Sincere Question: What is a shotgun good for? (besides birds)

[ASH556]

I have a shotgun. It is a Remington 870 that was a vent rib and cut down before I got it. I added a Wilson Combat mag extension and a side saddle to it. The problem I have with it is in deployment. Primary HD is a Glock 19 with Surefire X300. Behind that is my AR. I can't find a reason to keep the shotgun. Can anyone tell me what it does that the AR does not.

I'm not looking to start a war, but am struggling with my own definition of purpose for this gun.

Thanks!

[El Mac]

Probably the more relevant question is: what do you want the SG to do?

[fivefivesix]

hunting with it is great, squirell, rabbit, birds. definetly better in the woods against bear than an ar. and there is a metric ton of ammo to choose from. imo the 556 round is awesome for hd as a 55 grain projectile will penetrate one sheet of drywall before it fragments harmlessly. have u tried clay pigeon shooting. its a great time, you have a well rounded shotgun from my perspective. and the slugs. i have some 15 pellet buck shot from walmart that will rock your brain. boy id hate to be down range from them

[jaxman7]

My shotgun, in a perfect world and God willing the gun laws don't get crazy, will never replace my carbine as my go to HD gun. The shotgun is just so adaptable and that's what I love about one. How many other guns can kill squirrels AND bears? As of late my main use for a shotgun has been in 3 gun. To me there is nothing more enjoyable as running one as fast as you can. It is also the most difficult for me to master b/c of having to plan reloads much more often. The shotgun is a tool and there are some tools better suited for certain applications than others. YMMV,

-Jax

[streck]

imo the 556 round is awesome for hd as a 55 grain projectile will penetrate one sheet of drywall before it fragments harmlessly.

Not at all true. It will tumble after a few layers of drywall but certainly not fragment harmlessly....

[Suwannee Tim]

How many deer do you suppose have been hit with buckshot and run off and died, never to be found? Plenty? 00 buckshot penetrates poorly and will not penetrate heavy clothing at a range where each shot is acting independently. A pellet of 00 buckshot is 33 caliber, weighs about 50 grains and travels at pistol velocities. That's why you need a whole bunch of them. I keep my two shotguns for nostalgia. No other reason.

[stifled]

How many deer do you suppose have been hit with buckshot and run off and died, never to be found? Plenty? 00 buckshot penetrates poorly and will not penetrate heavy clothing at a range where each shot is acting independently. A pellet of 00 buckshot is 33 caliber, weighs about 50 grains and travels at pistol velocities. That's why you need a whole bunch of them. I keep my two shotguns for nostalgia. No other reason.

At a range where only 1 pellet of 00 buck shot is hitting a body sized target, you've selected the wrong cartridge. A slug would be a much better choice. Yay, versatility!

[WC 2-3]

How many deer do you suppose have been hit with buckshot and run off and died, never to be found? Plenty? 00 buckshot penetrates poorly and will not penetrate heavy clothing at a range where each shot is acting independently. A pellet of 00 buckshot is 33 caliber, weighs about 50 grains and travels at pistol velocities. That's why you need a whole bunch of them. I keep my two shotguns for nostalgia. No other reason.

Bad argument as the same thing could be said of many high powered CF rifle cartridges.

00B would be a poor choice for deer(or not ideal) just as the .223 is.

[ASH556]

Probably the more relevant question is: what do you want the SG to do?

That's really the problem. I feel like the shotgun is a gun looking for a purpose. I have it because "everyone" says you need one.

My purposes for firearms:
Hunting big game (my .30-06 and .308 are better than a shotgun at this)
Hunting small game (My scoped .22 is more accurate and has better range than a shotgun)
I don't bird hunt, but if I did, I do have a 24" SxS .410 that I will never sell
Home defense (well established that a carbine is a better ballistic choice and more versatile in terms of the fight moving outside)
Target/Competition (I've never shot 3-gun, but I think I would like to. I guess I should keep the shotgun for that maybe, but wouldn't an auto work better if it's purely to play the game?)

[El Mac]

You will have to find your own wants/needs/desires to work the SG.

For me, I love it. Why?:
1) It takes skill to operate with it efficiently.
2) Skill comes from time spent.
3) The effect of seeing a competent SG handler is stunning.
4) The ballistic effect of the SG is stunning.
5) It is versatile as hell.
6) It is fun as hell.
7) Once mastered, it is a very satisfying experience to operate with one.

Yes, I know all about the 'shortcomings' of the SG. Like the 1911, its obsolete and should be put into a museum if you listen to some of the 'gods' out there... ok, whatever.

Find your own peace with it. If you can't, they sell pretty quickly.

As for a recommendation - go autoloader, Benelli.