Defensive rifle or defensive Shotgun?

[DMan]

Should I get a defensive rifle, or a shotgun?

I currently do not own a shotgun, and have a bolt action 30-06, and a .22 LR (like that one really matters).

I am set with handguns - (have 5 in various calibers).

Opinions?

FYI I do reload with a Dillion 550B, if that bit of info helps anyone.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Bulldog39]

Just me, but I prefer the shotgun, as it is more versatile, IMO. With that said, I would get the rifle, before they get banned, then pick up a shotgun later.

[smotta]

You're going to get 50 responses for the rifle, and 50 responses for the shotgun. Figure out exactly what you want out of your defensive long arm and go from there.

[Scot Van]

I was taught that my handgun is beside the bed to get me to my shotgun. Anything else in close pales by comparison...even my SBR in .223 (the 7" barrel is nice, but I'd rather have my 870).

[Tally XD]

I was taught that my handgun is beside the bed to get me to my shotgun. Anything else in close pales by comparison...even my SBR in .223 (the 7" barrel is nice, but I'd rather have my 870).

My shotgun IS beside my bed

That being said, I prefer the shotgun for home defense. Just my opinion here, and it is not based on any true experience, but it seems more logical that the shotgun is better because:

- cheaper ammo and easier to find

- the weapon itself is cheaper than a rifle

- perfect aim/shot placement is not as critical as is with a rifle

- very devastating wound capability

- perceived as a terrifying weapon by almost any intruder

[tap22a]

Just buy both.....

[mi2az]

My next weapon is a shotgun, one that I can get as short as possible and still be legal

[Ram Rod]

Shotgun for indoor/outdoor. Pistols and shotguns inside, defensive rifles for the outside IMO. Now if your house has a half acre floor plan, a rifle would be okay.

[BAC]

Figure out exactly what you want out of your defensive long arm and go from there.

-B

[Wasabi]

I don't feel I have a need for a 'defensive' rifle for HD since I wouldn't be making any long shots (unless we get into a SHTF type situation). I'd vote for a good shotgun and pistol for HD. I have a .30-30 and .308 hunting rifles back home at my parents house in PA that I never bothered to bring to FL. I haven't gone hunting in years, since I moved to FL. Maybe I need to start up again. Deer sure are little down here and I guess a shotgun and G29 would be OK for hogs.

[DMan]

Just buy both.....

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Some people can't afford both!
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[Siafu]

If you are in an area with population density like a city or even suburbs I would say go with a nice shotgun. But like Ram Rod said; if you are in the country maybe a defensive rifle would be ok. Personally, I think that for an intruder in or around your home that represents a threat to your life or the life of your family it would be easier to dispatch them with a shotgun because in a panic situation you don't have to concentrate on accuracy.

[budokaitd]

Shotgun is cheaper and better for defending your house, especially if you have close neighbors. BUT!!!, you may want to get that semi-auto rifle before the SHTF with the people running this country.

[BAC]

Has anyone ever taken a shotgun to walling material?


-B

[Tally XD]

Somewhere I read a good article on using a rifle, such as an AR-15, for indoor defense and they gave it very high accolades. Seems the high velocity .223 round will actually break up when hitting wallboard and do no more over penetration damage than some small handgun projectiles.

Still, in my opinion, I would take the shotgun over the rifle inside a home.