if a double for defense...

[Spinner]

Well, I think 355sigfan has made it pretty clear that he believes a double is inadequate for defense and a pump is the best thing since floating soap. He's made his reasons pretty clear and he believes (as do some others) that a pump action shotgun is the simplest platform that is adequate for HD purposes.

Other people remain unconvinced that a double is inadequate and have valid reasons for why they think a double will do just fine.

Both groups make valid points and firmly believe their views to be correct so I dare say that neither group is going to suddenly see the error of their ways and switch to the other side.

At the end of the day it is up to each of us to decide which will be the best HD platform for our needs and circumstances. I agree that a pump is pretty simple to operate (once you're familiar with them) and that the more rounds you have at your disposal the more insurance you have. Personally, I'm planning to have a sxs double standing by if there are bumps in the middle of the night. I have some pretty strong reasons that make the double my preference that probably don't apply to a lot of folks and to be honest I'd be just as happy with a pump or good semi-auto too, but circumstances being what they are I'll make do with a double.

I respect everyone's opinions but I don't think we're going to progress this issue any further with more debate .... we're simply re-stating our individual positions. The most important things are to bring a gun to a gunfight and to be comfortable with it and prepared to use it to the most effect.

Spinner

 

[355sigfan]

Well, I think 355sigfan has made it pretty clear that he believes a double is inadequate for defense and a pump is the best thing since floating soap.
END

Close I also believe semi auto shotguns work fine. I prefer 223 carbines myself. But for political reasons I think a shotgun has more going for it for home defense.
Pat

 

[Spinner]

Point taken 355sigfan.

Sorry, didn't mean to put words in your mouth, and you obviously have more experience in these matters than I do, however, I'll stand by my choice of a double for MY circumstances ..... though if they were different then that choice would change.

Spinner

 

[355sigfan]

Sorry, didn't mean to put words in your mouth, and you obviously have more experience in these matters than I do, however, I'll stand by my choice of a double for MY circumstances ..... though if they were different then that choice would change.
end

Different strokes for different folks. Stay safe.
Pat

 

[dadman]

In the movie "Open Range", Robert Duvall, as the character 'Boss', does a good job with a double barrel sweeper.
I know, it's just a movie. But it did wet the appetite for a double.
Clint Smith in a recent gun rag, 'Guns' magazine Tactical Annual I think, had some good things to say about break open shotgun actions.
With some practice, I can see where a break open could be fed smoothly.

 

[bukijin]

One reason to use a double for home defense is if you live in Australia. I have a 20" barrel 12g SXS coach gun with internal hammers and 2 triggers. Internal hammers because it is stored unloaded in the gunsafe and I like the redundancy of 2 triggers and firing mechanisms.

The weapon has to be part of the home defense plan. In my case, the gun safe is in the 'fortress room' which happens to be my bedroom - I can have it loaded and waiting before anyone will be able to get through the door. No room clearing for me - just waiting behind a barricade until the police arrive. Although I would prefer a pump action, I feel that the double is a formidable weapon.

 

[Griff]

I daresay that the gentleman from down under knows the meaning of the words "tactics", "cover", and "concelament".
Bravo, Sir.

Thank you all for a most enjoyable and enlightening read.

 

[Chuck Jennings]

But the fact that some people would chose to defend themselves with obsolete technology is somewhat funny to me.

Obsolete technology worked ok for this kid

But I must admit the story made me chuckle.

 

[culleniii]

I have a Rossi hamerless nickel in 12 gauge equipped with a surefire mounted on front with a bead that i have put on night glow paint. I keep this loaded with 12 gauge short Aguila mixed load #4/#1 buck with a buttstock holder with 5 more Federal #1 buck.

I view this as an area control weapon for bunkering down in bedroom with phone and Glock 23 for backup--figger if something doesnt get stoped by 2 12 guage I have 16 rounds of .40. I would not use as a house search weapon. Thats what 23 is for.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Practice makes perfect... I've cleaned up against cops and weekend shooters in IDPA side matches with shotguns... even cops can be guilty of not training enough... luckily I've hunted with and shot my 870 a lot,--the only time I ever short stroked was RUNNING and firing at a target (which I have to admit I'd never done before but have practiced since.)

In my first match I came in 3rd with a 4 shot 870 with rifle sights and a rifled choke tube... but the guy who WON was using a double. The guy in second place had an 8 shot Mossy.

Who had the better shotgun? Didn't matter.

There is no faster action than a second trigger pull... be it an O/U or SxS... anyone CHARGING into a room where TWO shotgun blasts have come from has a serious screw loose and may indeed deserve another shot... guess you'd better get a Drilling.

We are talking home defense... rather than 'police' use.

 

[Turkey Creek]

It probably boils down to what you are most comfortable and proficient with- I've been to the range quite alot with my 12 GA hammered SxS coachgun, patterning out 00 Buck loads from different distances and practicing reloading, and weapon control- I'm confident that should I ever find myself in the unenviable position of having to defend my family and home, that I can solve the problem with this setup- that said, I would be sure to have my Ruger 45 colt revolver as a backup, which again because of the range time spent with it to develop proficience, familiarity, and a comfort zone, is just my personal choice-

 

[Hawk]

Since this thread was resurrected, I've got a question regarding the CAS and IDPA super fast double reload guys:

Ejectors allowed in those events? I thought extractors were the norm and the CAS guys might be stuck with 'em. Or, for all I know, prefer them.

Sorry, guess I could have checked SASS, just easier to ask here.