*** Right, but this thread isn't about your shotgun training classes.I’m not going to hash out another Shotgun vs Carbine/Rifle thread on ODT. that’s been done, ad nauseam.
** Well, it hasn't been done lately, has it? And the OP of this thread started off with a video about tactical shotguns, so that naturally invites a comparison to other defensive weapons like carbines ***
To me, the biggest versatility of a shotgun is the wide array of ammunition that can be used. For use inside a domestic structure, most of the preferred loads ....
*** I'm not a SWAT cop. I'm a guy who wants the power and intimidation factor, and instinctive pointability of a long gun over a handgun in the role of defending my home. And, I should add, my property and my rather large yard which is about 120 yards across. With that in mind, will I be really carrying a bunch of different kinds ammo on my body in my pockets or on the side saddle ammo carrier on my weapon? I don't think so. Like most people if I have a shotgun for defense I'm going to load it with one load the best load I think will suit my envisioned use. if I choose, let's say, #2 buckshot for my defenseive load, I'm going to have only number 2 buckshot in it --maybe I'll have a couple of slugs in the side saddle ammo rack but that's it.
I won't be carrying birdshot or buck-N-ball, or dragons breath, or flechette, or bolo rounds. No flash-bangs, nor door-breaching powdered lead slugs . No rubber bullets ,tear gas shells, or any other less-lethal cartridges either.***
...will exhibit way less penetration than anything fired from a rifle, frangible or not. Frangible rounds have to hit something harder than they are in order to sinter. On typical domestic construction materials, and humans, they act like a FMJ.
**** Aren't there varmint and predator rounds, with rapidly expanding hunting bullets (as well as tactical bullets) made for 308 caliber rifles? Don't these bullets tend to fragment and break apart when they hit ballistic gelatin or meat? If "frangible bullets" are not the right product, what about a traditional cup-and-core jacketed soft point or ballistic tip bullet made with pure soft lead in the core for very rapid expansion? ****
As to that ammo versatility, I can switch loads to a slug and engage at 100yds+.
*** Yes, but how long does that take compared to just shooting back with a carbine and the ammo you've already got chambered? If bad guys have kidnapped your daughter and are hustling her across your yard toward a waiting getaway van at the curb 80 yards distant, do you want to take the time to switch ammo and if you do will they already be in that van with the doors closed by the time you reshoulder that weapon with the slug round loaded? ***
Don’t compare apples to rocks. In a home defense situation, you don’t need 400yd capability.
**** True dat. But the ability to take a head shot with a hostage (maybe your spouse or child) right next to the bad guy would be very welcome and not completely unrealistic for many violent crimes or bad guys hold innocent people at gun point or hold them physically. Even at 50 yards, a precise rescue shot is better done with a rifle or carbine than the shotgun. ****
A Rem870 is a better firearm than an M14 to fight inside my home with. The M14 is a better firearm to fight from ridgeline to ridgeline with.
For home defense, I will make the argument that 20+ round magazines and the ability to reload quickly is superfluous. This ain’t Hollywood and 8 Russians aren’t going to kick in your door.
Run what you wanna run.
My shotgun classes are not an espousal of the shotgun over any other system, it is simply training for those that have chosen the shotgun.
It is abouvt what attrubutes shotguns have that apply to the home defense role.***