Tuesday, May 28, 2013

How Many Guns Do You Need?

By Range Master Joe

The question has been asked, how many guns do you need for defense?  The simple answer is 6.  
 
Handguns

You will need two handguns, one small compact that is capable of being concealed and one full size.  I prefer to use a 2” .357 Magnum Revolver for a conceal carry weapon.  Some prefer a small automatic.  What ever you chose make sure it has enough stopping power.  I would not go any smaller then a 380 or a 9mm.  Another good option is to use the same type of gun in a full size and sub compact, i.e. Springfield XD, S&W M&P, or Glocks.  This way all the working parts will be the same on both guns.  The trigger, magazine release, slide, and safety will all be the same.  Field stripping and cleaning will be the same for both.
 
Shotguns

Next you will need a Shotgun.  Barrel length isn’t a big issue but make sure you can maneuver it through your house.  Keep it simple, I don’t like to put optic on a shotgun.  I may add a light and an extended magazine but that is it.  I don’t like side shell holders, they can snag on stuff or rounds fall off them when shooting powerful loads.  Keep a variety on ammo, #7 to #8 is good for snakes of to avoid over penetrating of walls.  #4 to #6 turkey loads are a hard hitting round and buck shot is buck shot.  One round of 00 buck shot is equivalent to 9 rounds of 9mm.

.22 Long Rifle (.22LR)


A .22 LR Rim fire is a must.  They are quiet, have no recoil, cheep to shoot.  Once again keep it simple.  This one is up to you; it doesn’t matter if it is a semi auto, bolt action, single shot, or lever action.  If it is works, it is good.  Make sure the ammo will feed well through your weapon.

Rifle


You will need two rifles, one for close to intermediate range, (10 to 200 meters) and one for long range, (75 to 300+ meters).  For your intermediate range rifle you want a weapon that you are capable of firing 30 rounds a minute.  I like to use iron sights, red dots, holographic sights, or low magnification scope, (1 to 4 power or less).  AR15, SKS, AK47, Ruger Mini 14, or Pistol caliber Carbines are ideal for this roll.  For a long range rifle you will want a little more power. 

At the longer ranges, accuracy is more important the speed.  A .243, 22-250, 308, 30-06, or 300magnum, or anything in between is a good round.  A bolt action, semi auto, or single shot will all do well for this application. Heavy barrels will increase accuracy but also increase weight so I can’t say which one is the best.  I like a scope with a minimum power between 2 and 4 times magnification and a maximum power between 8 and 12 times magnification.  Too much magnification limits you field of view.  Also I recommend a bipod or some sort of stabilizing device.

Practice, Practice, Practice


Once you have you weapons, you need to use them at least every 6 month to stay proficient.  I recommend shooting in matches to help with your training.  There are several different disciplines, Steel Challenge, USPSA, IDPA, NRA Action pistol, Bulls eye, Skeet, Sporting Clays, Three Gun or Trap. 

Regards from Liberty33

 

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