“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.
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.
Read later.
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.
The 12 ga. flare round might be interesting on the receiving end.
I have several different barrels for my 1100. Could I use the slug barrel with shot?
1-1/2 oz. #4 Turkey load.
Mine is a 20 gauge Ithica double with 3 buck. My belief is at close range, under 20 feet, little difference than a 12 gauge, two triggers, and my wife could handle the 20 if need be. I don’t plan on shooting anyone fleeing out the house, don’t want the hassle albeit someone did just that in my county a few months ago. The sheriff when pressed about the legality said: you got to know if you are a burglar most of the people in this county are armed.
The homeowner in that instance had a poster on is wall that said we believe in two things in this house, God and Guns and we use both.
Centurion
One large ball surrounded by a bunch smaller
No one ever mentions hearing protection. Discharging a weapon within a house can cause permanent hearing damage.
I prefer Federal Premium Vital-Shok, 12 Gauge, 2 3/4”. There will be a lot of cleanup and some drywall repair needed. They may be hauling the perp’s liquified remains to the coroner in a bucket instead of a body bag.
I would put the first two shells in (last ones out) as rifled slugs, then I would put in a buckshot (No 2 to 0), then a goose (BB -round).
The idea is that the first shot fired (BB) would scatter for a fairly large pattern, and yet not be able to penetrate too far into another room. Your first shot would be most adrenaline charged. Your second shot should be more aimed and the person would likely be closer and so you want more knock down power.
At this point if you get a chance for a third shot, the person will either be very very close and you want maximum knockdown power OR they will have retreated and possible taken cover behind furniture or a wall. At that point if they are hiding you want penetration (aka slug).
And again the last one is a slug for the previous reasons.
Your mileage may vary.