I’ve already covered the most important topic in several earlier articles; training, and I would strongly urge you to read or re-read them:
https://exopt-usa.com/when-the-bell-rings/
https://exopt-usa.com/failure-to-train/
https://exopt-usa.com/tactical-vs-competitive-shooting/
On Guns; first define your mission and the weapons purpose. For example if it’s a long gun; rifle or shotgun designated for home defense that you will get some initial basic training on, practice with on occasion and keep in a gun safe most of the time, then consider a popular pump action shotgun such as the Remington 870, or an easy to shoot pistol caliber carbine such as the Ruger PC9 in 9mm. Both of these guns will last through generations.
Example of the popular Ruger PC9
Example of the popular Remington 870
If you are serious practitioner and your goal is to set yourself up for success in any worst case scenario, then again: training, training, training, there is a theme developing here… Unfortunately I would estimate that greater than 90% of all gun owners and CCW carriers never take any formal training, and/or only a very basic course when required to obtain a CCW license.
One of the most often asked questions is: should I have multiple calibers or stick to just one? I recommend keeping your defensive or operational load out simple: A reliable 9mm or 45 ACP pistol. A 12 or 20 guage shotgun or pistol caliber carbine, preferably one with reverse magazine compatibility with your pistol. An AR style rifle in 5.56 and a scoped long range rifle in a popular military calibre.
Example of the popular Glock 19 9mm pistol
Example of the popular Colt 45 ACP pistol
Example of the popular AR style rifle in 5.56 caliber
Example of a military caliber long range scoped rifle
Based on the laws of the land where you live, a lever action rifle in 30-30 is a great all around gun and could be a suitable replacement for the AR. Step it up to a 45/70 and you could replace the AR and aforementioned long range rifle.
Example of a popular 30-30 lever action rifle
Example of a popular 45/70 lever action rifle
On Ammunition; from a self or home defense standpoint, as I stated in “When the Bell Rings” It doesn’t matter how much ammunition you have stored away. The only thing that matters is how much ammunition you have in loaded magazines. In NY having 3 loaded 10 round magazines and 50000 rounds in case boxes, when the bell rings = 30 rounds of ammunition…
From an avid shooters standpoint; our recommendation is to stock and maintain a supply of ammunition based on your budget and annual consumption. For example If you normally go through 10k rounds of pistol ammunition per year, you should always have at least 10k rounds on hand. When you start getting down to 10 cases, it’s time to buy some more… This should apply to shotgun and rifle as well. We recommend the same thing for your vehicles gas tank: 1/2 tank should be considered your empty… When it’s getting close to half a tank, fill it up…
Nothing is more family friendly and easier to shoot that a good 22 rifle or pistol. I’m actually a big fan of the 22LR, they are great training tools and I shoot them regularly. With 10 rounds on board, I would have no problem recommending a time tested 22 rifle such as the Ruger 10/22 to a recoil or noise sensitive shooter for home defense. I certainly do not want to get shot with one…
Example of the popular Ruger 10/22 22LR rifle
Stay Safe my friends.
June 18, 2020
Donald P. Redl, Jr. – Managing Member Executive Options LLC
Executive Options LLC provides executive security, training and conducts investigations for legal and corporate clients nationwide.
(877) 211-3524