Reference Materials
What is the Best Firearm for Home and Family Defense?
By Sig Swanstrom
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IN |
my view, a shotgun is by far the best home defense weapon. This is another reason why I’m an advocate of shotgun sports. They are fun, plus worthwhile from a defensive-training
perspective, too, a great combination.
Why
a shotgun for protection?
And
why most shotguns aren’t equal to the task.
Let me explain.
Since
the early frontier days, shotguns have been used to kill birds and small game
for food, and for protecting the home. Nicknamed “scatter guns,” these
weapons have the advantage of spraying lead pellets, which means that the
shooter doesn’t need to be as accurate. It’s hard enough for the average
person to shoot a flying bird with a shotgun, but it’s all but impossible to
do it with a rifle or handgun. Except in the movies, of course.
But
hunting and sport shotguns have long barrels, making them unwieldy to use within the
confined space of a home. This is why most people use a handgun for personal protection in the
home. Even a full-size handgun can
easily be wielded in the smallest room in your house.
Another problem with a sporting shotgun is that when
fired, the long barrel holds the pellets in a tight pattern. The width of
the spray of pellets can be restricted to 6-inches (+/-) inside a home.
In most home invasions, the assailant is attacking
from less than 20’ away, so the defender has little margin for error if using a
long-barrel shotgun. Add fear to the mix and the shotgun-advantage, of
delivering a broad spray of pellets, is totally lost.
Handguns do have advantages in self-defense
situations. They are very transportable,
and can be carried less obtrusively than even a short-barreled shotgun. This can be a tremendous asset in urban
outside-the-home defense situations. So the versatility of a handgun is important,
yet these advantages still don’t make it optimal for inside-the-home defense.
Without a doubt, a handgun is a great all-around personal
protection weapon. But if you’re concerned
primarily with protection at home, a short-barrel shotgun has a number of clear
advantages.
Using a handgun, even a highly experienced police
officer often misses a moving target.
Not surprising when you consider that that handgun bullet is less than
half an inch wide. This means that a
minor movement of the hand when firing can easily result in missing the target
by several feet.
One great example of this was a case involving one of
my fellow police officers. Around 4 AM
one night, he had parked his cruiser and was walking around a retail area. All in an effort to stay awake on one of
those rare quiet nights in a big city. However,
when he walked around a corner of one of the buildings, he came face-to-face
with a burglar. The crook had a handgun
pointed at the officer’s head. It was an
ambush.
My friend drew his gun and they both fired at the same
time. Both emptied their guns. Less than 20’ apart, but neither the officer,
nor the bad guy, hit their target. Two
guns emptied, every shot missed.
After both guns clicked on empty, my friend rushed forward
and tackled his assailant. He had him
subdued and handcuffed before he could take a moment to call for backup. It was
over in seconds.
An event such as this was embarrassing for my friend,
but it’s not totally unusual. Even
highly trained officers miss, at least with some of their shots.
My friend took a lot of razing for his poor shooting,
but embarrassment is nothing when compared to the other potential outcome --
his death.
Fortunately for my friend, the bad guy also suffered from
the same adrenaline-rush brought on by fear and surprise. Though the crook had a few seconds to prepare
an ambush, he was still reacting to the fight-or-flight reaction that is part
of any life threatening situation.
It’s important to add that my friend maintained good
scores in his monthly firearm qualification.
He was familiar with his handgun.
He had the ability to shoot straight.
It was his reaction to the unexpected encounter that ruined his
aim. He wasn’t mentally prepared.
Had the officer been carrying a short barreled shotgun
he‘d still have been surprised by the attack, but the results might have been
different. Sure, he would have suffered
the same negative effects of surprise, but there is a good chance that he would
have hit his target.
Okay, lot’s of “maybe” conjecture here, but consider
the facts. If he had fired a shotgun blast
that delivered a wide swath of 15 bullet-size pellets with each pull of the
trigger, it’s reasonable to assume that it might have played out differently. Most importantly, he might have
incapacitated his assailant early. It’s
unfair to leave it all up to your guardian angel. We can’t forget that each one of the assailant’s
shots could have brought death.
And if the armed burglar had seen the officer coming
with a shotgun, he may have surrendered without firing a shot, or at least
tried to run away.
This same reality applies to you in your home. Surprise.
Fear. The adrenaline-rush that
comes from an emergency situation; and your aim may go awry, too.
This is an amusing story only because my friend wasn’t
killed. If he had encountered an
attacker who was better prepared mentally, the story would have a tragic ending.
Sure, a shotgun is not as portable or maneuverable as
a handgun; but you can see how it might be a lot more effective inside your
home.
Coach Guns (Shotgun):
Coach guns are double-barreled shotguns like some sporting guns, but
made for personal protection.
Since the barrels are shorter, (originally designed for use by stagecoach guards) they are better suited to the purpose of self defense.
Yet, you’d
better be a good shot with a coach gun because it
only holds two shots, and it takes time to reload -- too much time if your assailant is charging at you, or
shooting at you.
John Wayne did use a coach gun to great advantage in
his Western movies, but today we have a better option.
Tactical Shotguns
A tactical shotgun, either pump-action or semi-automatic, is a staggering
advancement in firepower. It can hold as many as 8-shotgun shells, so
with one of these short-barrel shotguns you have 8-chances to hit your target. This offers far better odds than coach
gun. For home defense today, a “tactical” shotgun like those used by police officers, is clearly the best
choice.
Tactical shotguns are not very useful for hunting or sport, but buying a model which uses the same operating features is worth considering. You must be familiar with a weapon, and use it regularly if you are to use it effectively in an emergency situation. So, having a shotgun for hunting or sport, that is similar to your tactical shotgun, does provide a clear training advantage. Most people use a sporting shotgun far more frequently than their tactical shotgun, and familiarity and training are essential if you are going to be prepared.
Tactical Pump-Action Shotgun
A pump-action shotgun requires that before firing, the
user must “pump” the handle which is located under the barrel. As the handle is slid rearward, the action releases
a shotgun shell from the magazine, and drops it onto an internal rack. When the handle is moved forward, the rack
moves upward and inserts the shell into the chamber of the shotgun. This manual process is often called “racking,”
and many consider it an added safety feature.
If you are interested in purchasing a tactical shotgun, the standard police
workhorse is the Remington 870 which is a pump-action tactical shotgun. For more
than 30-years this has been the tactical shotgun used by most police departments. It is still standard equipment in probably
90% of today’s police cruisers.
Even within the pump-action category, tactical
shotguns come in several configurations.
However, the most common “police” model is one with this configuration: Remington
model 870, with an 18-1/2 or 20" barrel, and a magazine extension tube. (A capacity of 7+1 shotgun shells). A
synthetic stock is much more durable than wood, so this is what most police
departments purchase. Some models come with a pistol grip, others
without. Police departments use both.
Another advantage of the 870 is that there are many after-market products
available for it. This includes pistol grips, collapsible stocks,
flashlight mounts, lasers, rails, sidesaddle shell holders, swivels &
slings, etc.
Buying a used gun at a gun show is an option to
consider, but personally, I don’t buy a used gun if I think it will ever be
used in a self-defense situation. I want to have total confidence that when I need it, it’ll be in proper working
order. For hunting and target use, no problem, but for self defense, I buy new.
The Remington 870 comes in a number of tactical configurations.
Click Here for a link to the most durable 870 tactical shotgun.
One advantage to the above model is that it has all
the important features, plus it is more durable because it has a special corrosion resistant surface. This model was originally made
for boaters who want protection from pirates, as well as a shotgun that they
could use against sharks and to launch distress flares. Today, this model
is popular because it doesn’t rust as quickly, and it doesn’t look like a weapon that would belong to a militia
member. But it is fairly heavy.
If you want something that looks more “tactical,” and
has a pistol grip, Click Here for more information on one of the more popular 870 models.
If you live close to
saltwater, or plan to routinely take your tactical shotgun out into the rain or
with you on a boat, it is important to select a gun that has an anti-corrosion
coating. Today there are many
anti-corrosive coatings available for firearms.
Some are better than others, but all of them are far superior to
traditional “bluing” which must be treated with oil to protect the metal.
A newer entry into the police tactical-shotgun market is the Benelli Nova Tactical. As with the above Remington 870, it comes
with an anti-corrosion finish, plus it’s lighter in weight
than the Remington 870. It’s also a great
choice.
The Nova’s probably not as durable as the Remington 870, but it’s a great weapon and reasonably
priced. As with the Remington tactical shotguns, you can order the Nova with the magazine
extension-tube already installed -- which is what I strongly recommend for any tactical shotgun.
It’s less expensive to order the gun with the magazine extension already
installed, but it is an option that you can purchase and add later. Click Here for a video on the Nova Tactical web page.
The advantage of a pistol grip on any tactical shotgun,
as illustrated on the above two models, is that this helps provide more natural
aiming. In an emergency situation, inexperienced
shotgun shooters tend to shoot high. A pistol grip helps to naturally
pull the shotgun down and on target.
Shotgun Sights:
FYI, sights aren’t necessary on a tactical
shotgun. They are included on some models because a police SWAT officer, as
well as a sheriff’s deputy working in a rural area, will use a shotgun for
other purposes. Some of these require
sights.
For them, these “tactical” shotguns can also be loaded
with specialty shells containing powered lead to breach doors and locks,
crushed glass to shoot out lights, for launching teargas grenades, and to fire long-range sabot
rounds. Sportsmen also use
sights to hunt game. So, since sights can be useful for some of these purposes, you often find
sights on tactical shotguns. But they’re not needed for more routine self-defense purposes.
Some tactical experts think that sights on a shotgun slow target-acquisition (reaction time needed
to bring the weapon on-target). They
claim that the user tends to aim-and-shoot
rather than instinct shoot. That is probably true in my experience, but sights do make the shotgun more versatile.
For example, the above models are routinely carried by
bush pilots in Alaska. They serve well
as a multipurpose survival weapon that a downed aviator can use to launch
signal flares, shoot game for food, or to provide protection against grizzly bear.
So consider the various other potential uses before you decide on a specific
tactical shotgun.
In any case, any disadvantage to having sights on a
tactical shotgun is nothing that training can’t solve. You need to make your choice of weapon based on any secondary uses you
might have for the gun. Remember, the more
you use it, the better you will respond in an emergency situation.
Of course the best of both worlds, for well-funded
SWAT teams, is to add either an Aimpoint or EOTech sight made for a tactical
shotgun. Expensive, but the results are impressive. I’ve routinely
seen inexperienced shooters become proficient in one afternoon using one of
these:
However, this VERY expensive sight is totally unnecessary
for anyone who isn’t an operator, bush pilot, or rich, but I’ve added the Aimpoint
link just in case you’re interested.
Rather than buying an expensive sight, you may want to spend the money to purchase a top-notch automatic rather than a pump-action model. The below link will take you to the tactical shotgun used by the premier SWAT teams and military units. Until recently the Benelli Tactical shotgun has been top-dog amongst operators, but a new Beretta is now giving the Benelli some competition. The cost of these semi-automatics is 3-5 times more than a good pump shotgun, but these are certainly impressive weapons:
Benelli Tactical Shotguns (Click Here)
Tactical Semi-Automatic Shotguns:
Unlike the pump-action shotguns which require the user
to manually operate the action before each shot, semi-automatic models load themselves. A
small lever is operated to initially load a shell into the chamber of the gun,
but after that the gun reloads and cocks itself after each shot. This makes a semi-automatic shotgun much
faster to shoot.
The downside of using a semi-automatic shotgun is that
you need to remember to engage the “safety” once you are done shooting. This is because if the trigger is pulled again,
it will fire again.
The other main disadvantage is that a quality semi-auto
shotgun will be much more expensive to purchase than a pump. You don’t want to use a less-expensive semi-automatic
as they have a tendency to jamb at the most inopportune times. You can’t risk this problem when using a
tactical shotgun for self-defense, so if you want an autoloader, you need to
step-up and buy a good one.
Conversely, the immensely positive aspect of a high
quality semi-automatic shotgun, in addition to how fast it can be fired, has to
do with reduced recoil. The perceived
effect of recoil can be cut in half by a model such as the Benelli Super
90. For some people this is an important
consideration.
Several (but not all) of the newer semi-automatic models
have remarkable recoil absorbers built into the gun. This isn’t just padding, it is a series of remarkable
technological advancements. So if you
are intimidated by the prospect of a shotgun’s recoil (“kick”), one of these
new reduced-recoil models will minimize this effect.
Plus, less recoil is not just easier on your shoulder;
it also means that you can get the shotgun pointed back at the target much
faster. This is significant.
The Benelli M4 is currently the gold-standard for SWAT
teams and military units because it is easy to use, accurate, reliable, and
amazingly fast. And I so mean Fast with a capital “F”. It’s like using a submachine gun – but
better. The Benelli recoil-reduction system means you can keep the M2 or
M4 on target even during rapid fire. Click Here for Benelli shotgun videos (select "Benelli M4 Tactical" for more information on this specific product).
The Benelli M2 and Super-90 are older models, also
excellent, but hard to find. Yet, I love the Super 90. I’ve done many demonstrations using the
Benelli Super-90 held in one hand, like a pistol, and hammered the target rapid-fire. This is only possible because the gun itself
absorbs most of the recoil.
Shotgun Ammunition:
Of course, another way to reduce recoil is to use a less
powerful ammunition in the shotgun, at lease for your initial practice. Low-base shells of the variety used for bird
hunting or skeet, deliver far less recoil, especially in the 2-3/4” size.
For self-defense however, load any of these 12-gauge tactical
shotguns with 3” Magnum 00-Buck (pronounced “double-ought buck”) and you have
a truly formidable weapon. Every time you pull the trigger it shoots 15 -
.33-caliber lead pellets. Even the standard-load (2-3/4” 00-Buck) has
9 - .33 caliber pellets within each plastic shell. (Note: Standard loads in each size of 12-ga
shell generally contain 3-less pellets than a magnum shell of the same
size. Check the specifications on the
box of shells for the pellet count.)
Before settling on the shot
shells you will keep in your shotgun, test several brands, sizes, and both magnum
and standard loads. Recoil varies
between loads, as does the size of the pattern when shot at the same distance. With this in mind, it’s important to do your
own testing of shot shells. This is
necessary if you are going to select the right load for you and your situation. As with any weapon used for personal
defense, only use major-brand ammunition.
Look for shotgun shells made by Federal, Winchester and Remington.
The 3-1/2”and 3” Magnums, and the standard 2-3/4” shot shells all have
their advocates, but the 2-3/4” is most common because it has the advantage of
far less recoil. Remember, less recoil is significant because not only is the shotgun easier to control, it
also means that you can get back on target more quickly in case you need to shoot
again. (Note: The
3-1/2” 00-Buck shell is rarely used in tactical shotguns because most 7-round
magazines will only hold 6 of the 3-1/2” shells).
For the professional SWAT team member or Spec Ops
soldier, they often load their tactical shotguns with lead slugs. This is due to the unrivaled knock-down power
of 1-oz of lead traveling at more than 1,500 feet per second.
In handgun terms, this translates into this side-by-side
comparison: A 12-gauge shotgun slug contains
473.5-grains (1-oz) of lead. In essence,
the shotgun slug is a whopping .73”
diameter (caliber) bullet.
Compare this to a standard 9mm hollow-point pistol (or
submachine gun). A 9mm bullet is .38 –inches
in diameter. And the standard 9mm bullet
is 115-grains of metal-jacketed lead, which exits a pistol barrel at around 1,155
feet per second.
|
Comparison Shotgun Slug to 9mm |
Bullet Diameter |
Bullet Weight |
Muzzle Velocity |
|
12-Gauge Slug |
.73” |
473 grains |
1,550 fps |
|
9mm FMJ 9mm GD +P |
.38” |
115 grains 124 grains |
1,155 fps 1,220 fps |
There is actually a lot more to calculating stopping
power than these numbers, but I’m giving you these details to make a
point. You don’t need a complex computer
program, or a NASA scientist to see that there is a huge difference when it
comes to stopping power.
As interesting as this is for the professional, it’s
important to remember the #1 reason why a tactical shotgun is best for home
defense. This is that a shotgun loaded
with buckshot “sprays” a cone of pellets (bullets) rather than a single
projectile that can easily miss the target.
Some gun enthusiasts express frustration that they
can’t have a submachine gun in their home for self-defense. The rapid fire of a sub-gun can empty
a 32-round magazine in under 4 seconds.
Though this seems ideal to some people, in my experience
a tactical shotgun is far better for home defense. Sub-guns are hard to hold on target, and
there is too much penetration even with hollow-point ammunition. This is a mammoth problem in 9mm, and still a
serious problem with .45 ACP. Remember,
each shot that misses your assailant goes somewhere; most often through multiple
interior walls or through a window.
Also, submachine guns typically hold only 30+ rounds of ammunition in one magazine, whereas a
tactical shotgun can hold 120. (3” Magnum 00-Buck shells have 15-pellets in each plastic shotgun shell. A
tactical shotgun with extension tube can hold 7-shells in the magazine, plus
1-shell in the chamber for a total of 8-shells. 8x15=120). Talk
about firepower! The sub-gun is much faster to reload, thus its popularity with military and
police units that may get into a firefight. However, for home defense,
the tactical shotgun is a better choice. Plus, it doesn’t have the legal challenges
inherent to owning a fully automatic weapon.
There is no serious debate that a shotgun chambered for 12-ga shells is
the right choice for a gun that will be used for a defensive purpose, but there are
ammunition options other than 00-Buck. Another popular self-defense shotgun shell is #4-Buckshot. Though #4 Buck boasts an impressive
number of pellets (27-pellets in 2-3/4” shells, and 41-pellets in 3”), the much
smaller diameter pellets (.24”) have much less knock-down power. These pellets are not
much larger than the bullet of a .22 pistol, which can still be deadly, but it
certainly doesn’t deliver much of a knock-down punch. Yet, some experts swear that #4 is best as
each shot fills the air with more pellets, but it’s worth noting that most
police departments continue to use 00-Buck in their shotguns.
A good defensive firearms
overview course, taken from a first-rate school such as Texas Republic Firearms Academy (www.TXRFA.com), will give you the opportunity
to fire various pistols, revolvers and tactical shotguns. Plus, you will be able to actually observe ammunition
tests which compare different types of ammunition. Even if you’re not new to firearms, an
overview course that focuses on the use of firearms for personal protection is
well worth the money.
Because shotguns are so popular, there are new tactical shotgun shells
coming out all the time, and even with these the cost-per-round is generally about the same as a handgun cartridge, so training is
affordable. Professional training is a
plus, but practice is essential.
Take a look at the following link for one of the
latest shot-shell developments, a hybrid shell that contains a 1-oz rifled slug (huge) and 3
plated 00-Buck pellets. Though impressive and innovative, shells like the
Winchester PDX1-12 produce too much penetration for routine use as home defense
ammunition (since they will penetrate multiple walls).
However, for outdoor use, and for the police or
military that use the tactical shotgun for Close Quarter Battle, this type of
ammunition definitely has its place. Yet,
it’s a poor choice for self-defense or the defense of your family when an
attacker is already inside your home. Click Here for more details.
Lastly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t talk about storage
and safety. If you have children in your
home, or if children ever visit, it is essential that all weapons are securely
locked. And what home doesn’t at least
get periodic surprise visitors which include children? Even if you never have children in your home,
just from the standpoint of a burglar stealing your guns someday, it’s
necessary to keep them securely stored. Most
guns used by criminals were stolen from someone’s home. The use of a locked gun safe is a good
idea.
However, for a tactical shotgun to be of any benefit
in an emergency situation, it can’t be in your gun safe. It must be readily accessible. For this reason many people keep them handy
behind a bedroom door, or in their closet.
Personally, I appreciate the wisdom of having it close at hand, but I
still believe in the use of combination locks designed for shotguns. A three-number combination lock can be
quickly unlocked to free the gun and make it ready for use. It’s worth the delay to protect
children. If you’re feeling nervous some
night, unlock it and keep it with you, but don’t forget to re-lock it in the
morning.
Combination locks that cover the trigger guard are
perhaps the fastest to remove, but provide a lower level of safety than a keyed
lock. Combination-lock cables can offer
greater security, but they often generate noise when the weapon is moved for unlocking. Clam-shell locks made of steel probably
provide the best safety but usually require a key, and that key may not be
readily accessible when you need it.
Most large sporting goods stores will offer a low-end selection of gun
locks, whereas police supply stores which can be found on the Internet, offer
higher quality locks such as the rack-locks mounted in police cruisers. Click Here for an example.
It’s important to note that most firearm locks do not
provide a high level of safety. Yet,
they are far better than no lock. And
they do allow quicker and more ready access to a firearm than a gun safe.
Be safe, but be prepared.
The tactical shotgun is generally much underrated,
probably because shotguns are so familiar that they don’t provide the mystique of an exotic weapon.
Still, they are the first-choice for home defense among most firearms experts.
In any case, one of the top benefits of a tactical
shotgun is that there’s a good chance that you won’t need to shoot a home invader. Just
racking the action of a pump shotgun (like the Remington 870 or Nova), is enough to scare-off most burglars.
With the
Remington 870, I’ve experienced several occasions when a fellow police officer
was holding a criminal at gunpoint that had refused to drop his gun -- even
though my fellow officer was pointing a handgun directly at him from short
range. Each time when I approached with my 870, as soon as I racked a
shell into the chamber, they immediately dropped their gun. I know of
other officers who still had to shoot. But my experience was not unusual.
This sound is an effective deterrent.
On one occasion, having responded to an audible alarm,
I encountered a burglar loading a shotgun.
I pointed my tactical shotgun at him.
He hesitated as if he was considering his chances against me. Later, when I interviewed him after booking
him into jail, he admitted that he would have tried to shoot me if I had been
holding a handgun rather than the shotgun.
Fellow officers who were on the other side of the
building at the time, later told me that they clearly heard me yell, “Freeze or
I blow your #%!*!%# head all over the wall.”
I wasn’t aware that this is what I’d yelled. It was language I never use, which somehow
slipped out in this circumstance. But
for whichever reason, the graphic words or the cannon-looking big bore, I
didn’t need to fire.
On a number of other occasions when my badge wasn’t
enough, the business end of that big 12-gauge bore similarly demanded surrender. Sure, someday you may need to shoot. And if you do, it’s nice to know that you
have a better chance to neutralize the threat.
But one of the greatest benefits of the tactical shotgun is that you
may not ever need to pull the trigger.
For other great articles on firearms and
self-defense, visit: www.TexasRepublicFirearmsAcademy.com
Full permission to reproduce and disseminate this article
is hereby granted to any member in good standing of the National Rifle
Association. Others must obtain
permission from the author through Texas Republic Firearms Academy.
Copyright (c) 2010 Sig Swanstrom
About the
Author:
Sig
Swanstrom
Raised in California and Washington State, Sig Swanstrom graduated
with a university degree in Criminology. After college, he became a
police officer in a border town near Seattle. Two years later he
transferred to the LA area of California to continue his law enforcement
career.
After several years as a uniformed patrol officer, Sig
became a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI), and was subsequently promoted to
Detective, working crimes-against-persons cases. After joining the SWAT team, Sig was certified as a firearms
and explosives expert, nuclear disaster monitor, and was trained by the US
Secret Service in Executive Protection. One of his SWAT duties was to
provide protection for various high-profile or high-risk principals. One
ongoing assignment was to serve as the personal bodyguard for Ronald Reagan
during the period between when Reagan was governor of California, but before he
officially announced his candidacy for president of the United States. During his
career Sig was named “Police Officer of the Year, he received the Commendation for
Valor, and numerous other awards and citations.
Since taking an early retirement from law enforcement,
Sig has been an entrepreneur and consultant, serving business people, NGOs and government agencies. While working in
Guatemala during that country’s guerrilla war, he had ample opportunity to
further hone his skills for combating violence. Today, Sig continues to assist individuals, businesses, NGOs, and law enforcement agencies.
The below reference materials links and downloads are listed by category
Firearms Safety
Eddie Eagle Program
for Your School
Ammunition Safety:
Storage, handling, and safe storage to protect firefighters
Guidelines for Safe Handling and
Transport of Firearms
Unsafe Gun and Ammunition Combinations
Death, injury or damage to the firearm can occur if the
wrong ammunition is used. Some firearms such
as a .357 revolver are designed to use both .357-magnum and .38 Special
ammunition. However, just because a
cartridge will fit into the chamber of a gun, this does not mean that it is
safe to fire that cartridge. All modern
firearms sold in the United States have the caliber (ammunition size)
imprinted on the action or barrel of the weapon. The above link is provided to highlight
some of the most common mismatch problems that create a safety hazard.
Video: Ammunition Safety and Fire Safety
Video by SAAMI on ammunition safety, and firearm and ammunition safety relating to the protection of our firefighters.
Laws and Firearms Regulations
CHL Texas - Frequently Asked Questions on Carrying Concealed Handguns in Texas
Texas Concealed
Handgun Laws and Selected Statutes (PDF Document)
To apply for a Texas
Concealed Handgun License (Click Here)
You must be at least 21 years of age or at least 18 years of
age if currently serving in or honorably discharged from the military. You must also have a US Social Security
Number, a valid driver’s license or State identification card, home address and
employer address (if employed) information for the past 5-years, divulge
information regarding psychiatric health information, drug and alcohol use,
criminal history, email address if applying online, and a valid credit card or
e-check. All fees are non-refundable
even if the applicant is denied a license.
This is the only authorized direct-to-DPS (Texas Department of Public Safety) source for automatic submission of fingerprints. Call for an appointment, Toll Free: (888) 467-2080. We strongly recommend using this service to obtain the fingerprints you need for your concealed handgun license (CHL) application. If you apply for your Texas CHL online (link provided above), and use this fingerprint service, the combination seems to expedite the process of receiving your license to carry a concealed handgun. (If you click on the link to L1, San Antonio is listed in the Southern Region section of the L1 website). The phone number provided here can be used to schedule appointments throughout Texas, as well as to obtain information on L1 services in other States.
Photo Holder (TX DPS Form CHL-6)
This downloadable form is required for the submission of the two passport photos that are required by Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) as part of the CHL application process. Once you have filled-in the required information, place your passport photos in a sealed envelope, print your name on the envelope, and then attach it to this "Photo Holder" form. We recommend that this form accompany your CHL-100, which is the document issued by your instructor after you have completed the required the State of Texas CHL training.
Concealed Handgun Reciprocity Between States in the U.S.
The NRA works to maintain current information on which States will accept as valid the concealed handgun license (aka, Concealed Weapons License, or CCW) issued in another State, and this information is supplied here for your convenience. However, it is the responsibility of the individual to check with the State to which they will be traveling to verify that this information is accurate and current. The Attorney General or the Department of Public Safety within each State will be able to provide current information on concealed carry reciprocity and concealed weapon requirements. Click Here for a link to the Texas Department of Public Safety website, to view or print the actual letters of reciprocity issues by the various States, as well as other official information on this topic.
Legislative Trends on
Firearm Safety Issues
Institute for
Legislative Action (NRA)
This website provides a summary of the most important legislative initiatives.
ATF National Firearms Act Handbook
This is the hard-to-find definitive and reliable handbook produced by the ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) for law enforcement. It provides examples, measurements and specifications on what firearms are legal, what is illegal to possess, and information on special licenses.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of false information in the marketplace on topics such as short barrel shotguns, the use of shoulder stocks and forward grips on handguns, silencers and noise supression, special-purpose guns and ammunition (tracers, etc), fully-automatic weapons and machine guns. This handbook provides the answers. Provided for download in PDF format, this is a large document (10 MB), but pages 5-26 are sufficient to answer most questions.
Federal Firearms
Regulations Reference Guide:
The relevant information on concealed handguns and defense weapons is covered in all TRFA classes, but for those who want to access the authoritative publication used by law enforcement officers, this document will answer most technical questions regarding national law and firearms possession and ownership. (2005 Guide is most current at the time of this posting in 2011).
National Firearms
Act (U.S. Government)
State Firearms Laws
and Published Ordinances
- - - - - - -
(PDF Document)
U.S. Constitution
(PDF Document)
U.S. Bill of Rights & Constitutional Amendments (PDF Document)
See the 2nd Amendment for the Constitutional Right to establish a State militia, plus the Constitutional Right of United States citizens to own and carry firearms.
Firearms Articles and General Reference
Article: "An Overview of the Issues and Facts Concerning the Use of Firearms for Home Protection" (PDF Download)
Article: "Ammunition Selection for Self-Defense Firearms" (PDF Download)
Ammunition Types and Characteristics
Proper Sight Picture (PDF Download)
Correcting Common Targeting Problems
(PDF Download)
Glossary of Firearms
Terms
Gun Ownership & Gun Control Statistics
Shotgun Shells for Self-Defense
Considerations: 12-gauge 00-Buck 2-3/4-inch shells are what is commonly used by most police departments in the tactical shotguns carried in their patrol cars. Our personal choice for self-defense is 12-gauge 00-Buck loaded in 3-inch shells. These slightly larger shells contain more pellets, without adding a significant amount of additional recoil. We do not recommend low-recoil shells because they contain fewer pellets, and because in or test the shot pattern was smaller and lacked consistency.
Sporting shells such as those used for skeet shooting, are best for routine practice and to introduce new users to tactical shotguns. For those who are intimidated by the prospect of using a 12-gauge shotgun, we recommend using light shorting loads for practice sessions, rather than succumbing to the temptation o use a smaller gauge shotgun.
Though some police departments utilize #4 Buckshot (not #4 Shot) in their tactical shotguns, we only recommend these for use against packs of wild, dangerous dogs, and mid-size-to-smaller dangerous animals such as wildcats. Rifled lead slugs, or better yet the new Winchester PDX1-12, is best for larger predators such as bear, but these must be carefully aimed to be effective.
PDF Chart: Buckshot Comparison Chart
PDF Chart: Sporting Shell Pellet Chart
Brownells
In business for more than 70-years, Brownells is the largest store for everything related to firearms. Here you will find holsters, gun cases and safes, ammunition, magazines and clips, gun cleaning supplies, reloading equipment, firearms parts, plus gun books and videos. "Made in USA" products are easy to identify. Prices are good, the service is excellent and their staff knowledgeable.
MidwayUSA
One of the better suppliers of firearm-related supplies, from holsters to replacement stocks, ammunition to storage containers. In business since 1977, they make it easy to shop for gear by category. Prices are reasonable.
Gun Parts Corp (Numrich)
A leading supplier of current as well as obsolete and hard-to-find gun parts. They also carry firearm accessories and military surplus items. Prices are often high, but they do have an amazing inventory, plus schematics of firearms.
Cheaper Than Dirt
Ammunition, magazines, bags and cases, holsters, scopes, hunting gear and reloading supplies. Sometimes their prices are absolutely excellent, sometimes not, so price shop before you make your purchase.
Sportsman's Guide
In business for more than 30-years, this company offers extraordinary deals on discontinued items as well as regular retail. Price shop before selecting. Ammunition, firearm supplies, outdoor gear and military surplus.
Brigade Quartermaster
Source for military and police gear, firearms equipment, duty and SWAT holsters, as well as other tactical equipment typically purchased under U.S. military procurement contracts and by law enforcement agencies.
Handgun Manufacturers
The most popular handgun amongst law enforcement agencies due to its high quality and economical cost, the Glock is popular worldwide. This is a no-frills workhorse weapon with great price-performance coupled with innovative safety features .
These medium-price pistols are very popular among civilians and to a lesser extent, with law enforcement agencies. The XD and XD(m) pistols are particularly popular among budget-conscious people who want to own a quality pistol.
HK - Pistols (Heckler
and Koch Pistols)
Manufactured in Germany, these pistols (along with Sig pistols) are considered by many to be the Mercedes Benz of the firearms industry. Expensive, and worth the price, these pistols are often the pistol of choice to élite SWAT and special ops and teams.
Sig pistols are used around the world by elite military and police units. In the US, these pistols are used by the US Secret Service to protect our president, Navy Seals engaged in anti-terrorism, US Federal Air Marshals, and other top agencies. Manufactured in Switzerland and Germany.
The industry leader in the production of 1911-style pistols, Kimber is popular among law enforcement officers, competition shooters, and for those civilians who prefer the 1911-style pistol for concealed carry or self defense. Often touted as a custom gun sold for an assembly-line price, the Kimber pistols are made in the USA.
Ruger - Pistols and Double-Action Revolvers (Sturm, Ruger and Co., Inc.)
One of the leading manufacturers of quality firearms for the sporting and self-defense civilian market, Ruger offers the only full-line of US-made firearms. These are quality weapons, but represent the low end of pistols and revolvers that have passed TRFA testing as acceptable for self-defense and concealed handgun use.
Smith and Wesson –
Double-Action Revolvers
Though Smith and Wesson also makes pistols, it is their double-action revolvers that have brought them worldwide fame. For concealed carry, their light-weight (Scandium) revolvers are reliable, easy to use, and can be fired from inside a pocket – something you can’t do with most pistols (at least not more than one shot). The entire line of Smith and Wesson double-action revolvers are popular among people who want to own a simple, uncomplicated and incredibly easy-to-use handgun.
North American Arms – Mini Revolver (NAA)
The Black Widow and Mini-Master in .22-magnum are maligned by many because the bullet is so small, but the diminutive size of these single-action 5-shot mini-revolvers are why they are worth owning. In a self-defense situation, it’s far better to have one of these than no gun at all. So when you’re going to leave your heaver handgun at home, stick a Black Widow into your purse or pocket, just in case.
Holsters
In our opinion, the below companies are the top manufacturer's of holsters suitable for concealed handgun license holders (TX CHL). However, there are also many custom manufacturers who use similar designs and high-quality materials, and we have not included them here. In our view, unless you have an unusual need or you simply can't achieve a good fit with a commercially manufactured holster, there is no need to pay the added cost for a custom holster.
Conversely, using an inexpensive low-quality holster is inadvisable. If you can't quickly and effectively draw your handgun in an emergency situation, even the most expensive handgun may be useless. Also, be sure to consider the issue of "retention" when selecting a holster as you don't want to drop or lose your handgun.
The below manufacturers are known for making quality holsters, but we still recommend that you closely inspect your holster to insure that it is free from manufacturer's defects. And, periodically thereafter to make sure that a problem hasn't developed. For example, over time, though the leather of an inside-the-waistband holster may be intact, it may have become heat-molded to the gun making it difficult to draw the weapon from the holster.
For more on holster selection, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, FAQ #4, which deals specifically with the topic of selecting holsters for concealed carry firearms.
Caution: Practice with your holster on the range, only. Do not practice drawing a handgun except on the firing line of a gun range that allows this type of practice.
Storage: Regardless of manufacture, a handgun should not be stored in a holster. A holster is not protection from unauthorized use even if it is equipped with a "retention" feature. Further, a handgun should be periodically removed from its holster to clean and coat the weapon with a protective lubricant.
Bianchi
Popular with police detectives and for law enforcement officers who are required to carry an off-duty handgun. Also sold under the name "Safariland" for law enforcement.
DeSantis Holster & Leather Goods
Popular for their holsters, but especially for their "gunny sacks" and other non-traditional styles of holsters.
Galco Gunleather
Known especially for their holsters made from exotic leathers such as alligator, shark, sting ray, English pigskin, and ostrich. Also for their women's purses which have hidden quick-access holsters built into them. (Note: In our opinion the Galco product guarantee may be inferior to some of the other quality manufacturers, but the products seem to nevertheless be of good quality).
Blade-Tech Industries
Known particularly for their durable injection-molded plastic holsters which are a better choice for inclement weather, marine applications, and other environmental conditions which suggest a holster material that is more impervious than leather.
Emergency & Disaster Preparedness
www.Ready.gov
This is the official U.S. Government website for emergency and disaster preparedness. It's not that great, but it is the official Site.
American Red Cross
Rather elementary information, but nevertheless useful. This website and www.Ready.gov are a fine place to start, but the bellow link is a new resource that is far superior in regard to 72-hour kits, 1-week emergency supplies, bug-out information, etc.
36 Ready
Though designed specifically for Christian individuals and churches who want to be ready to serve others, this nonprofit resource is a highly useful website for anyone. Here you will find specific recommendations and links to all sorts of emergency gear, water storage and purification, food selection for emergency use and long-term food storage, communications, bug-out planning, contents for GOOD (Get-Out-of-Dodge) bags, and a host of other real-world advice on being prepared and ready to face emergency situations.
Whether you are looking for basic firearms instruction, certification to obtain a concealed handgun license, advanced firearms tactical training -- or anything in between, we are here to help. We are here to serve both the beginner as well as those who are looking for advanced firearms self-defense training. We're here to serve you.