Shotgun for home defense, you still need to aim!.

I've read somewhere on here that you just spray. Don't need to aim.

Hold it sideways like a brutha.

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BUT you point a shotgun, not aim one

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For self defense I'm aiming a shotgun, but yes when hunting or breaking clays I don't aim.

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A shotgun is a excellent firearm choice for home defense

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It actually isn't that great for firearm novices, which is often the very folks to which it is directed.

A shotgun has, generally, unforgiving recoil - particularly 12 gauge with buckshot or slugs (the most effective defense rounds). They sell them with pistol grips ("cruiser" style) and folding stocks, which is exactly the configuration you might want to store/transport them in, but a novice thinks they can shoot these guns accurately from the hip.

With hilarious results. Most folks would be better suited with a rifle, and I would recommend an AR-15 platform. Not because it's the best (which is subjective), but it is a fantastic platform, all around - and particularly a novice can pick up and fire such a weapon more proficiently at round 1, and will more quickly become proficient than almost any other firearm on the market. The other advantages should be obvious over shotguns and pistols - range, firepower, recoil, etc.

Just my $0.02.

the biggest issue with a self defense gun for your home is what happens when fired.

bullets from a riffle or handgun will go through walls and doors, possibly killing your kids or others as a result.

a shotgun is the safest weapon in that regard

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a shotgun is the safest weapon in that regard

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with what ammo? buckshot will go though many layers of sheetrock. .223/5.56 rounds will begin to tumble after hitting sheetrock.

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with what ammo? buckshot will go though many layers of sheetrock. .223/5.56 rounds will begin to tumble after hitting sheetrock.

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I don't know if this is the video bap always posts, but here goes:

Keep in mind - for the shotgun blast, the walls "gave" (they all tumble to ruin the suspense) - so IRL, the wall will hold up and allow the pellets to carry more energy through.

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Did none of them hit the perp?

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No - that's why we need all those hi-cap pistols - to miss a lot. But, at least it scared him, right?

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a shotgun is the safest weapon in that regard

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Nah. The only ammo worth using for home defense in a shotgun is buckshot (birdshot is stupid) and that is certainly more dangerous through sheetrock than a rifle round.

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This is where being prepared and knowing your house inside and out comes into play.

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I definitely agree at the same time, I believe in minimizing any variables if at all possible. I use 5.56 because I know it has less energy after penetrating sheetrock than buckshot. You never know how these situations play out and while knowing how your house is structured and the layout is important, you may have to take less than ideal shots in a situation if it is your only chance to stop a threat. I would be way more comfortable if my margin of error is increased on where the bullet goes if there is a miss.