They won’t show up while there is gunfire, count on it.
Shotguns are the best tool for mobs, that’s why they were called “riot guns.” Everybody in an arson riot mob is a legit target, so wide patterns are fine.
Salt rock, dove shot, turkey shot, buck shot. A full spectrum of hurt is available, and there are no ballistics. You can even retain your empty shells, unless you are using an autoloader. Even then, you can make a simple shell catcher.
Out of the barrel and chamber yes, but they can match firing pins to primers....which is why you always carry a little steel brush, file, or pic with you to clean out all the carbon, right?
Matt, I have the utmost respect for you and what you say. You obviously know what you’re doing.
Even so, I do have a question. Shotguns are great, but using less-than-lethal loads seems like a dangerous proposition. It’s not that those who’ve been hit may try to hurt you more AT THE TIME, but what about after?
I have heard LEO’s say, in private of course, that if you have to shoot, make sure the perp is ‘graveyard dead’. If they survive and find out who you are, they can come back with a ton of lawyers and do their level best to destroy you and your family. Liberal judges are just itching to show “those freedom-loving right-wingers where the REAL power is”. The perp could sue you and your family into the ground and take everything, leaving you penniless.
A dead rioter can’t come back and sue you. That’s why I don’t like the idea of shotguns unless they’re deployed at close range (much too close for my taste) and loaded with the most lethal kind of shot (whatever is to your liking).
When they see we’re done and mean business, then let them come cowering and on their knees, begging for mercy. Then, dispense justice as is appropriate.
#4 or #6 load fired at an angle on pavement is like a scythe on knees and legs.