Neighbors are not very close, live in an old house, mostly on my own but not always. Just trying g to get an idea about whether I might want to try one out. Many robberies in our area, don't always feel safe. And to think just a few years ago nobody even locked their doors around here! Scary how things have changed in such a short time. Very sad...The very best weapon one can have for home defense (besides that thing between your ears) is that weapon you are most proficient with and comfortable to safely use.
Lots of other things to consider as well such as where do you live (neighbors, condo, etc), who else lives in your home and in what room, etc.
So yes, a shotgun can be a great home defense weapon depending upon your KSA's.
Is a shotgun good for home defense?
Bill sums it up here.
There are a lot of 20 gauge pump shotguns with 18" barrels available for reduced recoil. You can also get low recoil 12 gauge shells. Most will accommodate 5 shells with the plug taken out, some more with an extender.
Pros and cons of shotguns for home defense please?
I am considering many things in life...just gathering information right now. I have been advised by Miss Lily already and have gotten great information. I do plan to purchase more guns...I like them, not only for their protection, but also aesthetically. But I always do plenty of research. Hence all these questions. The shotgun is way in the future. I'm going to a range as soon as I deal with home repairs. Thanks for responding! I appreciate all input.Good evening Millie.
I think it’s good that you’re asking questions, but you seem somewhat discombobulated. I believe that you purchased a 38 revolver recently, and now you’re thinking about a shotgun. Everyone here will encourage you to buy more guns, we all like them. I suggest however that you think about how you’re going to get comfortable with your new weapons. There is good training available, some of it provided by and primarily for women. You might want to reach out to @Miss Lily , I believes she still moderates the women shooters section here and can probably suggest something from training to just meeting a group of shooters at a range close to you.
All that said, I prefer a pistol to a shotgun, and there is generally a lever gun by the bedroom door. Wife has a 38 revolver.
I'll look into that when I visit gun shops...just to see what they're like. Big recoil sounds like I need to find a person who has one and try it out! Thanks!If you can handle the recoil, I think something as maneuverable as the Mossberg Shockwave in close quarters (indoors) (max distance in my house 30 feet) is very formidable. One solid hit from one round of 00 buck is similar ballistically to being shot by 7+ rounds of .380 at one time!! Take that bad guy when the shockwave is empty grab your handgun as a backup...
No offense taken! It's nice that you took the time to offer much-needed advice, which is, after all, why I came here!Just occurred to me that my post probably came across as condescending and misogynistic, not my intent at all.
Maybe think 20ga instead 12 - 20ga has not so much recoil but still packs a wallop!I'll look into that when I visit gun shops...just to see what they're like. Big recoil sounds like I need to find a person who has one and try it out! Thanks!
I do need to think of a hiding place! Can't leave the house with an arsenal, can I? I'm still getting used to taking the revolver with me....it's all very weird to me. Those prepper sites have all kinds of ideas for hiding your stuff...short answer: yes, and while nobody wants to get shot with anything - bird shot is for little birds. Use buck or slugs.
Also consider that you won't be taking the shotgun with you when you leave and you've been having break-ins in your neighborhood. You'll need a way to secure it when not at home, which adds to the expense.
If you can only buy one then I'd buy a mid-sized handgun for double duty as daily carry and home defense.
If your budget allows for more guns and storage than a shotgun or an AR-15 with a weapon-mounted light should be on the list.
Went to the site....interesting tests. Thanks for the I to.Have a look at this w.r.t. shotguns in the house:
https://www.theboxotruth.com/the-box-o-truth-3-the-shotgun-meets-the-box-o-truth/
I'm a cat person. Maybe a recording of a barking dog set on a motion sensor? LolI big dog in the house is the best defense
I'll look into that too, then! Not that I'm a Granny! But old enough to be, I guess....sheesh! I don't feel like a granny!Not saying this is right for you because we are all different, but my choice for home defense is a pistol caliber carbine and I think you should at least consider them.
They are light recoiling, very easy to hit what you are aiming at compared to a pistol, hold many many rounds (typically about 30), and don't produce the ear shattering muzzle blast that a shotgun or rifle do, the last thing being something I worry about in a confined area like a hallway. Also better suited to defending against multiple attackers IMO. Lots of firepower in a package a grandmother could easily handle.
That was "info"... My tablet has a mind of its own!Oh my!
Went to the site....interesting tests. Thanks for the I to.
I am definitely not a granny and it's what I use! I think I might be a grandpa soon though.I'll look into that too, then! Not that I'm a Granny! But old enough to be, I guess....sheesh! I don't feel like a granny!
Congrats! Is the sub forum for granny or grandpa? Lol...sorry, I had to!I am definitely not a granny and it's what I use! I think I might be a grandpa soon though.
We have a sub forum just for them:
https://carolinafirearmsforum.com/index.php?forums/pistol-caliber-carbines.18/
Hmmm...not liking the idea of a shotgun so much after some of these posts. Maybe just stick with "not shotguns"... But I'll keep an open mind on it.You definitely have to aim a shotgun as much as you would any long gun. At across the room distances there is hardly any dispersion of the pellets, maybe an inch or two. Then you have to recover from the recoil, rack the slide (most HD shotguns are pump operated), and aim again if you missed or there is more than one BG.
You definitely have to aim a shotgun as much as you would any long gun. At across the room distances there is hardly any dispersion of the pellets, maybe an inch or two. Then you have to recover from the recoil, rack the slide (most HD shotguns are pump operated), and aim again if you missed or there is more than one BG.
Thanks. Are you near Scotland co.?Actually you point a shotgun, most do not have rear sights just a bead. Shooting 3 gun has really helped my shotgun skills. Pump is not an issue and recoil on bird is not that much. If I am using a shotgun it is down the stairs and that is 15 yards probably. It has a fixed open choke barrel and the pattern at that distance is easily man sizedfor 7.5. With any home defense weapon you need to use it and know it. If it is a shotgun pattern it at the distance you will likely use it at.
Consider a 410. Its very deadly and less amounts of recoil. There is no perfect home defence gun. All will have negatives. A short 410 and some practice and you be a regular mall ninja in no time.Hmmm...not liking the idea of a shotgun so much after some of these posts. Maybe just stick with "not shotguns"... But I'll keep an open mind on it.