Gauges of shotguns for home defense?

[Nikola_Tesla]

I know a 12_gauge is the standard for riot shotguns and has stopping power. A 12_gauge has great kickback, especially for women and children caught in the stress of a home invasion at 3:00 am.

Would a 410 shotgun also work in home defense, for a wife and or young teenager?

[RPB]

I considered a 410, but I think a 16 or 20 would be better without the kick of a 12
They throw more lead downrange than a 410, with a lot less kick than a 12
considering trading my 12 for a 20 for that reason, except I want to keep the 12 too for hunting or just having I guess

[Oldgringo]

I know a 12_gauge is the standard for riot shotguns and has stopping power. A 12_gauge has great kickback, especially for women and children caught in the stress of a home invasion at 3:00 am.

Would a 410 shotgun also work in home defense, for a wife and or young teenager?

Sure! A 1/2 oz. of No. 6 is a lot better than a thrown house shoe and/or a scream.

I prefer an 8 gauge with short barrels and loaded with BB up to 00 buckshot. Yes, it will kick some but I prefer to to pick myself up off the floor as opposed to being picked up off the floor by others. The hole in the wall/ceiling and clean-up that is left is a DIY project.

[Scott in Houston]

I know a 12_gauge is the standard for riot shotguns and has stopping power. A 12_gauge has great kickback, especially for women and children caught in the stress of a home invasion at 3:00 am.

Would a 410 shotgun also work in home defense, for a wife and or young teenager?

a .410 would be better than nothing, but it's very weak.
I'd recommend looking for a nice 20 gauge in semi-auto. There's very little different in 'kick' between it and a .410, but MUCH more effective in quickly stopping a threat.

[ghostrider]

I'd recommend looking for a nice 20 gauge in semi-auto. There's very little different in 'kick' between it and a .410, but MUCH more effective in quickly stopping a threat.

I"ll second that. a 20ga pump or semi-auto would be a good choice.

[74novaman]

My grandmother still uses a 20 gauge shotgun for home defense, and she's 82.


Not much of a shotgunner myself, so I have to ask the more experienced: I've heard that semi autos have less kick than pump guns. True, false, depends?

[ghostrider]

I've heard that semi autos have less kick than pump guns.

Generally true, but depends on the recoil system.
http://www.firearmstalk.com/forums/f26/ ... ated-1394/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Recoil-reducing stocks and other mechanisms now exist for pumps as well:
http://www.tacticalcity.com/product_det ... rodID=2712" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[el_chupo_]

Massad Ayoob on the differences:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMv2z_PX ... r_embedded" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[karder]

I agree with the others that 20 gauge is a good choice for an HD shotgun. The fact that the recoil is much more manageable makes it a preferable choice to 12 gauge if all family members will be using it.
That being said, I would not discount .410, especially with the good variety of modern HD loads that have been created to work with the popular .410 revolvers, like winchester PDX1. I have to think that would be a reasonable and effective choice.
I guess my opinion is that if you are going to purchase a shotgun, you would probably be better served with a 20 gauge, but if you already own a .410, I would load it up with good ammo and be comfortable that it will get the job done in the event it is needed.