Home Defense: Buckshot vs. Birdshot?

[maritimer]

I've read articles and watched videos on this subject. I'm just curious of what swamp members think. ;D

I'd probably go with birdshot. I like the fact that most of the patterning I've seen done at under 12 yards is very convincing of stopping power. At only feet away from a target, a #7 1/2 shot shell that only expands up to the size of a honey dew melon, in a cylinder choke would do the trick in my mind. ;D

[cam]

There's a war started over this topic in a gun forum recently.. I think Perfect Union....was an entertaining read.

Personally, id go with buckshot. But I'm well aware of the damage that a load of 7 and a halfs do to tissue. A load of birdshot up close can really ruin someones day...with almost a slug like effect.

A lot of people choose birdshot because it don't be so apt to go thru walls and result in a serious accidental shooting of another family member in the house. I don't worry about that right now...just me and the dawg. And I hope the hound has sense enough to hit the deck when rounds start flying down the hall. I want my loads to be able to smash thru walls and reign hate down on the person on the other side.

The way I look at it, if I'm gonna drop the hammer on an intruder, I don't want em living to be able to sue me because I only peppered em with dove shot. I wanna punch large, multiple holes in them that cause death by multiple organ failure and loss of blood. I know that a load of 3" #4 buck can do that at the length of my house. I'm not sure about the birdshot.

Cam

[patricimo54]

I saw a home defense show once and they recommended bird shot for home defense.

The reason for them suggesting this size shot was to minimize home damage and to lessen the risk of causing harm to non target individuals.

They made some good points, but they were talking to the masses that live in quaint neighborhoods with not but a few feet distance to there neighbors home.

I keep #3 buckshot in my 20 ga. pump in the pantry. If I've got the 12 ga. out for home defense #4 buck is my first choice.

[TrappinTommer]

You can get the best of both worlds and use T's. There are more pellets per shot than buckshot but you still get better on target energy per pellet than birdshot.

[TRAPnHUNT]

Shoot the duplex turkey loads. They have #2's & #6's in one shell.

[lilweasel]

I've always had the idea that if anyone is kicking my door in their are already looking for trouble. With #4 buckshot you don't have to wait for them to get inside

[TRAPnHUNT]

I prefer to see them actually. Years ago, my wife's nephew stayed with us. Well he was told that if he comes in late, to make enough noise so I knew it was him. Well he came in late one early morning trying not to make noise with the lights off and it came close to a bad ending. I'm not sure what scared him most. The .45 with a laser on his chest or just a fat naked man with a 1911 pointed at him!

Just remember that if you draw down on someone, just hope that it's not a family member or someone that lives with you sneaking in late!

[ninedeer]

I guess to me it probably doesn't matte what size shot I have in my scatter gun.cuz at that distance it isnt really going to matter ,is it?

[trapperandhunter]

i have read and seen this portrayed in many ways, if there is alot of people in your house than birdshot would be the choice but, personally i would choose the buck shot, as cam said i would want the person dead so he cant tell his side of the story ...

[cam]

Feb 14, 2011 11:24:11 GMT -5 ninedeer said:

I guess to me it probably doesn't matte what size shot I have in my scatter gun.cuz at that distance it isnt really going to matter ,is it?

This is true...at 5 yards, a headshot on an intruder is gonna require dental records to identify.

Cam

[Zwinky]

Winchester makes new "defense" loads that are a combination of slugs/disks and buckshot. They come in 12 ga. and 410's to go with the Taurus Judge.

[brian81]

I think bird shot would do fine as long as it was a close shot...

[lookout]

As has been mentioned, the critical issue is what sort of home you live in and what your family situation is like.
At close range, make no mistake, birdshot makes a mess of flesh. I've seen it and it can be devastating. By close range I mean under about 15 yards. That is longer then most hallways in a house.
In a country atmosphere with very clear pathways to where all family is staying, the versatility of buckshot begins to look alot better.

Shooting through a door is just an invitation to shooting the wrong person. Internet commando's aside, who wants to shoot someone anyway? There is alot of legal and emotional hassle that no one needs. If it needs to be done, better to be absolutely clear that they were given every warning to cease and desist.

This makes the legal battle easier, and the emotional battle on your conscious that much easier.

[silentnight]

i know this post is clearly outdated but being fairly new and still scouting out this wonderful website, i just read thru this particular post, and wondered what everyone who uses for a handgun for home defense and what type of round? how heavy of a bullet ect.?  i recently just bought some remington golden sabers, 180 gr jhp for my .40.....i think they will do the trick should i ever have to use it for defense, or anything else for that matter.  

[Deleted]

I carried a handgun for twenty five years of my life.... .357 Ruger Security Six - .40 Beretta 92D - .45 GAP. Glock

My choice now: a .40 Glock 27 for every day carry and golden sabres.

Get safety and home defense training and shoot as much as possible. I lost a nephew to an accidental shooting at the age of fourteen because he didn't have the knowledge to avoid a bad situation. I don't care who you are....you can't train and shoot enough. If the time comes, your training or lack thereof will determine the outcome.

[silentnight]

Apr 22, 2014 20:19:42 GMT -5 dino said:

  I don't care who you are....you can't train and shoot enough. If the time comes, your training or lack thereof will determine the outcome.

i whole heartedly (sp) agree, i try to as often as possible, i do alot of "dry fire" practice to. iv been trying to find this electronic target i seen online, you get a laser round for the gun and shows you where you hit on the target, i think it would be a great way to practice shooting without breaking the bank, of course nothing would be better then live rounds down range for the full effect but, good practice none the less.

[ninedeer]

3 1/2 inch #4 shot close or far will be bad.

[rick2]

I have buckshot.Remember you may not always have a clear shot.Buckshot will help with this.We dont live in a perfect world.And the perfect shot may not present itself.Now its easy for someone to preach safety when thier life isnt on the line.But you can bet when the sh1t hits the fan.They would be the 1st one reaching for a M60!

[rendezvous]

#4 birdshot is recommended, it is less likely to penetrate a typical sheet rock wall. And at distances encountered in a typical home #4 birdshot can be very effective in stopping most threats.

[Tim bly]

Buckshot backed up by my smith and Wesson 44 magnum

[histopicker]

This is a subject I have pondered for many, many years. My home defense choice is a 16" barreled ar15. I run Hornady varmint rounds through it and do not worry about over penetrating walls. If I have to pull the trigger on someone they are going to lose. I came to this decision after living in south Texas and being told by a Border Patrol Capt. that my .45acp was not enough gun for the area.

[Deleted]

The aluminum ball bat. "This is the time for what? For INDIVIDUAL achievement!"

Sorry.....I pick buckshot.

[TrapnJoe]

Remember,there may be multiple intruders. My opinion is this, you want to STOP the threat and make sure of it! Make the choice.