[yarddog]

You make some good points especially about the possibility of short stroking a pump during stress.

I am not sure I agree that a .223 is as effective up close as a load of buckshot but the difference probably isn’t worth mentioning.

[JamesP81]

I am not sure I agree that a .223 is as effective up close as a load of buckshot but the difference probably isn’t worth mentioning.

I don't think it is quite as effective, it only "compares favorably". It works quite well.

My point is that 223 is still very effective and avoids most of the downsides associated with shotguns. As trade offs go, I think it's a pretty good one.