by Rich Grassi

Remarkably, in an age where the social acceptance of firearms and gun owners has increased to the point that we're more mainstream than we've been at any time since the 1950s, there seems to be an increase in reported home invasions. We know that a number of those have a narcotics nexus, where the invaders are attempting to seize dope and money from drug dealers. In other cases, the offense is driven by domestic violence; the actor is quite familiar with the victims.

http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2029433.jpg> This Glock 22 is worn in a security holster, the SERPA by Blackhawk. It's a good rig for home security and keeps the gun inside the holster.

That said, it seems stupid to just kick in just any residential door in the U.S. Gun ownership is so common that it tempts failure in the victim selection process with noisy consequences.

Just owning a gun doesn't make one "armed," however, regardless of statutory nonsense in that regard. The most quoted (and misquoted) statement on the issue is from Jeff Cooper: "You are no more armed because you are wearing a pistol than you are a musician because you own a guitar." (Cooper, Jeff. PRINCIPLES OF PERSONAL DEFENSE, Boulder CO: Paladin Press, 1989, Pg. 20.)

Possession of the talisman lacks relevance. You still need the will to do it, to be able to get it, present it, make effective hits with it and not hurt anyone who doesn't need hurting. This brings up an important point: Do you wear a gun at home?

"Oh, I've got guns salted away all over the house."

That's a burglar's smorgasbord and, in many states, it's illegal - if not criminally, then in terms of civil liability.

"I keep my doors locked."

Good for you. It's a start. Bet an invader can get inside and get to you before you can get to the gun in the safe.

http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2029435.jpg> This S&W .38 Centennial has Eagle Grips "Secret Service" stocks and is shown in Blackhawk's Leather Speed Classic holster. This holster also keeps a hold on the gun. http://www.eaglegrips.com/

It's such a pain to wear a gun at home. But I may have to go outside anyway, so I'm wearing two right now. I don't believe I'm in line for a home invasion. In fact, I really doubt it. But I'm not sure I'd really be surprised.

Even a small, five-shot revolver can turn the tide in a home defense situation. At the least, it can buy valuable time to get a bigger gun or to get a police response started. Regardless of what you choose to wear around the homestead, there are a few things to keep in mind.

The gun should be light weight. Seemingly counterintuitive, if the gun is large and heavy, it's uncomfortable and bangs into the furniture. I know that guns aren't supposed to be comfortable. That quote, belonging to Clint Smith, ends with the gun being comforting, not comfortable. But, this is an all the time, 24/7 gun. If it's light, it still beats the bread knife in the kitchen -- and you're more likely to wear it all the time.

I'd consider a security holster. Among good concealment holsters, I'm not looking for something to prevent a gun grab, though I give extra points if it inhibits another's access. I just don't want the grip frame to hang up on an arm chair, levering the gun up and out onto the floor! The holsters shown here are prone to keep the gun inside until you go for it. (For more information, see www.blackhawk.com.)

Oh yes, and keep the doors locked!