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Slugs vs. 00 buck for self defense

gravediggergravedigger Member Posts: 945 ✭✭✭✭
edited December 2001 in Ask the Experts
My wife has a Mossberg 500 she keeps by the side of the bed for protection. I keep it loaded with 00 buckshot for this purpose. I've gotten to thinking lately, that slugs might be better for this purpose. They would definately reduce damage to the walls if she were to shoot it. Any opinions and experiences appreciated.-Marcus
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Comments

  • jeenyesjeenyes Member Posts: 330 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ive shot inside a house, slugs tend to not stop within 1 or 2 walls, makes nice exit holes on outside. Buckshot tears up a lot of nice furniture.My favorite is #4 birdshot inside and #4 buckshot outside. Yes, #4 birdshot within the length of a room will put a large hole in someone without the worry of hitting someone outside. That is if your not to close to the wall.
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  • RobinRobin Member Posts: 1,228 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Dear Grave,I have often wondered about this question, and have decided to use 3" # 4 OR #6 (lead) figuring that any confrontation in my home or defensive requirement could be handled fine with this load. I ruled out slugs and big buck shot because of the increased chance of collateral damage, going through walls, doors, etc. Most likely #8's, low brass would be fine inside the confines of a normal house. I don't plan on chasing anyone to far from my door so I figure I won't need too much range. Looking foward to other comments on your questions. Robin
    Worry is the interest humans pay on the debt of miscalculation.
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  • KadaverKadaver Member Posts: 333 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    personally.....if im in the position where im defending myself and my gf, the last thing i think of is the furniture, but each to his own i guess......I use a mix of bird and buckshot.....slugs are too dangereous to bystanders....
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  • jeenyesjeenyes Member Posts: 330 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Wasn't my furniture.
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  • jgill13jgill13 Member Posts: 51 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    GD, I can't remember exactly what they were called but I remember seeing at a gun show some type of police buck shot that was like a reduced charge for in home use. Buck shot is the way to go for home defense b/c of reduced penetration through walls (definitely an issue if you have kids or other innocent personnel in the house) but also b/c you will get somewhat of a spread w/ buck shot that you won't get w/ a slug. Anything that gives you an advantage in hitting the bad guy before he hits you is what you want to have. However some people over estimate the spread on their shotguns, they think they just have to point and shoot and they will hit someone. The average shooting encounters in a home defense situation is about 6-14 feet, you'd be surprised on how much a shotgun does NOT spread out at that distance. Check out likely shooting distances in your particular house (likely shooting scenerios based on your floor plan), and then mark off that range and shoot your home defense shotgun/desired load at that same distance just to see what the pattern looks like. You will probable find that you have to 'point'/aim better than you thought! I also realize that the average offender will most likely flee at the very sound of your muzzle blast, reguardless of how accurate you are!!! But why not plan for the worst!! I know it's long but just my thoughts! Hope ya never have that situation!!
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  • gundummygundummy Member Posts: 254 ✭
    edited November -1
    I currently use and will stay with the buck shot. Although it's true that pattern will not be as wide as you may think and that you still need to point at intruder more than you thought also, but the area of impact will be much greater than a single slug (say a 6" area -vs- a 1/2") which will give you more chance of a succesful hit. Plus you don't get that overpenetration thru walls and others you did not plan on hitting if you use a slug. Heck, the sound of you racking your gun (unless the guy is deaf or dumb) will make that person run anyways. Again, just my opinion. GD
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  • jetjet Member Posts: 543 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    load the first 2 with #6 field loadthe rest #1 or 00 buck if you need more thantwo shoots of #6 you probably won't be worring about collateral damage
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  • robsgunsrobsguns Member Posts: 4,581 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    They have rubber bullets, no one dead, no holes through the house, no blood on the carpet, if its a concern. Its just another option. Beats the hell out of having to defend yourself against a murder charge too.
    SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC
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  • 22WRF22WRF Member Posts: 3,385
    edited November -1
    If your going to load with slugs then there is no advantage of a shotgun. The margin for error with a slug is the same as a pistol bullet. Maybe greater since shotguns are pointed not aimed. I agree with the #6 shot load. If you think it may not do enough damage. Take shot at a pumpkin with it at 25 feet or less.
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  • salzosalzo Member Posts: 6,396 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have my shotgun loaded with sixes, with a slug in the back, just for fun.
    Happiness is a warm gun
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  • thesupermonkeythesupermonkey Member Posts: 3,905 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Bird shot is nothing to laugh at, especially at the distance your talking about.
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  • hardtymshardtyms Member Posts: 140 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    22WRF is on the right track go crack off a few rounds at a pumpkin or some old tree stumps I think you will be pleasantly surprised also one must think of who else might be using it in a real situation ie. low brass VS high brass
    GUN CONTROL!!! Means hitting your target!!!! ((o))
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