Do I really need a defensive shotgun? Convince me....

[Canonshooter]

In lieu of a carbine (as in you don't have one for whatever reason), a definite yes.

Even with a carbine, some good points about "social acceptance" among the uninformed is made in this thread, along with many other valid points about the use of a SG for HD.

Also, shotgun ammo has evolved dramatically (FC wads, reduced recoil loads, limited-penetration expanding slugs, etc.) and like the AR, the popular brands are well supported with accessories, lending even more to its versatility in a HD application.

I had an old 11-87 sitting around collecting dust, so the answer was easy for me. I'm very pleased with the final results, far more than I ever thought I'd be - a very useful HD weapon that retains the classic polished blued steel/wood furniture "sporting arm" looks. Just something to consider in a society where hoplophobia is running rampant and the liberal rage against "assault weapons" remains unabated.

[Canonshooter]

I thought accuracy with single rounds decreases in a stressful situation, 12g buck shot offers 9-13 pellets spread in alarge pattern.

This is a fallacy - at typical Home Defense distances spread is minimal. You still have to aim, and if you don't, you will in all likelihood miss. Add on top of this the increased recoil/slower follow-up shot time and lower round capacity of the SG, the need to take only aimed shots becomes even more evident.

[austinN4]

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot3.htm

Thank you for posting this. If you hadn't, I would have. Some of the responses in this thread had me wondering if I was in the shotgun world forum instead of M4C.

That said, I used to be a defensive shotgun guy and in fact collected combat type shotguns. But I am a carbine convert - easier to shoot, more accurate (for me), more ammo capacity and longer range if needed. I have since sold all of my combat shotguns.

[Pi3]

I agree that the ar fills the role of a self defense shotgun, for me at least. As I get older, I am focusing on becoming proficient with the hand gun & ar. A self defense shotgun is just one more manual of arms to master, something I've decided to forgo.
On the other hand, as noted above, it can be a relatively inexpensive, rugged & reliable tool to have in the tool box. 12 ga ammo was always available & cheap during the recent craziness:
870 w ext tube only$378. https://mail.google.com/mail/?shva=1...210c64c497ad1c

[austinN4]

https://mail.google.com/mail/?shva=1...210c64c497ad1c

Link leads to a Google advertisement

[Rekkr870]

So from what I'm understanding, the general consensus here is that the shotgun hardly has a place in an HD scenario?

[Pi3]

Marks outdoors has 12 & 20 ga 870 for $378. try scrolling down.

[GH41]

SG1.jpgMaybe the OP needs only one shotgun. One that is long enough to hunt with but short enough for home defense. This is my one gun solution. GH

[williejc]

I prefer a pump shotgun for hd, although I own an ar. My preference is based on 55 active years of shotgunning and confidence in buckshot. I admit that I am biased, but I must add that I find comfort and confidence in my choice. I would never say that the shotgun is better than the ar for hd. In general, my range time shooting lots of buckshot convinces me that it's a 35 yard and under proposition.

[WNY_Whitetailer]

This is a fallacy - at typical Home Defense distances spread is minimal. You still have to aim, and if you don't, you will in all likelihood miss. Add on top of this the increased recoil/slower follow-up shot time and lower round capacity of the SG, the need to take only aimed shots becomes even more evident.

If you didn't say it, I was going to...Unless your house is monstrous, you'll never see adequate spread in the pellets.

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