shotguns for home defense pros & cons

bushman_john said:

Hi! A new forum member here... I wanted to hear yall's thoughts on keeping a shotty as one's primary home defense weapon. What are some pros and cons?

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Welcome to THR . I have an older Winchester Model 1300 Defender shotgun 12guage that I use for my home defense. IMO depending on where you live (how close are your neighbors and type neighborhood you live in) I think a shot gun is one of the best weapons you can have for home defense. I also keep a 1911 and a revolver close by.

Pros and cons?

Pros:
1) Familiar manual of arms to many people, if they were raised in hunting traditions.
2) Enough power to do the job if using the right loads and if you actually hit what you're aiming at.
3) Some shotguns have a more "sporting" or "friendly" appearance than do some of the other choices.

Cons:
1) Heavier than some other choices.
2) Longer than some other choices.
3) Requires two hands to operate.
4) Heavier recoil/slower follow-up shots than some other choices.
5) Lower capacity than some other chocies. And slower to reload than some other choices.
6) Difficult to operate a flashlight with, unless you build the gun with a light mount of some sort.

And...

7) Some less experienced people will call it a "shotty." Pretty much reason enough to avoid it entirely.

All of the positives can be overlooked or set aside by folks interested in using something else.
All of the negatives can be overlooked or set aside by folks interested in using a shotgun for home defense.

It's really just personal preference. Whatever you do choose, practice A LOT, and practice in practical applications/scenarios. Don't just stand on the square range and blast clays. Fighting with a firearm is different from target shooting.

The question is pretty general and there is a wide variety of shotguns. While there are models made specifically for "Home Defense" - in fact I think Mossberg had a 930 they called "Home Defender" IIRC, if I had to guess, I'd say the majority of shotguns that are slated for a home defense role are used as hunting guns first and foremost, and pull double duty as defense weapons.

IMO it would be better to evaluate a particular shotgun model using the list of pros and cons - for instance,a short barreled shotgun like the Shockwave or even a bullpup shotgun mitigates the problem of having a long length of firearm out in front of you with all the problems that entails. You can apply those pros and cons to using a 5-shot semi-auto with a 30" competition barrel on it, or talk about the pros and cons of a lever-action shotgun.

I do think however that the shotgun offers the best terminal ballistics per pull of the trigger of any civilian-legal non NFA firearm.

This is a gun forum and people will argue everything and anything but in my opinion a single shot from a shotgun, using the right ammo, will stop an assailant more quickly and more effectively than anything else - just my opinion.

I like shotguns for HD. Many people who have never fired a shotgun in an actual HD incident will disagree. Since their experience is zero, just like mine, I disregard their hoots and hollers.

You've just opened a can of worms. Welcome to the forum! This is a classic internet and gun shop debate along the lines of 45 vs 9mm, AR vs AK, Glock vs everyone, and what aspect makes Remington suck worse.

I like the idea of HD shotguns... I've blasted random junk household items on a buddy's property and buckshot through #4 loads do some nasty nasty damage. Not bad to take a grapefruit sized hole out of something at point-and-shoot type ranges. Plus, for the person that doesn't really "like" guns, shotguns are cheap, not scary (like grandpappy's 'ole birdgun), and easy to use (again, this depends).

You may find a better option for you, but what you won't find is a definite answer to a question that has multiple and infinite variables.... and opinions...

Shotgun is fine just be sure to understand it strengths and weaknesses.

Work to leverage the strengths and reduce the weaknesses.

My biggest issue with shotguns is keeping them fed.
I know myself well enough to know that I shoot fast. Shooting fast means I am out of ammo sooner.

The problem had better be fixed by the time I am out, or I am screwed.

I happen to shoot pretty well, but it is still a reality for me.

Home defense choice of last resort. They're plenty effective. But, the blast is so severe in a confined space that I'd question my own ability to follow up in an appropriate amount of time.

tkroenlein said:

Home defense choice of last resort. They're plenty effective. But, the blast is so severe in a confined space that I'd question my own ability to follow up in an appropriate amount of time.

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. . . a shotgun generally isn't quite as loud as a handgun due to the longer barrel. The "blast" would be worse from a 9mm (160 dB versus 156 dB for a 12ga shotgun).

http://www.m1911.org/loudness.htm

I agree with what Sam said. I believe the cons outweigh the pros. Also, due to their size, they are difficult to keep ready but hidden.

Welcome!

As a primary HD weapon, I dislike it. I prefer the portability of a handgun, meaning that I can easily have it with me.

Having said that, I have a shotgun nearby in the bedroom. I think it makes a great barricade weapon. Mine has a side saddle and tac-light forend specifically for this purpose. Others prefer an AR and I can't disagree with that choice. The shotgun works for me given the layout of my home, and because I don't have to leave the bedroom to protect anyone else.

I have a pistol in my nightstand and a loaded shotgun and AR in my safe. That's good enough for me.

I have four shotguns I could use for home defense,but I keep my Bulldog .44 Special really for home defense and EDC.I have small grand children in and out the house all the time so I keep my shotguns in my safe with all my other guns.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/on-fighting-shotguns.355528/

Read this. There is a ton if good info in this thread. Particularly by the OP.

Pro - in the hands of a proficient user it should stop anything.
Con - bulky as hell compared to a handgun. Try taking it to the bathroom with you.
I have a handgun as primary and a shotgun available as back up.

People have used shotguns for HD for hundreds of years, not only for HD but putting meat on the table as well.
They are no less useful today.

What are the cons?
Some find a 12 kicks too much, if so try a 20.
They have longer barrels than a handgun and require both hands to shoot, so they require secure storage to accommodate the bigger gun, and longer barrels can get in the way when maneuvering inside a home, plus unseen an BG can possible grab the barrel and leverage control. Generally these aren't considerations since for HD you'll be hunkering down, not roaming around "clearing" rooms.
Lastly, people will want to sell you a lot of pastic cr@p to make your shotgun appear "tactical" Resist! Basic is better. Much better (18 years with the SO reinforced this on me

The pros?
It's hard to miss with a shotgun at close range if you do your part.
There are plenty of fun clay sports to keep your interest while gaining expertise.
HD Ammo selection is easy enough, 00 or #4 Buck is as good as anything, You can use cheap field loads for practice & targets.
A shotgun has a command presence, Anyone with a lick of sense won't argue with a shotgun.
A shotgun can be used for hunting with more success than a pistol can.

It's a personal decision, I prefer the shotgun. The shotgun excells in close combat in a low-light situation.

Stopping power: With 1 trigger pull, you can attack the central nervous system (spine), heart and lungs in a single trigger pull.

Pattern: In a home, a pattern 3 to 8in wide is an advantage. It helps ensure a hit in a dynamic situation, and if you aim right on, hits the bad guy in many places.

Point shooting feel: A shotgun feels like a shotgun, not like a precision rifle. Need to make a tough shot?

Capacity: You won't need to shoot a bad guy very many times with a shotgun, and you have a better chance of hitting them. Also if it is a pump that is tube fed you can easily top it off (I like pumps). A shotgun does not have a 60 round mag but the advantages of it help you hit the bad guy first.

pros of a carbine: also good stopping power, better for long distances, more trigger pulls, if you like them more, can shoot one-handed easily, lighter recoil


If you are strong and like shotguns, they may be for you. If you like carbines more, feel free to use them. I don't think one is better than the other.

Whichever you choose, put a light on it.

I keep my shotgun chambered with 3in buckshot with the safety on. I don't want to rack it if someone breaks in, I want to keep the element of surprise, and to kill them immediately. If I lived in a safer area or had kids I might not chamber it.

Also while a handgun only is enough for some people, if you are standing your ground or can get to it, the stopping power of a rifle or shotgun is way better. If I could only have one gun I might choose a handgun to wear or answer the door with. It's not impolite to answer the door to strangers with your hand behind your back.

Hi and welcome to THR. If you poke around in previous threads here, you will find every imaginable reason pro and con--and good and bad.

The shotgun is very well proven in close defense roles. I do not think anyone would advance the idea that it is not a good weapon for such purposes, even a great one. Some people may prefer to use something else, but that does not detract from the first point.

My top reasons pro and con are

+

• High hit probability
• High probability that it will stop the assailant
• High intimidation factor

-

• Heavy recoil
• Limited ammo capacity
• Possibility of excess spread causing downrange hazard

I'll just add one more "con" I didn't see mentioned. It takes a high level of skill to run a shotgun to its full potential. I'm talking emergency reloads, topping off the mag, select slug drill etc.

That said, for HD, none of that should be needed...odds are overwhelming the problem will be solved with what's on board. Personally, I want to master whatever I've chosen for my primary HD arm.

I have a solidly set up 870 and a decent bit of training to run it, but the AR is my go to. I've been issued one in some form since I was 18 and the ease of mounting light and RDS make it an easy choice.

I wouldn't lose a wink of sleep if it was my 870 in the under bed safe vs. the SBR'd AR though either.

John Joseph said:

It's hard to miss with a shotgun at close range if you do your part.

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The same is true of a rifle or handgun. Shotguns offer no advantage with respect to aiming at home defense distances. Not even cylinder bore critters with non-flight control loads will have any real spread at across the room or down the hallway range

John Joseph said:

A shotgun has a command presence, Anyone with a lick of sense won't argue with a shotgun.

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Anyone with a functioning brain is not gonna want to be on the business end of any firearm. Staring down the bore of a 9mm pistol or AR-15 will have the same effect as the larger bore of a "gauge"

John Joseph said:

A shotgun can be used for hunting with more success than a pistol can.

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Depends entirely on the weapons, game, ranges and other factors. I'd no sooner use a scattergun for elk than I would my .454 Casull for pheasant. Different tools for different jobs, and a good bird or trap gun is less than ideal for HD. Likewise, you're gonna have one heck of a time effectively busting clays or bringing down game birds with an 18" cylinder bore or improved shotgun.

If you want a shotgun for HD only. Just get a tactical shotgun, practice with and load it up with what you think will work best and feel confident you made the right decision. It's a whole lot better than doing nothing. Forget the pro's and con's angle. If It's right for you , go for it.

Jack B. said:

If you want a shotgun for HD only. Just get a tactical shotgun, practice with and load it up with what you think will work best and feel confident you made the right decision. It's a whole lot better than doing nothing. Forget the pro's and con's angle. If It's right for you , go for it.

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I'll echo that sentiment.

JeeperCreeper said:

You've just opened a can of worms. Welcome to the forum! This is a classic internet and gun shop debate along the lines of 45 vs 9mm, AR vs AK, Glock vs everyone, and what aspect makes Remington suck worse.

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One of the all time great comments.

+any newb can pick up a good shotgun and completely obliterate a mansized target in one second with little or no instruction. Far, far easier to learn than a pistol or AR.
+simple manual of arms
+relatively cheap
+no expensive optic needed, a simple FO front sight works great

-Bennelli's are expensive. Mossberg JM Pro's needs a few reliability mods.
-very limited range, treat it as a really long, really big, really powerful pistol (the range of an AR could be handy for a ranch or farm)
-11 rounds in my Mossberg JM pro disappears as fast as a 1911 mag. Lame capacity.
-reloading isn't possible without a shell carrier on a belt that allows dual or quad loading. Basically, just ditch the shotgun when it's empty.
-cleaning is a PITA
-some of them have bubba level engineering. Do your homework.
-cheapest models aren't threaded for chokes
-can spray liabilities, making it useless in the 'burbs.
-have you ever seen a slug bounce?

Your choice, AR vs shotgun. I no longer advise against SA shotguns. They can be impressive, effective, and easy. Realistically, many of the bad things about shotguns, don't really apply to real life much.

Personally, I prefer 3gun prepped semi-auto shotguns, to the short tactical style shotguns.