Shotgun or AR15 for all-purpose

[Dr.Rob]

Either. I am very comfortable with my 870, I have shot it a lot, on birds, on clay pigeons, occasionally in a side match. I have run my AR's more in the past couple years, but I am confident with both.

Edit: I keep my AR in the safe as the first long gun I would grab, the shotgun is behind 3 rifles.. so I guess I have switched. I used to keep my shotgun in that position.

The shotgun remains far more versatile.

 

[Bobson]

If it sits unused more than others, is it general purpose?

Nope. Like I said, the shotgun, for me, is the one that typically sits unused.

 

[goon]

Depends on your definition of "use."

Growing up, we always had an old 12 gauge just inside the kitchen door and a handful of shells on top of the freezer. By the time I was able to reach the shells, I was responsible enough to be trusted using the gun (I was not quite up to the challenge of handling the recoil, but I didn't let that stop me). It didn't get shot an awful lot. Truth is that it was a horribly scarred old gun that had seen much better days. We only shot it when we needed to. We shot the .22's a lot more than anything else, way more than any centerfire.

But that shotgun was used every day. It sat there in the corner, getting dusty, being neglected, getting spattered with mud and snow and whatever else we tracked into the house. It didn't get shot, but it was the gun we'd grab first if there was a hint of trouble.

Shotguns are good for that too.

 

[Eb1]

Shotgun.

 

[Cee Zee]

Mossberg 500's do still turn up under $200 used

You can still get an H&R used for under $100 where I live. Sometimes under $50 depending on condition. Sure they are more limited than a pump or a semi-auto but they will do lots of things very well. Mainly they will wear out your shoulder especially if you try to shoot a heavy load but they will do those things. You'll just hurt for a week. I've bought them as cheap as $30 before and I bought a set of a 20 ga. and a 12 ga. for $125 and they looked brand new. So even if a person uses a rifle for HD and hunting (we can't hunt with an AR in a lot of states though) it doesn't make sense to not have at least a Topper gathering dust in the closet or in the back of the safe.

Also it's possibly to buy 870 clones for well under $200 brand new. Walmart sells them. They're made by Norinco and they are very solid shotguns. I have 2 of them. Neither has ever given me trouble except one had a lifter problem when I first bought it. It was fixed under warranty (in store at Gander Mtn) and has worked perfect ever since. The only thing that won't interchange with an 870 is the barrels. The lug is located in a different spot. Apparently they had to do something different to avoid patent issues. Typical Chinese attitude but actually the company that sells them in the US is owned by Remlin now. They couldn't beat the competition so they bought them out.

FWIW you can also buy a new H&R Topper type shotgun (single shot, breakdown) for about $170 but there are oodles of them floating around flea markets, etc.. I've bought and sold them so many times I couldn't count them all. Again I bought one for $30 once. I've bought nice examples for $50. And I've seen people shoot 2 clays launched at the same time with a single shot H&R. It's possible to reload one very fast with a ton of practice. I only saw one person ever do that but it can be done. Back in those days quail hunters wouldn't hunt with anyone not using a single shot, breakdown shotgun. You always knew if the other guns down the line were safe if they were broke down and that's how they carried them so they didn't shoot each other. Dick Cheney should have asked me how to hunt quail. Maybe he wouldn't have shot that guy. But that event is exactly the type that caused quail hunters to refuse to hunt with anyone not carrying a breakdown shotgun way back when.

That hunting style has stuck with me since I was a kid because of my dad's experience. He bought one of the most expensive trap machines a person could own in those days so he could practice shooting clays in order to be better at quail hunting. Plus he had it in his head to impress his bosses at his job who were big time quail hunters. It took almost 2 years before they finally came to the house to do some shooting at our trap range. It was probably the only one for 50 miles around in those days. They shot all day, brought some super expensive shotguns that I got to oogle, and got ready to go quail hunting the next morning. When they saw that dad only had a 16 ga. semi-auto they refused to go hunting with him. Dad was really disappointed by that for whatever reason. I was too young to understand why he did what he did. I'm sure it had to do with the fact that he was trying to support 4 kids and a wife. Dad actually got his promotion before too long though so maybe it worked out. I know he sold that trap machine not long after those guys stiffed him on going hunting. I think they had a private reserve too but again I was too young to know those details. I was probably 8 or 9 at the time. I sure remember seeing some impressive shotguns during those days though including a 6 ga.. No one would shoot it of course. A person would have to be insane to shoot a shotgun like that even if it was common to see 10 ga. and even 8 ga. shotguns being used to hunt. There were no magnum loads in those days so they just increased the ga. size to get a bigger kick. I remember talk of a 4 ga. but I never saw it that I remember right now. That was a long time ago and some details of what guns I saw is sketchy.

 

[Ky Larry]

Shotgun. I have a Winchester 1300 Home Defender 12ga I keep under my side of the bed. It seems easier to use than my AK. Also, a change of barrels and loads makes a shotgun more versitile than an AR. Just my $0.02 worth. I pray you never have to find out if you made the right choice in a read HD/SD situation.

 

[KenW.]

"How hot does it get in a '79 Ford F-250 in July in Pennsylvania when you and your dad are hiding from a hundred angry hornets?"

If you were in NY those hornets would still get in through the rust holes.

 

[ol' scratch]

I have personally thought about selling my 870 because I never shoot it. My go to duck and goose gun is my SP10. If I had to choose I would part with the shotguns before the AR rifles. I shoot the snot out of my AR's. I do work a lot and my round count isn't as high as others, but I shoot on average several thousand rounds a year out of my AR's. I mainly kill paper, however. I have found the rifles are more than suited for varmint hunting. They are cheap tho shoot and a dream to reload for. You can find brass anywhere and components are cheap.

 

[ku4hx]

Shotgun, hands down. 12ga; probably a double gun.

 

[huntsman]

There are, IMO, only three areas where a shotgun is better than a rifle:

1. Bird hunting
2. Rabbit hunting
3. Clay pigeons

So basically hitting moving targets, then why not extend it to predators(2 and 4 legged)? Hitting a moving target with a rifle is a skill I believe most rifle enthusiasts don't master, they can do it but not as consistent as with a shotgun .

 

[Bobson]

Hitting a moving target with a rifle is a skill I believe most rifle enthusiasts don't master

You may be right, but how many realistic scenarios require a civilian to hit a moving target outside of hunting birds or rabbits? The only other scenario I can imagine would involve someone running toward you, and generally in a confined area (such as in your home).

Not much lead required for a shot like that. Besides, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to suddenly shoot at a predator that's charging you, you've made enough mistakes to where having a shotgun instead of a rifle isn't likely to make a significant difference. And don't forget the 21-foot rule.

The deck is stacked against you, to say the least. May as well fold em up, you had a good run.

 

[Cee Zee]

You may be right, but how many realistic scenarios require a civilian to hit a moving (running) target with a rifle?

Lots of people hunt squirrels with a rifle and they shoot them on the run too. It's not as hard as all that.

 

[Pete D.]

You got no time to learn the manual of arms for an AR-15 you haven't used in 10 years during a home invasion!

(You can't call a time-out to read the owners manual in the middle of the night!)

Wow. An AR is just not that hard to use. Keep a loaded magazine handy. Slap it into the magazine well. Pull back the charging handle. Release. Flip off the safety.
Way easier to reload. And you have 20 -30 shots.
Just sayin'.

lots of people hunt squirrels with a rifle and they shoot them on the run too. It's not as hard as all that.

"Lots" of people shoot squirrels on the run? Nah. Not a lot. Being able to hit an agile moving target as small as a squirrel with a rifle is an admirable and rare skill. Not many people have it. It is as hard as all that.

 

[Bobson]

Agreed. I mean, you're not going to be an expert, but a person who's just mildly familiar with an AR might have the advantage on a guy who's very proficient with a shotgun. I think it would be a close call (with my bet on the AR guy), at least in an HD encounter. Of course this is all speculation, with no real way to test a theory.

I think the only potential problem might be if someone who isn't practiced with an AR experiences an FTE or double feed, that might be something that could choke him up long enough to get him in trouble. With a good pump shotgun, that sort of thing just isn't an issue. Just don't short-stroke, and you're good.

 

[Pilot]

I have an use both for their intended purposes. I feel no need to sell one when they are both useful tools for me. I do enjoy my range time with the AR, but I also like shooting clays, and hunting with the shotgun.

 

[Zach S]

"Lots" of people shoot squirrels on the run? Nah. Not a lot. Being able to hit an agile moving target as small as a squirrel with a rifle is an admirable and rare skill. Not many people have it. It is as hard as all that.

I agree. Shooting rats at the dump with a handgun at close distance is a challenge.

Tree rats move a little differently. They dont really run, they hop, and they seem to do it with no rhyme or reason so you can't lead them (unless they move different in the field than they do in the road). Roughly the same size with more speed and agility.

 

[Cee Zee]

"Lots" of people shoot squirrels on the run? Nah. Not a lot. Being able to hit an agile moving target as small as a squirrel with a rifle is an admirable and rare skill. Not many people have it. It is as hard as all that.

I know lots of people who do it. I do it. Do you think shooting quail or doves or grouse is easier even with a shotgun? It isn't. People shoot clays all the time. They're moving and they shoot them at more than a few feet away. Have you ever tried to shoot squirrels with a rifle? I shot one not too long ago right behind the ear from 50 yards shooting off hand. It wasn't running but it was 50 yards away and I hit it exactly where I aimed. I practice shooting metal targets that swing too. It's all about the timing. It's not as hard as some seem to think. I think hunting squirrels with a shotgun would be boring as heck. And it's a lot nicer to eat squirrel without the shot that comes from a shotgun. I think you'll find that the majority of people who hunt squirrels use a .22 and they shoot them running too. Probably the main reason some don't want to hunt squirrels with a .22 is they think they have to use a scope or they won't hit one. A scope makes it very hard to shoot a running squirrel. I guess this boils down to the fact that people hunted squirrels so they could have some free food where I grew up. Scopes on .22's were rare in those days and people wouldn't have wanted to use one to hunt anyway. You can aim much faster without a scope. I suppose a good red dot scope would make it easy now and so would a laser but most animals run if they see a laser in their face.

 

[76shuvlinoff]

Outside of popping troublesome varmints around my barns and fields I have not actually hunted in 36 years. For me firearms are protection, political statements, and fun, mostly fun. I don't hunt but enjoy my 870, I don't plan on zombies but my 6920 is at the ready. I am not a cowboy until I pick up one of my levers, I absolutely adore levers. I've terminated plenty of paper.

think potato chips....

 

[Pete D.]

shot

I know lots of people who do it. I do it. Do you think shooting quail or doves or grouse is easier even with a shotgun? It isn't. People shoot clays all the time. They're moving and they shoot them at more than a few feet away. Have you ever tried to shoot squirrels with a rifle? I shot one not too long ago right behind the ear from 50 yards shooting off hand. It wasn't running but it was 50 yards away and I hit it exactly where I aimed. I practice shooting metal targets that swing too. It's all about the timing. It's not as hard as some seem to think. I think hunting squirrels with a shotgun would be boring as heck. And it's a lot nicer to eat squirrel without the shot that comes from a shotgun. I think you'll find that the majority of people who hunt squirrels use a .22 and they shoot them running too. Probably the main reason some don't want to hunt squirrels with a .22 is they think they have to use a scope or they won't hit one. A scope makes it very hard to shoot a running squirrel. I guess this boils down to the fact that people hunted squirrels so they could have some free food where I grew up. Scopes on .22's were rare in those days and people wouldn't have wanted to use one to hunt anyway. You can aim much faster without a scope. I suppose a good red dot scope would make it easy now and so would a laser but most animals run if they see a laser in their face

You, sir, are a remarkable shot. If you think that what you can do is normal and that lots of people can do as well, you are underestimating your abilities.
Pete

 

[oneounceload]

With a good pump shotgun, that sort of thing just isn't an issue. Just don't short-stroke, and you're good.

The second part of this just disproves the first part as that is the MAJOR failure in a high-stress scenario/

 

[Agsalaska]

The shotgun is BY FAR the more practical all around choice. Its not even close.

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Where do you live?

What is the terrain like? What's your dwelling, house or apartment?

How close are your neighbors? Is it urban? Rural?

If rural, are there varmints?

I ask these things because those are points that would influence my decision to maybe keep an AR rather than selling it.

I have "some" guns. I have a couple that I've never shot, a consequence of logistics (ammo prices, availability, stuff like that), but there is no way I'm selling either one. When I bought them I had specific things in mind for them. Not their fault that I've managed things poorly and not gotten those things done.

I am of the opinion that I'm missing a caliber from my stable, and I will want to get both a sidearm and long gun in that caliber. I don't plan to sell anything in order to accomplish that. This brand of pig-headedness has meant that I wait and accumulate cash slowly.

Selling firearms, over which I've spent considerable time deciding a) to get them in the first place, b) why I want them, c) what they're good for, d) what other things I can do with them, such selling is kind of a non-starter for me.

The only thing I've ever sold was a snubby revolver that hurt my hand and was awful to shoot. I learned much from that encounter.

I have one thing I'd be inclined to swap straight across for another caliber in the same item, but sell it? Nah.


So, if I give you advice based on my own bias and prejudice, I advise "don't sell, but instead take your time and add something new as cash flow allows." ... Also ... "Meanwhile, take that AR out and familiarize yourself with it, get comfortable with it, get good with it."

But that's just me, speaking from my own limited view.

Have a look over the questions above and see if the answers suggest anything to you.

 

[Cee Zee]

If you think that what you can do is normal and that lots of people can do as well, you are underestimating your abilities.

I don't think so Pete. I know a lot of shooters that are way better than I am. I learned a lot from them over the years in fact. But shooting tree rats on the run is just like leading a pass receiver on a football field. You just shoot where it's going to be instead of where it is. If it's running out a limb then it's fairly easy to predict where his head will end up. From there it's just a matter of timing. Some practice with a swinging target will get that for you. I know lots of people who do that. Both my brothers have been doing it since the 60's when we gave up hunting with shotguns. I was a little young at the time. I think shooting clays is harder to be honest. I'm not very good at that because I haven't practiced doing it. There are people that are way better than I am at that. I'm not even in the junior league much less the big leagues.

The trick to a swinging target is to get it set up where you can start it swinging by shooting it. If its sitting at an angle you can get some side to side motion. You just keep hitting it and it will keep swinging. Of course you need the right kind of space to do that. I basically shoot down into a hole almost at my house. It's down in a creek bed with fairly high banks all around except for the direction I shoot into it.

 

[Eb1]

Leaves on trees take a shotgun for squirrel. Trees don't have leaves take a rifle.

 

[oneounceload]

You got no time to learn the manual of arms for an AR-15 you haven't used in 10 years during a home invasion!

(You can't call a time-out to read the owners manual in the middle of the night!)

Same goes true for that pump sitting in the closet for 10years

The shotgun is BY FAR the more practical all around choice. Its not even close

Let's see- short stroking, MASSIVE recoil and muzzle blast, dangerous over penetration....so how do you figure that?