Carry Your Pistol Inside Your Home, Rather Than Leave It Locked Up
Perhaps the biggest advantage of going through pistol training is that you'll know how to use the firearm safely and effectively. This means that you might wish to buy a pistol with the intention of protecting your family when you're at home. Some gun owners keep their firearms locked inside a gun safe, and while this idea might seem as though it makes sense, the reality is that you'll waste precious time retrieving the firearm in the event that your family is threatened. It's a better idea to carry your pistol while you're inside your home. Here are some considerations for doing so.
You'll Have It If Needed
Home invasions and other threatening acts can occur quickly, and you might not always have an opportunity to run to where your gun safe is located. If it's in the basement, for example, and you're upstairs when you hear someone break in, the probability of getting to the basement to retrieve the firearm without being detected is unlikely. If you carry your pistol with you, however, you'll always have it so that you can respond promptly to whatever threat your family is facing.
You Can Select An Appropriate Holster
If the idea of having a pistol holstered at your hip while you're cooking, watching TV, and vacuuming seems a bit much, the good news is that you can opt for a different type of holster. One option is an ankle holster. Your firearm will still be easy to retrieve beneath your pants or skirt, but you won't have the bulk of the holster and pistol getting in the way as can be the case when you use a hip holster. Additionally, keeping your pistol out of sight in an ankle holster can be suitable if you have family members or even visitors to your home who may be unnerved about firearms.
Select A Small One
While you might try a variety of different pistols in your training class, and favor larger firearms for target shooting, it can be worthwhile to opt for a smaller pistol if you plan to carry it consistently for home defense. A large pistol can be bulky, even in an ankle holster, whereas a small one can be suitable. Don't be intimidated by the idea of going with a smaller pistol for this purpose. The odds of you ever having to use it are small, and a warning shot will often be enough to protect your family. If you feel better with a larger firearm, you can still keep one in your gun safe.
To learn more about pistols and pistol training, contact a company like BluCore Shooting Center.