Home protection shotgun vs. handgun

[Flashpoint]

I don' t really know where to put this handgun or shotgun it will prob get moved. Anyway. I was at another forum were a guy, new to handguns, wanted to get a handgun for home protection and was asking help deciding between two guns. I gave him my .02 worth on the choices and then asked if it was for strictly home security why not consider a shotgun. He later wrote a page on the inadequacies, impraticalities, and inconvienance of a shot gun vs. a handgun. So what do you guys and gals think?

 

[Stabby]

Definately shotgun for HD.

More intimidating looking and sounding. Less worry of penetration and killing a neighbor. Can be used as a club.

 

[Azrael256]

I say handgun for three reasons. First of all, my mother can't wield my shotgun. It's too heavy for her to manage. Second, my house has a long hallway leading to the bedrooms, which greatly limits maneuverability, so something that is FAR longer than the width of the hallway is pretty much out. Third, mom's china cabinet is against the wall opposite the hallway. A .38 SWCHP might bust the glass and one plate if we miss, but 00 buck would really tear it up, and I fear mom much more than anybody breaking into my house. I suppose that one of those shorter tactical type shotguns might work ok in the limited space, but again, mom couldn't manage it. I think it really comes down to what weapon you can effectively use in your house, and for me, that means a handgun.

 

[CGofMP]

Hnadgun if I am going to be moving around from room to room at all. If I am going to stay put and point the gun at the door I'll go with the shotgun.

Handgun is far more manouverable in my opinion.

In eaither case GET REAL TRAINING from someone that knows his stuff.

Charles

 

[Sylvilagus Aquaticus]

Shotgun.

1). I'm not worried about the sound of a racking slide giving away my position to an intruder because all the dogs are going to be making more noise than I will while they put up a distraction while playing with their newly delivered chew toy as I'm looking for my slippers.

2). Whatever needs to be fired upon will be more efficiently fired upon with buck than a single pill, no matter how many you can poot down the pipe.

3). It just makes so much wonderful noise and flame when it goes off in a dark, enclosed space. Even if you miss with the first round (but of course, how could you?) the followup promises to be that much more exciting for the guest of honor.


/tongue removed from cheek, but the sentiments are realistic.

Regards,
Rabbit.

 

[roscoe]

handgun - it is much easier to use with one hand (opening doors, cycling the action), which might be vital in a house, plus it is much tougher for a baddie to grab. Just use a decent caliber.

 

[Ala Dan]

While I Use Both, I Voted For-

SHOTGUN

While not as portable as a handgun; it does offer more
BANG for the buck! Also, its great for dealing with more
than one adversary.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Dorrin79]

Shottie all the way...

The only drawback is the recoil and size, which may not be appropriate for all age groups and differently sized persons.

 

[BogBabe]

If it were a choice in the poll, I would vote "Have at least one of each available."

Then you've got options depending on the nature of the situation.

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

I couldn't vote...

You don't have a catagory for "both".
I have a Glock on my side of the bed, my wife has a double barrel 12 ga. on HER side of the bed.<shrug>

KR

 

[CZ 75 BD]

Both

as was posted earlier on another thread, the HG to cover yourself as you go for the SG

 

[RustyHammer]

Revolver ... then shotgun.

 

[Topgun]

Revolver, good hidey hole, telephone.

After all the testosterone is used, you get to talk to the DA and the lawyers.

The best defense is a good defense lawyer once you shoot someone.

Sorry, but that's the truth.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I'm sure shotguns make more sense, but I keep revolvers handy and loaded. I have a great deal more confidence in my ability to hit targets with revolvers than shotguns.

 

[Bonker]

I voted shotgun but the real answer is whatever you are most comfortable with.
I keep my GP-100 near the bed. I'm not 100% sure I could work a safety and rack a slide properly in the dark, half asleep, in a panic and I've been shooting my Mossberg 500 since I was a little kid.
But I know I can pull a trigger 6 times

 

[meathammer]

For me personally, I would take a shotgun over any handgun for home defense. Preferably have both.

 

[556A2]

Handgun for me, more manuverable, and more training in it. Plus, I don't have a shotgun, but would still prefer a handgun.

 

[hutch24]

Right now I use a handgun for HD, mainly because I have more training with it than I do with a SG. I think the key here is training, which weapon are you more proficent with.

 

[Jeeper]

Hanguns really arent that efective of a weapon. Especially if the intruder is doped up. A shotgun on the other hand is rather effective.

 

[Croyance]

I voted shotgun, on the theory that I am not clearing the house.
I am interested in hearing his arguements against the shotgun.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

Depends on a number of factors: where you live, who's in your household and how well you can handle the firearm. For me, it's my Beretta all the way. If I lived in a more remote area -- the shotgun....assuming I could use it.

 

[SteveS]

I wouldn't fault anyone for going with a shotgun, but in my situation, a pistol is a better choice. My wife is uncomfortable with the recoil of a shotgun and is more willing to practice with a pistol.

Another concern is that we have children and it easier and more practical to secure a pistol (minivault) than a long gun. When we move, I'd like to get a gun safe intalled in the closet. Then I would probably use my AR carbine.

 

[Logistar]

Also, its great for dealing with more than one adversary

Hmmm. One of the reasons that I chose HANDGUN was because I thought the handgun would be better for multiple targets.

I guess my idea of shotgun defense is: "BOOM! oops, I didn't know there were three of you. Would you hang on a sec while I load another round?"

So are you guys talking about semi-auto shotguns for HD or maybe you intend to blast all 2 or 3 perps with a single massive blast????? I have been wondering about this for a while.

Logistar

 

[Gunhead]

After extensive shooting a baby like this it's definitely the shotgun... Suprisingly manageable and accurate.

 

[blades67]

I keep both handy, but I voted for a handgun because "She Who Must Be Obeyed" is capable with a handgun, but not with the shotgun.