Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
Lots of us use our shotguns for recreation and fun, and some of us believe them to be the best defensive weapon for 25 yards or less, no exceptions. The energy a shotgun load dumps into a target is on the order of that of a medium car wreck. Concentrated in a pattern or at extremely close range,a .73 caliber, semi solid mass, nothing from another weapon works as well until we get up to crew served weapons.While there's precious few guarantees on this mortal coil, a shotgun comes close to guaranteeing threat management up close and sudden. The prerequisite is expertise.
The last time I looked at a database I cannot now access as a private citizen, the rate was one hit, one stop. 99% plus one shot stop ratios cannot be improved upon.
We can get this sort of performance for less than one week's pay. Cost effectiveness and protection galore for a pittance.
"Serious" shotguns are defined as those that human life or death are dependent on.They are thus defined by use.
People vary in opinion on brand and accessories, but there's common points as to what constitutes a good choice for a "Serious" shotgun.
Here they are:
RELIABILITY. Using the minimum criteria first espoused by Ayoob, this means it has shot 200 rounds of DUTY ammo glitchless.Duty ammo is that which you're willing to bet your life on, because you may be.
DURABILITY. Capable of being fired(With proper maintenance) thousands of times.
ACTION. Repeating shotguns like autos and pumps are the better choices, though plenty of doubles are found that can be used and fit the criteria. While autos are a bit more finicky than pumps, if it passes the reliability test and satisfies YOU, go with the auto.
LENGTH. 40" is about optimum,with a couple inches either way OK. It must be short enough to handle in a hallway or small room. The shorter the barrel, the greater the blast and flash will be, possibly crucial in low light.
ERGONOMICS. The user should be able to operate this when newly awake, in the dark and under highly stressful conditions. The MOA should be simple and unambigious. Naturally, expertise is a prerequisite.
Under ergonomics, we should include grip. Using checkering, soft plastic panels,or skateboard tape, the thing should not slip in hands that are sweaty or wet with blood.
TRIGGER.A safe 3-4 lb CLEAN pull makes good shotgunners look like great ones, and great ones into legends.
FINISH. "Serious" shotguns do not have to be all black,"Parkerized", or camo to be effective. Low shine is a minor plus in a HD(Home Defense) weapon and somewhat more in a CD(Community Defense) weapon, but if what you have is a little glossy, it's liveable.
When oiled, it should be reasonably resistant to rust. Most are.
FIT. Not the same as for a sporting shotgun, the "Serious" shotgun is used more like a rifle, and should be stocked like one. Less LOP, a little straighter to aid handling kick, and a bigger butt and pad than most sporting shotguns are what we're going for. Of course, one of the popular combos with a short and a long barrel set should have the stock fitted for the user and "Serious" work.
SIGHTS. While much good work is still done with a plain bead, most folks will benefit from a more visible front sight. A bit of Testor's Enamel in White or Bright Yellow may be enough, or one of the fiber optic sights.
SLUGS are an option useful to many people, though of limited scope in HD. While most folks can do good work out to 50 yards with a bead and practice, I've not trained anyone who did not see an improvement using open or peep sights. The much vaunted "Ghost Ring" sight is a peep sight with publicity. Not necessary items but nice to have.
SLINGS can be hazardous in a home, but are essential outside if it hits the fan generally and we have to militia things up and protect our communities. So, the "Serious" shotgun should be sling ready.
ACCESSORIES vary from nigh essential to nigh useless. A weapon mounted light for target ID is very close to mandatory. A magazine extension to add a round or two is quite useful, but not universally a great idea.
And please remember that a stock, short barrelled RELIABLE shotgun with zero addons and mods but with a fitted stock, good trigger and bead sight is a VERY effective weapon. Add or change anything you wish, as long as your expertise is such that only an equipment upgrade can improve your effectiveness, you'll hear no snivelling from me.
That's all for now, more later....
The last time I looked at a database I cannot now access as a private citizen, the rate was one hit, one stop. 99% plus one shot stop ratios cannot be improved upon.
We can get this sort of performance for less than one week's pay. Cost effectiveness and protection galore for a pittance.
"Serious" shotguns are defined as those that human life or death are dependent on.They are thus defined by use.
People vary in opinion on brand and accessories, but there's common points as to what constitutes a good choice for a "Serious" shotgun.
Here they are:
RELIABILITY. Using the minimum criteria first espoused by Ayoob, this means it has shot 200 rounds of DUTY ammo glitchless.Duty ammo is that which you're willing to bet your life on, because you may be.
DURABILITY. Capable of being fired(With proper maintenance) thousands of times.
ACTION. Repeating shotguns like autos and pumps are the better choices, though plenty of doubles are found that can be used and fit the criteria. While autos are a bit more finicky than pumps, if it passes the reliability test and satisfies YOU, go with the auto.
LENGTH. 40" is about optimum,with a couple inches either way OK. It must be short enough to handle in a hallway or small room. The shorter the barrel, the greater the blast and flash will be, possibly crucial in low light.
ERGONOMICS. The user should be able to operate this when newly awake, in the dark and under highly stressful conditions. The MOA should be simple and unambigious. Naturally, expertise is a prerequisite.
Under ergonomics, we should include grip. Using checkering, soft plastic panels,or skateboard tape, the thing should not slip in hands that are sweaty or wet with blood.
TRIGGER.A safe 3-4 lb CLEAN pull makes good shotgunners look like great ones, and great ones into legends.
FINISH. "Serious" shotguns do not have to be all black,"Parkerized", or camo to be effective. Low shine is a minor plus in a HD(Home Defense) weapon and somewhat more in a CD(Community Defense) weapon, but if what you have is a little glossy, it's liveable.
When oiled, it should be reasonably resistant to rust. Most are.
FIT. Not the same as for a sporting shotgun, the "Serious" shotgun is used more like a rifle, and should be stocked like one. Less LOP, a little straighter to aid handling kick, and a bigger butt and pad than most sporting shotguns are what we're going for. Of course, one of the popular combos with a short and a long barrel set should have the stock fitted for the user and "Serious" work.
SIGHTS. While much good work is still done with a plain bead, most folks will benefit from a more visible front sight. A bit of Testor's Enamel in White or Bright Yellow may be enough, or one of the fiber optic sights.
SLUGS are an option useful to many people, though of limited scope in HD. While most folks can do good work out to 50 yards with a bead and practice, I've not trained anyone who did not see an improvement using open or peep sights. The much vaunted "Ghost Ring" sight is a peep sight with publicity. Not necessary items but nice to have.
SLINGS can be hazardous in a home, but are essential outside if it hits the fan generally and we have to militia things up and protect our communities. So, the "Serious" shotgun should be sling ready.
ACCESSORIES vary from nigh essential to nigh useless. A weapon mounted light for target ID is very close to mandatory. A magazine extension to add a round or two is quite useful, but not universally a great idea.
And please remember that a stock, short barrelled RELIABLE shotgun with zero addons and mods but with a fitted stock, good trigger and bead sight is a VERY effective weapon. Add or change anything you wish, as long as your expertise is such that only an equipment upgrade can improve your effectiveness, you'll hear no snivelling from me.
That's all for now, more later....
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