Home Defense: AR vs Shotgun

GA Firing Line

Bypass

Arrrgghh!!! I'm a pirate.
Mar 25, 2015
754
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113
Chatsworth, Georgia
Zip code
30705
I prefer a shotgun in most situations at home but if I ever have to shoot over or around someone I am going to wish I had a AR.
 

Cudruln

Turning dollars into pennies.
Lifetime Supporter
Jul 5, 2015
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Rockmart, GA
Zip code
30153
I like my odds with the shotgun for HD. Plus the woman knows how to operate it better than the ar
 
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PewPewPewCo

Sniper
Mar 23, 2015
2,139
1,075
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Georgia
A shotgun will make about 6-7 one to two inch wide holes when the mag is empty.

An AR will make 30 holes.

The shotgun spread just isn't enough in the size of a home for me. While very fatal, I'd rather have more high velocity rounds which carry great wounding power as well.
 

DarthVader

Marksman
Mar 25, 2015
1,175
390
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Henry County
Zip code
30253
Considering over penetration, the AR, loaded with an OTM bullet like Mk 262 poses less risk while also being highly effective on target.
 

PewPewPewCo

Sniper
Mar 23, 2015
2,139
1,075
113
Georgia
Considering over penetration, the AR, loaded with an OTM bullet like Mk 262 poses less risk while also being highly effective on target.
556 is one of the best rounds for home use as it penetrates through walls much less than even 9mm. Even m885 was shown to stop shorter. Shotguns are how you like the guy on the other side of the door, or how you Pistorious your wife.
 
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Hayata

Blam-blam-blam-blam-blam-blam-blam-blam-PING!
Kalash Klub
Lifetime Supporter
Jul 5, 2015
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Both?

Oh, and it's really moot.

Just the click-clack of racking a pump shotgun has clinically been proven to make perps poop their pants and run screaming into the next county.
 

Olchevy

Woodsman
Aug 11, 2015
142
38
43
Spalding, GA
Zip code
30205
Everyone is making very good points.

Personally I have a Glock 21 with a surefire x300 on my night stand, because it's what I'm most comfortable with and I feel the ability to clear corners without running the risk of someone grabbing a barrel is better.

I'm not a professional, I'm not a soldier, I have never been trained in how to clear rooms, but when I did dry runs in my house one day while no one was home I found I moved much easier with a handgun than I did a rifle and for sure more than the shotgun, and since I am more familiar with the handgun, I point it more naturally in the dark when you can't always see your sights.