Just out of intrest, How old will your kid be when you teach him how to handle guns and shoot them. Guy started teaching his kids when they were 5. First with .22 rifle then moving on. You think about the same?
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Shotgun Question
- Thread starter Spoiled Grape
- Start date
Just out of intrest, How old will your kid be when you teach him how to handle guns and shoot them. Guy started teaching his kids when they were 5. First with .22 rifle then moving on. You think about the same?
I'll probably do it like my dad did, I'll teach them to shoot a bb gun when they are 4...probably closer to 5. I dont know if i'll throw a .22 at em until they get a couple years older though.
Shotguns are for close quarters and small game, I don't know where your getting your shotgun stuff from but if your outside and they are 100 ft away, all you going to do is make them mad. The military has used them for trench fighting and jungle fighting and I've seen them used to guard prisoners. It's the same ammo.Couple of years ago I remember a psycho busting in a house with a shotgun and shooting the man in the head......Result:No heads.
If they are weak as you say,is it the same for military shotguns?They are supposed to tear apart you know.
If it helps...i had my own shotgun that i was allowed to keep in my room when i was 8 years old. It was a ducks unlimited winchester wingmaster youth model. By that time i knew not to mess with it unless we were taking it somewhere.
Thanks for the info,I knew shotguns are CQB weapons but I tought they were lot more powerful.I saw soldiers with Remingtons in the 'Nam or in the trenches of the WWII thats why I asked.
They can be, depending on the load. B2B had few posts about the shotgun he used.
A shotgun is great for home defense, in my opinion if a person comes into your home with a firearm than they are too dangerous to face without a firearm, thus a shotgun would make the situation more even, pertaining to children they make alot of quick disconnect trigger locks with keys that would keep children from harming themselves or otherwise keep it unloaded, at close range a shotgun could be devastating but the farther you go the less likely you are going to harm somebody, a typical scenarion for a hunter is about 75 yards kill but that is with buckshot which is heavier than anything you would be using in your home. Classes on home defense are probably your best option before buying a Gun at all.
It sounds bad, but actually if someone breaks into your house and you shoot them, it's actually better to kill them.
"I just freaked out and kept pulling the trigger officer."
Otherwise with our screwed up legal system you will be paying medical bills, and the crook/rapist/killer will sue you. Or worse he comes back for revenge, and now knows that you are armed.
If he's dead and you shot him AFTER he broke in and not while he was running down the street or something, then the cops will call it self defense and close the case.
O yea, a shot gun for home defense is a bad idea IMO. More easily taken away and more chance of hitting somone else.
If you've never had a gun before get a revolver with no safety. Then if you have to use it you won't pull it out and find it's locked.
Even an old 38 is big weapon and will still intimidate someone.
You can't count on the noise or the look of a gun to scare someone off though, crooks are stupid in the first place and probably looking for drug money.
I'll second the guy that said don't ever pull a gun unless you intend to use it, otherwise it could end up pointed at you.
O yea, and don't ever point a gun on someones chest or back, that just tells them where to grab for the gun.
Do like a cop, "Stay there, turn around, down on your knees, lay flat." then you put your foot on the back of his kneck while your girlfriend calls the cops.
That's of course unless you've shot the crook like I would.
"I just freaked out and kept pulling the trigger officer."
Otherwise with our screwed up legal system you will be paying medical bills, and the crook/rapist/killer will sue you. Or worse he comes back for revenge, and now knows that you are armed.
If he's dead and you shot him AFTER he broke in and not while he was running down the street or something, then the cops will call it self defense and close the case.
O yea, a shot gun for home defense is a bad idea IMO. More easily taken away and more chance of hitting somone else.
If you've never had a gun before get a revolver with no safety. Then if you have to use it you won't pull it out and find it's locked.
Even an old 38 is big weapon and will still intimidate someone.
You can't count on the noise or the look of a gun to scare someone off though, crooks are stupid in the first place and probably looking for drug money.
I'll second the guy that said don't ever pull a gun unless you intend to use it, otherwise it could end up pointed at you.
O yea, and don't ever point a gun on someones chest or back, that just tells them where to grab for the gun.
Do like a cop, "Stay there, turn around, down on your knees, lay flat." then you put your foot on the back of his kneck while your girlfriend calls the cops.
That's of course unless you've shot the crook like I would.
Alright, I gotta jump in here.
On the misconception that a shotgun has a wide spread when it comes to it's pattern. A typical 18" cylinder bore (the bore that will produce the widest pattern) 12ga using 00 buckshot will have an average spread of 8"-10" at 25 yards. The closer the range, the tigher the pattern. What that implies is that a shotgun is not just a "point-n-shoot" kind of weapon. You definately need to train and know your weapon.
It was mentioned earlier that it might be a good idea to use a slug for home defense. I admit that if you hit the bad guy it will be more than enough to stop him. The operative word there is if. In stressful, panic, life and death situations you might not be able to make sure you have the time to aim properly there by reducing your chances of a hit. OK, now you missed but managed to scare him off or hit him with a second shot. Great. Oops, that missed shot went into your neighbors house and killed a 5yo kid. Guess who is now in deep trouble? Slugs are not appropriate for home defense unless you live in the middle of nowhere and live alone IMO. Too much liabilty.
As to wanting to not kill an intruder, if you shoot him, you better hope he dies. If not, be prepared to have a lawsuit brought against you that more than likely the scum bag will win. If you don't believe me, do the research. You will find many instances where this very thing happened when the perp lived. Sad but true.
Also, pump shotguns tend to me more reliable than their auto counterparts for reasons already mentioned (ammo versatility). I would recommend a Remington 870 or a Mossberg 500. They are two of the best shotguns out there and both have huge aftermarket support.
To the OP, if you are really serious about learning more, check out and read the info on the following sites as they give a wealth of info that is scientific and/or just practical:
http://www.firearmstactical.com/
Invalid Link Removed
On the misconception that a shotgun has a wide spread when it comes to it's pattern. A typical 18" cylinder bore (the bore that will produce the widest pattern) 12ga using 00 buckshot will have an average spread of 8"-10" at 25 yards. The closer the range, the tigher the pattern. What that implies is that a shotgun is not just a "point-n-shoot" kind of weapon. You definately need to train and know your weapon.
It was mentioned earlier that it might be a good idea to use a slug for home defense. I admit that if you hit the bad guy it will be more than enough to stop him. The operative word there is if. In stressful, panic, life and death situations you might not be able to make sure you have the time to aim properly there by reducing your chances of a hit. OK, now you missed but managed to scare him off or hit him with a second shot. Great. Oops, that missed shot went into your neighbors house and killed a 5yo kid. Guess who is now in deep trouble? Slugs are not appropriate for home defense unless you live in the middle of nowhere and live alone IMO. Too much liabilty.
As to wanting to not kill an intruder, if you shoot him, you better hope he dies. If not, be prepared to have a lawsuit brought against you that more than likely the scum bag will win. If you don't believe me, do the research. You will find many instances where this very thing happened when the perp lived. Sad but true.
Also, pump shotguns tend to me more reliable than their auto counterparts for reasons already mentioned (ammo versatility). I would recommend a Remington 870 or a Mossberg 500. They are two of the best shotguns out there and both have huge aftermarket support.
To the OP, if you are really serious about learning more, check out and read the info on the following sites as they give a wealth of info that is scientific and/or just practical:
http://www.firearmstactical.com/
Invalid Link Removed
Something like this is Ideal if legal in your state.
Slugs can go thru walls and kill unintended victims and you have to hit the person , shot(buck shot) on the other hand will take someone out if pointed in the their general direction and is less likely to penetrate walls and doors killing people like your sleeping family.
Thanks much for the responses guys!
Most people are pointing at the shotgun, with a few going for handguns. I think me and the fiance will visit the local gun shop and ask around for home defense classes.
By the way, if I pull the gun out for self defense in my home, it will be used. I don't intend on the pump as the only defense, but rather, maybe a slight hope that they'll just decide to book it.
I think the best bet is for me and the lady to go to a few classes, visit a few gun shops, and figure out what will be best. It might end up being a handgun. We are trying to get her brother to rent a room in our house when we buy next year. That way, there will be two people in the house while I'm out for tour, and she will feel much more safe.
Once again, thanks for the responses and keeping this thread on track, I appreciate it.
Most people are pointing at the shotgun, with a few going for handguns. I think me and the fiance will visit the local gun shop and ask around for home defense classes.
By the way, if I pull the gun out for self defense in my home, it will be used. I don't intend on the pump as the only defense, but rather, maybe a slight hope that they'll just decide to book it.
I think the best bet is for me and the lady to go to a few classes, visit a few gun shops, and figure out what will be best. It might end up being a handgun. We are trying to get her brother to rent a room in our house when we buy next year. That way, there will be two people in the house while I'm out for tour, and she will feel much more safe.
Once again, thanks for the responses and keeping this thread on track, I appreciate it.
Just remember that while lead shot is cheaper and more practical, for environmental reasons you should use steel shot if you are shooting at intruders in delicate wet land areas
Very well said!!
I would buy a reliable pump gun (Rem 870) in 12 guage. Take the wife or girlfriend to the range with a variety of loads and paper silhouette targets. Start out with some low brass loads and work up from there. My wife and daugher both shoot magnum turkey loads, no problem. It just takes a bit to get used to with the right technique. Besides, in a stressfull situation, it wont make any difference!! Of all the ammo for home defence, I like the duplex turkey loads. IMHO, they are the best ballance between spread and range for home defense and I've shot a TON of shotgun ammo!! Slugs require too much accuracy for home defence, low light shooting. Also, the sound of a cocking shotgun is more likely to get you killed than scare away a home invader. Once you grab your gun to protect your home and family, it should be ready to rock and roll, safety off, trigger finger up on the reciever!!!!
My favorite is the Mossberg 500. It is the Jazz bass of shotguns. You can exchange almost every part of it. to start you can make it a tactical weapon. (the pic was posted about 3 or 4 posts before) to a deer hunting slug gun. A 12 gauge with light load can easily be handled by your girlfriend. Get some training and remember that if you want to scare then be prepared to fire!!!!
The second choice has been mentioned and it is the Remington 870. It is the most sold shotgun in the world with over 7 million sold.
OR get a Taser
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
The second choice has been mentioned and it is the Remington 870. It is the most sold shotgun in the world with over 7 million sold.
OR get a Taser
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Don't bring a Taser to a gunfight! They are great for Cops to use for someone unarmed, resisting arrest. I would hate to meet an armed home invader with one!! You get one shot at short range. You would be better off whacking someone with a frying pan 
nope not trolling, that was my input on the whole subject ;-p i sigh at the fact that in america shotguns are now considered home protection. I'm not getting political like asked but i had to state my sigh and allow people to assume that i think this is such a silly topic
Exactly. You'd be surprised at how LITTLE spread there is at inside-the-home distances. Just a few inches. It's a very effective home-defense weapon though, IMO. I think not having a huge spread is a good thing. You need some control.
After you get it, take it out where you can shoot somewhere and shoot at a target at short distances to get an idea of the spread.
Something like this is Ideal if legal in your state.
I think that design is LESS than ideal. Especially for a woman. There is very little control shooting like that with no shoulder stock and it doesn't exactly feel good on the wrist.
I would suggest a 20 gauge with either a standard shoulder stock or a shoulder stock/pistol grip combo. 20 gauge is going to be almost as devestating as 12 with less kick. This is a good thing. Remington makes a basic 870 Express youth model in 20 gauge that is a great, compact out-of-the-box home defense gun. Should run less than $300. That would be my first choice as I've had a lot of experience with the 870 Express (in 12 gauge) and it has never failed me through killing all kinds of game through rain, mud and all kinds of filth. Never a stutter, dead reliable. I've heard the same from lots of other 870 owners.
My wife will shoot the 12 gauge and she does every once in a while to keep herself familiar with it but she sure doesn't enjoy it! Doesn't really bother me. I guess because I've shot it so much. 20 gauge is hard to beat for a good powergun that is lady-friendly.
Barring the 870 Express I'd go with a smaller 20 gauge with 18 to 20 inch barrel and some kind of shoulder stock. Mossbergs are pretty cheap too.
bc
