How to Select the Right Home Defense Shotgun

If you were to select one weapon for home defense, it ought to definitely be a twelve gauge shotgun.

Regardless of how intimidating, powerful, or fast-acting your rifle or pistol might be, shotguns will always be infinitely more lethal round for round, especially if you're using the buckshot method of self defense. Not only will a twelve gauge shotgun easily and quickly kill an intruder, but it'll also reliably kill a human being if you happen to fire multiple shots. Read on for more information about how the quality twelve gauge shotgun works when defending yourself.

Most home defense shotguns fire between one and three pellets with a steel core. Common loads consist of one ounce of slugs or one ounce of shot. There are loads that are specifically made for use in handguns which, while effective, are not really recommended for use in home defense.

The most popular type of shotgun used in home defense is the repeating shotguns. These shotguns shoot up to five balls at a time and will consistently hit the target per round, providing the added measure of surprise. Some models have sights that enable them to shoot more slugs at once. Repeating shotguns can be reloaded with shot after shot; much like a fully automatic firearm, only it's done without the need for manual reloading.

Some models of shotgun can even be loaded more than one shot at a time. A particularly popular type of this type of home defense weapon is the portable, but effective Laredo tactical shotgun. The Laredo shotgun, which was designed by a prominent Texas weapons manufacturer, features an easily maintained spring tube magazine as well as a heavy duty bolt that lock up to keep it secure. This shotgun comes with both a drum and a magazine tube. It can handle slugs and shot after shot, making it a perfect choice when facing an attacker.

Pump action shotguns are another popular home defense option. Although they're more expensive than semi-auto, pump action shotguns offer better portability and versatility. These shotguns require an appropriate sized gas cartridge in order to operate. They are similar to semi-automatics in that they can only be loaded using one shot, but the difference lies in how the shot is discharged: in the case of a pump-action gun, the shooter must first cock the gun before pulling the trigger. Pump action shotguns are great when being transported by car, truck or motorcycle; however, their effectiveness reduces drastically if the shotgun is picked up by an assailant during the assault.

In addition to the types of shotguns available for home defense and their characteristics, there are other things to consider when purchasing a quality tactical shotgun. Remember that although some models may have the same markings as "shotgun ammo", they may not operate in the same way. First, check the shells - double-check the primer to make sure it isn't cracked or broken, and ensure the shell casings are secure. Next, read the owner's manual to find out what safety features the model you are interested in possesses; many models have a thumb break on the handle which allows the user to have greater control over the weapon, preventing a potentially dangerous gun malfunction.

For the best home defense shotgun options, look for non-automatic shotguns. Mossberg and Weatherby are two companies known for their innovative, yet safe shotguns that work more like a pistol than a rifle. Their birdshot shotguns fire small pellets that travel further than most regular size pellets but will still reliably kill large game. The best models feature an ergonomic grip, a sight in the crosshairs, and a magazine loading mechanism that ensure fast feeding and minimal effort.

Lastly, when considering your options for a home defense shotgun, don't forget about accessories. The pistol stabilizer is an accessory which work with almost any shotgun and is recommended for use with all calibers. Similarly, a sound silencer decreases the volume of the firing noise produced by the weapon and can be attached to any shotgun for extra stealth. Finally, a muzzle swaying device can be attached to the barrel of the shotgun to reduce the swaying action when the weapon is in use, ensuring that the pellets hit the target directly.