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Step 1
Make sure you can quickly access your firearm in the dark. A good number to shoot for is between three to five seconds--if it takes you any longer to ready your weapon than you're taking an unnecessary risk.
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Step 2
Pick a gun that's powerful enough to take down an aggressive intruder. While high-powered rifles are probably overkill for most situations, a tiny .22-caliber handgun won't get the job done with one shot. Instead, try something like the powerful, yet accurate .38 special.
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Step 3
Choose a gun you're comfortable operating. While shotguns produce a very large spread, they're large and, at times, unwieldy. Remember that you'll most likely be using the firearm in the middle of the night after being startled awake by the intruder.
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Step 4
Avoid firearms that are powerful enough to shoot through walls. Unless you want to surprise your intruder from the next room over, rifles and high-caliber pistols can endanger your family members and neighbors.
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Step 5
Stock your shotgun with birdshot instead of buckshot. Buckshot's larger and tends to destroy furniture, cabinetry and anything else it hits. Birdshot's large enough to stop your intruder, but small enough to avoid causing very serious damage.
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Step 6
Get a gun that's easy enough for other adults to use. If you're out of town or staying out late, your spouse may need to saddle up and beat down the intruder. Make sure he or she knows how to operate the firearm safely.
