Home Defense: AR vs Shotgun

[Running man]

Had an argument over the effectiveness of birdshot of birdshot and the reasons for chosing it for in the home.

If you've never made the mistake of finishing goose up close, it's devistating when that quarter sized shot pattern hits at 5 to ten yards. Lucky for me it was 10 degrees and the mess was frozen for the trip home.

 

[carrerra1hz]

Hunting stories from the real world don’t always translate well to home defense, even if they look dramatic. I’ve seen what birdshot can do to game up close, and it can get pretty ugly under the right conditions. Inside your house, there are so many more factors to consider than just a clean shot in the field. You’ve got walls, strange angles, movement, and that adrenaline rush… all of that can change things quickly. For me, I’m more focused on what’s consistent and predictable when things go sideways, rather than what could happen in an ideal scenario. I just think it’s important to be honest about the trade-offs and not base the whole decision on a single experience, no matter how unforgettable it was.

 

[Shooter308]

As a Firearms instructor would recommend a shotgun with number 6 shot. Most in-home distance would be under 20-40 feet. Less penetration of walls vs 5.56, 7.62 or 9MM in carbine.

 

[A-300 Dave]

Interesting thread!! I have pondered the question of pistol/AR/Shotgun for home defense off/on for years. I personally think that each would be best in particular situations and we certainly wouldn't have any control over a developing situation; therefore, I keep all 3 readily available. A shotgun, at close range, is an eye opener - I have completely blown 6-7" trees, down at about 10', using 000 Buckshot!! Imagine being an intruder in a dark room and hearing a shotgun rack a shell - Be about the same as looking down and seeing a red dot on your chest- It's heart attack time!! Anyway, I'll stay tuned as I would like to read other views/experiences.