Home Defense

The Best .357 Magnum Ammo for Home Defense

Pamela M

The iconic .357 Magnum ammo stands out as a top home defense round. Choosing a gun and ammo for home defense is much different than choosing one for self-defense. Most experts say that using a shotgun for home defense is the way to go. Easy to shoot with less chance of liability or collateral damage. This is true. However, 00 buckshot isn’t always a deterrent to an intruder in your home. Additionally, not everyone can operate a shotgun as easily as a handgun. Lastly, homeowners can conceal a handgun easier than a long gun, making it easier to get to in the moment.

A .357 Magnum revolver makes an excellent choice for home defense. The .357 Magnum ammo provides reliable accuracy with adequate stopping power. Homeowners sleep better knowing the family is protected by one of the most classic types of ammunition on the market. Experts laud .357 Magnum ammo for its versatility. Shooters choose the round because it is inexpensive, readily available, and usable for plinking, hunting, range training, target shooting, and home defense. More powerful ammunition exists but the .357 is easy to control and easier to shoot.

Some object to using a .357 as a home defense weapon because of the excess weight. The argument proves valid if the gun is for concealed carry. However, a home defense weapon stays in the home, hopefully in a lockbox, until needed.

Handgun vs. Rifle

.357 Magnum ammo brings versatility to the table in that it can be used in a handgun or a carbine. The impressive round fires at about 1,400 FPS from a revolver and 1,800 FPS from a rifle. The developers created the round to be strong enough to confront criminals, including those wearing ballistics vests. While a neighborhood intruder is unlikely to wear a bulletproof vest, the stopping power is still important. Such power presents a possible downside in that it can go through drywall or a door, causing collateral damage.

Using a .357 Magnum Revolver

Pop culture makes carrying a large caliber gun fashionable. A Colt .45 will scare an intruder but do little else if the gun is too much to handle. a  .357 Magnum revolver backs up the threat to protect the home and the people inside. Benefits to using a .357 Magnum revolver include:

Easy handling. Revolvers, especially those with longer barrels, are easy to aim and shoot. The heavy weight benefits the shooter with superior accuracy. They also allow the user to fire quickly.

Revolvers operate without fuss. Revolvers belong in the “what you see is what you get” category. The shooter forgoes adjusting bells and whistles. Point and shoot. Home defense situations call for fast action.

Revolvers remain popular which means they are affordable and easy to find.

Lastly, .357 revolvers fire .38 Special rounds. The rounds match in every way but their length. Shooting less powerful ammo helps novices handle the recoil. It also allows for a lighter trigger pull on guns with a short barrel length, like a snubnose.

Advantages of .357 Mag Ammo

Shooters credit .357 ammo with power and ease of use. Some advantages to the ammo include:

  • Various factory loads. Most manufacturers produce a wide variety of bullet weights and types for .357 Mag. From 110 grains to 180 grains.
  • Reload with ease. Handloaders save money and experiment with reloading .357 cartridges to create bigger and better rounds.
  • Easy to find. Most stores, outlets and online sites carry .357 ammo. This makes it simple to comparison shop and buy in bulk.

Specs

Smith & Wesson ordered changes to Elmer Keith’s original bullet design. The bullet was reshaped to Philip Sharpe’s specifications. Today, the .357 S&W Magnum rimmed centerfire cartridge with a .357 inch (9.1mm) diameter bullet. The case measures 1.29 inches in length. The total length of the round is 1.59 inches. SAAMI states the maximum pressure is 35,000 PSI; average muzzle velocity is 1,090 feet per second (FPS).

Bullet Types

An experienced shooter knows bullet types and their uses. Manufacturers create new bullet types to accommodate popular calibers like.357 Magnum. Common styles include Full Metal Jacket, Jacketed Soft Point, and Jacketed Hollow Point. The list below shows the three common types of bullets and their uses.

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)

FMJ bullets cost less than hollow points or soft points. This makes them ideal for high volume shooting including range or target practice. The bullet houses a soft center metal like lead, surrounded by a harder metal, usually copper. FMJs work best for short-range shooting, plinking, target practice, range training, and competition shooting.

Hollow Points (HP)

Hollow points relate mostly to self-defense and home protection. HPs cost more than FMJs, however, the round performs better in face-to-face confrontations. The ballistics of HPs are comparable to the FMJ. The HP design allows the bullet to expand, creating a larger wound channel than the FMJ. The expansion stops attackers quickly and therefore, the shooter is protected.

Soft Points (SP)

Hunters choose soft points over most other ammunition. SPs expand more than an FMJ, which creates ideal stopping power. SPs compare to HPs, except for the expansion. An SP allows the shooter to have more control. SP ballistics outshine other bullets, especially when they are made with a boat-tail design. Jacketed Soft Points (JSP) are another option.

Bullet Weights

Bullet weights control the power of the projectile as it leaves the gun barrel. The number of grains determines the weight.

Heavyweight Bullet Characteristics

Heavy bullet weights lower the velocity of the ammo. A heavy bullet works well in short-range situations including home defense. It is less affected by weather or minor changes in wind. The downsides include heavier recoil and the likelihood of over penetration.

Lightweight Bullet Characteristics

Lightweight bullets travel fast. The lighter the bullet, the faster it travels. The lightweight means the bullet will retain a better trajectory, and therefore, accuracy at long distances. The bullet’s high velocity brings with it the chance for over penetration. An advantage is less recoil.

Best .357 Magnum Ammo for Home Defense

Experts showcase top choices for .357 for home defense. Each brings the power, accuracy and velocity needed in any home defense situation. The downsides for the .357 include a bright muzzle flash, stiff recoil, and loud report. These items distract newbies from maintaining accuracy on multiple shots. However, using a bullet with fewer grains will lessen these issues. Ammo types and weights should be based on the shooter’s knowledge and skill level. Practice is imperative.

Top choices for home defense ammo include:

Federal Ammunition 158 Grain JHP

  • 1,240 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 158 Grain
  • Jacketed Hollow Point Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 539 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Buffalo Bore Tactical Short Barrel 158 Grain JHP

  • 1,400 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 158 Grain
  • Jacketed Hollow Point Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 606 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Federal American Eagle Cartridge 158 Grain JSP

  • 1,240 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 158 Grain
  • Jacketed Soft Point Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 530 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Fiocchi 142 Grain FMJ-TC

  • 1,420 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 158 Grain
  • Full Metal Jacket Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 636 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 135 Grain JHP

  • 990 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 135 Grain
  • Jacketed Hollow Point Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 294 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Hornady Critical Defense 125 Grain FTX

  • 1,500 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 125 Grain
  • FlexTip Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 824 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

CCI Blazer 158 Grain JHP

  • 1,150 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 158 Grain
  • Jacketed Soft Point Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 464 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Tula Ammo 158 Grain FMJ

  • 1,280 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 158 Grain
  • Full Metal Jacket Bullet
  • Steel Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 464 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Barnes 140 Grain VOR-TX JHP

  • 1,265 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 158 Grain
  • Jacketed Soft Point Bullet
  • Copper Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 498 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Federal Premium Power-Shok 158 Grain JHP

  • 1,240 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 158 Grain
  • Jacketed Hollow Point Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 539 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Ruger ARX 86 Grain

  • 1,650 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 86 Grain
  • Injection Molded Copper Polymer ARX Projectile
  • Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 552 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Hornady American Gunner 125 Grain JHP XTP

  • 1,500 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 125 Grain
  • Jacketed Hollow Point Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 624 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

PMC Bronze 158 Grain JSP

  • 1,471 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 158 Grain
  • Jacketed Soft Point Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 759 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Sellier & Bellot 158 Grain FMJ-FN

  • 889 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 158 Grain
  • Full Metal Jacket Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 278 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Federal Premium Barnes Expander 140 Grain JHP

  • 1,400 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 140 Grain
  • Jacketed Soft Point Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 609 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Remington Ammunition: 110 Grain SJHP 

  • 1,295 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 110 Grain
  • Semi Jacketed Hollow Point Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 410 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Conclusion

Experts never agree on the ultimate home defense ammunition. However, .357 Magnum ammo appears at the top of the list due to its stopping power, accuracy, availability, and reliability. The ammo carries the power necessary to dominate in any situation in a revolver or lever-action carbine. Where larger calibers bear the burden of possible over penetration, the .357 ammo is less likely to go through the target to cause collateral damage. The .357 Mag ammo gives the homeowner peace of mind, knowing that the protection is there if needed.

Law Enforcement and The .45 ACP Ammo

Pamela M

Finding the perfect ammunition

Military and law enforcement personnel have gone through a series of changes in standard issue weapons over the past couple decades. At one time the .38 Special reigned supreme. Today 9mm is carried by 67 percent of law enforcement agents, but that by no means is their only choice.

Since the early 1900s, the .38 Special was standard issue for most police departments across the U.S. The 10mm was slated to take over the top spot but didn’t last long. In the 1980s, the FBI commissioned the manufacture of the .40, which some law enforcement officers still use. It was replaced by the 9mm in the 1990s.

Most officers see the 9mm as a “reasonable round” for a duty pistol. While it may be considered standard issue, there are many agencies that allow their officers to choose their weapon, either as a standard issue or as a backup piece. The variety comes from a number of reasons. Some police forces have different requirements for their weapons. There are some departments that simply cannot afford the latest and greatest handguns. Lastly, some departments require their officers to purchase their own weapons. In the latter case, it is not uncommon to see a wide variety of calibers including9mm, .40, .45, .357 SIG, and 10mm.

Currently, the most popular guns used by police departments are Glock, followed by SIG Sauer. Yet, there are still departments that swear by their .45 ACP.

History of the .45 ACP

The .45 ACP is the most “American” of all pistols on the market. Introduced in 1905 by Colt and designed by weapons legend John M. Browning, the .45 ACP was an instant hit with the U.S. military. After a series of field tests, the ammunition was adopted as the standard issue for Colt’s M1911. The ammo’s stopping power also made it a favorite of the U.S. Cavalry, and the U.S. Army followed suit. .45 ACP handguns were the official sidearms of the U.S. military throughout World War I and World War II, and up until they were replaced by the 9mm in 1985.

The .45 ACP was well matched to the 1911 handgun. In 1918, it was adapted to be used in John T. Thompson’s .45 machine gun. The “Tommy Gun” was invented to be used as a trench gun during WWI and perfected during WWII.

The .45 ACP has a long and storied history. It has been used in many conflicts including Anzio, Iwo Jima, Normandy, Korea, and the Tet Offensive. It was a favorite round at the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, and commonly used by Bonnie & Clyde and John Dillinger.

ACP for Self-Defense

Most people think of civilians when they think of “self-defense.” However, law enforcement officers have the ultimate job when it comes to defending themselves as well as others. When it comes to self-defense, how does one choose the perfect .45 ACP ammo? The uppermost factor is stopping power. Officers must be sure that their rounds are going to stop targets in their tracks. Other factors include accuracy and reliability.

The Best .45 ACP for Law Enforcement

These are the top choices for .45 ACP ammo for law enforcement as well as for personal protection. Each round on this list has been tested using stringent ballistics testing techniques.

Winchester 230-Grain Ranger T-Series

The Winchester T-Series features a hollow-point bullet in a reverse tapered jacket that has six “talons” designed to expand upon impact. It is designed to expand even after penetrating though tough barriers or heavy clothing. The round is also available in a +P load. The T-series is a top choice for American law enforcement officers.

Federal 230-Grain HST

The Federal HST is an extremely popular round for law enforcement and self-defense. It is one step up from Federal’s Hydra-Shok bullet which dominated the market for many years. The HST is used in many different calibers from the .380 Auto to the .45 ACP. Despite the fact that it is not a bonded bullet, it is currently one of the most popular rounds used by law enforcement agencies in the U.S.

Another Federal round worth mentioning is the Guard Dog line. While not as powerful as the HST, it is a solid choice for self-defense.

Remington 185-Grain Golden Saber +P

Remington Golden Saber +P uses a lighter bullet with 185 -grains. The light weight means that it has the highest muzzle velocity of the cartridges on the list. The Jacketed Hollow Point ammo hits the target hard. It offers deep penetration and reliable expansion without the danger of over-penetration. It’s a solid choice.

Magtech 230-Grain Bonded

Magtech First Defense Bonded ammunition uses a JHP bullet with a lead core bonded to the jacket. The bond means the bullet is less likely to separate from the jacket when striking a solid object. It is also likely to experience deeper penetration and expansion after impact.

Speer 185-Grain Gold Dot

The Speer Gold Dot line was specifically designed in the 1990s for law enforcement. Gold Dot bullets are bonded, which greatly reduces core-jacket separation. They also have an outstanding reputation for deep penetration, high weight retention, and reliable expansion. Speer Gold Dot is at the top of the list for many law enforcement agencies.

Speer 230-Grain Gold Dot Short Barrel

Similar to the 185-grain Gold Dot, Speer’s 230-grain Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel load uses a heaver-weight bullet. This design gives premium performance when used with shorter-barreled handguns. It is a top choice for concealed carry.

Federal Law Enforcement 45 ACP AUTO Ammo 230 Grain +P HST JHP

Federal is known for manufacturing quality ammunition with cutting edge technology. Federal’s LE line was designed specifically for law enforcement. The tip is designed not to plug upon impact with tough barriers or layers of heavy clothing. It offers deep penetration and terminal performance.

Hornady 200gr XTP

Hornady is known for its Critical Defense, often touted as an excellent self-defense round. That is true, however, the 200-grain XTP bullet is one step above due to its superior accuracy, reliable penetration, and expansion. The XTP features serrations in the bullet and a strategically weakened jacket that assists with expansion.

Conclusion

For more info about the .45 ACP and its other uses, check out The Best .45 ACP Ammo For Self-Defense, Target Shooting, and More.

Fighting Back Against Civil Asset Forfeiture

Pamela M

Citizens Fight Back Against Civil Asset Forfeiture

Civil Asset Forfeiture is not a new thing. It has been a part of international law for centuries. British military seized booty stolen by pirates on the open seas. Customs officials confiscated goods from smugglers. As a result of limited resources and murky borders, military, and law enforcement seemed to have little choice if they wanted to stop illegal activity.

Civil asset forfeiture has taken a turn for the worst, letting law enforcement agents seize property without proof of any crime. In most cases, the owner of the property will never get it back. People that fight the system spend thousands of dollars in legal fees without any guarantees. Defendants cannot have legal counsel, causing many to give up the fight before they’ve begun. Many believe that policing for profit has gone too far, but lack the information to fight back.

State Facts

Civil asset forfeiture laws vary widely from state to state. Lawmakers have introduced bills to change the law to protect citizens. Lawmakers are studying federal laws. The statistics below are as of 2018:

  • Federal court and 35 states require the owner to prove his innocence.
  • In 5 states, laws depend on the type of property seized.
  • In 10 states and the District of Columbia, the government has the burden of proof.
  • Some states require citizens fighting asset forfeiture to pay the state’s legal fees.
  • In 25 states, law enforcement keeps 100 percent of forfeited assets. In nine states, law enforcement retains 80 percent or more of seized assets.

Recent Reform

Several states are taking steps to restore rights to their people. The judiciary is speaking out against civil asset forfeiture on a regular basis. In June 2017, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of civil asset forfeiture victims. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas vehemently opposed civil asset forfeiture during a case in March 2017.

Recent reforms by the state include:

Arizona

In April 2017, the Arizona State Legislature unanimously passed a bill on civil asset reform. Lawmakers were not clear on the new law, but it raises the burden of proof for law enforcement agencies.

California

In January 2017, a new law took effect requiring a criminal conviction before seizing any assets valued less than $40,000.

Connecticut

Connecticut requires an arrest before assets can be seized. Assets must be returned unless there is a guilty plea or conviction.

Georgia

The State of Georgia passed a modest civil asset forfeiture law in 2015. The law requires transparency and that funds raised from forfeiture must be used directly for law enforcement. Despite the reform, Georgia remains at the top of states with the worst civil asset forfeiture laws.

Minnesota

The state legislature passed bill SF 874, requiring a criminal conviction or an admission of guilt in order to seize assets. The state is now responsible for the burden of proof.

New Mexico

The state legislature passed a sweeping reform requiring a criminal conviction for asset forfeiture. Additionally, the asset forfeiture fund is attached to the state’s general fund instead of the seizing police department.

Pennsylvania

In June 2017, Pennsylvania passed a law creating innocent owner protections and increasing the burden of proof on police departments involved in civil asset forfeiture cases. The law requires a hearing before property can be seized.

Tennessee

State Representative and former state trooper Barrett Rich introduced a bill requiring a warrant for seizure, but was voted down. An amended version was passed, requiring an immediate hearing for property owners.

Texas Citizens Fight Back

Texas has the worst civil asset forfeiture laws in the United States. Horror stories abound regarding forfeiture.  Texas Appleseed, a criminal justice reform advocacy group, has released a guide showing citizens how to fight back. Lawyers created a free toolkit for citizens. Defendants can use sample pleadings to fight forfeiture in court.

Jacqueline M. Allen, an attorney with Dykema, helped the group create the toolkit. “People in civil asset forfeiture cases do not have the right to court-appointed counsel, so this toolkit is designed to empower people with the knowledge they need to get their property back if they cannot afford to hire an attorney and if they cannot find free legal help.”

Protect Yourself

You may think it’s impossible to protect yourself against civil asset forfeiture. However, it’s not always the case. Below are tips that can help to protect you and your property:

  • Establish innocent ownership. You should require renters to sign a lease with a clause stating that illegal conduct is prohibited on your property.
  • Do thorough background checks on renters and house sitters.
  • Exercise dominion over your property. You should visit your rental property regularly and keep documentation of the visits.
  • If you carry large amounts of cash, obtain fresh bills from your bank. Nearly 90% of all money has drug deposits on it, which can be used as evidence of criminal activity.
  • Record actions taken to prevent illegal activity on any property that you own or rent.

Can Asymmetrical Warfare Succeed?

Pamela M

Modern-day militias

Merriam Webster defines asymmetrical warfare as “warfare that is between opposing forces which differ greatly in military power and that typically involves the use of unconventional weapons and tactics (such as those associated with guerrilla warfare and terrorist attacks).”

The term is linked to “guerrilla warfare,” “insurgency,” and “terrorism.” It is a violent conflict between a military faction and a less formal, and less equipped, but motivated opponent.

Traditionally, when two factions go to war, the sides tend to be “symmetrical,” i.e., equally matched in experience, weaponry, resources, and technology. The main difference between the two is their strategy and execution. In asymmetrical warfare, the sides are not equal. The military is well trained; it uses a centralized base, and is well resourced. The “weaker” side, typically non-military, does not have a centralized base or the same caliber of training. While these facts make the stronger side the apparent victor, that is not always the case.

History

Asymmetrical or militia warfare is not a new concept, nor is it connected only to the Western world. There is a multitude of history on citizens revolting against a government, tyrannical or otherwise. In fact, the first written reference details England’s 1181 Assize of Arms:

“He will possess these arms and will bear allegiance to the Lord King, Henry, namely the son of Empress Maud, and that he will bear these arms in his service according to his order and in allegiance to the lord king and his realm.”

The concept carries through countless battles throughout Europe as well as parts of Eastern Civilization. When the Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution, they included one of the aspects that allowed them to win the Revolutionary War – asymmetrical warfare in the form of militia.

“Congress shall have the power to: provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions; to provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress.”

The Second Amendment added: “A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”

Rebels

Many people associate militia warfare with historical battles. Examples: the Battle of Thermopylae, the Battle of Crécy, the French Revolution, the American Revolutionary War, and the Vietnam War.

Modern-day militias are categorized in a different way as loyalties splinter. While some fight against the tyranny or government, others single out specific groups in a xenophobic fashion. Still others commit acts against foreign governments. Asymmetrical warfare, guerrilla warfare, and terrorism are often synonymous. However, by definition, they are not the same thing. One of the main differences is that terrorists prey upon innocent victims.

Modern warfare

Tactics

A major difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical warfare is the use of tactics. The military faction relies on political threats, a centralized base, formal communication systems, field training, weapons, government funding, and technology. What the non-military side lacks in formal resources, they often make up for in resolve and strategy. Decentralized communication and resources make it difficult for the enemy to sabotage funds and technology. A standard strategy is to break the resolve of the enemy. This is accomplished by attacking their infrastructure in small ways. Another main benefit, one that has often won the war, is knowing the lay of the land.

Terrain

Two of the most famous warmongers in history lend their wisdom to this topic.

Sun Tzu, author of the oft-quoted The Art of War, firmly believed that knowing the area in which a war was waged was vital, as was the potential dangers and distance: “Those who do battle without knowing these will lose.”

Likewise, Chairman Mao Zedong stated, “The guerrillas must move amongst the people as a fish swims in the sea.”

Militia tends to fight in the area in which they live and have trained. Knowing the terrain and its characteristics, hills, valleys, rivers, swamps, temperatures, wildlife, woods, and roadways, has won many wars. There are areas in which technology, including GPS, will offer little if any, help. Firsthand knowledge is key. It allows the rebels to hide, plan sneak attacks, plan multiple escape routes, or lure the enemy into treacherous territory. These tactics apply in both rural and urban areas.

In the American Revolutionary War, Patriot Lieutenant Colonel Francis Marion, a.k.a. the “Swamp Fox,” used knowledge of the South Carolina wilderness to confuse British forces.

In 1941, Yugoslav Partisans formed a militia throughout mountain villages and fought against the Third Reich by using knowledge of the rough terrain to survive. They forced their enemies back, managing to recover resources and grow into the Yugoslav Army.

How To Make Sure Your Fiocchi Ammo Serves You Well In Self Defense

Inceptor

Self defense and ammo are terminologies that feature quite prominently in the current world. Insecurity, crime, burglary and other forms of attack have been increasing at an alarming rate. More often than not, we hear about people getting attacked or shot at their own homes or offices. Such incidences have influenced people to acquire ammo as a way of protecting themselves as well as their families. Using the ammo in the right way guarantees you of maximum satisfaction. The ammo will only serve you well if you follow the guideline below:

Right Product

Prior to acquiring a new rifle, shot gun, hand gun as well as bullets, it is important to find the best product in the market. Is the ammo dealer reputable? Will the product serve me right? What is the public’s opinion concerning the particular brand? What sort of opinions and reviews does the brand get? Such kinds of questions help in making the right decision. Over the years, brands such as Fiocchi ammo have become popular choices in regard to self defense.

Practice

The ammo is as good as your skill! Having the best gun or rifle and high caliber bullet is not all there is to being well prepared in case of an attack. It is also important to also know how to use the accessories. In fact, an experienced person who lacks a good set is more likely to survive an incident compared to an inexperienced person with the best armory. The secret is to practice as often as possible.

Easy Storage and Proper Maintenance of Fiocchi Ammo

No one knows the time that an attacker or intruder will enter your home. Also, it is not possible to be carrying your loaded gun with you all the time. Such limitations call for being able to access the gun or rifle easily and conveniently. It should be stored in a safe location that can be accessed easily. The gun should also be kept in a cool and dry region and regularly maintained. This minimizes the possibility of it jamming when you need it most.

Buying a gun, rifle and related accessories such as bullets should not be taken lightly. A lot of care and due diligence should be observed while making a purchase. Many people overlook issues such as stopping power, recoil, weight of the gun, type of bullets and more. However, this should not happen. It is important to take time when choosing the right product. This is the only way it will serve you well.

What You Need To Know About Gun Self Defense

Inceptor

It’s 2:00AM.

You are sound asleep when you hear a loud bang coming from downstairs. You reach into the nightstand and pull out your handgun and fumble around and load in some 9mm ammunition.

Slowly you creep downstairs and………..how would you finish that sentence?

How would having a gun impact your approach to self defense?

Would you run downstairs and start shooting?

Would you attempt to call the police the hide and use your gun only in a life and death situation?

The truth is that each person handles situations differently and there is no absolute truth as to what to do. However, it is important to remember a few basic rules to help prevent something catastrophic from happening.

Guns Can Be Used to Intimidate Intruders

First and foremost, in a self defense situation guns are primarily used for intimidation rather than being used to actually harm someone. Statistics show that law abiding citizens don’t often harm criminals. Odds are that you probably won’t have to discharge your firearm. Therefore, initially some find it best to scare the intruder at first by just simply pointing the gun at them. Remember never to point the gun at something you’re not willing to shoot, but in this instance shooting may be necessary. The intruder may or may not try to flee, and if they do then the next step depends on your comfort level. Keeping safety in mind, the safest choice would be to let them flee and then immediately call the police. Chasing them or subduing them is usually not recommended as they could be carrying a gun or fight back.

What to Do If the Intruder Doesn’t Run?

If the intruder does not flee and decides to fight then it may be time to discharge your weapon in the act of self defense. If the situation reaches this point then it is time to practice all that you learned up to this point. However, your memory may be a little shaky and your body may not respond the way you want it to due to adrenaline. Regardless, exercise the basic rights of firing a gun. Hold the weapon in the firing-ready position. Steady the gun with your other hand. Keep your thumbs clear of the hammer. Steady your stance. Develop your sight picture and focus the aim on the intruder. Slowly squeeze the trigger, and follow through. If all goes well, the intruder has been incapacitated and you are able to get to safety and call the police.

Remember, it is better to have a hand gun and not need it than need it and not have it. Stay safe!

Four Reasons Why 5.56 Ammo Is a Great Option for Urban Defense

Inceptor

5.56 ammo is quickly becoming the standard ammo for most developed and rapidly developing countries in the world. Most people believe that we adopted 5.56 ammo because it was less lethal and would wound rather than kill. However this is a myth. The human body is quite weak and a 5.56 round has enough power to bring it down. Thanks to its smaller size, the bullet travels a lot faster. It also has an tumbling effect when it enters the body making it quite deadly. In fact, even the Russians adopted the smaller bullets when they introduced the AK-74 in the 1970s. Here’s 4 reasons why the 5.56 is a great option for self defense.

Lighter Ammo and Weapon Systems

When compared with the 7.62 rounds the 5.56 is significantly lighter. Even the weapon systems that fire these rounds are lighter. One classic example is the lighter weight and maneuverability of AR15s over much larger and bulkier AK47s. From the perspective of home defense option, the lighter round and rifle reduces the reaction time and can easily be used my women and aged individuals.

Carry More Ammo

When going on hunting trips or just venturing outdoors for some target practice, the smaller and lighter rounds enables you to carry more ammo. In fact, it’s almost half the weight of a standard 7.62 round.

Ammo of The Future

If you are fond of carbines and lighter advanced weapons systems then you have to switch to 5.56 rounds. The larger rounds are slowly becoming obsolete while newer weapons keeps getting introduced that are based on the 5.56 platform. What this means is when you head to the neighborhood gun store you simply get more options with the 5.56 than you would get with any other round.

Great For Urban Defense

There is a reason why the 5.56 has become the preferred choice of most modern day armies. Thanks to its maneuverability and lighter weight it’s a great choice for urban warfare. This means it also a great option for urban defense. You don’t need a bullet to fly 800m to hit a distant target when its sole purpose is to provide security in an urban environment. Tight corners and constricted space calls for weapons that are accurate at close range, has a good rate of fire, and super light. All of these attributes together makes the 5.56 and their weapons systems the best choice for small houses, apartments, and pretty much anywhere in the city.

Ensure the Security of Your Gun and Your Loved Ones

Inceptor

With the rate of crime going up, many people are buying guns for their protection. When guns are bought, people mainly focus on how to use them safely. Couple of hours of practice at the shooting range is enough to build up the confidence. But what is equally important is keeping the gun safely. You must consider the importance of keeping your guns and their 30-06 ammo and other calibers out of reach. It should be kept out of reach so that accidents and injuries are avoided. If minors, untrained people or burglars find the gun, the risk goes up tremendously.

Investing in Gun Safes

This is an investment that’s worth considering. A safe that is extremely sturdy and offers adequate protection is worthwhile. Opt for a safe that has a combination of locks and password security. It is important that only the person who can access the safe knows the password. Apart from keeping it away from the reach of other people, it is important that the gun is secured from all harsh conditions that may result in its wear and tear. Exposure to moisture, dust and similar factors will affect the functioning of the gun, and put the user at risk too. Safety from natural calamities such as floods and rains should also be taken into account too.

The safe should have the ability to withstand fires and all other kinds of harsh impacts. These days, it is easy to find gun safes that are strong enough to survive in high temperatures (caused due to accidental fire or arson) and do not corrode easily.

Proper Anchoring of the Safe

It is good to anchor the safe, irrespective of its size or the value of the gun placed within. At times, burglars just move the safe instead of breaking into it. Anchoring ensures that the safe can’t be moved and along with the combination of locks/password, the guns will be absolutely safe. If your house doesn’t sound like a good option, you can keep your gun in a security firm. Strict measures are taken at such firms to keep every gun safe. Only authorized people can access these areas and the chances of your guns being stolen are almost negligible. The security firm will provide a great degree of protection, but make sure that you have done your bit too. You shouldn’t have a password that is easy to guess(like a family member’s name or birthday). Comply with the rules of the firm.

Storing 30-06 Ammo and Keeping Guns Safe

Keeping a gun safe ensures complete protection of you and your loved ones. Wall safes, floor safes or security firms, choose the one that you think would be the best for you. Guns and your 30-06 ammo (or other ammunition and pellets) are dangerous products, making it even more important you to take appropriate measures to ensure their safety.

All the best.