I always hear that for home defense, you should have a shotgun. I used to agree and have had one under my bed for awhile now. But after a recent scare, I now have to wonder. The SG is so clumsy to handle indoors, to draw from a concealed location, to manuever quickly, etc. But with a handgun, everything is so quick and easy, and using one hand is a realistic option. I know the power level of a HG is soooooo much lower than a SG, but the possibility that it will be in your hand when it's needed, and be able to allow you to adapt to different situations as they arise means that when you need to shoot, you will be able to with a HG, whereas with a SG, the likelyhood of being overburdened with the necessities of the increased weight, length and 2 handed operation decrease the chance of being able to aim and fire effectively. Granted however, that if the SG is kept in the bedroom and it is only there to remain there and not be taken to other rooms in the event of a home invasion (call this the Washington DC tactic), then the SG shines. But it pretty much all other scenarios, doesn't it seem that the HG comes out on top?
Are shotguns really best for home defense?
- Thread starter Dfence
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LeonCarr
Member
I think that in capable hands a handgun or semi auto rifle can be just as effective as a shotgun. I prefer a handgun or an M4 Forgery to a shotgun myself, less recoil, greater capacity depending on the type of shotgun and type of handgun, and an M4gery or a handgun IMO is easier to handle in close quarters, especially when being compared to a pump shotgun.
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
Not in my experiance. I can manuver mine through-out my home easily. I prefer the higher probability that any threat should require only one shot.
I practice alot with mine.I know it inside and out and am confident that I can operate it under stress because of that practice.
If you feel that way about your handgun then that is the right HD firearm for you.
LeonCarr
Member
A shotgun, unless you have one of the brutally expensive drum magazine types, holds a max of 11 rounds(I am thinking 870 or 1100 with 10 round tube magazine), and an AR type rifle can hold 31. Not a hard choice for me, and I believe the M4gery is easier to handle in close quarters than the shotgun, and way easier to shoot. It can be argued that the multiple projectiles hitting the bad guy together give the shotgun an advantage, but the muzzle blast and recoil from the shotgun, especially inside the house, are not an advantage at all. I like the M4gery for home defense, and like a handgun after that for its ease of use and small size.
As far as a threat requiring one shot goes, I will keep shooting till the threat is stopped regardless of what type of weapon I am using. Every small arm out there has had a failure to stop with one shot, including the .50 BMG.
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
As far as a threat requiring one shot goes, I will keep shooting till the threat is stopped regardless of what type of weapon I am using. Every small arm out there has had a failure to stop with one shot, including the .50 BMG.
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
HB
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Shotgun is the best for me because...
1. Pistols are hard to shoot well (or at least sg is easier)
2. Rifles send bullets down the street (I know a sg may penetrate more, but a .223 bullet goes A LOT further if you sent one out a window)
3. Simple
4. Cost is usually low
HB
1. Pistols are hard to shoot well (or at least sg is easier)
2. Rifles send bullets down the street (I know a sg may penetrate more, but a .223 bullet goes A LOT further if you sent one out a window)
3. Simple
4. Cost is usually low
HB
ronto
Member
In a dark house where a BG could be waiting in ambush, I'd get my snub nose 357 revolver to overt a possible "barrel grab". In a lighted house, daytime, or outside where you can see the BG, you can't beat a shotgun.
jad0110
Member
Depends on your level of skill/confidence with your shotgun and the layout of your home.
And as a side note, yes, it is true that it is best to stay in a safe room, but this just isn't realistic for those of us with very young, very small, very helpless children.
My house is a very open floor plan, and it is on 1 story. So for me a longarm isn't too restrictive, even with my 20" Mossberg 590A, though I have considered purchasing a collapsible stock for it. Plus, I am a heck of a lot more likely to hit what I'm aiming at with my shotgun, as it points very naturally for me.
Handguns do have a place in my HD plan. When I'm up, I carry a M1911A1, S&W 642 (or both) on me at all times. And at night, I keep a S&W 686 Plus in a GunVault on the floor by my bed. I have to keep my firearms either on me or secured with a curious 2 year old around. In either case, I will be going for my Shotgun if at all possible, otherwise I will fight it out with the pistol I have at hand.
jwr747
Member
folks that teach "home defense" for a living are pretty well split on rifle/shotgun as best. not necessarly a Weatherby or A Bolt,but a Mini14 type rifle. and maybe #9 shot for the SG. jwr
M2 Carbine
member
Nothing is best for every situation.
I have a loaded SG by the front and back doors and loaded pistols and a couple loaded rifles elsewhere in the house.
Which one I would choose, given the time to choose, depends in the situation.
I really think its personal preference. You'll be much better off with a gun that you think is better than what somebody else thinks is better. In my opinion, a shotgun or an AR-15 style is the best choice for home defense, but thats only because i feel more comfortable holding them than i do holding a handgun.
Cannonball888
Member
Nothing like a shotgun for fast moving targets.
would say for the majority a shotgun is probably the best option while a hand gun and rifles are more than capable of stopping some one its how far will the bullets go most standard ammo in pistol and rifle could very likely go through several walls in your house and then may end up some where it shouldnt be, while there is special ammo available how many buy it and have it loaded in the defense weapon probably very few.
Loosedhorse
member
I was thinking more SMG: 9mm, 3 round burst, suppressed, red dot/laser, etc.
Failing that, shotgun is probably the go-to gun if you need that attacker to stop what he's doing RIGHT NOW, and obey gravity instead. Stopping him right now is what we want, right?
Pistol has the advantage of (sometimes) keeping one hand free. It's disadvantages are obvious, but are of course offset by concealability in CCW. But that's not the issue in the home.
Semi-auto carbine with light HPs can be considered, too--it will out perform a HG or SG for a rescue shot. Not that I plan on needing one, but it's nice having more clubs in the bag then you think you'll need.
But for effect/cost, SG is hard to beat.
Failing that, shotgun is probably the go-to gun if you need that attacker to stop what he's doing RIGHT NOW, and obey gravity instead. Stopping him right now is what we want, right?
Pistol has the advantage of (sometimes) keeping one hand free. It's disadvantages are obvious, but are of course offset by concealability in CCW. But that's not the issue in the home.
Semi-auto carbine with light HPs can be considered, too--it will out perform a HG or SG for a rescue shot. Not that I plan on needing one, but it's nice having more clubs in the bag then you think you'll need.
But for effect/cost, SG is hard to beat.
Loosedhorse
member
double post
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Vern Humphrey
Member
The advantages of a shotgun are:
1. Shootability. Shotguns are designed for point shooting, and with your hands separated, your face on the stock, and the butt in your shoulder, you have a very good idea of where it's pointed, even in the dark. With handguns, it's much more difficult to get hits.
2. Terminal effectiveness. A shotgun is a much better "stopper" than a handgun.
3. Tailoring. You can get shotshells in any size shot from #8s to slugs. Test the shells you choose in your gun at ranges you will use when the chips are down, and you can find something that will do the job without penetrating your walls, your neighbor's walls, and putting others in danger.
4. Intimidation factor. You don't want to shoot anyone, and a thug looking down the bore of your shotgun is not likely to do something stupid and make you shoot him.
By and large, you should first carefully think out your responses to a home invasion. Then do a run-through. Try to minimize movement around the house and collect the family in the safe room. After the run-through, try back-lighting critical areas with night lights -- get the bad guy to come to you, with the light behind him.
1. Shootability. Shotguns are designed for point shooting, and with your hands separated, your face on the stock, and the butt in your shoulder, you have a very good idea of where it's pointed, even in the dark. With handguns, it's much more difficult to get hits.
2. Terminal effectiveness. A shotgun is a much better "stopper" than a handgun.
3. Tailoring. You can get shotshells in any size shot from #8s to slugs. Test the shells you choose in your gun at ranges you will use when the chips are down, and you can find something that will do the job without penetrating your walls, your neighbor's walls, and putting others in danger.
4. Intimidation factor. You don't want to shoot anyone, and a thug looking down the bore of your shotgun is not likely to do something stupid and make you shoot him.
By and large, you should first carefully think out your responses to a home invasion. Then do a run-through. Try to minimize movement around the house and collect the family in the safe room. After the run-through, try back-lighting critical areas with night lights -- get the bad guy to come to you, with the light behind him.
XD Fan
Member
I have seen pictures comparing how far an 18 inch barreled shotgun extends from your body to how far a handgun extends from your body and surprisingly they were very close. This was true with guns at low ready and full extension. I am no expert, but the pictures were interesting.
why is it either-or?
have the handgun in the nightstand drawer where it is easy to get to, carry handgun to where shotgun is. Now you have 3 options. Continue with handgun only, place handgun down, get shotgun, or have an easy-on holster(maybe pre-attached to one of those velcro belts like some police have) and have the option of carrying shotgun AND handgun, so you can transition to just handgun if you need to dial the phone while holding a guy at gunpoint, or whateve
also, an 18-22" shotgun barrel, with stock to your shoulder is actually tighter and more compact than a handgun held in a weaver stance.
Further, lots of studies have shown you can actually shoot multiple targets faster with a shoulder fired weapon and a nice long sight radius than a handgun.
have the handgun in the nightstand drawer where it is easy to get to, carry handgun to where shotgun is. Now you have 3 options. Continue with handgun only, place handgun down, get shotgun, or have an easy-on holster(maybe pre-attached to one of those velcro belts like some police have) and have the option of carrying shotgun AND handgun, so you can transition to just handgun if you need to dial the phone while holding a guy at gunpoint, or whateve
also, an 18-22" shotgun barrel, with stock to your shoulder is actually tighter and more compact than a handgun held in a weaver stance.
Further, lots of studies have shown you can actually shoot multiple targets faster with a shoulder fired weapon and a nice long sight radius than a handgun.
jnyork
Member
Maybe, maybe not, but still very good.
Deanimator
Member
It depends entirely upon your environment. I live in a small apartment with narrow hallways and a lot of bookcases. For me, a shotgun is horribly inappropriate for home defense. The only things less useful would be a cavalry lance or a longbow. I'll stick with my 4" Model 29-2.
Deanimator
Member
I can bend my arms and still shoot my handgun. I can't bend the shotgun.
younganddumb
Member
whats scaryer if you bust in a home a guy with a HG or SG
SG right so you have the look as a deterint if someone brakes in too
SG right so you have the look as a deterint if someone brakes in too
TCB in TN
Member
It all depends upon the situation and the skills of the shooter. I have shot lots of pistol, but under stress I am still better with a long gun. I don't expect EVERYONE to be the same, but most folks I have seen are more accurate with a long gun as well.
indiandave
Member
On an episode of Presonal Defence They went over this very topic. They said a shotgun shoud be your weapon of choice in your safe room. To check out your house or to round up the family you should use a pistol. one of the reasons they gave was it would be easy for someone to grab the barrel.
Duke Junior
member
A short barreled shotgun along the lines of the Remington HD 870,18" is the best home defense to my mind.Number one by a large margin.
Much more effective in almost every situation than a handgun or rifle,IMO.
Particularly with multiple intruders.
Almost every LEO in America has got one in their trunk.
Much more effective in almost every situation than a handgun or rifle,IMO.
Particularly with multiple intruders.
Almost every LEO in America has got one in their trunk.
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