For those who choose a shotgun over a carbine for defense:

For quite a few years Pop relied on a Winchester Model 12. He hunted with it and it was very familiar to him. As he aged, he lost some strength and dexterity. He could no longer work the slide on the 1911 nor on the Model 12 with any degree of reliability. My brother gave him an M1 Carbine. He liked it and, more important, he could use it.

Me, I still rely on my ACP revolvers but keep a Model 12 somewhat handy.

Kevin

A 12 gauge 3.5” magnum 18 pellet 00 buckshot load makes a convincing argument. The Benelli Supernova Tactical can use that shell and is set up for social work.

Plenty of people actually prefer the shotgun and it’s load of buckshot. Plenty of them even know how to handle a carbine. Even in wartime, some prefer the shotgun…even when their adversaries are armed with full auto carbines.
Why would you ask?

Yeesh. A 3 1/2” load in a defensive situation would not be what I wanted.

Give me a low recoil load first.

Growing up, I never used a centerfire rifle for any hunting. I became very good with a pump shotgun though as that is all I used for rabbit, squirrel, Turkey, and deer.

I was in government service for a time and learned the AR type pretty well while there and quite a bit after.

I much prefer the shotgun for HD. Just for HD though.

I've been shooting carbines for years and have a couple set up ideally for HD as well as pistols with lights and red dots on my carbines but as of the last few years I've been really making an effort to familiarize and become skilled with a shotgun. This is something I've been waffling back and fourth on for quite a while now, Carbine or Shotgun for bedside quick access for HD. I haven't made up my mind so I have an AR, Mossberg 590 and Glock 17 all close by and I imagine I'll come to a decision if I have to.

But I can't make a strong case for one over the other with any degree of certainty, I think they will all get the job done but I'm almost leaning toward the 12ga pump for close range bad breath intimate quarters combat.... I wouldn't recommend it for somebody who is a novice to firearms.....

230RN said:

PARTIAL SELECTION FROM ANOTHER THREAD:

Of the "one gun" philosophy, I kept a shotgun as being the most practical all-around utility gun on the planet. And if it comes to total confiscation, that's the one type of firearm they'll probably allow since it's still somewhat regarded as more "civilized" by the upper crust of society. Even President Biden has recommended firing one in the air to discourage thievery and violence.

Click to expand...

And you will recall, there are many States and areas thereof which only allow shotguns for deer hunting.

As for the M1 Carbine, that's one of the most fun guns in the world. Enough power to give a satisfying kick and effect on-target, unless you're trying to shoot a chincom with a heavily quilted jacket. But how often does that happen, eh?

Terry, 230RN

Wish I had a nickel - for every time this particular debate comes up.. Most will choose what they're comfortable with - Me? I've narrowed it down a bit to real home (and other defensive) situations. Most are within 15 meters (or closer - much closer...) if you're in a real home defense situation, unless you're out in the countryside somewhere... For that purpose I'll choose a shotgun every time (and no tactical bells and whistles needed, thank you..) using ordinary 2 3/4 00 buck rounds. That setup, if you do your part, is a one shot fight ender without doubt at close quarters (within that 15 meter zone - and maybe a bit further with the right ammo...). If I lived out in the country instead of in town, lost in suburbia, then I'd want both the shotgun and a carbine and be able to choose which one is appropriate for the given situation...

For a defensive weapon to defend a vehicle (the persons inside and near the vehicle actually..) I'd want a carbine, period, instead of a shotgun. I'm reasonably competent with either shotgun or carbine and will note that many that actually have "defensive weapons" are not particularly competent or trained to use them properly... Waving a firearm around or "firing a warning shot" isn't going to cut it in a real situation - but I'm certain gun shops sell a bunch or weapons to folks who haven't considered the outcome of any situation involving firearms - but I wouldn't have it any other way...

I have no dislike of handguns -but always figured that you have or use a handgun - because you didn't have anything better within reach... My years on the street taught me that even a killing shot with a handgun may not stop an assailant soon enough to save the victim of a robbery or other violent crime with firearms involved...

Shotgun - Contary to Hollywood, a cylinder bore 19 inch 12 gauge with OO shot only spreads about 8-9 inches at 25 yards.

I use a 20ga. model 500(18" barrel) loaded with #4 buckshot for home protection. I prefer this to carbines. Main reason is penetration or more exactly over penetration. My model 500 along with my 9mm carry should take care of most threats to my home. Best wishes.

I use a 12 Ga. Komrad with 12 inch barrel. 2-3/4 00 Buck. For any distance I have lever action carbines and rifles that are tack drivers. Whatever you are comfortable with and have practiced with is AOK.

The problem with debates like these is the term "carbine" is very large category of firearms. An m-4? A lever action 30-30 or other caliber? A Kel-Tec SUB-2000?
Personally, I find my handguns the best self defense, I can put a couple of magazines in a 6" circle at 30' by point shooting and it's a lot easier to maneuver a short gun in my house or inside my car. My humble opinion.

I'll take a carbine all day long. Far easier to manipulate in tight spaces if you know what you're doing, easier to mount a light and sling, and there is more precision should that be needed. It can even be suppressed to save you from certain hearing loss.

While I prefer a handgun over a long gun for home defense, I'd prefer a shotgun over a carbine. Quicker to get on target (point, not aim), and unless you're completely inept, a guaranteed hit when you pull the trigger. I'd use a turkey load (#4), or maybe BB inside, the shot column won't spread more than a couple of inches at in-house distances, and even at 30-35 feet would be devastating.

ClicheBro said:

What's your reason? Are you simply more experienced and comfortable with the shotgun? Have you really learned how to use a carbine?

Click to expand...

LoL

Come one. What do you mean by 'carbine'?

This?



or this?



A carbine is simply a short barred rifle and not some specific rifle.

Just as there are lots of 'shotguns' there are lots of 'carbines' and one is not better than the others.

I've "really learned how to use" all of these indoor/closer range HD options, I know how to quickly put rounds on target, and I know what they do to targets. I'd go for the 12 gauge without hesitation.

Wow, no one posted this before on any gun forum! I hear some computer genius invented a search function.

Anyway, I am a great believer in the empirical test rather than internet opinions without such. So - take some quality 'tactical' shotgun classes, take some 'tactical' carbine classes with common carbines as used nowadays - the ARs, the AKs, the Mini-14s, the other 223s or 300s (whatever), the PCCs.

Then run them in competitions. Three gun, specific defensive USPSA (PCC), IDPA or club matches that do the 223s.

Then you have a basis of truly deciding. Otherwise, stopping power, capacity, recoil, short stroking, easier malfunction clearance, easier to manipulate as you clear the house (OH NO!), you don't to aim (OH, that's news - try a competition), will it hurt me in court, etc. etc. Guess how many pages we can go.

Can we do 1911 vs 9mm or SA vs SA/DA vs DAO vs Striker? Or I carry a BP revolver for SD, what's wrong with DAT? Red or White wine while reloading?

How about that Glock grip angle - I just can't shoot it!!!

Inside my house , I much prefer my shotgun . Multiple hits with one pull of the trigger . When someone intent on doing harm enters my house , I want to stop them as quickly as I can and IMO , at that distance , there isn’t anything better . Point and shoot , instead of having to aim and shoot . Being woke from a sound sleep , IMO you would have a better chance of stopping someone with 1 shot from a shotgun .

I prefer a shotgun because;

1. I've never felt the need to acquire a modern sporting rifle
2. Pump shotguns are one of the least likely long guns to be banned

But for the record, I don't keep a long gun at the ready for home defense. I lead a pretty low key life, I don't advertise what I might have on my person or in my closest, no stickers or other displays on my vehicle that advertise my beliefs, affiliations, etc., I don't wear watches or jewelry of any kind, you wouldn't give me a second look on the street and I choose my friends carefully so the chances of a multi person assault team kicking in my door are pretty slim.

For an unexpected home invasion type deal my primary weapon would be my pistol since it's either on my person if I'm awake or on the nightstand if I'm in bed. Since there is no shot in my house that would be beyond about 7 yds that's a perfectly adequate defense weapon.

If we're talking end of the world zombie invasion type scenario then some of my rifles would be better as they have more range and mag capacity. I don't even own a shotgun so that should tell my preference.

I have neighbors nearby.

A shotgun with BB shot is less likely to penetrate into a neighbor's house and harm anyone.

lysanderxiii said:

Shotgun - Contary to Hollywood, a cylinder bore 19 inch 12 gauge with OO shot only spreads about 8-9 inches at 25 yards.

Click to expand...

And that's a BIG bullet

The traditional argument for the shotgun is you just point and pull, don't need a great deal of marksmanship ability. A short barrel is easier to maneuver in tight spaces, harder for an assailant to grab. Nowadays many people hear "carbine" and think of an AR-15, IMHO that's a rifle.. If I had one it would have a bayonet fixed. Again, depends on your skill, tactical requirements-house on separate lot, rural vs. suburban, rowhouse, apartment, other family members, etc.

I had bayonet training when I went through BCT at Fort Dix in the Summer of 1967-"WHAT'S THE SPIRIT OF THE BAYONET !!!". I think it has an intimidation factor to it, and in CQB Cold Steel is often more effective than Hot Lead.