alive and safe.
72 Comments
Timothy J. Gandy
Thank you for sharing this.
Lindsay M Davis
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NAAGA
Hello
How can we help you
thanks
Staff
Antoinette (Toni) Nelson
Do NAAGA help members apply for a gun permit in their state?
Don Lang
I just got into guns last year for home and personal defense and your term of “gun bug” describes me perfectly. This stuff is adictive!!!
Dwight
It is very addictive!!!!
Kerry Foster
Enjoyed your article, but I would consider A 9mm carbine before an AR15. Most of these have options for higher capacity magazines. My main concern with an AR is wall penetration. The 9mm should be safer. Also the bullets are less expensive for practice and many more home defense options are available in that caliber.
Marcus
I continue to wonder how many guns I really do need. At some point I will know how many is enough.
Steve Corbyn
Funny I just posted about this here on Quora.
https://qr.ae/pNzZMm
I also agree with your recommendation for the AR-15, although I would add the AK or SKS platforms. The ammo for these is about half the cost of .223/5.56, but they aren’t as common as the AR, something to consider in a SHTF scenario. Overpenetration is the most common criticism of these rounds, but this is a problem inherent to all firearms – and the .223/5.56 doesn’t penetrate as much as other rounds.
I like the carbine because it is so versatile. You can hunt, plink and protect your loved ones – making it the true “modern musket.” It is also more difficult to injure yourself with an accidental discharge or have it wrenched out of your hands unlike a handgun. Plus it also carries more rounds than a shotgun, and being semi-auto doesn’t need to be pumped. In a stressful situation you need as many rounds as possible, and the AR/AK/SKS provide that.
Proud NAAGA member since 2018.
Steve Corbyn
Daniel Galyon
Well written. Thank you for bringing up a topic that merits attention. I do however have a different take on weapon of choice for home defense particularly in close quarter situations.
I have an AR-15 but the problem I have with using it in the home intruder scenario is the distance that round will travel in a home. Average drywall wont stop that round from harming an innocent or even exiting the house. Im defending more than just me.
Tough call though whether to go with the Glock40 and 10 rounds or the semi 12 gauge Beretta and 5 shots. Depends on how many intruders and whats closest I guess.
Thought provoking article to help people work though their choices before they have to choose
James Carpenter
Excellent article. Personally I think a shooter should have as many firearms as they can afford.
I have several firearms such as a 1907-1916 Stevens Model 35 target pistol and a 1907-1914 Savage Model 1907 pocket pistol in my collection that are safe and functional but were acquired primarily as collector pieces so they rarely get shot though I have ammunition and/or reloading equipment for them as I do for all the firearms I own. JC
Richard Moore
Thanks for the guidance. I’m new to owning firearms personally, one 9mm is for home defense and the other is an all purpose 12-gauge.
Phil
I live in a old house with narrow hallways. A long gun would be be difficult to maneuver and aim in cramped quarters. In addition, all the training I have received emphasizes that most encounters occur with 10 feet and last lees than 10 seconds.
Second, you have limited time to practice so I think it is more important to be very skilled with fewer guns.
Thus I have a main safe and two quick reaction safes throughout the house. I only buy two brands,, thus the muscle memory to operate the pistols is always the same. I can do it in the dark no problem.
Percy Blackshear
Hello sir,
Can you give me directions on where to purchase a weapon in metro Atlanta
Todd Burt
I own a remington 870 shotty.
taurus poly 357
kel-tec 9mm
I think I will invest in AR-15
George Lavoy Graham
Well said. My belief is you can never have enough guns as you could never have enough money or gold. My first line of defense is a shotgun (bulldog) and then pistols and AR15. Buy what you like and shoot what you can afford. Bottom line in the black community, in my opinion, is own a gun.
Top G
ANDRE BRISCOE
Are you also recommending a AR-15 for people living in a apartment? Can you share your thoughts on the possibility of wall penetration and possibility of injuring a neighbor?
Kevin
Makes total sense to me so thanks for the reminder!
Eric Green
I have 5 guns, one for each entry into our home, a pump shotgun and my CCW. Included in my 5 is an AR which I purchased for 3 gun competitions. It would be great if I found myself in a situation that called for more than 15 rounds to protect myself and my family.
NAAGA
Great thinking and preparation
Staff
Zachary Steele
I agree with the AR15 as a home defense weapon of choice. I would add Or suggest) that pistol caliber carbines can provide all the benefits of a rifle, without the need to find and visit the outdoor range to get your routine practice/ Training time.
Johnathan Atkins
Shouldn’t you implement just as much practice and training for pistol caliber carbines?
Billy Cassis
How much ammunition should a person have?
NAAGA
It really depends on your personal objectives
I prefer a lot ( 5,000 rounds) but that might be too much for you
Just research your Gun of choice, location, and objective
Hope this helps
Staff
Fred F
A few hundred rounds for each weapon should be enough. Just replace what you use for target practice. Ammo is in short supply these days, so shoot sparingly.
Bradley Taylor, Sr.
Can someone please call me and give my membership number. I left several message’s. (516) 351-5006.
Thanks.
Bradley R. Taylor, Sr.
NAAGA
Hello
Please contact membership.support@naaga.co for assistance
Thanks
Staff
NAAGA
please email membership.support@naaga.co for assistance
thanks
Staff
Tilman Green Jr
Yes ammunition prices have skyrocketed. I haven’t reloaded in years. I went to my local gun store looking for brass cases. There wasn’t any brass or primers for sell in this large store.
Michelle Tuggle
I maintain “something” on each floor. I keep the AR for the outdoor range and such. 🙂
Robert Crawford
Need is a meaningless word. I have lived in countries that have left me with the understanding that all a person needs is a tarp and a bowl; the tarp to cover their head when it rains and a bowl to beg with.
Everything from that point on is a luxury, or by the grace of God.
That said, I agree with the AR-15. I have been positively impressed with some .223 (I said .223 on purpose) loads that have shown very low wall penetration Shooting through the wall and hitting a neighbour is a (trademarked term) “Bad Thing.”
I would add a second AR, configured as closely to the primary as possible in 22lr, to allow for frequent affordable practice.
Kenneth
Should we use size of residence and entry points as a basis? I would imagine a studio apartment doesn’t require as many resources as a 5,000 square foot house with three levels. If we have favorite rooms then we should have a resource in each one, if the rooms are not located close to one another. Finally, I would think locating ammo around the house would also be important so we are not stuck in one location if we only have one weapon.
Douglas Wilber
Thank you for the article, “How Many Guns Do You Really Need?” I’d like to share an opinion on which firearm is best for home defense: While the AR-15 is an excellent choice, I think that the pump shotgun is the best home defense weapon. The pump shotgun is very intimidating, with a very large bore size, and the the distinctive “click-clack” sound of the action. If the intruder is not scared off by these alone, a shotgun blast is devastating at close range, and most people can connect without aiming. And, if the target is missed, a shotgun charge is less likely to over penetrate through walls as with a handgun or rife, making it less likely to harm other people. The AR-15 has the advantage in magazine capacity, but one shot or two from a shotgun would be “game over” in most scenarios, and most tactical style shotguns can be had with extended magazines for up to 12 rounds. Thank you, and keep up the good work! – Doug Wilber
Charles Jackson
I somewhat agree with AR15 as a Front Line Home Defense Weapon but my opinion is it needs to be Pistol size and Pistol caliber to reduce over penetration. Nothing could be worse than neutralizing an Intruder and projectile passing through walls injuring an innocent person as with.556 or 300 Blackout
Robert Crawford
Plenty of tests, both formal and informal, have shown that, when using some 223 hunting loads, the AR has significantly less dry-wall penetration than pistol loads.
BASIR MCHAWI
While an AR-15 might work in most States, New York State has draconian gun laws and New York City is even worse. It is almost impossible to legally own an AR-15 in NYC. A pistol caliber carbine might be a good first choice and after some training, a shotgun next.
Andre
Good info. Thank u.
Russell F. Nunley
Two is one, and one is none. The question you pose is preposterous.
Larry
When using the AR15 caliber determination is critical in depth of penetration especially if you have family members on the other side of the walls. For close combat maybe an AR9 or 300blkout?
Yolanda Turner-Smith
I think buyers have a choice. I think you are right they should have an AR-15 but seeing the Mossberg 590 Shockwave, that should be a viable option as well.
Lorna Cavin
You know Yolanda, I like your suggestion of the Mossberg 590 Shockwave. I like a pump action. Thanks.
Gerald Miller
I think I agree with Mr. Steele and Mr. Smith the AR 15 is a good format for home defense especially in a pistol caliber. I think one of my greatest worries would be penetration especially in a rifle caliber (e.g. 5.56, + etc.) Even a 5.56 will go through dry wall, siding, more siding, dry wall, and still kill/wound one of your family or neighbors. Not likely of course that you won’t hit a stud or some other object and stop or deflect the bullet.
The question of “how many” is a different question than “What do you really need?” or “What is the best single home defense gun?” How many do you really need for me always comes down to the same answer three, a .22 rifle, a shotgun, and a centerfire rifle capable of humanely bringing down any critter in the US – (calibers and actions can be argued forever.)
Brock Vaughn
I joined because the NRA has been less than honorable and without integrity. I read some crazy stuff from senior leaders in the NRA over the last 35 years.
I hope and expect sensible language and a clear message rings true from this organization.
You don’t need a gun, but everyone should have one if they want one and no one should have one who doesn’t have the sense to understand the responsibility that comes with owning and securing a firearm.
Virtually every mass shooting was based on a parent with a legal firearm. Seems irresponsible to overlook the ease of access.
I hope this organization pushes a gun cabinet as a first purchase. The guns don’t need a sales pitch. Please consider that scaring people to own a gun for protection is the basis that the NRA used.
Thomas Jay Young
The article was not written to scare people to buy firearms. The purpose was to provoke thought and consideration in regards to what firearms we would use to protect ourselves. Reviewing the pros and cons for each is essential and this type of article is exactly what is needed in this day and time. Your accusation(scaring people into buying firearms) was uncalled for and unfair.
RENE Talbott
The only advantage to home defense with an AR 15 is its magazine capacity. Some will say that’s the advantage they desire. The problem is that under high stress and lack of rediness lessons the accracy of the shooter. Matter
of fact subtracting the percentage of lucky shots, shooters may find they’ve only been successful with 3 or four
rounds and that’s extreme. I ‘ve served in WAR and Law enforcement, but groups under stress miss the target a lot.NOW-OW -OW you take the Shot Gun ready with number #1-2-or 3 buck shot your ‘lack’ of rediness (time spent on the range) will give you a mathmatical advantage of hiting your intended target as the BUCK SHOT spreads to an area and is not dependant on having a target remain some what stationary. Non- shooters and shooters who strickly look for home protection, its the shot gun choice above all else with a hand gun back up. That’s my real life experience and I’m sticking to it.
Lorna Cavin
Rene your plan sounds solid with me! I am also Law Enforcement and Military and believe in the same thought. What is your shotgun of choice?
Jerel Crew
I just got asked this question last night as to what type of firearm should be my first purchase for home defense. Immediately he said, “I don’t want anything to big just something little to protect my family if someone breaks in my home”. My response to him was that he should first get firearm safety training as this would teach him the gun safety practices needed for everyone that owns a firearm. Secondly, I told him to consider a firearm with high capacity in the event that you home is invaded by multiple attackers you’ll have a better chance of staying in the fight and drive them out of your home as opposed to using a revolver which is what he thought he needed.
At the ends of the day, having something is better than nothing at all.
CHEQUITHA DAVIS
What is a fire arm of “high capacity.” Is it a gun that expels alot of rounds? What constitutes high capacity?
Forgive me for asking…I’m learning.
Jerel Crew
Hi Chequitha,
Typically, a high capacity is defined state by state. Like New Jersey, you can’t have any mags over a 10 round capacity but in Pennsylvania, they do not have those restrictions. So with that being said, I’m allowed to have magazines in my firearm of 30+ rounds. Having those choice between only having 10 rounds in my firearm to defend my home as opposed to 30, I’m going with the 30.
Hope this helps!
Jerel
Keith M.
I couldn’t agree more. Nothing beats an AR-15 long gun or pistol with a 60 round drum and a good tactical light on the tip. Now a days intruders seem to come in packs.
Jerel Crew
Hi Keith!
Yes indeed that’s exactly where I’m coming from!
Jerel
Walter
I have two hand guns I like to buy a AR-15 but the way things is going on
about this gun I don’t need to buy it then the Government Pass a law to come to your home and take it
I am all about the 2rh Amendment and we need to Stick together on this one.
Daniel Quackenbush
I strongly agree having an a AR as well. However I am worried about where I live if the government had their way they want to ban AR’s and anything semi automatic. Bolt action ain’t cutting it, so my idea would be hand guns. But they want to ban high capacity mags too. So either you get more mags and practice how to reload quickly or buy more guns for back up.
BS
Living in Massachusetts the AR-15’s are legal to purchase, but any magazine higher than 10 rounds is banned in my State. You can purchase a Pre-ban magazines. Pre-ban magazines manufactured before September 13, 1994 are exempt from the Massachussetts restriction.
Marvin Marion
I agree with the AR-15 and 30 round magazine as my primary and a shotgun secondary in the home. As for a carry weapon a pistol with higher than 10 rounds would be preferable for me. The additional rounds are needed in the case of multiple attackers or hits that don’t initially stop your attacker.
Jerel Crew
Don’t forget to always carry a spare mag just in case your primary fails. This doesn’t happen too often but if it does your’e out of the fight. Always keep a spare on you.
Jerel
Joseph Jermaine Jackson
I have many guns but I don’t use rifle caliber for home defense, you have to think about where that AK or AR round is going to end up after it leaves the barrel. so my primary is a CZ scorpion carbine with hollow point ammo to help mitigate overpenetration and to reduce the chance of hitting one of my family or neighbors.
Dani
I absolutely agree that an AR-15 should be a top choice. From the perspective of pure utilitarianism and pragmatism: The AR-15 will be quicker to develop proficiency than a handgun or even, arguably, a shotgun.
The benefits of an AR-15 greatly outweigh those of a shotgun or handgun. While shotguns and handguns are great additions, and both have their place in the tool box of self-defense, the AR-15, with its many configurations can be effectively used by nearly all adults, and will be more effective in most scenarios than either a shotgun or pistol.
I would argue that the sentiment that each adult should have a weapon must be balanced by the caveat that an untrained adult with a weapon is potentially a liability. The level of training to move from liability to asset is distinctly less when the weapon is a slight-recoiling long gun, such as an AR-15.
Alan Coleman
More is better. But in today’s environment of shortages, make sure you can get ammunition for the weapon that you buy. Don’t let good be the enemy of perfect when you choose one. If it works for you, I suggest getting it. And then relentlessly search for ammo. Then PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.
CHEQUITHA R DAVIS
Just joined not too long ago…a couple of weeks ago. First experience! Great info! Thank you!
George Clarke
Consider a High-Point 995, you can get a extended 20-30 round magazine and it’s the same caliber as a 9mil. With one caliber you save on ammo.
Reggie Wynn
I disagree with the recommendation of purchasing an AR-15 as both a first purchase along with home defense. The AR platform is easy to learn and shoot due to limited recoil; yet training (quality training) is required to effectively execute home defense and room clearing actions. An first time purchaser and shooting requires to grasp the senses during a home invasion; understand barrel spacing and target acquisition and most importantly the penetration qualities of rounds through walls. All these characteristics require training and practice which most will not perform. Unless you sincerely expect a multi-person home invasion, statistically maybe three people, purchased a pistol which is comfortable for your hands that you can accurately engage targets.
Fred F.
I agree with this recommendation 100%.
Reggie Wynn
Cont…
Loaded with home defense ammunition limits collateral damage of multi-room penetration. Again, most new shooters rarely purchased multiple function ammo, e.g. ball round training; home defense; travel road heavy grain. Start basic and acquire different firearms and accessories with knowledge and training.
Lillian
I’m a new member of the NAAGA Organization I would like to speak with someone from the organization about the company. Please contact me by email
NAAGA
The best thing to do is send a message to membership.support@naaga.co.
NAAGA
please email membership.support@naaga.co
Staff
Larry Davenport
Asked myself that question, came up with a pistol for easy reach and a pump shotgun to be sufficient for multiple invaders. Only considered an AR for a war type situation. I’d move out of that neighborhood.
Fred Folson
I always tell people to consider their home when deciding on a firearm. If you live in an apartment bldg, an AR-15 is the wrong choice in my humble opinion; the muzzle velocity is too high. If you ever had to fire it in anger, the round(s) would penetrate several other units before coming to rest somewhere down the block. Same can be said for someone living in a single family unit, however.
I recommend a 9mm for those new to weapons. Much slower muzzle velocity thus reducing the risks of collateral damage down range of the intended target. The mere sound of weapons fire will force most would-be attackers running in the other direction unless they are truly coming to get you (and not just to steal your electronic gadgets). And most indoor ranges permit 9mm weapons for target practice.
If you’ve got some land, then by all means get one of each Lol (9mm, .45 cal, shotgun, rifle, etc).
Eleanor Stegall-Hughes
We were just discussing what other gun protection is needed. I didn’t think of an AR? We would need training on this one. But, totally agree something else is needed to drive them of of your home.
Thomas Jay Young
The article was not written to scare people to buy firearms. The purpose was to provoke thought and consideration in regards to what firearms we would use to protect ourselves. Reviewing the pros and cons for each is essential and this type of article is exactly what is needed in this day and time. Your accusation(scaring people into buying firearms) was uncalled for and unfair.
Dr. Everard Rutledge
I agree with Mr. Wilber,
The 870 pump IC (with pistol Grip and extended mag) #1 buck shot.is an excellent home protection weapon.
If you do not like the above then a Benelli Super Black Eagle 3.5 inch with improved cylinder.
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