Do you have any need for a shotgun or is the carbine superior in your mind?

[Girodin]

and outside of a dedicated training course I don't see many ways that I would get that experience.

I don't know what kind of access you have to it, but shooting jackrabbits is a fun way to get better at hitting small fast moving targets with a rifle. It of course doesn't require all the other skill sets one would want for defensive use of a rifle. However, it is a fun way to work on hitting moving targets.

 

[BLB68]

Simple choice for me. I have zero experience with shotguns. I've got plenty with rifles/carbines from the military.

So, while the shotgun is a fine weapon for many uses, and I'd eventually like to become proficient with one, economics dictate the carbine.

 

[guyfromohio]

Of course I still have shotguns for hunting and clays, but my AR has replaced the tactical shotgun for if that moment should arise. Up until a month ago, I was convinced that a 12 and a belt full of 00 was the answer.

 

[GEM]

Here's a nice brief analysis.

http://www.krtraining.com/KRTraining/Classes/deflonggun.html

I've trained with both and will go the carbine for the first HD long arm.

 

[DanMar757]

Pretty good analysis of the 1986 Miami FBI shoot out and follow-up discussion on the firefight and its aftermath with the agents involved in the bottom three videos at this site:

http://www.gardenstatecle.com/lawtube/copflix/shootouts.html

Of particular relevance to this discussion is the statement by SA Manuzzi on the minimal effects of repeated shotgun blasts at short range against the bad guys and the overwhelming firepower that just one bad guy (PLatt) armed with a carbine (mini 14) brought to the fight. Manuzzi describes the psychological affect of facing the carbine. Another side take-away is his description of adapting to one-handed use of the pump shotgun & staying in the fight even if gravely wounded. This incident significantly changed the tactics and weapons choices made by many law enforcement organizations, not necessarily replacing the shotgun, but augmenting it with carbines and higher capacity handguns for those times when a little more firepower is needed.

Bottom line, I prefer the carbine, but keep a shotgun handy as well.

 

[nccavediver]

I have both and am confident with both. The rifles stay in the cabinet. The shotgun loaded with OO stays leaned up against wall in the bedroom.

 

[rodinal220]

A good carbine costs a lot more than a decent shotgun.A good used Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 can be had for a fraction of the cost of a quality AR-15 or other 5.56 carbine platform. For most HD scenarios you do not need a $1k+ weapon.
The carbine offers the most flexibility and can do a lot,but a good scattergun for HD covers most bases.

 

[GregC]

I go with a carbine. The wife is intimidated by a shotgun recoil and refuses to practice with one. She will, however, use and practice with an AR. Enough studies show a 55 gr round going through fewer layers of Sheetrock than a 12ga with 00 buck. That said, the shotgun is relegated to hunting and busting clays.

 

[RoboDuck]

I live in a rural area with no neighbors. There is no concern about penetration of walls . If I have a need go to the barn or storage buildings at night I go with an AR and stick an extra mag in my back pocket.