My last article on home invasions reported on an alleged invader who was killed in the Greenville area. In that article I commented on the number of home invasions in Knoxville and the surrounding area.
The Knoxville News-Sentinel reported another home invasion in Knoxville, and one in Oak Ridge this past week.
While the statistics indicate that any one of us has a low probability, the possibility of a home invasion is still real, as indicated above. And, just as with seat belts it is too late to buckle up after a crash, it is to late to prepare for home invasions when the door is crashing in.
Purchasing a firearm for home defense is a fairly simple matter. You must meet the criteria as specified on the ATF Form 4473. Firearms dealers have the form. You must complete the form, and the dealer will do what is known as an "Instant Check" with the TBI if you are a Tennessee resident. After that, its a matter of making your purchase. Some other states have their own instant check system like Tennessee, and others use a database with the FBI.
Now, the question is what to buy, a handgun, a rifle, or a shotgun......
Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Handguns are more portable and easier to keep with you, and can be kept on your person if they are not too large.Shotguns and rifles, being longer, are harder to handle in close quarters than handguns. Shotguns and rifles, on the other hand, are easier to aim accurately.
The AR-15, shown here in .22 rimfire, is gaining favor as a home defense weapon, when chambered in .223 Remington (5.56 NATO). It is lightweight, and with a collapsible buttstock and 16" barrel, is relatively easy to handle, as seen in this VIDEO.
Something to consider with any choice of firearm is bullet penetration. The Box O' Truth shows a test of handgun bullets, .223 bullets, and shotgun slugs. The test results may surprise you! Use of any gun requires that you remember Rule 4:
Be sure of your target, and what's behind it.
All four rules can be reviewed HERE. Remember, each bullet can be lethal, and is your responsibility.
If you enjoyed or learned from this article, here are more you might like:
2010 Tennessee gubernatorial candidates rated on gun issues
Duck hunting and Knoxville City Parks
New year, new crooks with guns law in Tennessee
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