The Shotgun or AR argument to me is akin to the Revolver vs Auto pistol argument. The Shotgun being the revolver, in that is some ways it is much simpler and has been around longer and is thus more accepted than that new fangled kids toy, and in some minds is pretty close to idiot proof(though considering I've seen people manage to **** up a single action revolver nothing is truly idiot proof). However, while it may be more simple in some respects, it is more complex in others, ergo for a pump, putting multiple rounds on target requires one to work the pump opposed to just pulling the trigger again, and again, and again until the threat is no longer a threat, as well as the reload and ability to aim it depending on the shotgun and where it patterns. Thus my comparison to a revolver. The AR can be more complex in other ways, method of operation, cleaning, and perhaps not quite a robust in digesting all manner of loads compared to a pump that will handle low power to heavy loads, it is simpler in others, putting rounds on target, the reload, ect. So what is comes down is what you have more training/are more comfortable with in my mind. Both have put plenty of people in the ground, just need proper shot placement, and a proper load helps as well. Regardless which you choose though, you must train to be effective, I don't give a shit who you are. Train and make sure the platform is in proper working order. Here is where the AR comes out ahead in my mind, since I see a lot more people willing to run drills with and train with an AR over a 12 gauge pump, partly because of ammo costs and partly because they bitch about the recoil from the shotgun.
So to sum it up, partly personal preference and what you are more comfortable. This is of course everything being equal in that you are using quality loads in each and both platforms are reliable, properly set up, ect. Changes in this, from quality of platform to training to what you are willing to do, can skew my opinion to one or the other.
"I don't collect guns anymore, I stockpile weapons for ****ing war." Chuck P.
"Some days you eat the bacon, and other days the bacon eats you." SeriousStudent
"Don't complain when after killing scores of women and children in a mall, a group of well armed men who train to shoot people like you in the face show up to say hello." WillBrink
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