Home Defense: Pistol vs Shotgun

We all know to keep our doors and windows locked, but what are some other ways we can protect our homes? Learning how to make your home safe and secure is crucial to not just your safety, but the safety of your family as well.
Matt Ferland and Greg Essenlohr are here to discuss everything from securing the exterior of your home, making a plan for when things go wrong, and a few of the advantages and disadvantages of various firearms within a home defense situation.
Any tips or thoughts you have about home defense, please leave them in the comments below. We’d love to hear them.
►ABOUT OTIS
Otis Technology was born in 1985 when our founder, a 16-year-old Doreen Garrett, fell into cold mud while deer hunting with her father. The barrel of her grandfather’s Model 94 Winchester was full of mud and the day's hunt was over.
That day sparked the beginning of an endeavor to create a smarter solution to a problem every hunter, soldier, shooter, and firearm owner has encountered. On that day, Doreen had a vision for innovating gun care. That is where we began, in the mud, pulled down by our roots to reveal a tireless drive to create a quality product that will serve the men and women that depend on their firearms to feed their families and protect our country. Now, it is our uncompromising purpose and the big picture reason why we show up to work every day.
At Otis, our mission is to rethink and redefine gun care, giving gun owners better and smarter ways to keep their most cherished firearms in the best condition possible. That’s why our products are American-made and backed by a No-Nonsense Guarantee.
We are #AmericasGunCare.
►CHECK US OUT!
Facebook: / otistechnology
Instagram: otistechnology
KZbin: / otistechnology
Website: otistec.com/
Full30: www.full30.com/channel/otiste...
Subscribe today: kzbin.info...
►RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Otis Tactical Gun Cleaning Kit: otistec.com/tactical-cleaning...
Otis Elite Universal Gun Care System: otistec.com/the-otis-elite/
Otis Elite Range Box: otistec.com/otis-elite-range-...
Otis Microfiber Gun Cloth: otistec.com/microfiber-gun-cl...
Otis AP Brush: otistec.com/3-pack-ap-brushes...
Otis 085 CLP Wipes: otistec.com/o85-clp-wipes-can...
Shooter’s Choice FP-10 Lubricant Elite®: shooters-choice.com/fp-10-lub...
Shooter’s Choice MC-7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner®: shooters-choice.com/mc-7-bore...
Song ID: MB01DK0AJMSLMH9

[@Normal1855]

Never give away your position. The first, and last thing they should hear, is a big boom.

[@ollietamuff3340]

Respectfully, Mr.C. If it's a well placed shot, They won't hear anything.

[@jonathangardiner6932]

As soon as I heard him say that I stopped the vid 😂😂

[@ictdpowerstroke4591]

RIP Franky depoma

[@bluejays6223]

@@jonathangardiner6932 sorry but niiiii will be running when they hear that, i got experense

[@matthewchunk3689]

The vast majority of home firearms are used by and against a household member. You might as well keep a jug of gasoline and matches to protect your home@@bluejays6223

[@jimoneal3]

The sound of pumping a shotgun is a myth. The goal is to that round chambered before they are even close enough to here that. That’s straight up movie 💩

[@karkkosvolfe]

Was going to point that out too. If they can hear that, they are also close enough to get a clean aimed shot into your head before the shell is chambered.

[@andrewtorgerson6143]

Facts

[@OntarioBearHunter]

yeah.. lost any credibility after that dunce statement

[@SexyCletus]

Um I don’t think it’s a myth. If I was robbing someone and heard that. I’m out and running away.

[@jimoneal3]

@@SexyCletus If you think it’s a good idea to wait to chamber a round while a home invader is in your house and within close enough distance for them to hear that then good luck to you brother 👍.

[@ollietamuff3340]

Mossberg 500 next to my bed loaded up with 1oz. slugs.

[@Traymac]

My biggest pet peeve is hearing people say that about shotguns what if you rack that gun and the criminal just starts dumping rounds in the direction that they heard that

[@karkkosvolfe]

Exactly, that is what any criminal with an ounce of intelligence would do. If they are willing to break in, while the residence is likely occupied; then they probably don't have an issue killing you.

[@Traymac]

@@karkkosvolfe exactly

[@SexyCletus]

@@karkkosvolfea criminal with intelligence isn’t gonna rob someone’s house without knowing if someone is in the house and if they have guns

[@thedarkspawnshooter3717]

@@SexyCletus in the house i can see but how the fuck are they gonna know they have guns? unless the home owner keeps them out in the open then i dont see that second part

[@susman791]

Well that’s any gun lol unless you have one in the chamber you have to rack ever gun.

[@causeXeffect23]

Please do not bet your life on some intruder(s) hearing your shotgun rack and getting scared.

[@bluejays6223]

and your dumb to stay after hearing that

[@Makneuro07]

U still got the shotgun

[@W.Reddit.storys]

@@Makneuro07just load more ammo’s 😂and keep the party going

[@SCcountry2]

Go to is a semi-automatic shotgun with buckshot or slug I have a semi-automatic shotgun for that very reason for home defense, that thing can cause a lot of chaos if it needs to.

[@WeldingForJesus]

I used to have a semi auto and switched to a pump action. Why? Because I used to spend time at the range and hunting as well, and the gun NOT automatically cycling a new shell into the chamber was a big safety plus for me. But, at the end of the day it is a matter of personal preference. A shotgun is either way THE go-to for home defence and shtf situations.

[@gunsrfun378]

@@WeldingForJesus definitely bro. I only do have a semi auto shotty, but from what I’ve heard the pump is just so much more reliable. If you are gonna plan for your life , get the pump. Just to add, I’ve never had a cycling issues like you, not even joking , 2000 rounds so far and literally no issues , and I have the JTS AK12 ( only $300) if your wondering, if it’s on my life, however,it’s not worth it.

[@WeldingForJesus]

@@gunsrfun378 Oh, I never had issues with my old semi auto not cycling a round. Sure the 24 gram shells cycled slower but they still cycled (I had a Benelli Beccaccia, so a gas operated should be even more reliable with light rounds). What I meant was that a pump is harmless from the moment you fired one round until you manually cycle another round into the chamber, but the semi auto will be loaded and dangerous again immidiately after firing. Most of the times a gun is used it's for sport or for hunting, not for defending your home, and the more safety for me and people around me, the better, while still being able to reliably shoot an intruder of course. But that is my personal preference. 😊

[@louisfain]

The accuracy and damage of a shotgun is so great that usually a pump should be enough. You don’t want to shotgun mag dump at your house and have the roof collapse on you lol

[@SCcountry2]

@@louisfain I think i would be smart enough not to do that, just because it's a semi-automatic doesn't mean you have to mag dump anyting, but you can pop them off quick.

[@vendetta_.]

Plus it's super hard to shoot a moving target with all the stress and fear you're having But for a shotgun just aim in his direction then he'll look like cheese

[@Mark-qq7io]

False

[@Mark-qq7io]

But so is the entire video.. 😑

[@oopsiesbrother]

​@@Mark-qq7io 1. The sound of a racking shotgun is pretty intimidating and will make most people stop and consider if they really want to proceed. 2. While spread is not as great as people make it out to be id put money on an untrained person hitting their target at 10-50 feet more consistently with a shotgun than a fucking pistol. Especially if said target is moving.

[@oopsiesbrother]

​@@Mark-qq7io there is a reason shotgun are called street howitzer

[@The_real_onefs]

​@rjg6644 your such a keyboard warrior, go back to your bb guns kid.😂😂😂

[@jas8256]

Firearms for personal defense should always be loaded … it takes about 1 -2 seconds to rack a slide 3-4 if you have to load a magazine in first … shotguns are not the do all save all in home defense … IF you are where you have good cover and concealment with no need to move, sit tight and let them be surprised when they find out what is behind Door Number 1 !!! Hand gun is a lot easier to move around with and carry lots of ammo … Shotgun MUST be Aimed … in your average home, about the longest shot you will have is 30 feet, 10 yards .. round from a shot gun is not going to open up much before 20 feet, which is great IF you hit your target … No matter what you choose, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE … Muscle memory will make the difference.. Teach you kids what a firearm is and that they are never to touch unless YOU hand it to them …

[@TalenGryphon]

My go-to home defense *Was* a Mossy 500 with a home defense barrel, ATI adjustable stock, and a flashlight. To most Fudds it looks like a "scary black rifle". I still have her too, but these days she's just used to hunt birds. Nowadays due to to how close my bed is to the door and how close my neighbors are to me that has been replaced with a beautiful vintage Beretta

[@jonothandoeser]

The "spread" of a shotgun buckshot round when fired within the rooms of a house is hardly even noticeable. People think you can just aim a shotgun in the general direction of your target and you will hit it. But in reality, at those short distances you need to aim a shotgun just as carefully as you would a 9mm pistol.

[@ryanmosley8250]

To an extent yeah but buckshot at 20 feet does open a little

[@jonothandoeser]

@@ryanmosley8250 VERY little at 20 feet.

[@ryanmosley8250]

@@jonothandoeser still bigger than 1 9mm bullet

[@jonothandoeser]

@@ryanmosley8250 Well... yes.

[@jordancook1668]

You may not be aware, but buckshot is not the only load available for a shotgun, and there are also many different loads of buck. #4 at 20 ft actually has substantial spread, and birdshot even more. Many people just assume everything is 00 but there are many other options. Firing number 4 at typical interior distances is basically like firing about 25 rounds of 22LR spread around to about the size of a basketball. You do not want to be on the opposite end of that. And of course, as your target gets much closer, obviously your accuracy and ability to make a hit with an 18-inch barrel becomes much easier, even under stress. I like anybody’s odds of hitting center mass with a shotgun at 20 feet much better than doing the same with a 4-inch handgun. Everybody thinks they’re John Wick, but when your heart’s pounding and you’re half awake, you’re likely to hit absolutely nothing with your handgun, unless you are very highly trained. You’ve got a fighting chance with a shotgun.

[@offworlder1]

A semi auto shotgun and a side arm next to my side of the bed for me. My woman prefers a semi auto rifle and a side arm next to the night stand.

[@ianantoinerobinson715]

shotgun leaves chunks of the intruder on the floor 😂

[@robertwaid3579]

Absolutely True!!! Shotgun over Pistol for Pretty Much anything. But absolutely for Home Defense.

[@iotaeta-pi2770]

The moment you made that silly claim about the sound of racking the shotgun, you lost any sense of credibility with me.

[@legolasbaggins7994]

You know that has really happened before right? Multiple credible sources have said the suspects ran when they racked their shot gun

[@danielmalacara2847]

Should have said "standard capacity"

[@blackheartgaming6121]

I got three sidearms myself but im trying to getcmyselfcmy first shotgun soon I hope

[@gunsntrails3010]

Absolutely! Well said 👏👌 got a video on this coming soon

[@coletonlandis6022]

I originally rocked with a classic pump before I was 21 then once I turned 21 I had to find the middle balance of a pistol and a shotgun = AK Pistol

[@sixgunmiller6198]

my handguns are only there to give me time to get to my long gun, if theres anything left of the bad guy

[@NA-rr7jl]

If you have family who's unfamiliar with firearms teach them and might be best to get a semi auto shotgun and a flashlight as well with Security camera

[@anaroca7158]

Do you recommend a pistol opposed to a shotgun living in a smaller space?

[@NA-rr7jl]

@@anaroca7158 when you say smaller spaces do you mean apartment and are your concerns over penetration? Otherwise almost everything will have over penetration however shotguns are still best indoors as you have much more ammo types to chose from that are less likely to penetrate through multiple walls. In the end its your gun fight. You have to decide where a that main doors, where are my children and partner potentially in the room behind the intruder? A pistol has pros too. Depending on your home I think best self defense options are ar15 chambered in 300blk out or 9mm, shotguns then pistols.

[@anaroca7158]

@NA-rr7jl Thanks for your response. Yes, when having a small space I'm thinking it's easier to move around with a pistol. Having a shotgun and coming around the corner to look and then take aim at my target seems like a bit of a challenge. Clearly I don't own a firearm but I am weighing out my options.

[@NA-rr7jl]

@@anaroca7158 takes training with both but pistols are more difficult to aim. Besides best to fortify your castle with layers of security vs just a gun

[@oldvet7566]

I have both and more ...because I do plan

[@anaroca7158]

Would it be ideal to own the pistol living in a smaller space?

[@shadoraeveon9312]

Why not both

[@loganvia8595]

I love that sound

[@drewg3087]

Shotgun for sure for home defense.

[@Denverscorpio]

I can hear the click clack of a shotgun all day long ❤

[@OntarioBearHunter]

I have a semi... it doesn't rack.... ohs nos.. what do I do.

[@OtisTechnology]

Oh no! Try making the "cha chink" noise with your mouth.

[@hamster1169]

Do you know about the Remington brand do you know if they're produced properly?

[@Ada-zn3pw]

absolutely Remington 870 shotgun has been around for a long time and is probably the most popular shotgun in America.

[@michaeldriskell2038]

I got both. Locked and loaded.😊

[@mrowoofers101]

"But 9mm can blow the lungs out the body!"

[@warpdriveby]

I have a working GSD. I also have a 12ga, but Rix will have a mouthful of sorry MF before I get a shot off. If you have neither, get a dog first, they are the #1 deterrent. Isn't an ounce of prevention worth a pound of cure?

[@backwoodscharlie8483]

I wouldn't bet my life that racking a pump shotgun would scare an intruder away foolish comment.

[@odacizdnak1136]

Single shot shotgun is my to go home defense / just like it and perfer it Also have other guns just feel comfortable with my 20 ga single shot shotgun

[@kineticenergy1085]

Avg handgun bullet weight is 55-200 grains from .380 up to .45 avg ft/lbs of a handgun ranges from 80-700 lbs, and an act speed from 850-2500 fps. A 12 gauge slug is 438 grains, traveling at 1600 fps and 2600 ft/lbs of energy……. I’d bolt if I were a criminal and heard a shotgun rack💁🏽‍♂️ like this guy says, you ain’t getting by it and it’s done in one shot guaranteed

[@thetacticalpuertorican]

Or hear me out. The criminal who already broke in and has bad intentions and possibly a gun now knows exactly where you when you only have a guess or where they are at.

[@kineticenergy1085]

@@thetacticalpuertorican true, but there’s variables with that, also. Maybe I rack and move. Maybe I rack, then lay prone towards them. I’m all about 10mm and .40, in handguns (both absolutely will do the job) but nothing trumps a 12 gauge shotgun 😎👍🏽

[@thetacticalpuertorican]

@kineticenergy1085 just end the threat. Don't give them a chance to fire first it could mean the difference between life or death. Whether that's yours or someone else who they shot while trying to shoot you because they shot at you and the bullet went through a wall or window. Yes, at close quarters a shotgun is absolutely unmatched, but it has to be used first. If you go prone that does 2 things. 1 Makes harder to work the gun, fix malfunctions or just rack it. 2 You're no longer able to move around. If another guy comes up after you take down the 1st then you're on the ground with nowhere to go.

[@karkkosvolfe]

​​@@kineticenergy1085 There are a couple things. First, if someone breaks in during nighttime hours, it is safe to assume the residence is likely occupied. If so, then it is almost a certainty that "audible intimidation" aka racking the pump IS NOT going to scare them. Anyone with two working brain cells wouldn't break into a residence with a high probability of being occupied & not be willing/able to cause serious bodily injury or death. Thus the whole "rack the shotgun" part is absolute bullshit. Second, marksmanship is a must regardless of what you are using. Part of that is your ability to move, retain and deploy that weapon system. You must be efficient & effective at it. Shotguns are great when used properly & in the right context. Same with sidearms! Third, only a fool does the Israeli empty chamber nonsense. It takes time to load & make ready. Time you cannot afford to waste.

[@kineticenergy1085]

@@karkkosvolfeEmpty chamber rack? Oh hell no, that tube will be full of 2-0 buck, the rack is to let them know I ain’t packing a Mickey Mouse .380 or .38 and that they are toast if they get hit by it😎👍🏽

[@youdontknowme2915]

People have to stop saying the sound of racking a shotgun is a good defense move…. First off, you should have your ammo already chambered… Second, there is something to be said about being stealth…

[@glock.gun.7143]

👍🏼👍🏼💯💯

[@clgmafnas]

I'm leaning towards an AR. I love shotguns, but my 2 main factors are my wife using it and multiple attackers.

[@ollietamuff3340]

Hi Christopher. My problem with that is an AR round will penetrate the walls and hit unintended targets. A 12 gauge slug has less than half the velocity of an AR round and will still get your point across. Peace and blessings and Happy Thanksgiving, sir.✌️🙏

[@clgmafnas]

@@ollietamuff3340 happy Thanksgiving to yours as well sir. I think that's true of FMJs, but there's more types of ammo to choose from now and i think maybe it's possible to control the amount of penetration somewhat. 👍🏼

[@ollietamuff3340]

@@clgmafnas Agreed. I use Hornady CD in my carry weapon. (S&W Shield) Great ammo.

[@Biomass1]

​@@ollietamuff3340Not true with the proper ammo.

[@chriswhisby71]

Mine is already rack I respect the shotgun

[@Coolboy-qb7dw]

Revolvers or pistols?

[@brothermarion8224]

For Valentine's day buy your wife a 410 shotgun. Nothing says "get off my property" more elegantly. 💥

[@garytaylor2653]

That is not the truth about shotgun the sound will not do that.

[@dallinmickelson5245]

Just no. You holding a gun or particularly racking it may not help you remotely. Racking a shotgun sounds like any other bump in the night. You need to be ready to shoot

[@darbyheavey406]

The rack as a warning is really dumb.

[@jordancook1668]

One nice thing about shotguns is that they are seen somehow by the anti 2A crowd as more innocent than other options. Even sleepy Joe advocated just blasting one wildly into the air. If God forbid you’re ever in a situation where you need to use a firearm, you’d better think about how you’ll be judged after the fact. Having “grandpa’s old shotgun” in the house carries a very different connotation than a tricked out AR or a pistol with red dot and light. And never doubt the effectiveness of a shotgun. They’re also still allowed in many countries around the world, where the others are not.

[@strikezonefishingadventures]

When the breach snaps closed on my my 10 gauge Gold semi-auto, that will get someone's attention, as it sounds like a bear trap closing. But if that doesn't work, a custom 3 1/2 inch magnum shell loaded with 3 full ounces of shot means whoever is on the receiving end is in very serious trouble. Go ahead - hide behind a door, paneling, drywall, or masonry - it won't really matter.

[@therevolutionscript]

Why would you keep a gun for self defense that doesn’t have a round chambered? Fudd lore!!!

[@zackparler8915]

Oh brother……

[@samuelrodriguez5412]

I always have one in the chamber even at home day and night ! I don't have any kids so 🤷 . You're firearm is a defensive tool it should be ready for action .

[@grxy1]

300 blk suppressed?!

[@wilcoxtactical3716]

There is no such thing as HIGH CAPACITY magazines. That was a term coined by anti gun organizations. There is only various levels of standard capacity and racking a slide or pump doesnt scare away bad guys. It gives away your position and makes you look like a noob that doesnt keep their gun in ready to go condition. They may have a gun too.. now they know where you are and could just start shooting in your direction. The only sound youll hear in my house is the sound of me shooting. The lock on the door was the only warning i give that they arent welcome.

[@danielaramburo7648]

High capacity is being used correctly. A ruger LCP carries 6 shots, a Berreta 92fs/x carries 18. 18 rounds is high capacity compared to a 8 shot 1911 or 6-7 shot pocket pistol.

[@rubenguevara5753]

The whole sound of them chambering a round is the argument that wins in a shotgun vs pistol lmao

[@alexg5457]

Why does this guy look like Captain Spaulding? 🤡

[@mikebenoit6648]

Air Gun Depot has some cool 😎 new things 😎 you can get

[@tigermedz]

Like what

[@paulmkz]

Pistol open casket funeral. Shotgun closed casket. That's the difference

[@jasonknight3983]

You know absolutely nothing

[@rogue109]

Did you just assume my caliber? You are saying pistols have a lot of rounds...but you don't know that!!!! I might be .45 gendered!

[@jeffreyhall838]

Shotgun all the way for me

[@Rubicon1776]

Fuddery at work with that “sound of a shotgun racking” bullshit comment.

[@thetacticalpuertorican]

Horrible advice.

[@ms.annthrope415]

just rack that shotgun and tell the intruders whereabouts are , which room, and what you have. yet you know nothing about how many there are, where they are or what they're doing. Plus, are you gling to rack it at Port arms where you're not able to fire a round shoukd the intruder pop righ5 into your bedroom and take a shot at you?

[@HistoryLover89]

My apartment building won't allow guns

[@SIX4NINJA]

Racking does not save lives

[@Biomass1]

Ugh, another gun video where hardly anyone knows anything about guns and how they work in the real world. Seriously it's like every video.

[@belayasmert9943]

Please stop with the racking bullshite. For my situation at command central. Mossy 18.5 loaded with #4 buckshot. Surefire x300u wml sitting on a GG&G mount . Hogue tamer pistol grip. Heatshield magpul single point sling mount. Kept in cruiser ready mode. The Farthest distance is 12 yds in my domicile. With 4# buckshot low recoil, that's a shit load of Kinetic energy being dump in a fist size group. Give me a scatter gat any day over a pistol

[@sahan6996]

in usa, can anyone have a gun/gun license

[@Ada-zn3pw]

Any citizen has the right to buy a gun as long as you can pass the background check. Some criminals can't legally purchase depending on their past crimes.

[@MrCombatmedic00]

Shotgun all the way

[@Biomass1]

I'll keep using an AR for home defense. Weapon light, red dot and pair of Peltors by the rifle, in a rifle safe. It works for me. No over penetration and plenty of extra rounds.

[@VegasX900]

AR for home defense lol. May as well use a bb gun.

[@Biomass1]

@@VegasX900 Obviously you don't know much about ARs.

[@griffinc1959]

In the shotgun tube run a rubber dug in the chamber first. That way you can get the target on the ground or stunned and you can really take your time lining up the second shot on the head. And make the second shell loaded a real slug.

[@IRZ09xX]

A jury would disagree

[@Burger14]

Bruh you’d definitely go to jail for that😭

[@socalrcr]

🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@grandamishwizard1584]

None of you have any rights. All it takes is one jew prosecutor, and all of you go down.

[@willyorca5364]

Just rhe sounds gona s arw someone off ,this guy obviously don't live in the real world and gets all his gun knowledge from KZbin and not from actually training.

[@badatiss]

Ok let's use some brain power here first... Don't pull out a hunting shotgun for your video ... Maverick 88 cruiser 18.5 in barrel will do you just fine... Makes it way more compact.... People please do not use this video to make a decision