Latest thoughts on handgun vs shotgun

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I think the first that needs to answered is how does your friend plan on defending himself? When your door is being kicked in or when the BG is already in the bedroom is a bad time to be fumbling for either a shotgun or a pistol that is locked up somewhere. Same goes for a home invasion. I carry all the time, so I'm covered wherever and whenever. Most people simply aren't in the frame of mind to protect themselves like that. I work in LE, so I know what's out there, plus the people I deal with sometimes take offense at me doing my job. If your friend simply wants the illusion of peace of mind, get either, because he'll likely never use either one anyway. Because when you need it the most either one will likely be locked up or otherwise inaccessible. If natural disasters or some other type of SHTF emergency is a consideration, go with the shotgun if you plan on riding it out at home. If the possibility of evacuation exist, I'd opt for the pistol, since it is easier to conceal.
 
There is also the consideration of which one is more likely to be kept within useable distance. You know, the old rule #1, have a gun thing...

The wifey is less likely to want to have a shotgun standing in the corner of the bedroom. There are many ways to keep it close by and within reach, I know, I know. Please, don't preach I always have no less than three guns by me where I sleep including hi-cap long guns out of sight and easy access. I'm just saying that a novice owner isn't going to be likely to research out and do all the cool stuff. It's going to be revolver in the nightstand drawer type stuff. That said, the wheelgun (while my last choice as an experienced shooter) would be the decision I would make for a novice if those were my only two choices (+1 on short-stroke). They would be more likely to have it close when needed.

I agree with bluestarrsizzard, get him hooked and get him outfitted. Then, train, train, train.
 
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I think you'll find a new shooter will be able to get far better hits with a shotgun than a handgun.
 
Shotgun wins hands down.

I'm a handgun nut. I have twice as many handguns as shotguns and rifles combined. But recommending a handgun over the shotgun, even though it's what I want to do, would be doing him a disservice.

The reasons I would recommend a handgun:

1) Handguns are more addictive than shotguns. They are like potato chips. You can't have just one.

2) Although it's imaginary, they seem to make a gun owner a REAL gun owner. You don't see the Brady Bunch afraid of shotguns. THEY WANT YOUR HANDGUNS!

3) Much easier to carry. Might make someone delve deeper into their 2A rights by wanting to carry it around.

All the reasons for recommending a handgun have deeper reasons than home defense. Recommending a handgun is what I WANT to do in order to lead him towards a more active involvement of the Second Amendment.

But he didn't ask for that.

He asked what was better for home defense. That would be the shotgun by a mile.

1) Stopping someone is all about shot placement. Honestly, If you and I were to face off at 20 feet and we had to flip a coin to determine who got the shotgun, and who got the handgun, how do you want the flip to turn out? As soon as someone says GO!.....I'm gonna take off running while shooting. Do you really want the revolver?

2) Weapon retention. This one is a little more debatable, but I would still rather have a big stick to hang on to than a little rock.

3) Overpenetration. You want to shoot the bad guy. You don't want to shoot the neighbors, too. Of course, if the bad guy hides behind a wall, the handgun is a little better at getting him through the wall. But I was always taught not to shoot at something I can't see. Of course, when in a gunfight, fighting fair is a good way to lose.

Nope. Double-ought out of a shotgun barrel is the only way to go for home defense for someone just getting into firearms. I would recommend that he get a handgun as well, and only use that after many moons of practice. In order to actually be proficient with a handgun, you have to practice a lot. Not the case with a shotgun, although practicing with either is a definate must.
 
I'm partial towards handguns because that is what I use the most. That being said, I own a 12 gauge shotgun as well, so I rely on both a 1911 and a NEF pardner 12 gauge. I usually find myself reaching for the 1911 whenever I have had to reach for a gun. Usually it's when things go "bump in the night" and I go to investigate, or when I get knock on the door I'm not expecting, etc. Thankfully I've never had to pull a gun on anyone, but if I ever do, chances are it'll be the pistol, because that's what I usually reach for.

Pluses to the pistol are you can hold a flashlight in the other hand, or a phone to call for help. Pluses to a long gun are greater damage to the target, and that the psychological factor of a long gun, esp a shot gun is greater. It's extremely intimidating to see someone point a shotgun at you. Then again, you can kiss your hearing goodbye if you ever have to shoot a 12 gauge indoors. In the end, I'd honestly feel comfortable with either option, but I'd recommend he get the .357 and load it with whatever he feels best with, although I'd go for .38+p instead of .357s because of noise. Maybe I am biased when it comes to noise when in confined areas, but having someone in the lane next to me shoot off a couple of .45ACP rounds in an indoor range when my left earplug fell out made me realize how easy it is to lose your hearing. Thankfully it was just temporary, but I was deaf in my left ear for a few hours. Not fun, and very painful. I can only imagine what a 12gauge shell or three will do.

Whatever he decides, make sure he gets a good light to go with it. It doesn't have to be an uber cool ninja tactical whatever, just a good, solid LED light that works and shines bright. You can't shoot what you can't see, so I'd say this is almost as important as having a gun.

Good luck!
 
fitting the weapon to the shooter

If your associate should decide on a handgun, make sure he gets one that fits his wife's hands. (With a revolver, it's easy to swap out grips to find something with the proper size.)

If he should select the shotgun, he might want to consider trimming the stock to 11 or 12 inches, depending upon his wife's size and the length of her arms. Smaller statured people with shorter arms have a hard time properly mounting a shotgun with a full size stock.
 
All good stuff.

I'm of the mindset for myself that both a handgun and a shotgun are the ultimate in home defense measures for those that are experienced enough to handle both in a high stress environment.

It's always difficult to help new shooters out without impressing upon them the things that work for you but may not necessarily work for them.

I'm really looking forward to our range session tomorrow.
 
I think everyone missed a step and took off running.

What does his family include? Just him and the wife? Any kids?

My choice is shotgun and here's why. If it's just him and the wife. Then someone kicks the front door in and they wait in the room with the shotgun. Call the cops. Forget walking around the house searching for someone.
 
General Geoff, it may not meet the strict definition of bullpup (action behind the trigger) -- but it's a close call! Sorry for the mis-info.........but it's alwfully balanced and quick.
 
My wife does not like the kick of a shotgun. She does not mind shooting any of my pistols(no matter how large) so I will say without knowing anything about the family, to go with a good pistol. 357, 9mm or whatever he decides on.
 
Pistol - 1 trigger pull = 1 piece of lead in target
Shotgun - 1 trigger pull = 12 pieces of lead in target (0 buckshot)

Your choice.

BTW, in my bedroom (safe room) I've got 2 handguns, 2 shotguns, and a rifle. I'm not clearing the house; intruders with have to come and get me.
 
Tacticle Shotgun, 357 can go through too many walls, shotgun is easier to point and fire, as far as a better chance of hitting the target without hitting someone mowing the lawn across the street. Maximum knockdown, fast learning curve. A pump model. A pistol in the hands of a novice shooter under extreme preassure, can be a dangerous thing.
 
Decent article on HD shottys:
http://www.gunsandammomag.com/long_guns/def_090105/index.html
I'm another who carries even inside my house; I live in a decent neighborhood but that's no guarantee these days. Still, my SIG has one main purpose - defense until I can get to the big guns. For me that's a Mossy 500, 18 1/2".

A novice (and pretty much everyone else) should disabuse themselves of the notion of clearing the house by themselves. Unless you live out past the boonies, usually the best tactic is to stay hunkered down behind the bedroom furniture with your shotty and cell phone, make them come to you. When you're looking for a target in the doorframe the length and weight of the shotgun won't be a detriment. Just my .02
 
I definitely recommend the shotgun for a person who isn't like to train a great deal with a handgun. Very easy to miss, even at close range, with a handgun. I'm not suggesting that the shotgun pattern is what makes a hit more likely; it's the stability of the platform. I've just seen way to many newbie's clean miss a full size silhouette at 3 or 4 yards with a handgun, and that's at the range.
 
You can still miss with a shottie, even inside. The ranges involved do not lend themselves to a decent spread for a shot pattern. Why not the best of both worlds for a novice?

http://www.taurususa.com/video/taurus-theJudge-video.cfm

I fully agree about room clearing alone. No matter which way you try and pull this off, even a well judged attempt at "slicing the pie" you're going to expose your back to some segment of the room. This exercise requires TWO well trained folks. I'm trained for this, but I was taught to toss in a hand grenade first, lol. Not exactly practical in civilian life.
 
Remington 870 12G w/ 18" bbl, 7rd mag extension loaded with 00 buck. Its what I keep next to my bed along with an SP101 2.25" loaded with .38spl JHP's.

Shotguns are easy to get comfortable with, and are easy to shoot for most women (my wife can confirm that).
 
Saiga 12. 16" barrel, 10 round magazine.
No more worrying about "short stroke' between rounds
Ammo out the wazzooo (mag capabilities)
easy operation. Can be kept with loaded mag, but none in the chamber.
smaller than normal bird shotguns
cheap to practice with
cost of stock gun $430
all sorts of aftermarket fun
misfire can be easily taken care of
12gu might be a bit for the wife, but recoil buffer, gas porting, etc can make it better

S&W DA .357 loaded with .38 hydroshox in moonclips
6 shots without reloading
quick reload
small, manuverable
worse accuracy for novice
misfire is easily taken care of
actual .357 might be too much for the wife, .38 preferred

Honestly, either choice is better than none. I think the Saiga is what I would do, if only for the fact that they are cheap, reliable and can be used as a club if needed. OTOH, the .357 is a great gun for HD.

Whatever you do, don't make your choice depending on the "most intimidating sound" BS. If he's going to use a gun, he better depend on shooting it; not relying on a sound...
 
I don't know if they have kids or are planning to, but handguns are easier to keep secured yet access quickly. You could also carry on your person as the LEO earlier suggested. I guess I think like a parent of 4 kids, though. Also, clearing the house is a very real possibility in my case if I don't have enough warning to get the kids in the bedroom with us, so a small, easily secured 357 (GP100) and a flashlight is what I go with.

Although you can't beat the intimidating sound of a pump action shotgun...
 
I like that Taurus, ExSoldier posted the link to, I think the wife would be comfortable with that also, good job.
 
We just got back from the range and i worked him through a series of revolvers and some semi-autos, just for fun.

Strangely, he liked the HK USP9 the most but understood that it wasn't the right choice for what he wants right now.

We went back out to the retail area and fondled some things that I didn't own and he really liked the feel of the SW686 Stainless 3.5 (I think) barrel. Pretty good tastes in firearms right off the bat.

On the ride home, we talked a lot about the pistol vs shotgun thing and I think he's decided that he's going to start with an 870 and get a sporting barrel and social work barrel for it so he can use it recreationally as well. We don't have anywhere close by to practice using buckshot so to fill the gaps in he can try shooting some trap just to keep up with the manual or arms.

He seemed to like my description of the 870 as a Swiss Army Gun :D
 
No matter what anyone's opinion was, this is a win. Congrats, Norton. I have a couple of shotties, but haven't had an 870. Strangely, I crave one because of the versatility you are speaking of (and they're cheap). 686 is a great pistol, too. He's got a good friend and good taste in guns.
 
A revolver is handier and has the simplest manual of arms. A shotgun is more effective and easier to aim. Take your pick as you lose something with each.
 
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