Trigger Talk ….Shotguns
Shotguns are at the same time the most versatile and least understood firearms available to the average person.
A shotgun can be used for several purposes: hunting, sport shooting such as Trap or Sporting Clays, and for personal defense.. Shotguns typically have the added benefit of interchangeable barrels and/or a device on the end of the barrel called a “choke” to tailor the gun to the specific usage desired. Most often the same gun can be used for a variety of uses with only minor modifications.
A good first shotgun is one that utilizes a “pump” action. After each shot the user pulls back the forestock to eject the spent shell and then pushes forward to load a fresh shell into the chamber. They are simple to use, easy to maintain, and can quickly be adapted to different roles.
Both Remington and Mossberg manufacture reasonably priced shotguns. Basic models of the Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 can be purchased for under $500 and will typically be equipped with a wood or synthetic stock and a blued steel receiver and barrel. If you desire a pistol grip or camouflage forTurkeyhunting those are commonly available options. Interchangeable chokes are a cylindrical device that screws into the end of the barrel and lets you change the size of the shot pattern for the type of shooting or hunting planned. If you are a deer hunter there are rifled barrels available for single projectiles called a “Slug” instead of “shot” (small pellets for birds or small game). Mounts for telescopic sights are also available for greater accuracy at longer ranges.
Several manufactures produce a home defense or “Tactical” shotgun which is typically shorter than its hunting counterpart to make it more maneuverable. The barrel is shorter, the stock may be adjustable and include a pistol grip and the magazine tube is longer to hold six or seven rounds instead of the typical four that a hunting gun holds.
For home protection most instructors consider a good pump action shotgun to be the ideal firearm to deal with a home invasion in the middle of the night. Shotguns are both effective and easy to use, but they require good technique. Many people think you just point a shotgun anywhere in the room and you’ll hit the target. The shot pattern from a self defense shotgun may be larger than a single bullet from a handgun at the ranges typically encountered inside a home (5 to 25 feet), but the pattern of shot would be from 2 to 8 inches in diameter. Though easier to hit a target than with a single 9mm diameter bullet, it still requires aiming. Home defense shotguns will often include enhanced sights help you quickly acquire your target and assist in low light situations
Several ammunition manufactures make shotgun shells designed for self-defense. They have special powder to reduce muzzle flash so that your night vision is not affected as much and often have reduced recoil to help make the gun easier to handle effectively. I use 12 gauge 00 Buck Hornady TAP or Winchester PDX shells.
Next month we’ll talk about selecting personal defense handgun ammunition. Future topics will include personal defense training, “Concealed Carry” handgun selection, gun cleaning, storage and more!
Until then …….Safe Shooting!
Dick Cupka is an NRA Certified Pistol, Personal Defense in the Home and Concealed Pistol License Instructor. You can reach him by e-mail at….. triggertalk.dc@gmail.com