What's your opinion on a shotgun for home defense

[gunman41mag]

Once & for all, a ye or ne for the shotgun as home defense

 

[ruger1800]

Aint nuthen better or more effective.

 

[hammer24]

Absolutely!

 

[itsgreg]

for self defense I like the taurus judge. That being said everyone knows the sound of a good pump action, and they may start running before they even see ya.

 

[LPMan59]

for self defense I like the taurus judge. That being said everyone knows the sound of a good pump action, and they may start running before they even see ya.

the judge is not a good choice for SD/HD...the ballistics are pretty awful from what I've read.

and i wouldn't bet my life on a perp being scared of a noise.

 

[Donnelly]

Mossberg Persuader ftw!

 

[netsecurity]

Shotguns are the best for chasing off tresspassers, but not as convenient as a pistol for keeping by your night stand. Also, shotguns are too large for clearing rooms, unless sawed off. Pistol is superior IMO for several reasons. You also don't have to have a LTCH to own a pistol, and even sport it to the range, so it is just as easy to own.

 

[SEIndSAM]

I can have a handgun stashed in every room of the house, plus carry one on my hip. It's a lot harder to do that with a shotgun.

 

[Streck-Fu]

As with any weapon, it is only as useful as you are competent with it. The pump shotgun is simple, reliable, and effective if you do your part.

What is your part?

Practice with it. And I do mean practice with it using your preferred defensive ammo load. Make sure that you will not forget to take off the safety under stress or short stroke it when chambering the next round. Do not use anything smaller than #4B and you will be fine.

The best part about the shotgun is that a single shot of 2 3/4" 00B delivers 9 .36 caliber projectiles to a less than 3" space at most HD ranges. No other platform matches that ability. If your gun accepts 3" shells, use them. The only thing better 9 pellets is 12.

Be familiar and competent. Do you part regardless of what you choose.

Some people prefer handguns or carbine rifles and that is just fine as long as you are capable of using them.

 

[bcannon]

Best close range weapon made - auto or pump with pistol grips can't b beat - definately two thumbs up

 

[mrp010]

Would love to keep one beside. Just can't with small children poking around everywhere.

 

[Streck-Fu]

Pistol is superior IMO for several reasons.

Other than the reasons you stated, what are the advantages of the pistol?
Convenient to put on the night stand? On the nightstand is one of the few places you can't put a shotgun inside your own home.

Put a Knoxx stock on an 18" shotgun and it is fine for room clearing.

Pistol ballistics suck. Period. No matter what. Inside my home, a long gun is my first choice. I admit to having a handgun as well as the shotgun available but the shotty is the first choice.

 

[gunman41mag]

3 out of the 4 shotguns I own have pistol grip stock on them

 

[Streck-Fu]

Would love to keep one beside. Just can't with small children poking around everywhere.

Absolutely valid concern.

 

[Kenny87ky]

yes they are good and a m500/590 or a 930 auto, all with a 18.5 inch barrel would be my pick.

 

[7.62]

Shotgun is an excellent pick for HD. Can't got wrong.

 

[lovemachine]

3 out of the 4 shotguns I own have pistol grip stock on them

 

[gunman41mag]

I like the semi-auto 12 gauge shotgun

 

[whoismunky]

My whole idea on it and what I ended reading from Massad Ayoob is the 'shotgun is heavy artillery,' perfect for posting up with in your bedroom/saferoom behind cover, and the pistol is better for maneuvering and to manipulate doors, light switches, phone, etc, as well as being more difficult to disarm. (to paraphrase quickly and terribly lol)

 

[BlueEagle]

I can have a handgun stashed in every room of the house, plus carry one on my hip. It's a lot harder to do that with a shotgun.

Not really...unless you just have a TINY house. Can pick up used pump-action 12 gauges for under $200 all day at the local gun shop, and lean one behind every couch or cabinet in the house.

As for on your hip, yeah, you've got my there....I could do it, but it'd be absurd.