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Home Defense

By Eugene Gross, Wednesday, 16  September 2009

I spoke a bit about home defense in my last article, so let me talk in a bit more detail about the firearms I have selected and why. Also, I will talk about some of the events that may require a more vigorous defense of home, family, and property.

The Ubiquitous Shotgun

As I noted in the last article, I have selected the shotgun for a wide range of reasons. First, most people can learn to use and care for a shotgun over a rifle or handgun. Second, if used properly, it will tend to take the fight out of most thugs that try to do you harm, and you may not even have to shoot them.

I have found that many people have shotguns in their houses. What disappoints me are the myths that many buy into. For example, the myth that you really do not have to aim the shotgun since it used shot that will spread out. Well, as anyone who has been turkey hunting can tell you, that is a load of garbage. Granted, at real close ranges, less than 10 feet, you might get away with not properly aiming, but personally, I would not take the chance.

You really need to learn point shooting, or instinct shooting, to use the standard shotgun. By standard, I mean the shotgun right out of the box. Most have a bead on the front of the barrel. Learning to aim with that bead does not come easy since you do not have rear sights on most standard shotguns. This is why I always suggest that people take the time to modify their shotgun so that they have at least iron sights to use when aiming, also exchange the barrel for a fully-rifled barrel so that you can use both shot and slugs.

Point shooting is the method taught by Col. Rex Applegate to OSS agents during World War II. As he taught it, he had his students grip their firearm so hard that their hands would shake. That is precisely what he wanted since in a gun fight the adrenalin would make the person shake. Now, Applegate taught mostly the use of handguns, but this same method can be used for shotguns and rifles. For more information, go to this web site: http://www.pointshooting.com/

The overall idea is that if you can point your finger successfully at anything, then you can point your firearm in a similar manner. There have to be some changes for a shotgun or rifle, but the general principles are the same.

Which Shotgun to Buy

This subject has been the subject of debate similar to the debates about handgun and rifle calibers. So, let me trying to give some general thoughts on this.

First, shotguns are measured by the size of their bore, what is called the gauge of the shotgun. The larger the number the smaller the bore. For example, a 12-gauge is larger than a 20-gauge and the 20-gauge is larger than the 410-gauge. There have been several sizes of shotguns over the decades. I have seen shotguns in 10-gauge and 16-gauge. I also understand that at one time the British had fowling pieces that were so huge that they had to be used in a boat resting on the bow, or stern, and would move the boat just from the recoil. Not a shotgun I’d like to fire, frankly. I would be like shooting one of the old 4-bore side-by-side rifles used in hunting in Africa. The bore designation is the equivalent of caliber or gauge. A 4-bore is huge and firing it required someone who really understood how to shoot powerful firearms.

Twelve-gauge shotguns are generally, what you see the most. It is a very good gauge and a very powerful gauge. Most shotgun manufacturers make a 12-gauge, in fact several styles. For example, Remington makes the model 870 shotgun and the model 1100 shotgun. Both are excellent shotguns right out of the box, but both can be modified to add a shorter barrel, a fully-rifled barrel, different furniture, and other items that make the shotgun and more versatile firearm. The word furniture is not about chairs and tables. The stock and forend of any rifle or shotgun are called furniture. So, from here on out, I will refer to them as such.

For example, you can change the stock for the adjustable stock similar to what is found on the M-16 or M-4. This also means that you can add a pistol grip with that stock. The forend can be changed out to have one that has a pistol grip or a textured grip. You can also extend the size of the magazine to hold more than the standard five-rounds. There is a company that makes an end-cap for the magazines that has a built in laser. You can add a combat flashlight to the shotgun. The replacement barrels also come with iron sights or with a cantilever mount for a scope. Personally, I prefer the iron sight barrel. I can then add a scope to the shotgun on the receiver housing.

All of this turns the standard shotgun into a multi-use implement. You can use it for hunting and for self-defense at home or in the boonies while hunting. I recommend that you consider doing all of this to your shotgun.

Now, the 12-gauge, as I said, is an excellent gauge, but what I have learned is that some women cannot handle the power of the 12-gauge. This is not to diminish any woman, but simply recognizing limitations that may be natural. A woman may find that she can shoot the 12-gauge, but it is too heavy on the recoil, so she just cannot seem to get into as many men do. However, if you were to buy her a 20-gauge, she would find the reduced recoil easy to handle. More, you can obtain a vented barrel that allows for more recoil reduction. If you combine that with an excellent recoil pad, she will find that the recoil is not bad at all.

The 20-gauge can also have its furniture altered to turn that 20-gauge into a more useful implement. Manufacturers make all the same items for the 20-gauge that they make for the 12-gauge. Also, you will find similar types of ammunition for each gauge. For example, you will find slugs for each gauge and you will find all sorts of ammunition is the shot category. I will leave it to you what ammunition you purchase for hunting though I recommend the following:

For home defense, I suggest that you use number 6 shot, or number 8 shot. Recent developments by Hornady in self-defense ammunition has produced specialty rounds for the shotgun. These rounds permit you to defend yourself, your family, and your property efficiently and without the fear of penetrating walls and injuring, or killing, someone that you did not intend to injure or kill. At the same time, if you put a shell holder on the side of the shotgun, you can also carry more potent shells such as the 000 buck should you need to use them. Also, I would purchase a bandoleer in which to carry more shells for when you go hunting.

Which Brand to Buy

Again, there has been much debate over the different brands. I think that once you buy and use a certain company’s shotgun you tend to favor that brand of shotgun unless the shotgun proves not to live up to the advertising. This does not happen very often, so again, this is an area where I will not tell you to buy one over another. However, keep in mind that not every shotgun can be modified into a tactical/hunting shotgun.

I own a Remington 870 and a Mossberg Maverick. I also bought an Ithaca shotgun. I like the Ithaca, but I tend to use the 870 and Maverick the most.

Once you have chosen your shotgun, you need to purchase a cleaning kit for the shotgun and a case to carry and store the shotgun. The case might seem to negate the use of the shotgun for defensive purposes. However, keeping the shotgun in a case when not next to your bed at night allows the shotgun to be free of dust. You should wipe the shotgun down once a month for sure. I do it once a week, and once a month I run a dry patch through the barrel to get rid of the dust.

After shooting the shotgun, you will need to clean it. So, learn to take the shotgun apart and how to clean it properly. Keep it clean and properly oiled and the shotgun will serve you for a long time.

Handguns Everywhere

Everyday I read the headlines where some gang-banger has shot and killed someone, or has been shot and killed by someone using a handgun. Handguns are easy to conceal versus the shotgun, unless you break the law and chop a shotgun down in size. I strongly advise against doing that to any shotgun.

There are many debates and arguments concerning handguns. Should you use a revolver or an automatic (this does not mean that the handgun fires a lot of bullets each time you pull the trigger, only that the handgun fires the round, the slide moves back ejecting the spent round, and picks up the next round in the magazine – that is the only automatic part of an automatic handgun)? Should you use magnum handguns or non-magnum handguns? Then, it gets even more interesting when the discussion turns to whether or not a 9millimeter (mm) is less useful than a .40 caliber (10 mm). Still others argue that the .45 ACP used in the Colt 1911 is the best round. Of course, there are handguns used for backup pieces. Should you use a .380 automatic or a .38 or .38 Special?

Well, here is my advice such as it is – buy a handgun that you can shoot with ease, one that fits your hand, and one that can have a laser added to it. Now, I have heard many people talk about not using lasers, but here is something to take into consideration. Usually, those that do not favor the use of a laser are young and have good eye-sight. For those who are getting older and whose sight is not what it once was, the laser really helps in hitting your target both day and night. Also, during practice sessions, the laser will help you learn point shooting. You can shoot with it to get the feel for what your eyes and hand need to do to put bullets on target. Then, you can turn off the laser and practice without it to see how your muscle memory has improved. It will improve with practice.

I do not tend to favor magnum handguns – or what I call “mangle’em” handguns. They do have their place when you are hunting in areas where there is a large bear population, or where you have a lot of cougars. Personally, I prefer the .45 ACP Colt 1911, but I also own a 9mm, .38 Special, and a .380 ACP. The .380 is my normal backup and a concealed carry handgun. Again, there are people who think that the .380 ACP is a lousy firearm. I disagree. It isn’t the caliber of the firearm but the ability of the shooter. A shot to the head on anyone with a .380 or a shot to the heart with a .380 will end the confrontation immediately.

Let me pause here for a moment. Folks, firearms can be a lot of fun for the whole family. You can go shooting and hunting together. The kids who are old enough can also participate using their own firearm. However, the reason that we have the Second Amendment is not for sport. The Second Amendment is so that the people can be armed to resist a tyrannical government and to provide for self-defense. That means that you need to take the time to consider how you will deal with taking the life of another human. Granted, that human may be a thug of the worst order, but taking a human life is something that is hard for us to do. There seems to be a built-in resistance to killing, but it can be overcome when the circumstances require it. If you are a pacifist, then you do not need to read the articles in this section as what I will deal with is the taking of human life should the need arise. I am not a pacifist.

You need to spend some serious time of thinking about the situations and circumstances you might be facing in the future. Folks, we live in a world that seems to be growing darker by the day. We have federal, State, and local governments that seem more concerned about the criminal than about the victims of that criminal. Not all State and local governments to be sure, but enough that this has to be taken into account when defending yourself, your family, and your property. Take the time to check on your State and local laws pertaining to self-defense. Some States have laws that protect a homeowner from legal action when he is forced to defend himself from a criminal up to and including the use of deadly force.

Plan what you will do in any given situation and how you will respond. Decide if you need to develop plans that include escape from the house and how you will go about that. Also, as a standard practice, develop what are called bug-out bags for each person. Some small-fries might not be able to carry much so you and your spouse, or older children, will have to carry additional weight and items. At a minimum, the bags, or packs, should contain a change of clothing (that fits your locale and the season you are in at the moment you bug out), socks, underwear, high-energy food items, pre-packaged water, some personal hygiene items, and first aid items. I also recommend that you take a compass, map of the area (actually, I’d take two: a road map and a topological map), several note pads and pens, magnifying glass, fire starters, a good fixed blade knife and a good folding knife, commando saw, a machete, and an small axe or hatchet.

Write out your plans and thoughts. Write down questions to which you still need answers. Talk with your wife and get her input. Keep in mind that the most important weapon is on your shoulders – your brain. If you plan ahead and prepare, you will find that you can deal with most situations that arise.

Now, let’s get back to handguns.

Buying a handgun also means having some means of carrying the handgun on your person. This is especially important if you are planning on concealed carry. In addition to holsters, there are concealed carry vests that really do conceal the firearm, even one as large as a .45 ACP Colt 1911. Also, there are leather holsters and new Kydex holsters. Some companies will custom make a holster for your firearm, but that is a bit more expensive than I want to pay. So, I have selected some leather holsters and a canvas holster. Also, it helps to have a holster for each handgun that you own.

Finally, consider buying a hand held flashlight. You want one that will flash like a strobe light. This way, should you have to confront a thug, you can really disorient him and take away his ability to respond. The flashing light will prevent the thug from actually seeing you as you move into a position from which to fire should the thug not be wise enough to surrender or run away.

My next article will look at some potential events and what I think should be done to prepare for them and how to respond to them.

Home Defense (in .pdf format for download)



Survival and Firearms

By Eugene Gross, Monday, 07 September 2009

This being my first article for this section let me tell you about myself. My name is Gene Gross and I live in northern Idaho about 60 miles from the Canadian border. My military background is varied having been trained as a paratrooper, Ranger, various intel courses, light-weapons infantry, and two years in combat. I grew up with firearms back when you could buy them through the mail. All I had to have was the money, and in my early days, my parents’ (meaning my Dad’s) signature. More, I grew up in a military family. My Dad and two of his three brothers made the military their careers, and in the past, we’ve had someone serving this nation in every war since the French and Indian War.

I also have my undergrad degree in English (writing) with a second major in philosophy. Later, I pursued and earned a Masters of Ministry. I have also done graduate-level work in business management and information systems design. I spent 24 plus years in the computer and high-tech industry as a technical writer. I have worked for defense contractors and civilian computer firms. For fun, I spent hours shooting, doing my own gunsmithing, doing my own reloading, and hanging around various gun shops and ranges. I love the smell of gun oil and cordite.

My first firearm was a single shot .22 and I don’t even remember the maker since I bought from another kid at school who got it from his grandfather. I then saved money and purchased a .410 shotgun, again a single shot firearm. When I felt ready, I saved up to buy a .30-06 Remington rifle, but my Dad had me buy one from one of the fellows at the base. It was a bolt-action single shot rifle. I was a bit downcast over this, but my Dad explained, “If you can kill with the first shot, then you have no business hunting.” So, I learned to kill game animals with one shot. By the time, I was ready for a rifle with more than one shot; I had entered the Army and got my wish – the M-14 rifle. Later, I qualified expert with not only the M-14 but also the .45 ACP 1911 Colt. I also learned to use other firearms from the m-3 “Grease gun” to the M-60 machinegun. I also learned to use such weapons as the 106mm recoilless rifle. But, not many of those around in civilian life today.

In that I’ll be talking about possibly using lethal force should the need arise, I want to caution you right now to check the laws for your State and county/parish as regards the use of lethal force for self-defense. There are only a few States where you as the homeowner can use lethal force without much hassle from the law enforcement officers. Some States will hang you high, but in States like Idaho, we recognize that a man’s home is his castle and to violate it opens a person up to severe consequences. Texas is another State that protects the homeowner should he have to defend himself and his family at home. BUT to be on the safe side, check, please.

This section is about firearms and their usefulness in a survival situation. I realize that there are many opinions regarding what firearms are useful. I have mine, but I’m not as adamant as some might be. I won’t tell you that you MUST buy such and such, but I want to give some general directions on what is useful in a given situation. For example, I never go hunting without a sidearm. In my case, I carry a .45 ACP 1911 Colt. I know that some would disagree with the reasoning, but I have my reasons. I carry that .45 since we do have bears in the area. Some say that you should carry nothing smaller than a .44 Magnum (or as I’ve come to call them – Mangle’m). Others seem to think that only a .500 S&W handgun will do. Well, I’ve actually shot and killed a large tiger with a .45 ACP, and if that .45 kills a tiger, a bear is in big trouble. I use hardball ammo while hunting, though I do carry a clip with hollow points for other predators.

Also, since we are dealing with survival, I intend to include information on black powder, bow and arrows, and crossbows. I will also include some information on cutting edge implements such as fixed-blade knives, axes, machetes, and such.

Survival Scenarios

I make a distinction about survival that some may or may not make. For example, if I need to defend my family at home in the middle of the night, I don’t intend to use an AR-15 or AK-47. Those rifles are designed for another situation. I will have a handgun available, and my wife is trained to use handguns, as well as all the other firearms in my house. I will probably have my wife make the cell phone call while holding the handgun. Meanwhile, I’m going to move close enough to the front door so that the intruder can clearly hear the sound of my shotgun as I ratchet in a round. There is nothing quite a terrifying at oh-dark-thirty as the sound of a shotgun ratcheting a round breaking the silence. Let me share a small story:

A friend of mine and his wife went to bed one night thinking that all the kids, including their 17-year-old son, were in bed sleeping. Around 3:00 in the morning, he heard some noise downstairs. So, he woke his wife, gave her the phone and the handgun (9mm Browning), and he took the shotgun out to the head of the stairs. He listened and heard someone moving toward the stairs, so he ratcheted a round into his shotgun. Suddenly from the darkness came a familiar voice, “Don’t shoot, Dad! Oh, god, don’t shoot!” It was his 17-year-old son who had snuck out after they went to bed. He had joined his friends for some brews and was flying a bit higher than the ground. I’ll end there since my friend did take care of business.

But the point is this – that boy heard the sound of a shotgun loading and knew he was in trouble. Nearly every bad guy will react the same way. Those that do not should be made aware of their mistake.

Okay, so what do I use, and recommend for home defense? This is my list:

Some will say that the Walther is not a good firearm for self-defense. I have to disagree. I have seen a .380 go through several large, wet phone books. That is penetration power. More, the new ammo today for all calibers allows the .380 to be an excellent backup firearm, should you need it.

The shotgun is has four rounds of number 6 shot and one round of 00-buck. If the person doesn’t get the message when I ratchet in a round, then he will hopefully get the message after four rounds of number 6. But, if he doesn’t, then I’ll ratchet in that 00 buck round and pull two of the 000-buck magnum load off the saddle and shove them into the magazine. I trust that no one hit with 00-buck will want to continue.

The .45 is loaded with a mix of standard hollow-point ammo, hydrashock ammo, and hardball ammo. I toyed with the idea of all hollow-points, but I reasoned that with bulletproof vests available additional hollow-points might not work. Granted, hardball ammo won’t penetrate either, but at close range even with a vest on, I don’t think anyone wants to get hit with a .45 round. The energy will certainly put you on your butt.

Now, before you use any of these firearms, you must practice with them. That is the first rule of firearms ownership – practice. I don’t mean simply target practice. But practice for glitches. For example, load the shotgun for your wife, or have her do it for you, and slip in a dud – a snap shell is an excellent choice for this. The snap shells can be purchased from just about any good gun store or from any of the catalogs that come for shooters. Do similar things with your automatic handgun. Also, practice shooting from different positions (this is where a good outdoor range comes in) – laying on the ground, kneeling, sitting, laying on your side and shooting, shooting around an object, standing, just think about the positions that you may find yourself having to shoot in and practice it.

The second rule for any firearm ownership is practice! I am serious folks, practice. Learn to shoot with both hands – you may find that your dominate hand is out of use so you will have to learn to use the other hand. Practice loading a shotgun with only one hand – it can be done. Practice loading your revolver. Practice loading your pistol. (Just in case someone doesn’t know: a revolver has a rotating cylinder and a pistol has a self-feeding magazine meaning it has a spring that pushes cartridges up into the pistol as it operates.)

The third rule is to practice to become accurate in your shooting. This is the true definition of “gun control,” hitting what you aim for consistently. I was taught and use what is commonly called point-shooting, or sometimes, instinct-shooting. I will post a good deal more on this method and how it applies to rifles, handguns, and shotguns.

Finally, here are the survival events that I will deal with, but if you can think of another or two, let me know and I’ll deal with them as well.

  1. Home break-ins;

  2. Attacks away from home;

  3. Major natural catastrophes for longer than a week but less than a month;

  4. Major natural catastrophes for longer than a month but less than 6 months;

  5. Major natural catastrophes for longer than 6 months and beyond;

  6. Major man-made catastrophe for longer than a week by less than a month;

  7. Major man-made catastrophe for longer than a month but less than 6 months;

  8. Major man-made catastrophe for longer than 6 months and beyond.

  9. When to use black powder and/or bow and arrow or crossbow.

I’ve touched on home break-ins, but will add more in another posting. However, I want to next look at what to do if an attack occurs away from home. I think that we are seeing this more and more now days and it should be examined next.

After that, I’ll begin with the catastrophes. I will go from the least problematic, though still a threat, to the major ones such as a nuclear attack, a major solar flare that takes us back to the 1800s technologically, or, God forbid, a government that goes tyrant on us.

Finally, I can accept criticism, but don’t just disagree. Offer some constructive information. For example, you disagree with position on using a .45 ACP then tell us why and what you prefer instead. You don’t like a certain shotgun load – then again, explain why and what you prefer.


Survival and Firearms (in .pdf format for download)



Rural Survival Information (RuralSurvival.info)