Home Defense: Shotgun vs. Handgun | Thunder Ranch Training Center

[@UnknownUnknown-cu9zr]

“Would you rather shoot him one time with a pistol or one time with a shotgun” that made me laugh

[@luisbill1394]

How about both

[@stevejackson9952]

I still love his " A pistol will put holes in you, a rifle will through you , and a shotgun will remove a chuck of shit from you and leave it on the floor behind you. "

[@lewishhyen]

Especially his face is sooooo serious…..

[@dalekidd420]

The old "Rules For a Gunfight" are pretty clear on this. If you KNOW you're going to get into a gunfight: Bring a long gun. Bring more than ONE long gun. Bring all your FRIENDS who have long guns.

[@Rockit-]

And dont forget ammo,,,,LOTS of ammunition.

[@swaghauler8334]

@Xavier C A RedLeg checking in! You call it and I'll send it! 1-800-RED LEG, when it absolutely, positively, HAS to be DESTROYED! :)

[@ReichenbachEsq]

Thats it, right there 🇺🇸 America!

[@carryeveryday910]

First rule is DONT GO. Followed by if for whatever reason you HAVE to go bring a long gun.

[@djl8841]

Swat team raids with point lead pistol followed by everyone with a rifle. Only bc he is the one on charge and dispatches team members with rifles to clear and hold positions during the sweep. Lot of moving and looking.

[@Mockturtlesoup1]

I use a long gun for home defense (a 5.56 bullpup), but there is a benefit he didn't mention here to pistols. I made this comment on a James yeager video a few years back where he said essentially the same thing.yes, with your hands extended, the end of the guns more or less line up. but obviously you can't retract your hand into your chest, or even at your side and still keep the barrel in line with your target with a shotgun like you can with a pistol.same goes for being in a struggle with someone. it is far easier to shoot someone with a handgun while engaged with them, or while they're on top of you than with a long gun.of course there are other positives (and negatives) of choosing a pistol over a long gun, and most importantly, if someone is already in your house, you've already lost (meaning, you should probably put more time, money, thought, etc. into keeping people OUT of your house, than what to do if they get in, or which gun to use.that being saod, I too use a long gun, and mainly for the same reason Clint said: getting shot with a long gun (especially a shotgun) will dissuade an attacker/end a fight far quicker and more efficiently than shooting him with a pistol (even the hallowed .45.)

[@MrRUSSWILL]

Sir, once again you dropped major insight - the back to the wall and weapon presentation demo was sheer fucking genius !!! Thank you Thank you Besides, I love my 590

[@MrEazyE357]

My 590 was my first gun and is still my go-to.

[@Smith-re6jq]

When police or military raid a compound they use long guns. This has been done for many years and is very successful when using proper handling and training techniques. Why would defending and clearing your home be any different? To add to that the only circumstance that I know of as to when a hand gun is used to clear a structure is for a front man with a shield.

[@76Highboy]

Your comment is spot on!!! I 100% agree. Highboy

[@Circa1664]

Smith3025 Good point but if you are moving through your house and need to grab a friendly to get them out of the way a handgun will be much easier to shoot simultaneously.

[@Wahinies]

Accessibility and deployment. Of course assaults are conducted with long guns because they are not responding to an attack. With kids in a house, the guns are secured because they require safety 24/7 where normally one isn't expecting to defend themselves 24/7. It takes longer to release longarms, no two ways about it. Plus the demonstration does not go over the close body weaver a.k.a. center axis relock where you can round corners without giving your position away while also being ready to fire.

[@bscar]

Smith3025 You forget, though, that when they raid a house, they have a TEAM of people entering the place, not just 1 individual. That being said, a bullpup rifle, such as the Tavor, with a suppressor- where legal- makes an excellent alternative to an AR or shotgun.

[@estebancampos2914]

Smith3025 . In the military, if your using your pistol, your main weapon is out of ammo and shit just got real. Our pistols were backups.

[@TheNSSF]

Thank you all for watching and sharing comments on the video. Stay tuned more and check out a recent video where Clint demonstrates how shotguns at close ranges or in close quarters should be treated as precision tools much like handguns. Shotguns don't propel walls of lead at your targets but require your point of aim to be true. Watch here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3-5e4mXrderjdE

[@manawela]

For close quarters I would choose the pistol. A man coming at you with a knife would certainly be stopped more assuredly if was hit with a shotgun round as opposed to a pistol. However, if your shotgun is pointed away from the direction the attacker is, you can reposition the pistol way quicker to get it aimed at the attacker. This could even be accomplished simply by turning the wrist, not so with the shotgun. Also, in the video you added the length of your arm to the pistol. I train in point shooting. My PD, just before I retired, adapted their training to the real world. Up to 10 feet, you don't have time to get a site picture, sites are useless. So in our qualifications, from the 3 up to the 10 yard line it was just point and shoot. Up to the 7 yard line it was shoot from the hip. Secondly, unless you have an auto shotgun, all you have time for is one shot at the suspect. You can get off several shots at the suspect with an auto pistol.

[@manawela]

One more thing I forgot to add in regards to shooting from the hip and getting practiced at it. You have maximum retention protection. Your gun is at your side protected by your body and your outstretched arm keeping the attacker away. Having the gun out in front of you gives your attacker a chance to make a grab for it and possibly succeed.

[@MacXcode]

"Would you rather shoot him one time with a pistol or one time with a shotgun?"

[@usn83001]

Great illustration and relating it for us. I’ve done some mental gymnastics that worked to the same conclusions but never had it Barney’d down to that. Thanks warrior.

[@1911s4me]

Weapons retention, opening closing doors, using phone, gathering kids, pushing off an aggressor with weak hand to enable you to shoot, easier reloading and faster target acquisition are all good reasons for the handgun.

[@Wetfart17]

Closing and opening doors is extremely easy even with a larger gun and I hope you wouldn't be gathering kids behind your back during a home invasion. That is stupid because if you dies, they die. I would tell mine to jump out the window and run as they are only two floors up. And I would put the phone on speaker and leave it next to me

[@GanttCarterservant]

Amen

[@alainerookkitsunev5605]

welp if a door is locked you can often open it with a shot from a shotgun...

[@alainerookkitsunev5605]

Gantt Carter also good weapon for situations where overpenetration may be risky...

[@FrankLadd]

I always thought the shotgun was best for me because I've shot them the most. You've given me a reason to stay with what I know and keep learning more shotgunning.

[@blairbuskirk5460]

Always go with what you know. You can stage your home to accentuate your strengths and ameliorate some of your deficiencies. Work to your strengths.

[@Panda74gofaster]

Sir, you just made total smart sense. Thank you for your time. Keep them coming.

[@DanOnFire]

Short and to the point! Love these videos from Thunder Ranch.

[@peterapoccia1281]

I teach NRA's Personal Defense In The Home so I know a bit about this. Clint is quite correct that a handgun, properly extended and aimed, is about the same length as a shotgun with an 18" barrel. And the shotgun is a superior personal defense weapon hands down. But, as is often the case (often the usual case) in civilian shootings, the attacker is arms length away or less. An expended gun, of any sort, can be grabbed or deflected. In such a close encounter, I teach my students to hold the pistol in the dominant hand, tuck the arm and gun in close to the chest (elbow "sticks" out the back), strike the attacker with the open, dominant hand in the forehead (away from the line of fire) and fire center of mass. What's by my bed? A pistol and a 20ga shotgun. Yes, a 20ga, at close quarters, is "enough gun."

[@YouGotPropofol]

Just an example… you’re wrestling with an intruder on the floor. There is a 9mm on the coffee table within reach and there is a shotgun on the coffee table within reach. Both loaded with safeties off and a round chambered. Which do you reach for? Now same example standing with intruder 3 feet away coming at you. Point being you’re not always standing q0 feet away pointing your weapon. A pistol can be nimble and shot from many angles and body positions.

[@prplflh71]

The point of the short video is to address a snippet of comparison of a long gun vs a handgun for home defense that many are misinformed about. There are benefits and drawbacks to any tool we choose. He's a great instructor if you are capable and have a desire to learn. The negative comments show many here have neither.

[@mbenjamin292]

fantastic vid I never thought about the length difference. only 4 to 6 inch difference wow is all I can say. thanks for the vid.Clint you are one of the best trainers out there.

[@wastool]

Context is everything, that difference may not be insignificant in your situation. There is an idea that in a home defense situation you should hunker down in your bedroom and not move around your home, this does not take into account that you may have loved ones you need to get to safety. So the question maybe which would you rather try and use while carrying your child in one of your arms, a pistol you could use one handed or a shotgun which you can't.

[@kevinfitzsimmons1258]

Agree with this 💯. I think the actual concern is what do the projectiles do after we stop the threat? I think there is nothing wrong with a shotgun for HD WITH THE RIGHT LOAD.

[@daveh7720]

Pick a gun, and then TRAIN with it! The techniques may be slightly different, but all of them are up to the task of defending yourself and your family if you do your part. "Beware the man who only has one gun. He probably knows how to use it!"

[@og1689]

What you say is true, BUT 1) you can also fire a pistol close to the chest if necessary in close quarters and 2) It is much easier to store a pistol in a convenient location for easy access than to store a long shotgun.

[@georgejones6518]

Used a shot gun about 90% of the time during my 18 years in swat( cut down browning A5 )

[@shadeshiest22]

Wow that was great showing the gun lengths like that side by side against the wall, NOBODY EVER thinks about it like that... people I know ALWAYS try to give me reason after reason arguing about why I should keep a pistol by my bed INSTEAD of my trusty shotgun for home defense, and they ALWAYS bring up that indoor gun length argument... I’m gonna have to show some people this video!!

[@johnlawson910]

Excellent demonstration. I truly appreciate the perspective that you have given this topic. Especially the visual perspective. The way that the camera angle is set clearly depicts that there's much less difference between the long gun and a handgun during operation. You've touched on this but it can't be overstated. The biggest issue is to be well acquainted with the space your operating your weapon in , as well as being very familiar with all aspects of your weapon within that space.

[@dylanbraamse8365]

NSSF how do you spot the differences between the parts of a shotgun and a handgun?

[@normanhood7206]

Which over/under is that with a thunder Ranch logo on it?

[@MoreAmerican]

Great visual demonstration. So true.

[@panama-canada]

Right on!

[@TimSmithutahcamera]

Solid answer Clint!

I love this video! Mine is an Anti-Aircaft cannon! She is a Remington 870 express with a 28'' long standarb barrel and a high-Viz Tombuster II sight but also a 10 round capacity extension tube and a light on it. Nightmare for goosy, ducks, turkey, doves or pheasants on the filds and incredible firepower in combat! Course this lenght is really too long, but based on my experience it's mean only more practice required by this system and you can shoot across a whole season of the Walking/Burgler/Looting Dead without any reload XD

[@tiggerr42431]

I always enjoy anything Clint Smith says and somehow they way he wears his shirts reminds me of Mr Rogers sweaters.

[@gunchief0811]

tiggerr42431 well it's no wonder.. Mr. Rogers was a U.S. Marine just as Clint Smith is also.

[@808Stevie]

That’s actually a really valid point that I never thought about. So true. Thanks guys

[@josephtucciarone6878]

Wow. Thank you for your insights.

[@jd1659]

Extremely practical take on this matter.

[@bdk316]

interesting question @1:47 Id say it shouldn't matter what you shoot someone with as long as you're hitting center mass although shotty will deliver more tissue destruction

[@_68niou1]

The question that ALSO needs to be answered is, will you be able to bring the shotgun on target faster or the pistol. If you aren't actually able to shoot the perp with one or the other, it makes no difference whatsoever which one you'd rather shoot them with.

[@francispicray8934]

Anyone who believes you do not have to aim a shotgun should measure the rooms in their house, then take their shotgun out and pattern it at those distances, you might be very surprised. My S&W Governor patterns about 6 to 8 inches at 30 ft. Also, I believe anyone who goes "clearing" their house is looking for trouble. I don't know about you, but there is nothing in my house worth my or my families life. It is just my wife and I. Our protocol is to grab the phone, and governor, roll out of bed, opposite of the door, call 911 and wait. As long as they do not step in the bedroom doorway, they may live.

[@dbel723333]

Francis Picray..Cannot believe how many responses I had to read before someone finally said what you did. You would think this would be common sense but evidently not. The bad guy can come to me..not the other way around !! I preach to everyone I know that my hand gun is either ...A: my get outta the house gun or B: get to my shotgun weapon..only thing worth that kind of altercation to me is my wife ..and hopefully she's moving with me or shooting next to me !! Too many computer commandos in the world :)

[@spencyoung]

Just last night a family member accidentally closed my cat into the living room. In the middle of the night I heard something banging doors. I jumped out of bed and grabbed my go to bedside, HK 40 and completed a search. (I normally would wait upstairs but this sound wasn't a "human sound".) I found nothing because the cat hid under a chair. Came back upstairs and heard another more vigorous bang twice and really went on alert. Put HK back in Hill People Gear chest holder and grabbed my other fave go to, Mossberg 590 a1 12 ga. Did another search and found cat and laughed. I was significantly struck by the difference in size rounding corners, once again, just 8 hours ago. What I think this video, and so far the comments fail to mention, is that you can hold a pistol really close into your chest. You don't have to hold it out at full length like the video demonstrates. I know no one on this panel or the posters of the video are ignorant of this, but there is a huge difference in gun-grab potential when rounding corners and opening doors. The difference is not so important if you're at the opposite end of a room and you have plenty of space. Other big concern was that I did not have my light attached to the 590. I know my house blindfolded so it didn't matter, but you're only as good as your eyesight / lighting. Having an extra hand free for flashlights, phones, and door nobs is important (and unlikely with a shotty). Not to mention it's good to have a hand free for a gun grab of your assailant, if they are gung ho enough to break and enter with a long weapon.

[@Sporkmaker5150]

I just read this whole comment and you never told us if you had to shoot the cat!

[@Ballistic_Turtle]

Sporkmaker5150 Cat's dead, Jim.

[@MordeaniisChaos]

Both systems can be manipulated though. It's easy to manipulate a rifle through a house, especially a large one. And as you clearly understand, in a home defense situation you would place yourself at a point where you could cut off any trespassers from loved ones and use a fairly static, tactically advantageous position to wait for the bad guy to come to you. So, you simply position yourself based on that. There shouldn't be much in the way of door opening and corner rounding. As for being disarmed, the shotgun removes that chance much faster than the handgun ever will, if you keep good defensive tactics in mind. The time it takes to remove a threat with a shotgun is much, much lower than with a pistol, even scoring excellent hits with the handgun. Plus I have much better purchase on that weapon. Someone grabbing the weapon won't disable it (slide not reciprocating on a handgun), and they will have to overcome two grips instead of one, which is not a linear increase in retention at all. A pistol can be twisted out of your hand. A rifle pretty much has to be wrenched out of your hands. If someone gets to me, and I have not yet disabled them, I'd also rather have a big piece of metal in my hands to smack the shit out of the drug crazed son of a bitch than a pistol to wave around and misfire in a struggle. As for the light comment, get a damn light on your 590! Honestly I wouldn't want to have a home defense weapon that didn't have a mounted light, even a handgun.

[@20alphabet]

That's why you need a handgun with an automatic telescoping barrel!

[@kevw25]

MordeaniisChaos yep. If my family is slseping I just will sit near the top of the stairs and wait. If I know someone is at my home I will announce my presence and intentions to use deadly force if needed. If you do not heed my warning then don't mind the .223 frangible rounds coming your way.

[@JRock3091]

My AR pistol is shorter than both. Just throwing that out there Clint is an absolute mad lad. One of the best instructors walking the earth.

[@7wt]

Man I love Clint.

[@czikkanhardt4750]

"We're at our tactical house, which we call 'The Terminator'. It's just a name. It's not a big deal. " Hahaha! He knows the name is badass.

[@MrM2hb]

Good explanation of the length differences--I had not considered it.

[@DanielA-nl9nv]

Very well said.

[@indyvic]

Yea, Ok video. Good talking points. I've got both available. Being in a residential neighborhood I do give a slight edge to the shotgun. I have a Remington 870 20ga. 3" mag in a youth model which is shorter in length and weight and packs the wallop to stop any imbecile but is much easier to handle. It is also less likely to penetrate the walls and injure my neighbors but put the bad guy(s) on their ass. In low light with the shotgun you don't have to aim 'dead on' with a single bullet either. Seems all the bad guys recognize the sound of loading a pump shotgun and don't want to be on the receiving end of that! There are 3" loads made for this gun that will do the trick. In addition, I found it was easier for family members to practice and feel confident with the shotgun over my pistols. If you're going to have a home defense weapon then make damn sure you're not the only one who can use it! My Staff Sargent in Nam carried a Remington 870 12ga. in the bush. And he came home. Nuff said! Another plus is you can find a nice used/new shotgun without breaking the bank and having the 'Federalizes' sticking their nose in your life.

[@JoseLopez-kx4tn]

Right on, cool video. You have a point there. I'll take the shotgun and the handgun for a backup. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@absolution1088]

Nah. Shotguns go through plaster the way crack whores go through crack and dicks.

[@BaritoneMonkey]

@@absolution1088 use birdshot. Point blank hits like a slug, dumps all its energy immediately, and doesn't penetrate walls very far.

[@hawkeye31k]

I have both shotgun and pistol at an arms reach away, whether sleeping in the master bedroom or on the living room couch. If push comes to shove, I'm grabbing my Mossberg 930 SPX. Nothing against my Sig Scorpion 45, but I'll take 9 rnds of 00 buck any day of the week in a break in/CQC situ.

[@tomarthur676]

Great point. Hadn't thought of it.

[@BFit25]

I would say if you have time always go for the shotgun first. IMO one should have a long gun and a pistol for home defense. If you are in a strange situation where mobility is a real issue your are in the car, traveling, or on a hike go with the handgun. Otherwise if you're at home reach for the 12 gauge.

[@dsmmike95]

Can you do a video saying some Clint Eastwood lines from movies?

[@gocraiger]

When you are sitting in a corner or just one room then okay. When you are moving to other rooms then you've missed something. A long gun sticks out and can be grabbed. If you hold it downward then you have a lot of movement upward that can be blocked. A pistol can be held close to the chest and is less able to be grabbed. You can fire from a chest hold position if necessary. If the barrel is grabbed you then can fall straight back and fire aligning yourself with the assailant. Long guns can be used as leverage against you using the door frame or just jerked forward allowing your body to be left vulnerable for attack and the barrel unable to be aligned with the assailant. Of course a pistol grip and shorter barrel can help the long gun reduce the profile to a degree. Just a thought.

[@DemiizeLol]

+Craig Hudson A handgun can be grabbed, too, no matter what length you're holding it at. And I certainly doubt you're walking around your house with your gun on your chest. Also when you move to close quarter, you should probably be moving your shotgun to a hip-firing position. But in any case, this isn't an action movie. People don't usually stick around once the home-owners are alarmed. They run out as quickly as they can. They're not trying to hide behind corners and assassinate you for the President's location here. Learn how to clear your house with whatever firearm you have.

[@gocraiger]

+John Torres yes sir. I understand your explanation. if you are between the exit and the assailant then he's not fleeing as easy. a pistol has less real estate. maybe the assailants are on drugs. maybe they have watched too many Hollywood movies. and just for your info, I am ex-infantry and have had close quarters training. that being said, I agree that if you are smart you will dial 911 and stay in your room with a shotgun. however, if your kids are in the other room, no one including (especially) a mother is going to stay put hiding in a corner. Nor are you going to move with a shotgun at the hip. theory and application almost never perfectly align in any situation including home invasion.

[@gocraiger]

One last comment. Life is about risk assessment. You don't assess risk based on based case scenario. You assess on an all case scenario. So we don't plan on the intruder being one that flees on the first sight of confrontation. We hope for that. But hope is like luck and isn't controllable. Therefore we plan as if the intruder is highly trained and motivated and possibly hopped up on drugs. To plan for the week thief that is ready to flee is poor risk assessment. You're best option is to secure the house at every point of entry with an alarm that is connected to a loud external horn and exterior light system. Mate that with a couple of free roaming and we'll trained guard dogs and law of percentages say you'll never have to worry about what type of gun is best anyhow.

[@SeanPGribbons]

It really depends though because let’s say you have small children or doors to open ideally you would want a hand easily freeable to hold people back unlock doors etc I think it depends like I say if you’re married at home sit in your room take cover and wait with your shotgun or AR if you have small children consider a handgun IMO

[@shoyourightrayrayray3142]

Awesome easy breezy demo

[@rogerdodger5415]

Thanks! Great demonstration! 🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸

[@WilliamXLee]

Good advice guys. This is the kind of info Americans need to see. Kudos my friends!

[@estebancampos2914]

I've debated this same thing to people years ago. That the distance is minimal. I've never advocated what people should do but that you at least do something to fight for your life. This is a free country, choose a weapon or not it's your free choice.

[@tyonarms6735]

I never considered this great vid

[@steelshrapnel9900]

Ahhhh, I can shorten my arms positions maintain fast target to target acquisition Israeli center chest or right side and left side room to room. Takes a little practice but easily adaptable..! Long gun always long gun..! Love you videos agree 90% of the time, this video not so much.

[@steelshrapnel9900]

Semper Fi If I’m in a room offensive attacker enters wasting time on aiming I’ll win that firefight hands down. Israel point shooting CQB method from centered chest or side to side without eyes on sights I practice minimum twice a month. I’ll start on attacker’s forward hand and arm immediately and if I have additional time or room I’ll extend my arms as I’m firing then their face if they’re so bold enough continue..! Clint absolutely correct shooting is perishable skill..! If you’re not actively running drills often you have to rely on aiming..!

[@tonydowd8566]

I just traded my 870 for a full size 9. I rarely shot the shotgun. I shoot the pistol all the time now. use what you are most comfortable with. I carry a handgun on my hip everywhere I go. can't do that with a 24" barrel Mossberg. 18 + 1 9mm or 6 rnds of 12 guage? easy answer for me.

[@CorkKNIFE]

Your situation is a good example of the exception to the rule. You don't practice with the shotgun, your shogun is not accessible, you don't feel comfortable nor are proficient with the shotgun, so you'll have to make do with a handgun. It will be better for you than a long gun you can't confidently deploy. If starting/choosing from zero, the shotgun is better as long as you put in the time.

[@ihatefords1000]

Give me the 8 rounds of #4 buck

[@ihatefords1000]

If you can't neutralize the threat with eight rounds of number 4 buck you have bigger problems

[@phambelton1]

Agree. Statistics show shotguns are the least practiced weapon of any by civilians. Sounds like a formula for disaster. Despite all of Clint's good points, use the weapon you've trained most extensively with and can run with muscle memory. If a shotgun great. If a handgun though, use that.

[@skubz81]

Excellent argument. Shotty it is! Time to train...

[@justacatwalkingonakeyboard4454]

What’s your opinion on pistol caliber carbines for home defense

[@Tokerskyzabijak]

I'm looking for a cheap, reliable, self-loading shotgun in 12 gauge capable of shooting different type of ammunition and cut-shells, primarily for home defense and planking. What would you recommend to me? Or is there any?

[@sixosixo]

What make and model was the over under shotgun in the video?

[@johanmontoya610]

Hello. I can’t find this rifle in California anymore. Can anyone tell me what I could find in California that would be comparable? Please and thank you.

[@ChrisLoew]

Just train if you have anything, and given the choice no 28” hunting barrel lolz

[@Hercules1-v9m]

I keep a handgun AND the 12 gauge Shockwave by my bed. Along with a knife and sword. About to add a rifle to that.👍

[@adamshaw8214]

Tacticool moron do for dick.

[@Mathius18]

Yes, but with a pistol, you don’t walk around the corner fully extended. You bring the weapon close to your body which is why a pistol or a short barrel ar would be better suited for in a home. Imo a short barrel shotgun (10” barrel) would be ideal but NFA sucks so pistol is easier obtained for most.

[@GarySmith-cy4ng]

If speed counts (and it does), the 18 in. shotgun is faster. My "bump-in-the-night" gun is a Mossberg 500, 12 ga. I have practiced many times firing from the hip with field load 2-3/4 in. ammo. It is no big deal. And from the hip, it is even shorter than a handgun.

[@MrMatt1138]

Very interesting.

[@TheCls63]

you could take a short shotgun like a remington tac 14 or a moss berg shockawave

[@9929kingfish]

Clint sounds like gargles rocks every mourning.

[@gunchief0811]

9929kingfish he does he's a Marine..

[@MrMojaveDude]

Both can render you temporary deaf and blind, Honestly, A MP 15-22 you can pepper your aggressive perp quickly with 25 rounds, Or not emtey your weapon , You may not kill them with any choice depending on lighting and state of mind of perp, But a small caliber wont render you deaf or blind, Im sure my choice is debatable, But I dont care to debate, Its my choice

[@hansblitz7770]

Fortunately I have enough room in my dwelling for both a pistol and shotgun. Depends on the circumstances. Suspicious knock; pistol. Someone trying to kick down the door; shotgun.

[@cbr954ny]

how many smart burglars/home invaders break down doors anymore?? They use windows, basements, ambush etc these days

[@hansblitz7770]

cbr954ny They might just knock, I don't know. It's hard to generalize what kind of thinking people like this do.

[@daveyamericanpridegodbless9842]

How is there, A, Right or, Wrong, ANSWER?! Everyone had a different take in reading here so, while to each his own, I find what MAKES YOU CONFIDANTE, SAFE, SECURE, AND READY, is your, BEST BET! ?!?!

[@CorkKNIFE]

"find what MAKES YOU CONFIDANTE" does not mean start from a position of ignorance. If the shotgun is the best tool, you should try that. If for any reason it does not work for your needs, you can move on to the next best, which might be a handgun or a carbine. It's important not to confuse best tool for purpose with settling on what you know.

[@donaldmack2307]

Remington 870. 18.75” barrel. 00 Buck...

[@grantorino2009]

It's the stock that affects the shotgun's maneuverability indoors, not the overall length. A handgun is superior for maneuvering indoors because you only have one point of contact (your grip) on the handgun versus two (grip and shoulder) for the shotgun. If you've ever worked CQB indoors, you know it's a vastly easier done with a handgun.

[@alphajam1]

it depends on how close the attacker is, you have the option of not having to extend the pistol. It's definitely a lot quicker to present a pistol than a rifle or shotgun. Most defensive confrontations are at 10 feet.

[@bluebeastsrt]

If you have to worry about an attacker at less than 10 feet and your counting on the not extenting a pistol In your home. Odds are your 💀

[@alphajam1]

@@bluebeastsrt what? I did security and we had to train pulling our sidearm and shoot from the hip as part of the training. We also used combination of judo, hand strikes and the firearm itself. Yes most confrontations are that close and certainly within 25ft.

[@patrickgjorven7832]

I think it depends on whatever you have, and are confident and proficient with. Don't forget that even a bolt action rifle has permanently stopped a crime spree.

[@jackspencer8290]

In a close quarters tactical situation (a physical struggle), you may have to shoot from the hip. Not easy to do with a shotgun.

[@Community-Action]

That's a really tough question so just get both like me. Ya can't go wrong!!

[@mrsmithsmith8418]

Always have to think about what the Thunder Mug Ranch presents...You always have tactical experts say this and that. One thing the video doesn't mention is the differences of weight. Regardless, you can deploy a sidearm faster than a long gun. The next thing that you'll never see the majority of the tactical experts say, what load they recommend shooting in your shotgun. Some experts will say with buckshot or slugs and totally negate over penetration of walls and your neighbors house next to you or passing mechanical. If you want or have to use a shot gun, use bird shot / game shot. If you use a sidearm (handgun) try to a least use hollow points.. But still there is no guarantee that your round that you shoot won't over penetrate the attacker body or walls. Some guys out there use a full auto in .22LR for the sole purpose of minimizing over penetration..And sure it's not the most power round.. but like the bird / game shot in a shotgun it minimize your chances of injuring other people out side your home.

[@ivandrago3621]

Shotguns are dope

[@BL-ir9kc]

A handgun is easier to lock up but retrieve in an instant, allows faster target acquisition and follow up shots, and allows one handed firing. That could all be important. I would be happy with either, but a lot more needs to be considered aside from length. There should be a total comprehensive comparison video using multiple scenarios in the "Terminator."

[@alancorrea1249]

first round out of my hand gun for home defense is a reload shot shell (not the shock ones you buy in the store) You can load with almost anything. Screws work good especially if you add mercury or you can use shot with a couple drops of super glue. Get inventive :-/

[@alancorrea1249]

forgot to mention you dont have to worry about penetrating walls hitting family members on the other side either using these.

[@LockSportsman]

This is ridiculous. Have you ever tested your homemade rounds? Are you shooting them out of a revolver? If not, the likelihood of your semi-auto pistol cycling after that first round are slim to none. That leaves you face to face with a pissed off bad guy with a screw stuck in his arm and you trying frantically to clear the malfunction and load another round. Please don't get inventive. Get training.

[@20alphabet]

Such a statement wouldn't be heard from the Rifleman!

[@wishuhadmyname]

I heard a story about a small town, the kind where everyone kinda knew everyone. One Sunday morning, everyone was gathering for church and a man noticed the Sheriff had come dressed for church with his revolver on his hip. The man half-jokingly said, "You expecting trouble, Sheriff?" The Sheriff answered, "If I was expecting trouble, I would've brought my rifle."

[@steveww1507]

This guy is good

[@abc456f]

can someone address the sound issue of discharging a shotgun without ear protection vs. a handgun? I have both and wonder what might be the effects, both short and long term of firing a shotgun without ear protection. thx.

[@WSSmith3]

They both are going to be very loud. Distraction, ring your ears loud. With substantial muzzle flash from either one if it is dark. I don't recommend trying either one. I have permanent tinitus from shooting without hearing protection. In the moment, it won't matter.

[@abc456f]

+WSSmith3 I recently ordered a pair of electronic ear muffs which heighten low volume and block loudness. Hopefully ill have the time and where with all to get them on in the unfortunate event I need to shoot in my home.

[@WSSmith3]

srg914 Use the hearing protection for practice but do not worry about it in actual use. One more thing to screw up and take time with. Try also to test ammo for amount of flash in low light. I have found that sellier&bellot (sp?) pistol ammo is very low flash, but they may not load your preferred bullet in your ammo. Put a relatively low lumen light on your pistol (you can blind yourself in a reflection from a window). Practice. Take a course at Sig Academy or similar places in your area.

[@abc456f]

+WSSmith3 Thanks for the tips...much appreciated.

[@johnkurzman]

What about the deterrent of the speed of pump action vs semi-auto pistol for followup shots? Also, isn't it much easier and still usable to pull the handgun closer to your body when you need to, than with a shotgun, even if comparing to a KSG or UTAS which seem reasonable to include in the comparison? Having a handgun tight to your body is a reasonable position, but not part of your comparison. With a full length or even tactical length shotgun, you can't do that and still be as ready to fire, going around corners, etc. Also, based on this video, at least the considerations mentioned in the video, if not a KSG or UTAS, the ideal home defense weapon would be to shoot shotgun shells from a pistol, such as the Taurus Judge or S&W Governor: shooting 410 shotgun, and you could even alternate 410 and 45LC (soft/Hollowpoint to avoid overpenetration into other rooms) rounds when loading to make pistol or shotgun round even less of a decision, and no pumping to have someone grab your gun while you're doing it. And if you already have your pistol/revolver, why not CCI shotshells, at least the heavier ones like 45, intermixed with regular 45? They might not stop the drug-crazed attacker, but most people wouldn't keep charging while blinded or with some sting like that, and alternating between 45 and shotshell addresses that issue as well. And on the other side, if using a shotgun, alternating between buckshot and slugs could give you that extra chance to handle both kinds of attackers as well. But biggest issues of comparison would be ability to pull it close to your body, and speed of followup shots, which this video doesn't mention.

[@johnouellet4099]

CAR system, changes the game on this. center axis relock, look it up

[@GanttCarterservant]

Yep. And shooting from retention.

[@seregill13]

CAR system requires a huge amount of training and a huge cost in ammo to learn. Almost anyone can be accurate with a shotgun immediately.

[@somethingelse7431]

Clint I love all your videos. But none of them, as far as protecting a house are not relevant to me. What do you suggest for a 700sqft house? I'm thinking stick with 9mm pistols? I have no "wings" to check out. Pretty much what's around me is the entirety of my domicile.

[@liberalwithguns5265]

"which would you rather shoot him with" obvious answer- but when you suggest that; please explain how you get a shotgun in the nightstand or under your pillow? Using a timer I don't think there is anyway possible to flop over on your belly to reach under the bed to get a shotgun-not even a sawed one-then turn back over in time to do you ANY good. A good security system is in order for your scenario. If a guy with a knife is running in your bedroom you've lost either way --just would have no time to grab your weapon.

[@adoptdontshop3916]

1. Your familiarity with firearms 2. Your training 3. Ammo selections 4. The possibility of liabilities 5. Win the fight don't be in the fight Finally, Primarily: Mr Shotgun Secondly: Good old 1911

[@brad6054]

Is thounder ranch still working

[@farleyjj1]

This is somewhat misleading. Perhaps lengths of those compared is similar, but they are NOT very similar in deployment, if, for example, a perp busts into a room suddenly. Which is quicker to deploy and use if both were bedside?

[@USMCPrepper]

Plus pistols seem easier to use in less than ideal firing stances and for the most part dont require much manipulation leaving you a free hand to create distance, use a light or phone, ect.

[@20alphabet]

Slingshot?

[@jason60chev]

Aren't there shot loads for most semi auto cartridges?

[@CorkKNIFE]

The shotgun. The handgun. It depends on which model and more importantly, on your training and practice. There is no clear cut answer for people that want to "make do" without practice.

[@chadhaire1711]

CORK: A carbine is a pistol caliber out performs EITHER

[@20alphabet]

Being a graduate of Diemon Dave's Ninja Academy, I have no need for either.

[@GardenState2012]

Recoil is the biggest issue with shotgun, but beside that flaw, no other firearm has such stopping power as 13 gauge shotgun in close range.

[@SentaiKoboru]

One thing that baffles me about the U.S. is that to you guys the thought process of "how would I react if someone breaks into my home and comes to my bedroom" seems to be so common. Like it's something to talk about while sitting in at the pub. Don't get me wrong here. I have thought about this stuff as well. Yet it seems to be weird to talk about this where I live. Sure, some have a baseball bat near to their door. But once I reveal that I have a knife almost all the time in range, I'm a weirdo.

[@Brett235]

I had two guys walk up to my yard, open the gate and let themselves in one night about 10. Being that we live very rural and have large dog in the yard we thought we were safe. My dog went nuts and kept them in the corner of the yard. When I came from around the back of the house with my 870 tactical with the light on the side they jumped back over the fence and ran. Come to find out they had ran out of gas and were looking for help..lol They knew what that shotgun meant and didn't want any part of it. I wished they had at least said what their intentions were.

[@jclackston813]

Good chance they were about to rob you. That "I need gas" line has been around for a while, used by scammers, addicts, thieves to prey on unsuspecting people.

[@ramimardini9237]

I prefer the handgun , accurate , faster draw , more ammo in the clip , (if you have an extra magazine) faster to reload . here is why I dont like the shotgun , lack of accuracy , heavy weight , slow draw , very lethal (meaning you could kill someone in a hostage situation . unlike the hand gun if you know how to use it you can neutralize or kill , shotgun is just deadly.

[@arizonastrip73]

There is an assumption that you would have the shotgun at the shoulder, left(or right) arm extended as if addressing an upland bird. Not so! the shotgun would be employed at the waist and would be maneuverable in every direction. The mess following discharge is another story.

[@MKPSG12]

Have you tried hip shooting a shotgun? It's surprisingly easy to miss, especially at short range when the shot hasn't got time to spread

[@squeakymcdoodle]

The difference between pistol and shotgun is in the example of shooting around corners you have to expose more of yourself than you would with a handgun.