Marlin .357 rifle or 870 for HD

[AWMP]

Argument at work, for home defense which would your rather have or would be better in terms of performance.
Neighbors are not an issue.
870 is Police Model with 00 buck with some slugs in the speedfeed stock. (Holds 6)
Marlin is Cowboy .357 loaded with 125gr Hollow Points. (holds 10 rounds)
Did a quick search and could not find what I was looking for, but here are some of the issues that came up.
Foot pounds of energy going into the target? Ease of shooting? Follow up shoots, faster? Ability of reloading quicker? Perception? (what will the jury think?, we slapped that guy that brought it up, but he did go to law school) Ability to practice? (cost of ammo, etc). Penetrating walls? ( I know it all goes three rooms, lol). Yeah I know I'm in the rifle area, just getting opinions. Will ask in shotgun section as well.

 

[Aaryq]

870. A shotgun is always good for HD. Yes, it might cost a little more for practice, but there's a reason that shotguns are the #1 choice for HD.

 

[GigaBuist]

I ask myself this question a lot, and I keep going to the Marlin 1894C because I practice with it far more often than the 870.

I just feel more comfortable with the carbine. I make no excuses for it, I just do.

In a two weeks that might change. It just depends on what I'm shooting the most.

Pistol caliber lever action carbines and 12 gauge pump guns have been around longer than any of us here.... there aren't too many folks around that met the business end of one though.

Both work, and work quite well.

I understand the merits of such discussion, but it might as well be a Coke v. Pepsi debate to me.

 

[miko]

I have Mossberg 590 (8 rounds tube) and two Marlins in 357.

I would use Mossberg for HD a shot of 00 at close range has a much greater punch than a .357
Also, adding shots (from 6-rd side-saddle and 5rd stock mounted shellholder) is much faster/easier than to Marlin. (That's where Mossberg shines - the loading gate is up, so you do not pinch your thumb like you would with other shotgun models when loading/unloading in a hurry)
Basically, I have 8+6+5 +1 (in the stock), none in the chamber = 20 rounds with it, which weight helps reduce recoil greatly.

Now, if I were to leave home, I would drop the Mossberg and take the Marlin - it is good to 150 yards and the ammo is much more compact.

miko

 

[JustsayMo]

Giga and Miko summed it up very well.

There is a lot to be said for using what you are most familiar with. I shoot thousands of round more out of my leverguns (22lr to 45-70) than I do out of my shotguns so I would feel more confident with my levergun in a stressful HD situation.

If I wasn't getting the repetitions with the Leverguns a shotgun would be my choice.

 

[Coronach]

The 870 wins on effectiveness, but if you know how to run a levergun better than a pump shotgun, I'd use the levergun. Both will work.

Mike

 

[ozwyn]

Assuming your skills are identical with both weapons?

Shotgun for the typical "too close to 50 feet" ranges.

Carbine for out to 150 yards.

Both have their place and they both are a lot of fun.

 

[Gunsnrovers]

I'd go lever gun due to your familiarity with it. That Marlin is a fast accurate shooter.