Hey everyone, I’m new to the 2A community and could use some advice. My home defense setup is a Maverick 88 12-gauge (5+1 capacity). I keep it in cruiser ready (4 shells in the tube, none chambered). The ammo I’ve loaded is 3 Federal 00 buck and 1 law enforcement slug (1300 fps) to reduce over-penetration.
I’ve been considering the Neal Protocol, which says to use a slug first for a precise shot, followed by buckshot. Is this a good strategy for home defense? Or is there a better loadout you’d recommend?
I’d just load it full of buckshot and keep it cruiser ready. Mixing shells or loading less than full capacity seems like it could cause issues in a high-stress situation.
Modern magazine springs don’t wear out from being compressed, so you can load it to full capacity without worry. If this is your main home defense gun, I’d recommend keeping one in the chamber too.
Mixing slugs and buckshot isn’t really necessary. Buckshot has tight groupings at home-defense distances (about 1 inch of spread per yard), so accuracy won’t be an issue.
For over-penetration: buckshot and slugs will both go through multiple walls unless they hit a stud.
I’d suggest sticking to #4 buckshot as recommended by Paul Harrell. It’s effective and doesn’t come with the overkill of slugs.
True, but lots of firearms aren’t technically drop-safe, like 1911s, and people still carry them chambered. Old stories about shotguns discharging from simply tipping over are mostly exaggerated. That said, you should still store it securely, like in a rack, instead of leaning it against a wall.
I get your point, but a negligent discharge with a 12-gauge is a lot more devastating than with a .45 or 9mm. I’d rather take an extra second to chamber a round than risk that kind of accident.
I keep mine in cruiser ready too. People argue that you might not have time to rack the slide, but a good home defense plan should give you enough warning to prepare. If someone’s already inside and you’re caught off guard, the battle might already be lost.
The idea that magazine springs wear out from being fully loaded is outdated. Load your shotgun to full capacity—it won’t hurt the spring.
Don’t mix in slugs with your main loadout. You don’t want to have to eject or waste a slug when you don’t need it. Keep slugs on a side saddle or stock for selective use when needed (like punching through a car door).
For your main ammo, 00 buckshot is solid, but if you want to upgrade, look for specialty self-defense loads like Winchester Defender. They’re designed specifically for situations like this.