Shotgun vs AR for home defense (not what you think)

I

Ices

Inactive
Hello all,

Once in a while, I like to revisit the "easy" but never settled topics. The one that comes in mind is the "Shotgun vs AR for home defense" debate. Everything I mention is from my own observations, so your mileage may vary.

When reading forum views (here and elsewhere) on the above topic, roughly 15 years ago, it seemed like the overwhelming majority of people would prefer the shotgun. "One shot stop", "shot won't go through walls", "pump is more reliable than semi-auto carbine", "you don't have to aim" and "the sound will make someone lose their bowels".

Then, over the years, using an AR (or similar carbine) for home defense gained prominence.

These days, the sentiment has changed (again, from my observation). Many many more, if not most, prefer an AR for home defense. "More accurate/better shot placement", "more rounds", "can't short stroke an AR like a pump shotty", and "light & fast bullets will fragment when going through walls".

I can think of several factors that may have brought on this change:
- An increasing number of servicemen and servicewomen in conflicts having success with AR's (and the like) for CQB, and voicing their opinions.
- More testing done and therefore more data points that are favorable to the AR.
- Advances in ammunition (although I'm not sure that's the case, since the M193 is probably found in many home defense AR's and I'm not sure I would consider it an "advanced" round).
- Perhaps something less evidence based: the rise and fall of "tactical" trends brought on by video games, gun mags, and/or movies.

What do you guys and gals think? Have you noticed this trend, and, what do you think is the reason for it?
 
Sounds like a good topic to re-visit...

All I know is that I'd hate to hear the report of either one indoors with no hearing protection. Other than that, let the games begin :cool:
 
For me it's the fact my AR is shorter and easier to maneuver in the house. It also has it's own light source. I could get a shorter barreled Shotgun but other then home defense what can you do with it? Beside the image of coming around a corner in my house and a would be bad person seeing a Tactical rifle pointed at them has it's own pluses.
 
By "AR" we aren't limited as much by NFA restriction as a shotgun. I just finished a 10.5" AR pistol which is under 26". Shotgun pistols are rare, while AR's built as pistols are a much larger option these days. Add in the growing SBR market and suppressors - there is a lot more money and interest in AR's.

Shotguns overall have slipped - I see a lot less articles about the tactical shotgun, and it's basically a matter of buy them as is, rather than build them for a specific purpose. With the AR pistol there are no extra factory parts left over to sell at 50% off if you can find a buyer.

The penetration issue is moot - and more are looking at it as being what it is, an internet myth. There aren't really "low penetration" rounds, they certainly won't be if they pass thru the same hole as the first, doors and windows typically won't affect them anyway. What is becoming clear is the homeowner needs to address what his shooting lanes are. And the very special insight of our VP about "shoot thru the door" does have an application - if you have identified the target and you slammed the door in their face, it can be done. Why then limit yourself to a bullet that barely makes it thru with low power and poor penetration? The intruder won't be limiting themself and will try - seems like a foolish tradeoff.

There is also a bit of sociological view - shotguns aren't considered a modern era firearm anymore. The gun market has become more divided, with traditional hunting firearms less popularly selected. The aren't all bad, but in a self defense role they are less preferred. We've seen a newer generation that considers modern sporting arms as the primary choice for self defense, not a bird and game gun.

What we've seen in a lot of posts over the last few years is more knowledge getting passed around. Those older shooters who would have scoffed at using the AR tried it - and were favorably impressed. Instead of issuing kneejerk pronouncements based on a perspective of what they prefer, they tried AR's and they found they did work as patiently explained by the younger generation who know them. I've seen this turnaround in the last four years over AR pistols - some experienced professionals who used to dog on them repeatedly as a toy for range use only now own one.

You CAN teach an old dog new tricks - if they are being intellectually honest. It's not something we tend to celebrate much in politics, but a shooter who considers another viewpoint and tries it tends to keep his audience.

Unlike Jim Zumbo.

It doesn't mean the AR or shotgun are the preferred firearm - the handgun still holds the top spot and for good reasons, all of which can't be done better by longer guns. You can wear the handgun in a holster on you around the house - where the long gun is an impediment. Plays off the Texas "Barbecue" gun theme, it's better done grilling with a 1911 than an AR or shotgun slung across your back. In home defense having a gun on you at all times is the more sure answer rather than retreating to a safe room for a long gun and the tactical issues that will need solving.

So, has the conversation changed, sure. More found that the old clichés of using one or the other, plus how you can configure them, has gone thru some learning cycles and the public is now making a different choice.
 
I own both an 18.5" 12 guage and a carbine-length AR. If I hear someone breaking down the front door, I plan on grabbing my Glock.
 
Either one will certainly fill the role nicely but I prefer my 12 guage...... Although, there might be less of a mess left behind with an AR.
 
I have carry pistols.

But for argument sake I do own shotguns and AR15s

I have a 20" 8shot 12ga that I would have had as plan B.

But I built a 10.5" AR pistol just for giggles, after running it through it's paces, the AR would now be plan B. No comparison really.

I've shot fleshy mammals with shotgun and a variety of .223. I'll take the .223 any day, especially in a maneuverable package such as a pistol.
 
While I have both ar rifles and pump shotguns, I prefer the shotgun for home defense use. I really enjoy shooting both, but feel the shotgun better suited to my needs. Also, while the shotgun would be loud indoors I can't imagine how loud that ar would be indoors. I don't plan on putting in hearing protection, if the firearm is needed.
 
if it wasn't for the many caliber choices in AR's I would be going for shotgun. I agree with the above, a shotgun is really loud, but a .223 makes my ears feel like they're bleeding, even outdoors. a shotgun isn't nearly as bad, at least perceived. that's the beauty of the .300 and now I use a 9mm AR with heavy bullets.
 
Targa,
The AR pistol instantly became the favorite in my collection.

I didn't think I'd be able to do more with it than fun. I didn't even think it'd be very accurate or easy to shoot... Bit was I wrong

I put a light on it and retired the shotgun
 
I really don't think it matters much. Pick one that you like, get good with it, and be realistic about your expectations with it.

My recommendation is a handgun first and then an AR15 or similar light rifle in .223. If you prefer a shotgun, use a shotgun. If you don't have a preference, I do recommend the AR for the reasons stated in the OP. Having one and the training and readiness to use it is more important in my opinion
 
Pumps are NOT more reliable. If you count a mis-pump as a jam, then they're worse. Autos don't have a mis-pump problem. If you're going to get a shotgun for home defense, get an auto. You pull the trigger and things keep happening until the ammo runs out. Pumps require your brain to switch gears and this requires training to do effectively in a panic situation. Autos ignore this.
An AR would make a fine home defense arm as well. We had a team of robbers come into our kitchen. An AK pointed at them solved the problem. AK...AR same effect.
I wish Chiappa didn't want so much for their three barrel shotgun. That thing is cool.
 
Have any of you fired a short barreled AR inside a house before? Shotguns are loud, nothing compared to an AR with a muzzle brake
 
There are many, many gun related topics where myths and legends have outweighed facts for a very long time. Stories get told and repeated as gospel with no proof that they are fact. I know I grew up reading and hearing certain "truths" about firearms from old timers and simply accepted them. I've since learned that many of them may have had an element of truth 50-60 years ago, but are no longer true. Many were never true in the 1st place.

I think the advent of the internet has allowed easy research. You Tube and otherinternet sites have allowed people to put certain facts to the test and share them. There are still a lot of people who simply won't let go of some of the legends and myths and they are still repeated on the internet. But it is also much easier to post links to studies and tests that PROVE the truth.
 
I own both an 18.5" 12 guage and a carbine-length AR. If I hear someone breaking down the front door, I plan on grabbing my Glock.
Click to expand...

There ya go..................

Folks who dream of house clearing..........:rolleyes:
You hunker down in a bedroom with the door locked, the muzzle pointed at the door and you are calling 911 - that is reality; firing any gun inside is going to damage your hearing (most likely permanently)
 
I'm a firm believer in a handgun as home defense. I used to shoot down any suggestion of using a long gun for home defense.

However, not everyone has the ability to get a handgun or they can't legally have one.
Also, someone may only be able to afford one firearm in their lifetime and want a long gun for recreation as well.

So I now answer the questions as asked.

I'm not wealthy but those of us who own more than one firearm are fortunate.

A good portion of my life I only had one firearm, and it was a long gun.

The reality is: if you don't have some kind of advanced warning, you won't get to use a firearm anyway.
Very few can spring from a deep sleep and have the cognitive function to employ a firearm anyway.... Therefor, get a dog first.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top