Shotgun Uses

[Phil3]

I know next to nothing about a shotgun, but had considered getting one for home defense, despite having little crime around here. I know shotguns are used for hunting and trap shooting, but since I do neither of those, I have a hard time buying a weapon that will sit unused (until I need it for defense). What else do others use shotguns for? A naive question perhaps, but I really don't know. Maybe I should just stick with a pistol for home defense, unless a shotgun really is so superior it is worth it to have it, even if it is possible it will never be used in my lifetime. ???

- Phil

[bjl333]

I know next to nothing about a shotgun, but had considered getting one for home defense, despite having little crime around here. I know shotguns are used for hunting and trap shooting, but since I do neither of those, I have a hard time buying a weapon that will sit unused (until I need it for defense). What else do others use shotguns for? A naive question perhaps, but I really don't know. Maybe I should just stick with a pistol for home defense, unless a shotgun really is so superior it is worth it to have it, even if it is possible it will never be used in my lifetime. ???

- Phil

You can go and take a skeet clinic in Norcal. Taking a clinic will help you understand a lot more about shooting a shotgun. This will translate well into a HD gun.

I'm not sure how far away you are from these guys. But both holds clinics to shoot a shotgun. I am not sure when is the next clinic from these guys. They might both be out for winter, I'm not sure. I know for sure #1 is out until Feb/12 before having another clinic!

#1. http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=405000
#2. http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...highlight=powg

[Sicarius]

Go out and use the shotgun for trap or skeet. It is really a blast and the more trigger time you get with it, the more comfortable and capable you are going to be able to manipulate the weapon for a possible home defense situation. If you are going to purchase a weapon, please get to learning it and knowing its capabilities. Just because you posess a firearm doesn't mean that you will be able to use it safely or effectively. Training and trigger time is key.
Handgun is also a viable option and some will say is better for HD than a shotgun. It really comes down to training.
Kevin

[$nake-Eye$]

Shotgun uses: bird hunting, small game hunting, deer hunting, home defense, trap, skeet, sporting clays, blowing big holes in paper targets at the local shooting range, and the all important anti-zombie apocalypse weapon!

[robcoe]

I know next to nothing about a shotgun, but had considered getting one for home defense, despite having little crime around here. I know shotguns are used for hunting and trap shooting, but since I do neither of those, I have a hard time buying a weapon that will sit unused (until I need it for defense). What else do others use shotguns for? A naive question perhaps, but I really don't know. Maybe I should just stick with a pistol for home defense, unless a shotgun really is so superior it is worth it to have it, even if it is possible it will never be used in my lifetime. ???

- Phil

You can use a shotgun for basically anything except concealed carry and long range precision shooting.

Not sure about your area, but even around LA there are places to shoot skeet(or at least their used to be, not sure about now), or just blast away at targets at the range.

[Fadedline]

Shooting slugs at water bottles!

[shellslinger]

Shooting slugs at water bottles!

or blasting away at watermelons

[mrkam]

or blasting away at watermelons

+1 to watermelons

I love shotguns because they are fairly affordable, and because they are one of the simplest and most effective HD weapons. Who doesn't like big booms?

[Rhythm of Life]

I know next to nothing about a shotgun, but had considered getting one for home defense, despite having little crime around here. I know shotguns are used for hunting and trap shooting, but since I do neither of those, I have a hard time buying a weapon that will sit unused (until I need it for defense). What else do others use shotguns for? A naive question perhaps, but I really don't know. Maybe I should just stick with a pistol for home defense, unless a shotgun really is so superior it is worth it to have it, even if it is possible it will never be used in my lifetime. ???

- Phil

I just picked up a gun that will have the exact job of sitting there until I need it for home defense.

Sure, it might sit there for 3, 10, 25 years before I need to use it but its a good $300 life insurance policy IMHO.

[shy 7th]

door breeching.
riot control (bean bags).
protecting the pony express (riding "shotgun").
clearing the decks when boarding galleons.
to shoot the ground to look for dinosaur bones (see: jurassic park).

realistically: shooting clays and letting newbies shoot it, just for "kicks".

[kernoonus]

IMHO, shotguns are the most versatile firearms available. And a simple pump action 12 gauge can be cheap. Ammo can tend to be a little more expensive, depending on what you get. Not sure if you have a pistol already, but if you're looking for a fun gun, I would suggest getting a pump 12 (Remington 870, etc) and a pistol with a .22 conversion (Glock 17, etc.) Have a blast with the .22, practice a little with the 9mm (or what ever you get), have have a little fun with the 12. That should be a pretty cheap way to go and give you a lot of options. Some situation way vary, but IMHO, the 12 gauge with 00 buck is one of the best options for home defense.

[crackerman]

Read my sig and you can also shoot clays.

[hcbr]

+1 to what everyone here says, hunting, skeet, trap, HD, and just for plain ol fun with water jugs or anything that will give it a fun factor!

[CAL.BAR]

Also used in three gun matches if you are in to competition.

[newglockster]

door breeching.
riot control (bean bags).
protecting the pony express (riding "shotgun").
clearing the decks when boarding galleons.
to shoot the ground to look for dinosaur bones (see: jurassic park).

lulz!