The Urban Survival Shotgun

Feuer Frei! · 08-13-11, 07:01 AM

A lot of armed citizens, preppers, and people who simply appreciate versatility in their firearms are discussing weapons for urban survival. Although its tempting to focus on assault rifles or easily-concealed handguns, you shouldnt disregard the type of weapon that is typically the easiest to buy combat shotguns. In general, shotguns are very reliable, fairly inexpensive, legal, and extremely powerful.

Which is the Best Shotgun for Urban Survival?
A lot of factors must be taken into account when youre trying to identify the best shotgun for urban survival. Dont make the common mistake of overlooking reliability, firepower, range or the availability of ammunition, because all those factors are important. The weapon that might seem to be the best shotgun in a home defense scenario may not be any*where near as effective if youre trying to survive on the run. Lets examine these factors and create the best shotgun for your needs

The Best Shotgun for Urban Survival: Firepower is Critical
Theres a lot more to a weapons firepower than the size of the hole a round can make. You also need to consider what youll be shooting at and the weapons capacity. In a situation where urban survival is at stake, you might need to shoot through a window, door or even a chain lock to enter or exit a fenced area. The firepower equation includes range, capacity and ammo availability because you might be in a situation where ammo stores arent accessible. Taking these factors into account, the best shotgun for urban survival, as far as firepower is concerned, is probably a 12 gauge. It packs a powerful punch and is the most common and versatile of all the rounds.

The Best Shotgun for Urban Survival: The Action of the Firearm When urban survival is at stake, your weapon will probably be exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Too much dust and debris can be a problem, because they can interfere with your shotguns action. Semi-automatic shotguns can get off rounds as quickly as you can pull the trigger, but ammo jams can become more frequent when the conditions are unfavorable. Thats why a pump action model is the best shotgun for urban survival. I know a lot of people who can fire a pump action shotgun as quickly as a semi-automatic.

The Best Shotgun for Urban Survival: The Brand is Important
This isnt the right time to cut corners. Your life could depend on the weapon you buy, so stay away from no-name or discount shotguns and stick with a proven brand. For example, the Mossberg 500 series, the Remington 870, and the Winchester Defender are all well-known pump-action shotguns. They will give you the reliability and power you need in an urban survival shotgun.

SOURCE

the_tyrant · 08-13-11, 07:04 AM

whats with all the asterisks?

it almost seems like your trying to evade censorship or something

still, having a shotgun is a great idea
especially when the zombies come

Feuer Frei! · 08-13-11, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_tyrant

whats with all the asterisks?

it almost seems like your trying to evade censorship or something

Fixed. It happens when I need to edit a post afterwards. Bugs the hell out of me, got to go through the whole thing and edit out asterixes and whatnot.

Torplexed · 08-13-11, 09:13 AM

Thanks for the gun guide. I'm on my way to the General Store. One stop shopping for the Apocalypse.

MH · 08-13-11, 09:37 AM

Platapus · 08-13-11, 10:27 AM

The best shotgun would be the one the owner practices with at the range. I wonder how many people buy a shotgun for home defense and never fire it?

CaptainHaplo · 08-13-11, 11:44 AM

If your engaging in a fairly "open" urban environment at very short range (~40 yds and under) then a shotgun is somewhat useful when used as a "fouling" piece. The fact you have some margin of error due to spread is a benefit. However, the lack of lethality against a human wearing ballistic protection at anywhere over about 30' is a huge minus. At that range your just as well off with a handgun, which weighs significantly less and will provide greater accuracy for a killshot.

However, if your going to use slug "at range" - your losing so much in accuracy (due to smoothbore vs rifling) that your much better off with a similiar sized rifle. Longer range, greater accuracy have its uses.

Now of course someone will start in about "sawed off" shotguns and the life - how they are so much better in knife fights - such as enclosed spaces. Yes, they are - being able to splatter the contents of your opponents entire abdomen all over the wall behind him is much more lethal than a handgun slug in the gut. Even the best of hollow points can't give you the lethality of a super close range shotgun hit.

But the shotgun should NOT be seen as an adequate urban defensive weapon. Its shortcomings are significant in that role. If you have to shoot someone from that close - your likely already dead.

There are better choices for the role. Bullpup models of many weapons pack more lethality at range with higher firing rates, while providing very good abilities when in limited space.

This isn't the movies, and in a real life or death situation, do you want something that is versatile enough to do the trick, or will you trust the safety of your home and family to what looks like it would be "cool".
Just remember when answering - there is nothing ever "cool" in a life or death situation or its aftermath.

Betonov · 08-13-11, 11:56 AM

For home defence I'm buying a paintball gun. It's not lethal but the pain it causes from short range should disable any intruder.
Even if he/she is armed with an actual firearm, the pain should make them drop the weapon. If I can't get a first shot, then even an ak-47 can't help me.

Oberon · 08-13-11, 12:30 PM

And as always, have nice day.

Armistead · 08-13-11, 02:14 PM

I use to hunt in a lot of brush behind my house, nothing beat a 12 gauge with scope, modified choke with a double slug load. I actually ran a slug first, followed by a flechette load. .

August · 08-13-11, 02:50 PM

This is my choice:

The Mossberg 590. .12ga pump action. Extended magazine. Accepts an M-9 bayonet. Reasonably priced. Nothing says "git" like racking a round into the chamber and even once it's out of ammo a 4 foot bladed spear with a solid buttplate is still a formidable weapon.

Platapus · 08-13-11, 03:10 PM

Here is a site with some good information on Shotguns for home defense.

http://www.firearmstactical.com/briefs10.htm

08-13-11, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Betonov

For home defence I'm buying a paintball gun. It's not lethal but the pain it causes from short range should disable any intruder.
Even if he/she is armed with an actual firearm, the pain should make them drop the weapon. If I can't get a first shot, then even an ak-47 can't help me.

Freeze the paintball rounds Mate!!
Talk about pain!!!

Or make your own rounds for a paintball Gun.
It's very easy to do!

Betonov · 08-13-11, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by privateer

Freeze the paintball rounds Mate!!
Talk about pain!!!

Or make your own rounds for a paintball Gun.
It's very easy to do!

ooooh, good one

lemon juice and ground glass

that should put the sting into the pain

CaptainHaplo · 08-13-11, 03:42 PM

As "entertaining" as such ideas are regarding "paintball" guns and such, you will have to forgive me for not taking a light tone.

In the case of someone invading your home and it being necessary to use a firearm to protect yourself or your family, trying to do so with a non-lethal response is simply increasing the danger that you face.

Simply put - if you feel you have to use a firearm - it should ONLY be in a situation that requires lethal force. You are not a police officer, your job is not to apprehend some criminal. If you reach for a gun, its because a life or lives are in danger, and its your job to protect that life or lives.

Firearms are not playthings. They are nothing to joke about. Nor is a situation when deadly force is required. I pray no one has to face those situations, and that for those that do, they have the maturity to handle it appropriately.

08-13-11, 07:01 AM	#1
Feuer Frei! Navy Seal Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Valhalla Posts: 5,295 Downloads: 141 Uploads: 17	The Urban Survival Shotgun A lot of armed citizens, preppers, and people who simply appreciate versatility in their firearms are discussing weapons for urban survival. Although its tempting to focus on assault rifles or easily-concealed handguns, you shouldnt disregard the type of weapon that is typically the easiest to buy combat shotguns. In general, shotguns are very reliable, fairly inexpensive, legal, and extremely powerful. Which is the Best Shotgun for Urban Survival? A lot of factors must be taken into account when youre trying to identify the best shotgun for urban survival. Dont make the common mistake of overlooking reliability, firepower, range or the availability of ammunition, because all those factors are important. The weapon that might seem to be the best shotgun in a home defense scenario may not be anywhere near as effective if youre trying to survive on the run. Lets examine these factors and create the best shotgun for your needs The Best Shotgun for Urban Survival: Firepower is Critical* Theres a lot more to a weapons firepower than the size of the hole a round can make. You also need to consider what youll be shooting at and the weapons capacity. In a situation where urban survival is at stake, you might need to shoot through a window, door or even a chain lock to enter or exit a fenced area. The firepower equation includes range, capacity and ammo availability because you might be in a situation where ammo stores arent accessible. Taking these factors into account, the best shotgun for urban survival, as far as firepower is concerned, is probably a 12 gauge. It packs a powerful punch and is the most common and versatile of all the rounds. The Best Shotgun for Urban Survival: The Action of the Firearm When urban survival is at stake, your weapon will probably be exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Too much dust and debris can be a problem, because they can interfere with your shotguns action. Semi-automatic shotguns can get off rounds as quickly as you can pull the trigger, but ammo jams can become more frequent when the conditions are unfavorable. Thats why a pump action model is the best shotgun for urban survival. I know a lot of people who can fire a pump action shotgun as quickly as a semi-automatic. The Best Shotgun for Urban Survival: The Brand is Important This isnt the right time to cut corners. Your life could depend on the weapon you buy, so stay away from no-name or discount shotguns and stick with a proven brand. For example, the Mossberg 500 series, the Remington 870, and the Winchester Defender are all well-known pump-action shotguns. They will give you the reliability and power you need in an urban survival shotgun. SOURCE __________________ "History is the lies that the victors agree on"- Napoleon LINK TO MY SH 3 MODS

08-13-11, 07:04 AM	#2
the_tyrant Admiral Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 2,272 Downloads: 58 Uploads: 0	whats with all the asterisks? it almost seems like your trying to evade censorship or something still, having a shotgun is a great idea especially when the zombies come __________________ My own open source project on Sourceforge OTP.net KGB grade encryption for the rest of us

08-13-11, 10:27 AM	#6
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,360 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	The best shotgun would be the one the owner practices with at the range. I wonder how many people buy a shotgun for home defense and never fire it? __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.

08-13-11, 11:44 AM	#7
CaptainHaplo Silent Hunter Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 4,404 Downloads: 29 Uploads: 0	If your engaging in a fairly "open" urban environment at very short range (~40 yds and under) then a shotgun is somewhat useful when used as a "fouling" piece. The fact you have some margin of error due to spread is a benefit. However, the lack of lethality against a human wearing ballistic protection at anywhere over about 30' is a huge minus. At that range your just as well off with a handgun, which weighs significantly less and will provide greater accuracy for a killshot. However, if your going to use slug "at range" - your losing so much in accuracy (due to smoothbore vs rifling) that your much better off with a similiar sized rifle. Longer range, greater accuracy have its uses. Now of course someone will start in about "sawed off" shotguns and the life - how they are so much better in knife fights - such as enclosed spaces. Yes, they are - being able to splatter the contents of your opponents entire abdomen all over the wall behind him is much more lethal than a handgun slug in the gut. Even the best of hollow points can't give you the lethality of a super close range shotgun hit. But the shotgun should NOT be seen as an adequate urban defensive weapon. Its shortcomings are significant in that role. If you have to shoot someone from that close - your likely already dead. There are better choices for the role. Bullpup models of many weapons pack more lethality at range with higher firing rates, while providing very good abilities when in limited space. This isn't the movies, and in a real life or death situation, do you want something that is versatile enough to do the trick, or will you trust the safety of your home and family to what looks like it would be "cool". Just remember when answering - there is nothing ever "cool" in a life or death situation or its aftermath. __________________ Good Hunting! Captain Haplo

08-13-11, 02:50 PM	#11
August Wayfaring Stranger Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 23,197 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	This is my choice: The Mossberg 590. .12ga pump action. Extended magazine. Accepts an M-9 bayonet. Reasonably priced. Nothing says "git" like racking a round into the chamber and even once it's out of ammo a 4 foot bladed spear with a solid buttplate is still a formidable weapon. __________________ Flanked by life and the funeral pyre. Putting on a show for you to see.

08-13-11, 09:13 AM	#4
Torplexed Let's Sink Sumptin' ! Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 5,823 Downloads: 43 Uploads: 0	Thanks for the gun guide. I'm on my way to the General Store. One stop shopping for the Apocalypse.

08-13-11, 09:37 AM	#5
MH Ocean Warrior Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 3,184 Downloads: 248 Uploads: 0

08-13-11, 11:56 AM	#8
Betonov Navy Seal Join Date: May 2009 Location: Slovenia Posts: 8,647 Downloads: 26 Uploads: 0	For home defence I'm buying a paintball gun. It's not lethal but the pain it causes from short range should disable any intruder. Even if he/she is armed with an actual firearm, the pain should make them drop the weapon. If I can't get a first shot, then even an ak-47 can't help me.

08-13-11, 12:30 PM	#9
Oberon Lucky Jack Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 25,976 Downloads: 61 Uploads: 20	And as always, have nice day.

08-13-11, 02:14 PM	#10
Armistead Rear Admiral Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: on the Dan Posts: 10,880 Downloads: 364 Uploads: 0	I use to hunt in a lot of brush behind my house, nothing beat a 12 gauge with scope, modified choke with a double slug load. I actually ran a slug first, followed by a flechette load. .

08-13-11, 03:10 PM	#12
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,360 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	Here is a site with some good information on Shotguns for home defense. http://www.firearmstactical.com/briefs10.htm __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.

08-13-11, 03:42 PM	#15
CaptainHaplo Silent Hunter Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 4,404 Downloads: 29 Uploads: 0	As "entertaining" as such ideas are regarding "paintball" guns and such, you will have to forgive me for not taking a light tone. In the case of someone invading your home and it being necessary to use a firearm to protect yourself or your family, trying to do so with a non-lethal response is simply increasing the danger that you face. Simply put - if you feel you have to use a firearm - it should ONLY be in a situation that requires lethal force. You are not a police officer, your job is not to apprehend some criminal. If you reach for a gun, its because a life or lives are in danger, and its your job to protect that life or lives. Firearms are not playthings. They are nothing to joke about. Nor is a situation when deadly force is required. I pray no one has to face those situations, and that for those that do, they have the maturity to handle it appropriately. __________________ Good Hunting! Captain Haplo