Poll on shotgun vs. handgun for home defense ?

[KurtM]

"Or a faster miss from the hip", fixed it for you!

 

[OKgetdown]

If I have time to get to the shotgun, then I would prefer that. If no, there is a pistol usually no further away than my waistband.

 

[Chuckie]

"Or a faster miss from the hip", fixed it for you!

A 'faster miss from the hip' is a good thing . . . gives more time for that follow-up shot miss

 

[KurtM]

I cede the field to the best reply yet!

And just so Cam isn't disappointed, I only run the buckshot rounds on one turbo instead of the twins so they don't over penetrate and I can get 5 more in the tube than regular! They are buffered with Pixie dust so they don't deform and make whom ever you shoot at giddy and happy!

 

[BillM]

I prefer a handgun with an unattached flashlight for possible close quarter encounters. However, for self defense in a home, I also recommend at least one German Shepherd running free on the property during waking hours and in the home at night…..Also, one should be proficient and confident with one’s handgun. Weapons should be stored securely yet easily accessible. “An Unloaded Gun Is No Better Than A Stone”

Way I put it is an unloaded gun is a lousy club. Which, IIRC, I stole from my dad.

 

[User_3155]

If the bucket of water over the door tied to a trip string doesn't deter them, then plan B is the 590.
YMMV

 

[Larry In OKC]

Shooting under stress is a LOT different than a day at the range, and yes, you can miss with a shotgun, unless you're virtually at point blank range. Most home invaders are going to turn tail and run if they come face to face with an armed homeowner, and even bracing them with a 22, from their pespective, they're looking back at you like you have a 16" Howitzer in your hand. It all comes down to the element of surprise. Most home invaders that break into the average house are only looking for stuff to steal, not go to war with the homeowner. The elaborate high stakes invasions are the stuff movies are made of. The mere presence of an armed homeowner is usually enough to make them run away screaming like a little girl. 9 times out of 10, they aren't going to even try if they know somebody is home, and if they break into an unoccupied home, a firearm, any firearm is really a moot issue, isn't it?

 

[AKguy1985]

I have a Mossberg 590 next to my bed.

 

[Two Gun Warrior]

Shooting under stress is a LOT different than a day at the range, and yes, you can miss with a shotgun, unless you're virtually at point blank range. Most home invaders are going to turn tail and run if they come face to face with an armed homeowner, and even bracing them with a 22, from their pespective, they're looking back at you like you have a 16" Howitzer in your hand. It all comes down to the element of surprise. Most home invaders that break into the average house are only looking for stuff to steal, not go to war with the homeowner. The elaborate high stakes invasions are the stuff movies are made of. The mere presence of an armed homeowner is usually enough to make them run away screaming like a little girl. 9 times out of 10, they aren't going to even try if they know somebody is home, and if they break into an unoccupied home, a firearm, any firearm is really a moot issue, isn't it?

That stress factor is important, you are not going to shoot as well as you do on paper. You do not know how you will react until you are in one of those situations. Go practice and train, shoot some competition like Idpa or ipshc. Use of cover shooting with a little stress going. Also a shotgun is not fool proof, the pattern at 20 feet is about the size of your fist. Practice!!!!

 

[THAT Gurl]

I prefer surprise pocket sand personally.
Can’t wait til the thread derails into an argument on over-penetration and round capacity.

Hahaha! I don't really care one way or another but if Grumpy messes up my walls/ceilings/flooring peppering it with rounds from a shotgun shell I'm gonna be PISSED!