PastorPack

You just can't beat the knockdown power of a shotgun! Put a pistol grip and a 18 1/2" barrel on it and it is a considerable force to be reconned with. Great for things that go bump in the night.

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BikerRN

There are many valid points throughout this thread.

I myself am a big advocate for the shotgun for home defense as long as one is in a fixed position, such as the "Safe Room". Nothing IMO has the terminal effectiveness to stop the threat as reliably as the shotgun when used at handgun ranges, at least nothing that I would want to shoot repeatedly.

Contrary to popular urban myth, shotguns, just like any other projectile launching device, need to be aimed. It's still all about where you place those projectiles. The shotguns big advantage is in delivering more projectiles at one time. At least that's what I'm delivering to my target as I use 9 Pellet 00 Buck in mine. This tends to overwhelm the body's nervous system and helps to facillitate a rapid shutdown of hostilities if the rounds are placed where they will do the most good, and your target is a violent criminal actor, to borrow from Mr. John Farnum.

The older I get the more I see the advantages of the longarm, but they aren't for every application. The shotgun is not my preferred weapon if I have to clear a house, even mine. Dynamic Entries done by SWAT Teams are different than searching for and looking for a subject in a building.

The rifle is also good, but in my humble opinion the shotgun is better from a defensive standpoint. Remember, I like shotguns from a defensive position. This means that you are the last line of defense in your home and if you fail your loved ones will most likely be killed. That to me says you need power, and you need it NOW! There are rifles out there with tremendous power, but I'm not man enough to hunker down and shoot a rifle that recoils that much as fast as I can operate a shotgun, and the penetration would far exceed the shotgun too.

In my personal opinion the 20 Guage is about purrfect. (spelling intentional)
It can be used well by most anyone that you would have use a defensive rifle or shotgun in your home without the punishment of the 12 Guage. In my case, because we use 12 guage Shotguns at work, that's what I have to train with. Also, my wife has no interest in shooting any shotgun, so she is not a consideration in my arms choices. The 10 Guage is just silly for home defense, IMO, but I do know a few people that have them for home defense. Hunting Duck and Geese with a 10 Guage is not silly, but that's just my opinion.

As far as "tricking out" or modifying a shotgun, I am guilty of that. One has Ghost Ring Tritium sights, Pistol grip, Mag Ext, and a light with a pressure pad. I had the opportunity to set up a shotgun as I saw fit, or wanted. I would be just as well served for Home defense with a bead and a light, but I like my toys.

OK, sorry for the rant. Did I win a cookie?

Biker

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SubNine

I can see why some would choose a good 5.56 or 7.62 caliber rifle over a shotgun, because there is always the chance the BGs could be wearing body armor. Shotguns are not good for penetrating that kind of stuff. I still choose the 12 gauge riot gun over a rifle for home defense use though. I figure if they get back up after receiving a load of 00 buckshot to the chest they must be wearing armor. My only choice then would be the head.

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QKShooter

Good thread bmcgilvray with folks really thinking and some good point/counterpoint.

hogdaddy

I would grab the shot gun & strap 357 on side, But nothing beats a SG out too 25 YDS just my 2 cnt

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llongshot

Make up your own mind. Measure the longest distance you would shoot within your home. Determine what type of construction your walls are. Determine whom will be on the other side of the walls you might penetrate if you miss or pass through [children's bedroom etc.]. Purchase enough of the material your walls are made of and shoot into that with all the firearms and loads you like. If your interested in knockdown line up gallon jugs [six will weigh a little less than 50 pounds]. Mark the rear of the last jug and monitor how far it gets pushed back upon impact when shot with your choices. Remember that anything that exits the body doesn't do diddly for knockdown. My opinion is that incapacitation is first and foremost. Try an eighteen inch 12 ga. with spreader choke and #6 shot in a shotshell with a spreader wad [I handloaded mine]. If you doubt the incapatitation value of this load pick up a road killed deer or buy a hogs head from your local slaughter house and put that load full in the face at the yardage you think you'll be shooting. Remember that they can't shoot what they can't see and the brain is directly behind the eyes and there ain't nothing but soft tissue in those two big old eye sockets. A half dozen shot in the brain has a tendency to impact decision making ability no matter what drug you're on. You do not have to reduce the perp to a mass of splintered bone and hamburger to incapacitate. In short there ain't nobody but you that can make you comfortable with what you're using for self defense. Experiment. Remember that you're betting your life on this. Don't hesitate to spend the time/money to really know what your equipment will do.

shooterX

wow, what a great thread! Some well thought out comments. I have a shotgun for HD, but I also see the .30-30 lever action rifle with correct load as a very viable HD gun. I have a 7 year old in the house, so I have really thought about what gun to use, she's on the second floor, while we are on the first, so I have a little less worry about going through a wall into her room, but I still think about it. that being said, one or two rounds of 00 buck to the chest is my preference.

bmcgilvray

Hey Biker, you can win a cookie too.

This is especially thought-provoking..

"I like shotguns from a defensive position. This means that you are the last line of defense in your home and if you fail your loved ones will most likely be killed. That to me says you need power, and you need it NOW! There are rifles out there with tremendous power, but I'm not man enough to hunker down and shoot a rifle that recoils that much as fast as I can operate a shotgun, and the penetration would far exceed the shotgun too."

QK Shooter;

I've long kept a shotgun available but in the past few years determined that I'd prefer any of several rifles if push came to shove.




A couple of shotguns surrounded by some suitable rifles and some odd ducks. Reading this thread caused me to check overall length, receiver length, weight, and general handiness. Top to bottom:

Remington Model 14 R carbine .30 Remington
Winchester Model 94 carbine .32 Winchester Special
M1 Carbine in .30 Carbine
Remington Model 11 12 gauge with 18 1/2-inch barrel
High Standard Flightking Riot 12 gauge with 18 1/2-inch barrel
Winchester Model 1892 carbine .32-20 ( Marlin .357 Mag. or .44 Mag. similar)
Winchester Model 1907 .351 WSL (w/10-shot police magazine)
SKS 7.62X39
Colt AR 15 .223



My two favorites over the years? The M1 Carbine and the Winchester '07. They are dead reliable and potent at close range. They have a certain subjective point-ability for me and are well balanced. They are easy to handle in hallways and stairwells. They are easy to reload.

Tom357

This is great! Very illuminating. Thanks for a great discussion.

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gumaro

I use a 12 ga Maverick Security 88 made by Mossberg, loaded with 2 3/4 #4 buckshot (27 pellets) or 2 3/4 #0 buckshot (12 pellets)