I've been thinking about getting a shotgun for home defense and could use some advice from those with real experience. I'm stuck between a 12-gauge and 20-gauge. I know the 12-gauge packs a punch, but I've heard the 20-gauge has less recoil, which might make it better for indoor use. What do you think?
I'm also curious about barrel length and stock setups. What features do you find crucial for home defense? Looking for reliable models or brands that have worked for you.
On top of that, how important is training? I've shot shotguns before but never anything serious. What kind of practice should I be doing to feel prepared?
You've heard some wivestales about 20 vs 12.
The 20 is typically in a lighter platform, and while the shell is smaller, recoil is NOT. Where 12 is a hard push, 20 is a sharp slap. If all I could have was a shotgun, im going straight for 12.
Carry over from over penetration is often a factor. an otherwise identical piece of buckshot traveling at about 1350 FPS has no cares about whether it came from a 12 or a 20. mass X velocity squared is the energy on that pellet on either side of the fence. the only terminal ballistic difference is the number of pellets. recoil and payload both tip the scales toward 12.
Now ... scan the store shelves for ammo.....
for any 1 given load offering you will find for 20g ... you will find no less than 6 similar in 12g. furthermore, many options in 12 aren't available in 20 at all.
From here on in, things are in limbo. With the passing of the BBB, taxes on SBR's and SBS's has been dropped to 0. However, pending new law suits, the NFA red tape remains. I'd not want the additional potential complications of an NFA weapon in a shooting. If the GOA is successful, my current 20" riot gun may be bested by something currently NFA regulated. At the time I got my 500a, my primary concern was external patrol rather than internal engagement.
even now, I consider a situation that has progressed to being inside my home a tactical failure. Yard intercept is still preferred. House clearing is exceedingly difficult.
As for indoor engagements, Something like an MP5SD would be my choice pending the outcome of current legal battles. 124 grain flying ashtrays with a suppressor in such a compact package is hard to beat in overall concept. But, we may be headed into uncharted territory very soon, where other options might be explored.
Live training is very difficult to facilitate. Back in WI my friends and I used to have a blast setting up various courses and kill houses. Good luck finding a range that'll cater to the kind of fire and movement practice you need in reality.
