One of our readers commented on my “Personal Defense In Rural America” article by saying that, in his area, the defensive choice seemed to be mostly rifles and shotguns, and I would agree that this is quite likely true all across rural America. The handgun is only of value because it is highly portable. Rifles and shotguns provide power and accuracy far beyond the limits of handguns.
There was a time in my part of the Southwest when country folks nearly always were armed with lever-action rifles and single-action revolvers. Nowadays, while this rancher might still prefer those tried-and-true firearms, his neighbor right over there will be armed with the latest generation Glock and a high quality semi-automatic rifle.
Regardless of where one lives, getting your hands on a long gun will increase your chances of surviving a life-threatening encounter, whether that is with a criminal or a dangerous animal. It pains me to admit it but, just recently, I nearly stepped on a western diamondback rattlesnake and missed him with three shots from my .38 Spl. belly gun. Of course, he was moving and I was moving, too. Shot #4 got him. But my point is that if I had been armed with my shotgun the problem would have been solved much more quickly.
One of the challenges for rural folks is to match their choice of guns to the problems they may face. In a lot of areas, a semi-automatic in .223 Rem. might be just the ticket. In other parts of the country a fellow might do well with a rifle that is chambered for any of the popular deer hunting calibers. While folks in big bear country might consider nothing less than big bore guns. And, of course, the shotgun loaded with large shot or slugs is always worthy of consideration. One should consider the problems that might be faced and choose accordingly.
And so, in common with the city dweller, the rural citizen needs to examine his particular needs and select defensive tools based upon those needs; and then give thought to the safest and most effective way to deploy those tools in an emergency.