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12-Gauge Shotgun vs AR-15 for Personal Defense
Am Shooting Journal ^ | 7/11/2017 | W Clapp

Posted on 07/11/2017 9:39:24 AM PDT by w1n1

At one time back in the day, inside most police cars were equipped with an M-870 shotgun. Then theres an odd ball patrolman with his AR-15 with .223 caliber. Which patrolman has the advantage?

The logic behind the usage of an AR stems from situations where a firearm needed for greater range than a shotgun.

So the debate begins, shotgun folks talk about having the knock down power to stop the fight with its 00 buck. AR’s with its high velocity and more firepower in terms of 20 rounds – 30 rounds magazine capacity.

Using either firearm we can make a perfect case as the weapon of choice to have for personal defense. In order for us to decide in an un-biased environment, a test should be conducted for validation. We can do this by pitting the two guns in a side by side shootout.

There needs to be a determination that each gun should be fired at the same target and at the same range. Because the idea is to ascertain some kind of combat effectiveness under stress, a time limit needs to be establish on each stage.

This test was based from Wiley Clapp test out on Gunsite where he had two Range Masters both skilled with the shotgun and AR go through this special course of fire. (Bill Murphy – shotgun and Vince Morgan – AR-15)

This course of fire were as follow: A shooter armed with respective firearm would engage a silhouette at various ranges. First at 15 yards, then 25, 50, 75 and 100 yards. At the command of a whistle the shooter would have 3 seconds to fire off as many rounds as possible onto the target. Read the rest of the shot gun vs AR-15 test here. How bout you all, which would you go with?


TOPICS: Hobbies; Outdoors
KEYWORDS: ar15; banglist; shotgun
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1 posted on 07/11/2017 9:39:24 AM PDT by w1n1
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To: w1n1

How about one (or more) of each? Why the false dichotomy?


2 posted on 07/11/2017 9:41:04 AM PDT by Disambiguator (Keepin' it analog.)
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To: w1n1

Don’t most police deps require they buy their own?


3 posted on 07/11/2017 9:44:38 AM PDT by albie
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To: w1n1

I have one of each, but it’s the Glock 23 that sits on my nightstand. But between the two, the AR-15 gives me 30 chances to neutralize any threat. My 870 only holds six rounds, plus one in the chamber. The additional six rounds in the side saddle would never get loaded unless there was a lull.


4 posted on 07/11/2017 9:44:44 AM PDT by AlaskaErik (I served and protected my country for 31 years. Progressives spent that time trying to destroy it.)
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To: w1n1

I know which one former Vice President Joe Biden recommends.


5 posted on 07/11/2017 9:45:12 AM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet (You cannot invade the mainland US. There'd be a rifle behind every blade of grass.)
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To: w1n1

The shotgun for when they’re in close.

The AR15 to keep them from getting close.


6 posted on 07/11/2017 9:45:24 AM PDT by Haiku Guy (eliminate perverse incentives)
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To: Disambiguator
Exactly. And personal defense, where? In a car? South Central L.A.? In my domicile? Camping?

I'll take a .357 mag, 870-P, M4, and an E-tool for good measure.

7 posted on 07/11/2017 9:45:50 AM PDT by Salvavida (The restoration of the U.S.A. starts with filling the pews at every Bible-believing church.)
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To: w1n1

How about neither for a home defense.

12-Gauge Shotgun if used is messy. In other words you will have Hamburger meat all over your walls.

An AR-15 is better for long distance.

A 357 Magnum is probably your best bet for a home defense.


8 posted on 07/11/2017 9:46:28 AM PDT by Enlightened1
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To: w1n1

9 posted on 07/11/2017 9:48:34 AM PDT by Malcolm Reynolds
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To: w1n1

Sometimes I like to use nails, but other times screws. Although rivets are useful too, along with carriage bolts.

Goodness, define the problem first, and then get the right tool for the right job.


10 posted on 07/11/2017 9:48:43 AM PDT by rigelkentaurus
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To: AlaskaErik
My 870 only holds six rounds, plus one in the chamber.

I got a mag extension for my 870 that brings me up to 9+1

11 posted on 07/11/2017 9:49:21 AM PDT by PapaBear3625 (Big government is attractive to those who think that THEY will be in control of it.)
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To: Enlightened1

“When a man with a .45 meets a man with a rifle, the man with a pistol will be a dead man.”

Contrary to Clint Eastwood films, Ramon Rojo’s is correct. On the other hand, use what you have at hand.


12 posted on 07/11/2017 9:51:17 AM PDT by Magnum44 (My comprehensive terrorism plan: Hunt them down and kill them)
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To: AlaskaErik
"the AR-15 gives me 30 chances to neutralize any threat. My 870 only holds six rounds, plus one in the chamber."

Yes, but a single pull of the shotgun trigger puts 9 rounds out (00 buck) each of which is larger than 5.56 round.

13 posted on 07/11/2017 9:54:06 AM PDT by circlecity
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To: w1n1

AR will penetrate most body armor.


14 posted on 07/11/2017 9:55:00 AM PDT by Rhino54
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To: w1n1

Our military professionals clear houses with their 5.56 rifles. Sidearms are only drawn as a last resort.


15 posted on 07/11/2017 9:55:20 AM PDT by IamConservative (Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.)
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To: w1n1

A practical application of this test occurred within a few miles of my home a few months ago. The shotgun was not part of this proof of concept but so far the AR-15 is winning by 3-0.


16 posted on 07/11/2017 10:00:25 AM PDT by ImJustAnotherOkie
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To: w1n1

In the North Hollywood mass shooting after a bank robbery, it was the long rifle that won the day.

The shotgun is far more versatile, but has its limits. Why not have both?


17 posted on 07/11/2017 10:02:41 AM PDT by DPMD
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To: w1n1

The shell loading sound of a pump shotgun in the dark, says two things. I have a shotgun, and I probably won’t miss.


18 posted on 07/11/2017 10:03:40 AM PDT by Dixie Yooper (Ephesians 6:11)
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To: w1n1

Every weapon is a compromise. As long as there are surprises in a given situation there is no perfect gun.

If I was a police officer I’d want a shotgun in the front seat, an AR-15 in the trunk, a 9mm on my belt, a .380 in my pocket and a nightstick in my hand.


19 posted on 07/11/2017 10:04:47 AM PDT by Senator_Blutarski
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To: IamConservative

With many choices to go to, my home defense bedroom firearm is a 20 gauge double Ithica...two triggers...with 3 buck.

Back up is a 40 cal glock 23 with 135gr hps in two mags. Have bandoleer of back up 3 buck too.

Chose the 20 over the 12 in case my wife needs it. Also, don’t plan on shooting individuals across the street. I want to defend the inside of my home, not the neighborhood. For that I have better.

If that does not clear the threat, well, send me back to firearms training.


20 posted on 07/11/2017 10:06:17 AM PDT by Mouton (The MSM is a clear and present danger to the republic.)
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