Cruiser Ready: How to Store a Home Defense Shotgun [2020 Update]

Former CIA officer Jason Hanson outlines four critical reasons why a pump-action shotgun may be a suboptimal choice for home defense. He emphasizes the potential for forgetting to disengage the safety, the physical difficulty in handling a heavy shotgun under stress, the common oversight of not chambering a round, and the myth that racking the shotgun scares intruders. Hanson suggests alternatives like revolvers or semi-automatic shotguns, stressing the importance of extensive training if a pump-action is chosen.

This expert guide, informed by a former Illinois State Police officer, details the effectiveness of shotguns for home defense. It covers pump-action and semi-automatic models, emphasizing critical factors like ammunition choice (#4 buckshot recommended for reduced over-penetration) and the importance of training. The guide debunks common myths and highlights specific firearm models and their price points.

Jason Hanson, a former CIA officer, emphasizes a critical home defense mistake: moving with a firearm at eye level. He advocates for the 'low ready' position to allow for proper threat identification, preventing tragic accidents involving family members. The technique involves keeping the finger off the trigger until a threat is confirmed, then transitioning to an engagement stance.

This guide details two essential shotgun drills for home defense, presented by former CIA officer Jason Hanson. The first drill focuses on transitioning from a low ready position to firing two quick shots, emphasizing threat identification. The second drill covers the critical combat reload technique, demonstrating how to load a shell directly into the chamber from a side saddle. Regular practice of these drills is crucial for proficiency under stress.

This instructional video from American Outlaw details critical steps for responding to a home invasion. It emphasizes immediate 911 contact via speakerphone, providing essential details to dispatch, and clear defensive instructions for family members, including the authorized use of a firearm if an intruder breaches a safe zone. The content is delivered with an expert tone, offering practical guidance for dire emergencies.

This guide, based on decades of firearm experience, emphasizes the necessity of owning two specific types of firearms for comprehensive self-defense. The primary recommendation is a concealed carry handgun, serving as an all-around tool for personal security in public and adaptable for home defense. The secondary, crucial firearm is a shotgun, specifically a 12-gauge semi-automatic, for its unparalleled effectiveness in home defense scenarios. The instructor stresses that these two firearms provide a robust defensive capability for most individuals.

Chris Baker of Lucky Gunner Ammo explains the 'Cruiser Ready' method for storing a home defense shotgun, balancing safety and accessibility. This technique involves a loaded magazine tube but an empty chamber, with the safety off and action unlocked. This allows for rapid deployment by simply racking the slide. Baker also advises loading the magazine one round shy of capacity to preserve magazine spring longevity and prevent potential failures.

The FBI's brief adoption of the 10mm Auto in 1989, primarily with the Smith & Wesson Model 1076, proved disastrous due to mechanical issues and complexity. This led to the development of the '10mm Lite' and ultimately the .40 S&W cartridge, which was quickly adopted by Glock and dominated law enforcement for decades. The 10mm Auto's potential was recognized, but its practical implementation by the FBI failed.

The Ruger Mini-14 has maintained popularity for nearly 50 years by filling a market gap for an affordable, practical semi-automatic rifle, drawing inspiration from the M14. Despite early accuracy criticisms and political controversies, design updates and competitive pricing have kept it relevant, though the rise of affordable AR-15s presents new challenges.

This review of the Chiappa 1892 Alaskan Takedown lever-action rifle highlights its unique takedown feature, making it highly packable. Chris Baker of Lucky Gunner Ammo details its design evolution, caliber options (.44 Mag, .357 Mag), and compares it to other takedown lever actions. While praising its smooth action and crisp trigger, Baker notes some cosmetic quality control issues and suggests ergonomic modifications for improved handling. The rifle demonstrated 100% reliability over 300 rounds with good accuracy from premium loads.