The Shotgun Advantage / Disadvantage

There are several types of self-defense shotguns, and scores of different models.  Each has its advantages and disadvantages.  Let me help you decide which is best for you.

Whichever shotgun you choose, be sure to purchase a 12-gauge model.  Though you can sometimes find self-defense shotguns chambered in the smaller 16 and 20-gauge sizes, the 12-gauge is by far the most effective for family and personal defense.

The 12-gauge shotgun is also the most popular, so you can find an abundance of shell types, specialty loads, and inexpensive practice ammunition in 12-gauge.  In the United States, 50% of all shotguns are 12-gauge, and 99% of all self-defense shotguns are 12-gauge.  There is a reason for this.  The 12-gauge provides the best compromise between stopping power and recoil.  If you are concerned that a 12-gauge shotgun will “kick” too hard, then purchase a gun with a recoil-reducing stock, but stick with a 12-gauge gun.  My petite daughter has been shooting a 12-gauge since she was in junior high school, so any able-bodied adult can learn to handle a 12-gauge.

The term “caliber” is used to describe the size of a bullet used in a handgun or rifle.  But the term “gauge” is used to express the size of the bore (barrel) of a shotgun.  (In use, the word “gauge” is often abbreviated “ga.” or “ga”).  The term gauge comes from cannon measurement, where the size of the cannon’s barrel is measured by the maximum size of cannonball that can be used.  A 1/12-pound lead ball will fit into the barrel of a 12-gauge shotgun.  Since the term “gauge” is used to measure the size of cannonballs, this is a clue that the shotgun has historically been recognized as a formidable weapon.

Home Defense Shotguns, also known as “self-defense” or “police” shotguns, come in various gauges (calibers), shapes and styles.  They can be single-shot or double (referred to as double barrel), or they can utilize either a manual or semiautomatic mechanical action to reload the gun, drawing shells (shotgun cartridges) from a magazine which is attached to the gun.   The most popular form of home-defense shotgun is referred to as a “tactical” shotgun, which is essentially the same as the historic “police riot gun” or “street sweeper.”