I have removed the shotgun entry that states home defense experts insist upon a shotgun for home defense.
1) Respected names in the field of Firearms Expertise and Training including James Yeager, Chris Costa, and Travis Halley, all recommend something besides a shotgun. Those wishing to learn more are advised to plug any of those names into Youtube for a great deal of information.
2) The idea that a shotgun will not over-penetrate walls and barriers is a myth perpetuated by people who don't know what they are talking about. There is no load you can put in a shotgun that will cause death or incapacitating injury to a person that will not also penetrate walls and furniture.
3) The psychological effect of a shotgun cock is DRAMATICALLY over-stated in books, movies, and TV. Second most competent individuals actually advise against cocking the gun to intimidate, as the sound announces your presence, and location.
4) A two-handed firearm is easier for an aggressor to take from the wielder.
5) A low-mass / high-velocity bullet like the 5.56 / .223 from an AR-15 tends to fragment when it hits things and is thus a far superior choice for people concerned about over-penetration.
6) Individuals such as Chris Costa recommend handguns for home defense, namely because they are harder for an aggressor to take away (less gun for them to grip and wrestle with you); and they leave a hand free for you to do things like herd your spouse/children to a safe place and hold a phone to call for law enforcement.
Shotgun Entry
I have removed the shotgun entry that states home defense experts insist upon a shotgun for home defense.
1) Respected names in the field of Firearms Expertise and Training including James Yeager, Chris Costa, and Travis Halley, all recommend something besides a shotgun. Those wishing to learn more are advised to plug any of those names into Youtube for a great deal of information.
2) The idea that a shotgun will not over-penetrate walls and barriers is a myth perpetuated by people who don't know what they are talking about. There is no load you can put in a shotgun that will cause death or incapacitating injury to a person that will not also penetrate walls and furniture.
3) The psychological effect of a shotgun cock is DRAMATICALLY over-stated in books, movies, and TV. Second most competent individuals actually advise against cocking the gun to intimidate, as the sound announces your presence, and location.
4) A two-handed firearm is easier for an aggressor to take from the wielder.
5) A low-mass / high-velocity bullet like the 5.56 / .223 from an AR-15 tends to fragment when it hits things and is thus a far superior choice for people concerned about over-penetration.
6) Individuals such as Chris Costa recommend handguns for home defense, namely because they are harder for an aggressor to take away (less gun for them to grip and wrestle with you); and they leave a hand free for you to do things like herd your spouse/children to a safe place and hold a phone to call for law enforcement.