Tucker 1371
New member
Just want to know which of these yall think is best or prefer for a home defense weapon and weigh the pros and cons of each.
Rifle/Carbine vs Shotgun vs Handgun for HD POLL
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grymster2007
New member
This will open up a can of worms!
I use 'em all.
Rifle/carbine:
Pros: power & precision
Cons: longer barrel can be an impediment in tight quarters & usually require two handed operation
Shotgun:
Pros: power and power
Cons: not quite so accurate, plus longer barrel and two handed operation
Handgun:
Pros: One handed operation, short barrel, easy to conceal
Cons: generally wimpier loads
I use 'em all.
Rifle/carbine:
Pros: power & precision
Cons: longer barrel can be an impediment in tight quarters & usually require two handed operation
Shotgun:
Pros: power and power
Cons: not quite so accurate, plus longer barrel and two handed operation
Handgun:
Pros: One handed operation, short barrel, easy to conceal
Cons: generally wimpier loads
Pistol:
I know I'm gonna bring a lot of flack with this post, but its just my opinion.
We were issued Remington 870s when I was in LE. I really like the 870, I use to have a 4 guns set (12, 20, 28, & 410) for skeet shooting.
But I seldum used them in police work. I rather have a pistol/revolver. The reasoning, being, the limited range of the shot gun. If I'm in shotgun range, my pistol works just fine. If I'm out of range, then my pistol is better.
As most cops we had a lot of building searches, I felt the shotgun was too unwildly. The pistol was more convienent and faster to get in action. In low light you need a flash light. Its easier to use a flashlight with a revolver then shotgun. Easier to sneak around corners. I used a little mechanic's mirror for peeking around corners, the shotgun was always in the way.
If you caught a bandit, and you were alone, (which we were often), what are you gonna do with the shot gun while you search and cuff the bandit.
I just felt more comfortable with the revolver. I felt more comfortable having to use the revolver in the short ranges limited by shotguns. And like I said, if the target is out of range of the shotgun, the pistol is better.
Same goes for SD now. I always have my pocket pistol, my shotguns are in the gun rack.
I dont mean to start a fuss though I know I'm gonna get flack, but this is my opinion. If for some wierd reason I was to go back into LE (highly unlikely), I'd stick to my Service Revolver and leave the shotguns for bird hunting or clay pigions.
JMHO
I know I'm gonna bring a lot of flack with this post, but its just my opinion.
We were issued Remington 870s when I was in LE. I really like the 870, I use to have a 4 guns set (12, 20, 28, & 410) for skeet shooting.
But I seldum used them in police work. I rather have a pistol/revolver. The reasoning, being, the limited range of the shot gun. If I'm in shotgun range, my pistol works just fine. If I'm out of range, then my pistol is better.
As most cops we had a lot of building searches, I felt the shotgun was too unwildly. The pistol was more convienent and faster to get in action. In low light you need a flash light. Its easier to use a flashlight with a revolver then shotgun. Easier to sneak around corners. I used a little mechanic's mirror for peeking around corners, the shotgun was always in the way.
If you caught a bandit, and you were alone, (which we were often), what are you gonna do with the shot gun while you search and cuff the bandit.
I just felt more comfortable with the revolver. I felt more comfortable having to use the revolver in the short ranges limited by shotguns. And like I said, if the target is out of range of the shotgun, the pistol is better.
Same goes for SD now. I always have my pocket pistol, my shotguns are in the gun rack.
I dont mean to start a fuss though I know I'm gonna get flack, but this is my opinion. If for some wierd reason I was to go back into LE (highly unlikely), I'd stick to my Service Revolver and leave the shotguns for bird hunting or clay pigions.
JMHO
David Armstrong
Moderator
There is no best, only different. Which difference would provide the greatest advantage and least disadvantage is very dependent on the individual and the situation.
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David Armstrong
Moderator
FWIW, a shotgun with the right ammo can easily bring accurate fire onto a subject at 100 yards with a little training, something few can do with a handgun.
I believe that is also more a matter of training than anything else. For most folks a shotgun can be brought into action just as fast or fastger than a handgun.
If you have equipped it properly, you are going to sling it and get it out of your way.
Not trying to bust your chops either, as everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I hate to see so many of the old myths about the shotgun that are still tossed around today. The biggest problem with the shotgun, IMO, is that few people have been properly trained on it, and that includes LEOs.
Glenn E. Meyer
New member
Own them all, train sufficiently on all of them to have some competence. Wait for the zombies.
And shoot three gun matches - that's lots of fun with all.
The problem with discussing shotguns is that we get all the cliches thrown up - racking, guaranteed kill, can't miss, etc.
And shoot three gun matches - that's lots of fun with all.
The problem with discussing shotguns is that we get all the cliches thrown up - racking, guaranteed kill, can't miss, etc.
My training makes my short barrel shotgun most accurate at close range in minimal light in my hands. My other close reach is a pistol but at .22lr, it isn't a first choice 2 legger stopper but it works for the errant armadillo, rabbit or just to shut the yappin dogs up.
I would have to load the .30-30 lever gun before it could be called to action.
As for search and cuff of BG's... I will not only refrain from searching them or cuffing them but also will not get close enuff to render first aid. If they hit the deck in true felon fashion before they get shot they can lay out stretched with face firmly planted in the floor awaiting LEO's...
Brent
I would have to load the .30-30 lever gun before it could be called to action.
As for search and cuff of BG's... I will not only refrain from searching them or cuffing them but also will not get close enuff to render first aid. If they hit the deck in true felon fashion before they get shot they can lay out stretched with face firmly planted in the floor awaiting LEO's...
Brent
Bartholomew Roberts
Moderator
I don't think there is a "best" weapon for home defense. Different needs will result in different tools. Just to give one example: If you need to go grab your baby/toddler from another room and bring them to your "safe" room, then a longgun isn't going to be ideal.
As a general rule though, a longgun is going to be more accurate and more powerful than a handgun. Something like an AK, 16" AR, or short lever gun isn't going to extend any more than a pistol in isoceles/weaver stance would. An 18" shotgun is only going to extend about 2" further. On top of that, you can add a light to just about any of those for less than $50 these days. Finally, a long gun provides better leverage in retaining the firearm in a close quarters situation.
The pistol is only there because it is convenient. If I can use a longgun, I am going to use one. I personally would use a carbine (AR15) because I have more experience with that; but I wouldn't feel uncomfortable with a shotgun either.
As a general rule though, a longgun is going to be more accurate and more powerful than a handgun. Something like an AK, 16" AR, or short lever gun isn't going to extend any more than a pistol in isoceles/weaver stance would. An 18" shotgun is only going to extend about 2" further. On top of that, you can add a light to just about any of those for less than $50 these days. Finally, a long gun provides better leverage in retaining the firearm in a close quarters situation.
The pistol is only there because it is convenient. If I can use a longgun, I am going to use one. I personally would use a carbine (AR15) because I have more experience with that; but I wouldn't feel uncomfortable with a shotgun either.
David Armstrong
Moderator
The orignal comment was "what are you gonna do with the shot gun while you search and cuff the bandit", and had nothing to do with wrestling. If you are needing to wrestle, don't sling the shotgun, use it to help you subdue the BG. Goes back to that training process again.
Carne Frio
New member
I use a combo. It's related to timing. If you have any amount of warning, it
is the 12g. Little or no warning, large caliber revolver.
is the 12g. Little or no warning, large caliber revolver.
baypistolman
Inactive
I have to agree with Kraigwy. It is not easy searching your house with a flash light on your shotgun because you are pointing at everything in your path.
A hand gun with a separate flash light is definitely much more effective especially if you need cover or need a tactical advantage when your doing a search in your own house. But I guess if you need to have a shotgun over your shoulder with a sling while your searching with a pistol would make any burglar quiver
A hand gun with a separate flash light is definitely much more effective especially if you need cover or need a tactical advantage when your doing a search in your own house. But I guess if you need to have a shotgun over your shoulder with a sling while your searching with a pistol would make any burglar quiver
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