I’ll likely use the shotgun more for hunting, while the pistol will be more practical for concealed carry and self-defense in unexpected situations.
I’m comparing the Mossberg 500 with the Shield Plus and would appreciate some input.
For context, I live in a semi-secluded house in a wooded area. My neighbors live across the street, but they’re several hundred feet away and down a hill. We don’t have kids yet but plan to in the next year.
One of the neighbors’ sons has a history of trouble, including shooting someone and stabbing another person. He randomly fires his guns at all hours and even tried to start a fight with my HVAC technician. While the brothers who own the property are kind, one of their sons is a bit concerning.
What weapon system are you the most familiar with?
1 Like
Either one!
After further practice time, I am significantly more accurate w a long gun.
Decently accurate up to 70yrds w a rifle. Pistol is max 10-15yrds rn.
Pistol, because it is easier to wear and have handy no matter where I am in the house. Also, I prefer the precision of launching just one projectile at a time.
1 Like
Shotguns are just as precise with a proper load and proper choke and the right distance, and you get to launch nine .32 caliber rounds at a time.
Arguably more accurate because you can get three points of contact.
1 Like
This! The gun you have available in a crisis is the one you need. You can keep a pistol near your bed (in a quick safe if you have kids). You can carry it around or keep it in a pocket when answering the door. A shotgun in the closet is too far away when you need it. And carrying a shotgun to the front door when someone knocks will scare good people/advertise to bad people/get you shot by the cops.
1 Like
Honestly, I wouldn’t go for anything less than an M136 AT4 and an M134 Minigun.
1 Like
I find the 30 mm GAU-8/A Avenger Gatling gun to be much better. Even if you miss your target and take out a few houses down the block the sound will be deterrent enough to tell the intruder, “you have chosen…poorly.”
1 Like
I bought my Maverick 88 security and Beretta M9 the same day.
It’s just me and my wife so I don’t have to clear a path to children’s rooms. In the low probability there’s an intruder I plan on just training the Maverick on the bedroom entrance while waiting for the cavalry.
Though the wife is trained on the shotgun we keep the M9 on her side of the bed as it’s easier for her to handle.
Aside from weapons, invest in door frame reinforcements and motion activated lights. If you have to have a gunfight in your house you’ve already failed home defense.
1 Like
Get the pistol and if needed (depending on laws local to yourself), get a carry license. Need for license or not take a training class and start to carry. I prefer a long gun for home defense, but the pistol is more versatile for out of home personal protection.
1 Like
No matter what you decide, get the proper training and practice regularly.
It’s not enough to buy a gun and shoot it once every 6 months.
1 Like
I think proper training is key, but finding time for range days and/or money for ammo can be hard for some people. I’d say at minimum once a quarter is a good place to be. Dry fire practice can also be helpful.
1 Like
The right answer is it depends.
Are you going to be carrying all day, or is it just going to be sitting in a safe?
Do you live in a house alone in the woods? Or do you live in an apartment in the city with tiny halls and kids in the next room?
Who is most likely to attack you? Is it a crackhead in the middle of the city? A jealous ex boyfriend who wants to pull an OJ? A bear who wandered in because you live in the woods? 3 guys with guns who are specifically targeting you because they know you just got a big inheritance?
FWIW, I don’t know anyone in their right mind who would choose a subcompact 9MM over a shotgun, all things being equal. But all things are not equal, it is situation dependent, and you need to accept there is no gun on Earth that is perfect for every situation.
If you absolutely can only have one, AND you’re going to carry, get the pistol. But you can find a quality pump action shotgun for $300, and I would honestly do both.
1 Like
Not enough info given to make a good recommendation. Long guns are almost always the answer.
Because long guns are easier to shoot, harder to take from you, and provide superior terminal ballistics. In the case of rifles the capacity is also far greater. You can run 40 rd mags in your rifles pretty easily.