Pump Shotgun Question
For purposes of home protection at night, is it better to load the shotgun shells and NOT chamber one unless needed - OR - have one in the chamber ready-to-fire?
I read where the need to chamber a shell in a pump action shotgun creates an unmistakable sound that burglars and bad guys immediately pick up on. And then head for the hills.
Also, I've read where it's much safer, especially if one is roused from their sleep.
Your opinions? Suggestions? Advice? Much appreciated.
I read where the need to chamber a shell in a pump action shotgun creates an unmistakable sound that burglars and bad guys immediately pick up on. And then head for the hills.
Also, I've read where it's much safer, especially if one is roused from their sleep.
Your opinions? Suggestions? Advice? Much appreciated.
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quote:Originally posted by p64mak
I keep my bedroom shotgun (Mossberg 500) stoked with 5 #5 pheasant loads, empty chamber, trigger pulled so I can just rack it.
Spanielsells--with all due respect, I suspect that your warning #2 would be a fatal warning, especially if fired at most inside the home distances; try shooting a pile of wet newspaper (or soaked phone book) at 20 feet with a 18" cylinder barrel and a #8 trap load; you'll dig a 4" crater, about 3.5" deep...not that there would be anything wrong with doing that to an intruder. It's your shotgun, your home, and your call. Just pointing out something you may not have considered (but probably did).
Actually, I considered it just fine (as you suspected). For me, it is more piece of mind and setting myself up for the event that I never hope I have to see -- a jury trial based upon my actions (currently, Colorado law states that if you are committing a felony and are injured in the process, you cannot sue for your injuries, but since we have a liberal Democrat governor (just elected) and liberal Democrat statehouse (just elected), I don't put it past them to rescind the law when it comes to homeowners using deadly force to protect themselves).
I want to at least show that I made some attempt NOT to kill the guy, despite the fact that he would likely die from Warning #2.
FWIW, I've taking down saplings with #7.5 birdshot (and a full choke). I know what birdshot will do and that it is deadly.0 -
No matter the shotgun nor its status, try using 9 shot. For self defense its about the most ideal size shot with many more pellets. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Alpine
The sound of a 870 pump action chambering a round has ended 99% of all resistance that I have encountered in twenty years of law enforcement. The other 1% was ended when the suspect was shot.
Also hammer springs can break. So my recommendation is tube filled, with #8 shot shells, empty chamber, hammer down.
The true voice of experience speaks. I vote with Alpine.0 -
I keep mine loaded. If the thug is already in my house I don't want him getting scared and running away I want to punish him for breaking in. I'm gonna be as quite as a mouse so I can blow him away before he knows what hit him.
Smitty0 -
12ga coach sxs w/#4 turkey slayers, point and shoot its that simple here [xx(][xx(][xx(] 0 -
about shot size...
the closer the target, the more the charge acts like a single projectile.
the smaller the shot size, the less distance you have before it stops doing that.
try something like #12 at, say, 3 feet. not much difference between that and 00 buckshot.
try #8, it keeps the 'single projectile' effect for longer, maybe 10 feet (wild guess).
try #4, I bet at 15 feet you couldn't tell the difference between that and buckshot. (phone book test!)
so, at close range, it doesn't matter what you use.
if you got #4 or #8, that should work fine in a home-intruder situation but if you miss, going past the target another 10-15 feet won't go through walls as easily.
even if it doesn't rip through an assailant like a buzz saw, so what, you still knock him on his ass, which is just as important. that entirely depends on the weight of the charge.
a "wet phone book test" at various distances with 00, 2's, 4's, 6's and 8's out to 50 feet would really help define what you can and can't do at what distance. but, I don't have the facilities to do that. otherwise I would!0 -
XD45 in the nightstand loaded and ready to go...Mossberg Persuader in the closet with one in the chamber, safety on. My 1.5 year old is not old enough to get to the shotgun so it is ok in the closet. My 45 is on my person unless I am sleeping...which means she is in her crib. 0 -
...with no kids around, several guns around in certain locations, all loaded and one in the chamber. Guns are moved and put in one of the safes when grandkids are over.
...If there is some scum bag in my house, I don't think I want to waste the time trying/hoping to "scare" him with the sound of a round being chambered.
...My carry gun (the choice of the day) stays cocked and locked too, chambered round; I have all the faith in the world in the venerable 1911 safety system...some of the others, I don't...so those I would not even carry...[;)]
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My "house gun" is a 20 ga. pump, 18.25" cyl bore, pistol grip. It is loaded with 5 handloads holding a 50 cal. ML ball topped of with #4 shot. The load will leave a nice sized hole in a steel door from 15 feet. 0 -
The Dogs bark when a spider farts let alone some jerk trying to break in.
I would just let the dogs eat the burgler.0
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