How to Pick the Right Gun for Your Needs

By Ready to Fire News Last updated May 14, 2018

Among gun enthusiasts, there is an ongoing debate about which type of gun is the best. The fact is, there is no “one best” weapon you can own. Different guns are designed to perform different functions. The best gun for one person may not be the best for someone else, as they may have different uses for the weapon or they may simply have a personal preference as to which gun they feel the most comfortable with.

So, which type of firearm is best suited for your needs? Read on to find out.

Shotguns

A shotgun is generally regarded as an all purpose tool. A pump shotgun which is threaded for interchangeable chokes allows you to change the spread of the shotgun pellets, which allows you to somewhat change the ranges at which it is useful.

By changing the choke and the type of cartridge used, the gun can be used to hunt different types of game, in sport for skeet and trap shooting, for home defense, or even breaching doors.

Double-barrel and single-barrel shotguns are not quite as versatile, because they tend to have permanent fixed chokes, but are easy to use and can still perform a wide variety of functions because of the different spreads achievable with different types of ammunition.

Rifles

Like shotguns, rifles can be versatile weapons even if they are a bit more restricted in their uses. Rifles take more time and practice to use well, because they have a single point of impact instead of a spread of pellets, but are limited in range for all practical purposes by the experience of the shooter.

Actually, for the sake of argument, most rifles are rated as accurate out to about 400-500 meters, but a quarter of a mile is further away than anyone other than the most experienced and talented of shooters are going to be able remain accurate.

The rifle is ideal for home defense because of its accuracy and power when loaded with proper ammunition designed not to over penetrate, and the range makes it the ideal gun for hunting big game animals.

Pistols

Although the rifle and shotgun are great for personal and home defense, the pistol is designed to provide those functions in a more readily available form. Because it is small and light, the pistol can be carried on you either openly or concealed for quick access in a time of need.

The pistol does require a bit more training and ongoing practice for effective use. Police and security officers carry a pistol because it’s easy to wear on the hip should a situation arise which calls for its use, and as part of their job a certain amount of practice is required each month.

It’s important to remember the different calibers of pistols available might be easier and more comfortable to use or more powerful as a weapon, so a lighter caliber might be better for a casual shooter whereas a heavier one may be more appropriate for an experienced expert.

~ Ready to Fire News