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. Winchester SXP with buckshot or an AR in 5.56? I live in a single story house with a long hallway.
Overpenetration worries me. What are you running?
5 Replies
AR all the way. More capacity, faster follow-ups, easier to maneuver in tight spaces. For overpenetration get some 55gr soft points or even better - 77gr TMK loads. They fragment quickly in drywall but still perform on target. I've got an 11.5" setup with a can for HD and it's perfect for my small house.
Used both extensively downrange and stateside. For a single story with long hallway, I'd go AR. Better accuracy, more rounds, faster reloads. Use proper ammo - 75gr BTHP or similar that'll fragment. Shotgun's fine but you're limited on capacity and it's slower to reload. Whatever you pick, train with it regularly and know your backstop.
For HD I actually prefer a pistol - something you can operate one-handed if you're holding a phone or flashlight. But between those two, I'd lean shotgun. 00 buck has good stopping power and less chance of going through multiple walls than 5.56. The SXP is solid, I've handled them at the range. Just make sure you practice with it regularly!
Had this exact debate when I moved to a ranch house. Went with a 10.3" AR in 5.56 with Federal 62gr bonded soft points. Less overpenetration than people think with the right ammo, and you get 30 rounds vs 5-8 in the shotgun. Plus if things go really sideways you can grab extra mags easier than shotgun shells. Mount a good light and red dot and you're golden.
Anyone else run into this? I thought I was the only one.