Long Guns for Home Defense
Key Takeaways
SHIT THAT WORKS!
223, AR15 -- Bushmaster
308, Springfield M1A
12 Guage - Remington Model 870
12 Ga. - Benelli
Transcript
Hi friends, these are two different shotguns that I have used and continue to use for home defense, as well as two different rifles. Technically speaking, a shotgun is a type of long gun, just like a rifle. The main difference is that a shotgun has a smooth bore with no rifling, whereas a rifle has rifling for accuracy at extended ranges.
Let’s talk about the benefits of each in a home defense situation. First, if you keep a home defense long gun, you should also have a home defense handgun as a backup. If you're knocked down, or the long gun jams or fails, a handgun can serve as a critical backup.
For rifles, I prefer high-capacity, low-recoil rifles. This one has both a flashlight and a laser, set so that both come on together when needed. The laser is dialed in for precision, but you don’t always need it in close quarters. In such cases, using the flashlight is effective enough for aiming, especially at short ranges like 10-20 feet. I also use optics, like a red dot sight, but I always keep backup iron sights in case the main optic fails. I love the 30-round capacity and low recoil of a .223 rifle, making it highly effective for home defense.
With shotguns, you're limited to 6-8 rounds in the magazine, but they pack a serious punch. While recoil can be significant with effective ammunition, shotguns are still widely used for home defense, particularly the Remington 870 pump action. You need to aim and practice with a shotgun—don't just point and shoot, as that's a misconception.
The other shotgun I keep ready is a Benelli semi-auto 12-gauge, which holds eight rounds. While you don’t need a 3½-inch magnum for home defense, the option is there. My home defense shotguns are loaded with a combination of birdshot, buckshot, and slugs, ensuring that I’m prepared for various scenarios.
Lastly, I recommend having a tactical vest as part of your home defense setup. Mine includes spare magazines for my AR-15, a backup handgun, a flashlight, and extra shotgun shells. If something goes bump in the night, having a vest ready with all your essentials can make a critical difference.
These are just a few examples of long guns I use for home defense. I hope this helps you understand the importance of having the right tools and training. Thanks for tuning in, and God bless.
