There are quite a few reasons why gun experts agree that a shotgun is the best firearm for home defense. For one reason, the sound that a shotgun makes when you pump it is a huge deterrent when an intruder hears it. They will know immediately that you are armed with a powerful weapon that casts a fairly wide shot range up close. So you don’t even have to be an expert shooter to hit your mark. Let’s look at 5 other reasons why you need a shotgun as the ultimate home defender.
Reason #1: They Can Be an Inexpensive Weapon
You can buy an inexpensive pump-action shotgun for way less than many other types of guns. So if you are on a budget, this is the gun to own first. The average cost of a decent shot gun is around $350. Check out the Winchester SXP Defender for one in that price range. The Benelli M4 is another excellent option, but it costs quite a bit more at $1700. For something right between those two choices, try the Mossberg 930 JM Pro at $750.
Reason #2: Ease of Use
As a first time gun owner, it’s pretty easy to learn how to operate a shotgun. Take some classes at your local shooting range to become comfortable with your firearm. They are very reliable and a snap to use but you still want to get some expert training on using it the right way. With four points of contact, the cheek, shooting hand, supporting hand, and shoulder, you can get more stability with using this style of gun than some others.
Reason #3: The Shotgun Is Legal in Most States
A defensive shotgun is legal anywhere you go in the United States. So that way if you move to another state, you don’t have to worry about your home defense weapon being illegal to own.
Reason #4: The Power
A 12-gauge shotgun has some amazing fire power, especially at close range. In any home invasion scenario, unless you live in a gigantic mansion, you’re going to be pretty close to the intruder with your firearm when you end up in the same room. The site of you holding a shotgun is a powerful thing to behold and will probably scare the bejeezus out of the criminal who made the mistake of entering your home.
Reason #5: Requires Little Maintenance
A properly cleaned and maintained shotgun is not likely to malfunction. It doesn’t require much other than cleaning it every 200 rounds. Your pump-action or double-barrel shotgun will need the least amount of maintenance compared to other guns.
I totally agree with the shotgun theory. However, though I use a .12 Gage, I feel the .410 is best for home protection in many cases. Lower recoil, short range. Nearly anyone can use one.
R C is totally correct that the 410 is lower on recoil, distance ? a 410 can use 45 caliber bullets, lets have some fun with a smooth bore slug
NOT TRUE!!!! a .45 will chamber, but the bore of a .410 is just that- .410. And, obviously, a .45 is right at .45. The pressure from the bullet can/will explode in the barrel, and can cause some major damage to not only the gun, but the shooter!
Stick with ammo manufactured for your weapon!
RC is right; I have a 12, a 20 and a .410 but like my 20 at my age.
With most shotguns, the barrel is too long to wield in a closed room, unless you
have one of the old Remington 1100s with the 21inch barrel! I do !!!
AS alternative look at the S&W Governor or the Taurus Judge !
Well…. with a bit of careful work, the barrel can be modified… My double-barrel that I inherited from my Dad is no longer a pheasant gun, not with a legal cut down to 18.5″ barrel. Shoots 20-25′ just fine.
I own a Mossberg 500 410 pistol grip great for home defense. I use 2.5″ shells with mine. Great shotgun.
My Mossberg Shockwave 12 gauge is very easy to maneuver and with 1 3/4″ minishells, offers plenty of firepower. The sound of the action when you pump a shell into the chamber hopefully is enough of a deterrent, but its good to have the firepower when you need it.