by Hugh Arthur

Created on: May 24, 2007   Last Updated: November 04, 2008

As a police officer I am often asked my opinion about what makes the best home defense firearm. My response is unfailingly the 12ga pump shotgun. This sometimes surprises people because they assume a pistol would be a more reasonable choice. Here are my reasons why the shotgun is superior.

The object of home defense using a firearm is to stop the aggressor, whether by frightening them away using the threat of force, or (when lawfully warranted) using said force against them. The pump shotgun wins on both counts. There is nothing quite like the sound of a pump shotgun chambering a live round. It is instantly recognizable by virtually everyone as an implied, serious threat - in fact, there is no doubt whatsoever about what just happened. Furthermore, although most gun barrels look big when you are staring down their business end, a shotgun looks more like a cannon. This combination of visual and audio intimidation is a strong motivating factor.

When used offensively, the shotgun is unequaled as a close quarters weapon. This brings up another issue: discharging a firearm in your home. Most residences have thin, sheet rock or plaster walls. Pistol ammunition is generally designed for superior penetration and range when compared to shotgun ammunition. This means that the shotgun, when properly equipped, is less likely to result in collateral damage if you miss your target. In any event, you should make every effort to be conscious of what lies beyond your target before you shoot.

There is a common misconception about shotguns you should be aware of when using one for home defense. Contrary to Hollywood special effects, in a typical living room the pellet pattern of a shotgun will not expand very much. For example if there are two aggressors you will not be able to hit them both with the same shot (barring blind luck); you will have to select a target. This means you cannot simply close your eyes and hope for the best. You have to aim, just as you would any other weapon. So I would not recommend you just shoot from the hip if you are inexperienced.

In terms of firepower, I will give you some simple facts and let you judge for yourself. Generally, a 9mm handgun fires one .38 inch diameter bullet at about 1300 feet per second. A standard 12ga, 2-3/4 inch shotgun shell loaded with #4 buckshot fires twenty-seven .25 inch diameter pellets, also at about 1300 feet per second. Shotgun pellets are less aerodynamic than pistol bullets and do not have the same level of penetration

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>