Guide to the Defensive Shotgun

Chances are that you grew up with a pump-action shotgun in your home. It was likely to be tucked behind a door. The scattergun is versatile, powerful, and easier to use than a pistol. It was popular in a time before AR-15s were common. Make sure to plug it back in before the next season! There are many misconceptions and gun shop lore that result from the shotgun’s prevalence. Many misconceptions about shotguns are based on how shot performs when hunting birds. You shouldn’t believe the rumors that shotguns are easy to aim, and can be used to hunt birds. It takes time to learn how to manage the gun’s limited ammo and the heavy recoil. You Don’t Have to Aim. The common misconception that scatterguns should be pointed in the direction of a threat is rooted in bird hunting, which involves firing hundreds of pellets at targets 25 yards away. The pattern is quite wide at that distance, even with the general sporting loads. Your shot pattern will be much tighter if you reduce the range to yards or feet. A shotgun is essential for aiming. They are not magic. A legally armed civilian should not use a firearm to intimidate by sight or sound; the act that you display the fact that you are armed is often a criminal offense. Is it possible that the sound of a shotgun being fired could send someone running? Maybe. Darryl Bolke, a retired law enforcement officer, of Hardwired Tactical, has shared multiple times that he heard the carjackers rack his 870 as he got out the car. Did that stop the carjackers from getting out of his car? They didn’t seem to be scared easily. Yes, anyone can use a shotgun. But also no. A shotgun can be dangerous because of the recoil and ergonomic issues. The majority of shotguns you see at your local gun shop are equipped with a stock that is better suited to hunting than for defensive purposes. Although they work well at a square range, the reach to rack the gun may be too long for hunting. Although the gun is not designed to be used in a specific way, it does allow you to add features that make it easier. Many people have used a hunting shotgun of any type, whether it be semi-auto, pump, or break-action, to defend their loved ones. A competition shotgun like the Mossberg 940 JM Pro is a step above granddad’s 28-inch dove gun in a defensive capacity. You will find a 22- to 24 inch barrel on most competitive shotguns, making it difficult to move inside structures if you are forced to leave safety. A Mossberg 590 Shockwave, or something similar, is another option. This is a shotgun that is specifically designed for defensive purposes. To make it easier for you to find a good defensive load, I would recommend a 12- or 20 gauge. Don’t forget about the off-gauges that bird hunters love. A 12 gauge gun is more readily available than ammunition, parts, and even the guns themselves. While a 20 gauge might be able to serve you well, it is not recommended. However, a lighter gun will absorb more recoil. Break-action shotguns can be less than ideal, especially when you consider that most home invasions involve only two or three people. Lever-action shotguns can be finicky at best. The semi-auto and the pump are the only options. However, each has its own pros and cons. Accessory are easy to find and a good deal can be had by trading in a used police vehicle. You can find accessories easily, and a good deal can be found by trading in a used police officer. Semi-autos can be finicky with ammo and are more expensive than manual pump actions. But, make sure you’re using it for the right reasons. A defensive gun should be purposeful; you can leave the fancy parts to your range toys.Replace The StockShorter-than-average humans like myself are well-served by replacing the stock on a shotgun intended for defensive. The stock’s length of pull allows me to run the action in any position I may find myself in. The Magpul SGA stock, which I have on almost every shotgun, has a sling attachment point and the ability to fit different cheek raisers. This is a nice side effect of the shorter stock. I have had to short-stroke the gun several times because the stock was too long. This is not something I want when I am defending against an aggressor. Although it is possible to short-stroke the gun when running fast, a shorter stock will not eliminate that possibility. Statistics show that most home invasions occur at night. There are many options to add illumination to your gun. These include a flashlight mount or a purpose-built forend with a built in light. Statistics show that most home invasions occur at night. While the SureFire’s 600 lumens are brighter, the Streamlight’s 1000 lumens is considerably brighter. However, there is a trade-off in build quality. Magpul M-Lok forends allow you to mount a traditional light without having to attach anything to your barrel or mag tube. A barrel clamp and a 1-inch flashlight may be your only options for lighting your shotgun. A tritium XS sight DXT Big Dot is the best option for you gun. You can go even further! You can go further than that. If you need a rugged mount for your shotty, then purpose-built products like the Scalarworks Sync or the Aridus Industries CROM Mount are great options. Slings, Safetyties and Small Enhancements Maybe. It all depends on your needs. There is no better sling than one that has fewer items. If I have to pick up a child or use both my hands, I might recommend a single-point model. A shotgun is best for defensive purposes. I prefer a cruiser-ready model. A side-saddle ammunition carrier, such a side-saddle carrier of ammo, is a must. They have a much smaller capacity than modern semi-auto pistols or mag-fed rifles, and often don’t retain shells well. They can also tangle easily and catch things, especially in the dark. You may feel that you need more ammunition than what a side-saddle hold can provide, so Velcro cards or an Aridus Industries quick detach carrier might be a good option. It’s up to you. This is your personal preference. You need to find a way to lock your shotgun so it’s easy to reach. There are many options available that will make it difficult for kids or thieves to gain access to your shotgun. The Hornady Rapid RFID wall lock is worth looking at, as well as the less expensive ShotLock which doesn’t rely upon newfangled RFID tags for unlocking it. A SnapSafe under-bed safe is worth considering, as well as a small gun locker in your bedroom. The shotgun is a great defensive tool that can also be used to put food on the table. A 12 gauge gun of some kind would be the best choice if I had to give up all my guns. Although it might not be the best concealed firearm, it is a good choice for all other purposes. You can set up your gun correctly, choose the right ammunition, and verify that it patterns well.