It's 2023, what role does the shotgun fill today?

[26 Inf]

While I would largely agree with that statement, I think a big problem with getting is that it seems that not many people run slug-only load-outs, it seems, but instead seem to favor buckshot primarily, and running a select slug when the extra precision is needed. The problem with that is now you need to run that drill with the slug select, which will realistically burn up quite a few seconds, which could be a serious problem if the opponent is using someone as a human shield rather than simply as a hostage for negotiation. There is also the question of what the sights are zeroed for; I would think that most folks would zero for the slug, but if they're primarily seeing it used a buck and zero for that, it could also be problematic.

I'm just a poor, I can't take 25 yard hostage shots in my house.

One of the most enjoyable drills we ran during our shotgun instructor course was the precision placement drill - 00B from the high ready (basically international skeet ready) on the buzzer at 5yards with a cardboard target in front of the metal giving you a headshot over the 'hostage' shoulder. Think head of a USPSA target. Generally under 1 second and generally the only marks on the hostage were from the FC wad. One of the reasons I use Brenneke slugs only in my HD shotguns.

Unless I'm hunting with slugs I see no reason for anything other than a bead on a shotgun. If you learn to mount the shotgun correctly, sighting systems other than beads slow you down within 'normal' buckshot engagement distances, IMO.

[SteyrAUG]

As far as "moving" goes, it goes with any gun. The diameter of the bullet is just that, and I can bet, even just across the room, shooting shot at an attacker lays down a larger diameter than a bullet.

How large do you imagine the spread is at 20 feet?

[BobinNC]

How large do you imagine the spread is at 20 feet?

Wider than a .224" bullet that's for sure......

Look at the buckshot patterns at 12 feet.

https://www.theboxotruth.com/threads...-patterns.327/

Now add 8 more feet......

Again I'm not advocating a shotgun over an AR15 in all cases. But many of the myths about shotguns are just that, myths. A shot gun is a formidable weapon at close range inside 4 walls. When you get outside the 4 walls of a house for example, its usefulness diminishes with each added yard. I carried a Win Model 97 in RVN during boarding parties when searching junks for contraband. I could have carried a M16, but the M97 was better in close quarters.

Having both at hand is good to have another tool for the tool box.

[C-grunt]

My department switched to all semi auto shotguns and run slug only.

We also got rid of the bean bag shotguns for less lethal after an incident where one of the bags actually penetrated into a person. Subsequent testing showed they had a significantly higher muzzle velocity than they were supposed to. We now have select officers armed with a 40mm launcher for less lethal. Much more effective as well.

Id have no issue taking a hostage shot with my 870 inside my house using slugs. Id even use Flite Control buckshot at closer distances. Bit if Im in a situation where a 2 inch accracy at 25 yards means life or death for my child, I'm not taking that shot. Even with my carbine.

[SteyrAUG]

Wider than a .224" bullet that's for sure......

Look at the buckshot patterns at 12 feet.

https://www.theboxotruth.com/threads...-patterns.327/

Now add 8 more feet......

Again I'm not advocating a shotgun over an AR15 in all cases. But many of the myths about shotguns are just that, myths. A shot gun is a formidable weapon at close range inside 4 walls. When you get outside the 4 walls of a house for example, its usefulness diminishes with each added yard. I carried a Win Model 97 in RVN during boarding parties when searching junks for contraband. I could have carried a M16, but the M97 was better in close quarters.

Having both at hand is good to have another tool for the tool box.

Everything is a trade off. I've fired 12 ga indoors enough times to know it isn't my first choice.

[ndmiller]

A pretty good "Who Cares" Why Shotguns? video from a couple weeks ago where they (1911 Syndicate) brought in Ernest Langdon to discuss/show why shotguns.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp1CqLgwb-M

[WillBrink]

A pretty good "Who Cares" Why Shotguns? video from a couple weeks ago where they (1911 Syndicate) brought in Ernest Langdon to discuss/show why shotguns.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp1CqLgwb-M

Smith has always been a proponent of shot guns: