After I bought my last shotgun a few months ago (for clay shooting), I planned to buy another long gun -- rifle or shotgun, was the question.
Then the BTC rally started and I paused all my living expenses to stack harder.
So, let's discuss theory while we wait for spending times to be back.
AR-15 absolutely the best for 2 legged predators. More capacity, better at penetrating heavy clothing or even pistol rated armor (which shotgun has no hope to defeat). Less over penetration into the neighboring rooms or houses.
That last point is what I had always thought made shotgun a better option for a home defense situation -- less over penetration.
Assuming it's a stray shot, not one that already went through the threat, doesn't an AR-15 penetrate walls much more easily?
Where I live (the Soviet Euro Union), ironically, having a *less* deadly option is a real consideration. Shit is bad enough if you dare use your legal gun to defend your home (which is illegal in all cases where I live).
No, because shotgun slugs (or even buckshot) are so much heavier than a .556 bullet. The tiny .556 bullet tends to tumble when encountering light barriers like drywall and wood. Large, heavy slugs, even if they tumble, have a shape and mass that continues in the same direction. Look at the shape of bullets designed for elephant hunting - they are very similar in shape to shotgun slugs, and are designed to penetrate very thick (many cm) of bone to reach the brain, in a straight line.
If there isn’t any legal deadly force, I would have a plan to dispose of the body. Difficult if there are witnesses, so maybe a 300 blackout with a can, instead of .556. Much more difficult if you live in a densely populated area - if that was the legal reality where I live, I would probably move somewhere with a little more land and privacy.
AK or big game hunting rifle better against armor than both of these options
AK for home defense. Why the hell not.
I love AKs, however…
It’s almost a lost cause to mount optics, IR, light, or any other accessories than a bayonet…🤣
Handguns also have a place…much easier to store anywhere, including on yourself, so you can get in the fight very quickly. Requires the most practice and training to use.
That I got covered :)
IMHO here is my in depth opinion on this subject matter of what firearms are needed to properly protect your home.
If you are going to defend your home with firearms. Congratulations on being a badass who protects their castle. You now need to have at least 3 firearms in your personal armory and accessible for immediate us at all times.
You'll need a shotgun first. Which is excellent for when you have to deal with wild life such as bears. Who force their way into your home looking for food. Now you are suddenly on the menu. Preferably 12 gauge slugs, or some serious 00 buck shot. Will do the trick nicely. Then you'll have enough bear meat to last you a year too.
Here is my recommendation for a proven reliable pump action shotgun. That has been kicking ass for the USA since WW2.
https://www.mossberg.com/590a1-retrograde-51665.html
An AR style pistol for when you have to deal with close quarters battles with humans, or aliens if some sci-fi shit happens, because fuck why not, things are already batshit crazy. This has a distinct advantage over shotguns in this scenario. Due to slow reload times and inferior round capacity. Plus patching up smaller bullet holes compared to shotgun slug, or buckshot holes. Is a heck of a lot easier.
Here is my recommendation for an AR style pistol in 10mm. That runs flawlessly like a scalded dog according to Johnny B. It a my bucket list gun to buy for me someday.
https://cmmg.com/pistol-banshee-mk10-10mm-8
You should also have a sidearm pisto. This is ideal for when you must have something ready to go within arms reach right next to you on the night stand. So you can defend yourself in under well under 10 seconds. Should you need to unleash deadly justice upon an intruder who is already inside, at your bedroom door, is breathing heavily, is looking very rapey, and not at your wife.
This is my recommendation for the perfect nightstand pistol and backup sidearm for dealing with any wanted bumps in the night. When accompanied with a couple 32 round promag magazines, red dot optics, and a solid weapon light with a green laser combo. It becomes truly formatable. It is also one of the very few pistols which is proven to function reliably in subzero temperatures. Even after it was covered in solid ice, or filthy mud too.
https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/m-p-9-m2.0-thumb-safety-optics-ready-full-size-series
