Are shotguns really best for home defense?

[Bob_P]

Also, speaking of recoil and comparing a AR-15 to a shotgun... The shotgun is going to have a lot more recoil sure, but, that .223 is going to travel a long ways. I spent the $100 to get a Knoxx Spec Ops stock and it was worth every penny. It doesn't change the muzzle pull but I put 50 rounds though her today and I can't even tell. It's worth it for sure.

What kinds of loads were those 50 rounds?

 

[Vern Humphrey]

A psitol to check out noises or if staying in one room is unavoidable and a shotgun when barricading is possible.

As others have pointed out, a short-barreled shotgun at the ready is no longer or more cumbesome than a handgun at the ready.

And you can carry and effectively use a shotgun at the Short Guard, which is even better in close quarters.

 

[22-rimfire]

As an offensive weapon at close range, the shotgun has no match. In a home situation, I feel better with a handgun although I keep a shotgun loaded as well as a backup. That is what my wife would grab if it came down to it and she would be guarding my back.

 

[jonmerritt]

What ever stops the BG is a good defensive weapon..

 

[Girodin]

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The shotgun is a better close quarter weapon than a sub-machine gun, hence the "trench gun" of world war one.

Did they have sub guns to choose from in WWI? Why did some folks subsequently move to sub guns if the shotguns is so clearly better?

Back to HD best is very subjective. I will say that I am astonished at the number of people who would take a pistol as there primary weapon. I would rather have my carbine or my shotgun before my pistol for many reasons. I am better am to hit what I am shooting at with either than with my pistol. Both have better terminal balistics than any pistol I own.

Most HD scenerios I have thought through involve me hunkering down with my weapon covering the door. I do keep a pistol near by. I will say the major advantage of a pistol is I can carry it holstered around my house easily and thus it is at the ready. A shotgun or carbine is cumbersome to keep at the ready through out the day.

Simply put there are many variables about you and your home. There are people I really respect that know what they are talking about and are profiecent with rifles, shotguns and pistols. Some choose a rifle as there go to. Some choose shotguns. IMO either can do the job. Training, preperation and practice are MUCH more important than whether you pick a rifle or a shotgun.