longbough

If you are legally allowed to own a firearm you don't need a CCW to protect yourself in your own home.

That being said, the best training you can get is from a proper firearms school like Thunder Ranch, LFI etc. They're usually 3-4 days for an introductory course but it's more than worth it. Still, it's beyond most people to afford in terms of time and money - but it's the prime option for someone who is serious about mastery of the firearm for personal defense.

It sounds like you need a lot of very basic instruction, too - like how to clean the firearm. The best way is to go to your local friendly range/gunsmith/gunshop and simply ask them how to strip and clean the weapon. Don't be embarrassed to ask because gun-folk are actually very nice and helpful people.

The selection of the "perfect" firearm is a complicated issue. Don't let your biases get in the way of what's practical. Be realistic.

If you don't intend to practice on a regular basis (be honest with yourself) then you should stay away from autoloaders. A revolver is very useful because it's easy to operate under stress when you need it most. An autoloader requires you understand when you're chambered, that you're aware of the safeties and their conditions and that you know how to clear malfunctions quickly. Unless you intend to train - stick to a revolver.

Another option mentioned was the shotgun - it's biggest advantage is that it's one of the most intimidating weapons for a bad-guy and is very effective at stopping said crook. The only problem is in knowing its operation and its limitations as a long arm in close quarters. Having a shotgun does not displace the utility of a good handgun.


Not really.
At the time of purchase you just have to agree to keep it locked up at the home. This is only a formality as a term of purchase.

However, there are many experienced people who believe that, when you're home you should have the gun ready to use, not locked up, - even if its hidden away.

Think of it this way - the time you need it is not when you hear a crash in the living room in the middle of the night but when the bedroom door flies open and a stranger comes in just as you're waking up. Do you have time to mess with safety locks?


A CCW is if you want to walk around wearing said firearm on your person.

It seems like you just want advice for protecting the home which doesn't require that permit.

__________________
"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence. Thus when my eldest son asked me what he should have done, had he been present when I was almost fatally assaulted in 1908, whether he should have run away and seen me killed or whether he should have used his physical force which he could and wanted to use, and defended me, I told him that it was his duty to defend me even by using violence." - Mahatma Ghandi