Shotguns have been used for home defense for centuries in one form or another. But the real question is, what’s the best home defense load for your shotgun? Let’s figure it out. Posted on 06/19/2017 11:02:37 AM PDT by w1n1
Shotguns have been used for home defense for centuries in one form or another. But the real question is, what’s the best home defense load for your shotgun? Let’s figure it out.
For a thug, nothing can be more terrifying than the sound of a pump action shotgun racking a shell into the chamber for sound deterrent? This will make even the most hardened criminals think twice. Obviously, sheer intimidation will not always solve your big problem. Well what do you feed your shotgun against your home invading foes? Well below are Remington 12 gauge shotgun shells opened up for you to see the actual payload. Impressive, isn't it? Well, each load from size 7.5 on the left to even the mighty shotgun slug on the right has a purpose in home defense.
Birdshot is a favorite of many home defenders. At close range, the blast of these lightweight small pellets hit like a solid fist. The thug in the picture on the right caught a blast at close range. Certainly, this is a postmortem image. Now, a shotgun is called a scattergun by many for a reason. The shot fans out quickly. Read the rest of the home defense shotgun loads story here.
“At close range, the blast of these lightweight small pellets hit like a solid fist. The thug in the picture on the right caught a blast at close range. Certainly, this is a postmortem image. Now, a shotgun is called a scattergun by many for a reason. The shot fans out quickly. “
Which is it. A close packed group or a quickly fanned out group?
Why give up your position? I've never understood this.
Packed at close range, then it spreads out.
“My advice to all who want to use a shotgun for home defense is to buy a selection across the different sizes of projectiles. Then, take various items, like drywall, plywood, gallon jugs of water, etc. and other materials and test what those loads do to them at the gun range if allowed. “
I wonder how many hours of thought the author engaged in before coming to this ‘advice’?
“Why give up your position? I’ve never understood this. “
It’s in all the movies.
I should have added a ‘/ s’ ...
Over the years I have gone back and forth and still don’t know which is the best.
I guess the fact that I live in a rural area has a little to do with what I choose. Right now my Winchester Defender is loaded with 7, 2.75 inch OO buckshot.
I would not argue with anyone who chose other loads except bird shot is maybe a little too small.
I bought the Winchester defender strictly because of price. Well that and the fact that it is totally reliable. It cost only $189 at Walmart.
If money was no object it would be a Remington 1187 combat style. An 870 would also be great as would be a bunch more.
I figured you knew.
Read later.
I agree with you in general but I would not totally dismiss the sound being intimidating. Of course if I were hidden it would be a no brainer.
For home defense, #7 birdshot. At home defense ranges it hits like a slug, yet doesn’t penetrate too many interior walls.
I’ve got a 20 gauge loaded with some birdshot, but thought of ever having to use that in home defense gives me more than great pause. I’ve seen images of what an accidental shotgun blast can do even at distance. Last resort only and with no chance of hitting innocents.
Ask Joe Biden
If I had a shotgun, I would probably alternate between #4 Buck and 00 Buck. My thought would be #4 has more projectiles, more likely to score multiple hits and then follow up with a more concentrated punch of 00 Buck. Alternate until threats are eliminated. But, that is just me, if I ever even had a shotgun.
Some of us do.
Inside a normal house maximum range is about 30 feet. At 30 feet any load will act pretty much like a slug. More so at smaller ranges.
After firing a shotgun, A close packed group WILL BE A quickly fanned out group........................
I agree with you in general but I would not totally dismiss the sound being intimidating. Of course if I were hidden it would be a no brainer.
= = =
OK.
In today’s tech world how about this:
Program your security system/surround sound system with that pump ‘racking’ sound.
Play it, loop it.
Stay hidden.
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