Shotgun vs AR for home defense — settle this
I know this is the oldest debate but I'm setting up my HD plan and can't decide. Beretta 1301 with buckshot or an AR in 5.56? I live in a two story house with a long hallway.
Overpenetration worries me. What are you running?
6 Replies
Honestly? Both have their place. Shotgun with 00 buck is devastating at close range and less likely to overpenetrate than 5.56. But in a long hallway setup, AR gives you better precision and capacity. After 22 years LE I'd probably go shotgun for HD - but train with whatever you choose. Can't go wrong with that 1301.
Shotgun guy here obviously lol. 1301 with Federal FliteControl 00 buck is nasty effective and you don't have to worry about rounds going through walls into the neighbors. Yeah capacity is lower but if you can't handle a threat with 7-8 rounds of buck you got bigger problems.
AR all day. 30 rounds vs 7-8, faster follow up shots, easier to maneuver in tight spaces. Overpenetration is overblown if you use proper ammo - 77gr OTM or similar. Plus if SHTF and you need to defend against multiple threats, that capacity matters. Just my .02
This is the content I come here for. Thanks OP.
Solid post. I've been thinking about the same thing lately. My Sig P365X has been my go-to but I'm always looking at other options.
How long have you had yours? Any reliability issues?