If there’s one type of firearm that’s an enigma, it’s the shotgun. There’s a lot of misinformation out there touting its superiority and an equal amount extolling its weaknesses. However, in situations like the pandemic and lockdown we went through a couple years ago, the right shotgun can be “good enough” for most.
PROS AND CONS
One advantage of shotguns is that they’re one of the easiest firearms to come by across the world. As a longgun, the minimum age to purchase in most states is 18. Of all the ammunition types, it’s the easiest to find, and shotguns in 12-gauge or 20-gauge meet the criteria for an effective defensive firearm. And importantly, they’re the most affordable class of defensive firearm out there — you can buy three Mossberg 500 pump shotguns for the price of one mid-tier AR-15.
The scattergun does have its disadvantages. Recoil can be downright brutal in 12-gauge for new shooters. For a long-gun, you’re very limited on capacity and effective range, and in some cases, you can do better with an accurate pistol.
A hunter with a pump-action 12-gauge has the ability to take any animal in North America, but self-defense is different. For home defense, you want an 18- to 21-inch barrel, a good set of sights or an optic, and a comfortable stock. An extended magazine tube is ideal, and if it was
