hawg
Member
I used to share this as my own common advice, until airsoft firearms became available and I was able to experience force-on-force training for the first time.
The first FoF scenario I ever experienced was simulation of waking up to an intruder standing the bedroom door. Out of dozens of attempts by a handful of students, NONE were able to land a shot on the assailant before the intruder was able to get a dominant physical position and deflect the muzzle of a long gun. Equally, it was VERY quickly realized that many of us instinctively regripped the pump when trying to disarm the defender (when playing the attacker in the scenario), so after the first shot fired into the wall during the struggle, we were then holding the pump out of battery, disabling the weapon.
Alternatively, creating space to retain a handgun away from a CQD assailant was east and instinctive. The risk wasn’t fully mitigated, but we’re able to put rounds on bad guys near 100%, whereas with long guns, the result was 0%.
So forever onward, I have given up any long gun as a sole option for defense. Sure, go clear rooms with a long gun, but a handgun should be in the mix somewhere, especially on the nightstand.
I do have my trusty 1911 on the nightstand but the pump is my go to weapon and it slam fires. If I have time to get off a shot I firmly believe I'll get a second one. If I don't have time I'll go for the 1911 but if the attackers intent is to do me bodily harm and I don't have time to put the shotgun into play I'm history anyway.