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April 21st, 2023

Shotgun vs. Handgun for Home Defense — What’s Best?

Home defense shotgun NSSF Clint Thunder Ranch
Shotgun Photo from Superior Security Concepts.

With rising crime rates in the USA, many Americans are taking a much more serious look at armed self-defense. We understand why citizens in large cities are more concerned than ever with the need to protect themselves, their families, and their homes and businesses.

Shotgun vs. Handgun — which is better for home defense? That question inspires strong opinions on both sides. We think the best answer may be “both”. There are some situations where a pistol is most handy, while there are other situations where the power (and lethality) of the shotgun clearly wins out. Some would argue that the shotgun offers an “intimidation” factor that may better resolve a threat without a shot being fired.

The NSSF, in cooperation with Thunder Ranch Training Center, has created an interesting video that examines the Shotgun vs. Handgun debate. As the Cheaper Than Dirt Blog notes: “The primary argument against the shotgun is a longer length leading to less maneuverability. On the other hand, the pistol offers better maneuverability, but lacks the stopping power of a shotgun”. Moreover, the pistol may be less accurate, according to some critics. This NSSF video looks at the question from a logical standpoint — making some surprising points.

Home defense shotgun NSSF Clint Thunder Ranch

As you can see in this still frame (above) from the video, the shooting stance of the pistol shooter (Clint) is NOT much more compact than that of the two shotgunners (compare actual muzzle positions). So a shotgun may actually be more handy inside a home than some people realize. Clint concludes that the gun selection debate “is all very easily solved by only one question: ‘If someone was going to run across a bedroom at you and they had a big knife, would you rather shoot him one time with a pistol or one time with a shotgun?’ When you answer the question you figure out why this [shotgun length] doesn’t really bother us. We simply take these [shotguns] and use them in a slightly different manner…”

In this video, Thunder Ranch Director Clint Smith explains why the overall length of a shotgun, as held in firing position against the shoulder, is not really that much greater than the “shooting stance length” of a handgun held in a proper firing position (with arms extended). Accordingly gun length/size should not be the deciding factor when choosing a firearm for home defense.

Whatever Weapon You Choose — Train with It
Fundamentally, you should use the firearm that is 100% reliable, and with which you have trained regularly. Mastery of a defensive firearm — whether shotgun or handgun — needs to be second-nature. You should be able to operate all the controls (safety, pump, decocker, slide, bolt handle etc.) by “instinct” based on hours of training. Likewise you should know how to operate the light/laser if your defensive firearm is so equipped. Importantly, you should be able to reload in darkness, and clear malfunctions without panicking.

Permalink - Videos, Handguns, Shooting Skills No Comments »
June 17th, 2020

Home Defense: Shotgun vs. Pistol — What’s Your Best Option?

Home defense shotgun NSSF Clint Thunder Ranch
Shotgun Photo from Superior Security Concepts.

With the recent riots and civil unrest in the USA, many Americans are taking a much more serious look at armed self-defense. Hopefully the disturbances in cities will diminish with time (and better civic leadership), but we understand why citizens in large cities are more concerned than ever with the need to protect themselves, their families, and their homes and businesses.

Shotgun vs. Handgun — which is better for home defense? That’s a question that inspires strong opinions on both sides. We think the best answer may be “both”. There are some situations where a pistol is most handy, while there are other situations where the power (and lethality) of the shotgun clearly wins out. Some would argue that the shotgun offers an “intimidation” factor that may better resolve a threat without a shot being fired.

The NSSF, in cooperation with Thunder Ranch Training Center, has created an interesting video that examines the Shotgun vs. Handgun debate. As the Cheaper Than Dirt Blog notes: “The primary argument against the shotgun is a longer length leading to less maneuverability. On the other hand, the pistol offers better maneuverability, but lacks the stopping power of a shotgun”. Moreover, the pistol may be less accurate, according to some critics. This NSSF video looks at the question from a logical standpoint — making some surprising points.

Home defense shotgun NSSF Clint Thunder Ranch

As you can see in this still frame (above) from the video, the shooting stance of the pistol shooter (Clint) is NOT much more compact than that of the two shotgunners (compare actual muzzle positions). So a shotgun may actually be more handy inside a home than some people realize. Clint concludes that the gun selection debate “is all very easily solved by only one question: ‘If someone was going to run across a bedroom at you and they had a big knife, would you rather shoot him one time with a pistol or one time with a shotgun?’ When you answer the question you figure out why this [shotgun length] doesn’t really bother us. We simply take these [shotguns] and use them in a slightly different manner…”

In this video, Thunder Ranch Director Clint Smith explains why the overall length of a shotgun, as held in firing position against the shoulder, is not really that much greater than the “shooting stance length” of a handgun held in a proper firing position (with arms extended). Accordingly gun length/size should not be the deciding factor when choosing a firearm for home defense.

Whatever Weapon You Choose — Train with It
Fundamentally, you should use the firearm that is 100% reliable, and with which you have trained regularly. Mastery of a defensive firearm — whether shotgun or handgun — needs to be second-nature. You should be able to operate all the controls (safety, pump, decocker, slide, bolt handle etc.) by “instinct” based on hours of training. Likewise you should know how to operate the light/laser if your defensive firearm is so equipped. Importantly, you should be able to reload in darkness, and clear malfunctions without panicking.

Permalink - Videos, Handguns, Shooting Skills 27 Comments »
April 17th, 2020

NRA Launches New Website — NRAWomen.com

NRAwomen.com website NRA lady shooter hunting

The National Rifle Association (NRA) recently launched NRAWomen.com, a new, full-featured website dedicated to the fastest-growing group of firearm owners — America’s women. This new website serves the increasing number of female gun owners, huntresses, and competitive shooters. Female involvement in firearms is growing significantly. Consider these facts:

23% of American Women Own Firearms
Based on a Gallup poll of self-reported gun owners in 2011, 23% of women say they owned a gun compared to 13% in 2005.

There Are Now 3.35 Million Female Gun Owners in the USA
The National Sporting Goods Association recorded a 43.5% increase in female hunters from 2003 to 2013.

NRAwomen.com website NRA lady shooter hunting

The new website will provide a wide range of information. Visitors to NRAWomen.com can learn the fundamentals of gun safety, find female-centric training, and hone a defensive mindset for confrontations that could require armed response. Huntresses and outdoorswomen will find free hunter education, skills training, and coverage of hunting adventures.

NRA President Carolyn Meadows stated: “For decades, the NRA has been dedicated to paving the way for female gun enthusiasts…. Whether your interest lies in personal protection, hunting, or gun collecting, NRAWomen.com will be your hub for all your firearm-related needs and news.”

“NRAWomen.com will serve as a comprehensive online resource for women who seek the knowledge, confidence and empowerment obtained through personal protection, the shooting sports, and an outdoor lifestyle”, said Doug Hamlin, NRA Publications Executive Director.

Broad Coverage of Self-Defense and Home Security
Self Defense and Home Security will be key topics on the NRAWomen.com website. Along with instructional articles, there will be feature stories on gun selection, and self-defense strategies.

NRAwomen.com website NRA lady shooter hunting

NRAwomen.com website NRA lady shooter hunting

Video Features on NRAWomen.com
Along with dozens of informative articles, NRAWomen.com features many instructional videos featuring skilled lady shooters and instructors, such as Olympic Gold Medalist Kim Rhode.

NRAwomen.com website NRA lady shooter hunting

Free Sherpa Blanket for New NRA Lady Members
For a limited time, women who join the NRA will receive a free NRA-branded Sherpa Fleece Blanket gift. CLICK HERE for Special Offer with NRA memberships starting at $35.00.

NRAwomen.com website NRA lady shooter hunting

In addition to offering current news relating to the firearm industry and gun rights, NRAWomen.com will spotlight women who stand up to political foes, shoot competitively, conserve wildlife, and protect their loved ones. NRAWomen.com is for female supporters of the Second Amendment, all of whom are welcomed into a powerful sisterhood of women with shared values.

Permalink Handguns, News, Shooting Skills 1 Comment »
March 26th, 2014

New Modern Shooter Print Magazine and TV Show

ar15 colt modern shooter magazine TVGun Digest will be producing a new quarterly print magazine, called Modern Shooter. It appears that the magazine focuses mostly on AR-platform rifles, AR accessories, and defensive shooting. The new magazine parallels the new Modern Shooter television show, which debuts on the Sportsman Channel next January. Look for Modern Shooter magazine on newsstands in April. The new magazine will also be available in digital format at www.gundigeststore.com.

Each issue of Modern Shooter will focus on a popular firearms category. For example, the premier issue explains how to maintain an AR rifle, and how to “Defend Your Castle” with an AR. This first issue features Richard Mann’s 12 training drills for AR-platform rifles, plus reviews of AR accessories: optics, sights, rails, and adjustable stocks. The premiere edition of Modern Shooter profiles Colt manufacturing, discussing the history of the company. Colt’s new LE6920MP-USA and AR15A4 rifles will be reviewed.

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April 18th, 2013

New Brownells Personal Protection & Home Defense Catalog

Brownells has released its first-ever Personal Protection & Home Defense Catalog. This full-color, 64-page Catalog (issue #1) features the most popular accessories, parts, holsters, magazines, cleaning supplies, and ammunition for home defense and personal protection. Additionally, the “Preparedness” section features an array of compact flashlights, knives, multi-tools, first-aid kits and emergency bags, plus less-lethal devices like the C2 Taser, collapsible batons, and pepper spray.

To order the print version of the Personal Protection & Home Defense Catalog #1, visit Brownells’ Catalog Order Page, or call 800-741-0015. You can also access a fully-interactive, digital edition of the Catalog. CLICK HERE for Personal Protection/Home Defense Online Catalog.

Frank Brownell Receives Honor From American Custom Gunmakers Guild
Frank Brownell, longtime President and now Chairman of the Board of Brownells, Inc., was recognized by the American Custom Gunmakers Guild (ACGG) on Thursday, March 28, 2013, during the Brownells 7th Annual Gunsmith Conference & Career Fair.

Guild members surprised Brownell by presenting him with an Honorary Life Membership to the American Custom Gunmakers Guild. Brownell is the first and only non-craftsman to receive the prestigious award, according to the President of the ACGG, Michael Ullman.

“I was totally taken aback by this award,” said Frank Brownell. “I love the incredibly beautiful, functional guns the folks in the Guild build. Their craftsmanship is simply superb [and] their passion is creating these amazing works of art[.] I am deeply honored, and thank them all so very much.”

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