I am curious, after reading about spread patterns especially in relatively close quarters, it seems like its a toss up between a shotgun and a small caliber semi auto rifle.
Pros for the shotgun:
less aiming at distances over 2 - 3 yards where the spread patter widens.
more likely to stop in one shot
intimidating sound (pump only)
less likely to over penatrate
Pros for 223/556 semi auto rifle:
quicker follow up shots if needed
higher ammo capacity
quicker to reload
longer range for both in home and property defense against both humans and animals
more easy to fire because no pumping action is required
Anyway, if you had to have one over the other for home and property defense, I dont see why the shotgun always seems to be the clear cut choice. I also havent decided which I like better for the job, its good to have both, but which do you use as your primary HD gun?
Pros for the shotgun:
less aiming at distances over 2 - 3 yards where the spread patter widens.
more likely to stop in one shot
intimidating sound (pump only)
less likely to over penatrate
Pros for 223/556 semi auto rifle:
quicker follow up shots if needed
higher ammo capacity
quicker to reload
longer range for both in home and property defense against both humans and animals
more easy to fire because no pumping action is required
Anyway, if you had to have one over the other for home and property defense, I dont see why the shotgun always seems to be the clear cut choice. I also havent decided which I like better for the job, its good to have both, but which do you use as your primary HD gun?