12GA VS. 45 ACP

[eddiedeverell]

I think I would have to go with the 12GA, I was clearing rooms and stuf last night with my new toy and it felt really natural. The 45 does as well, just like the 12 a little more for the house. Just the sound of the rack makes it threatening! Its small too, one of the 18" tactical's, of course this is just my feeling. Has anyone ever had an intruder in their house? I hope not

[SilverRun]

Originally Posted by irish murphy

Bugger all mate,

Can you translate this one into "American" for me? No offence meant - I just don't know what you are talking about.

The point I and a couple others were making is that the 12 ga shotgun is not a magic wand of death. You can't point it in someones general direction and expect to stop their attack - well I guess you could, but only if you are real lucky or very religious would it work out for you. There is no disputing that if you hit the target with the 12ga it will do more damage than a .45acp. There is also no disputing that there is no good way of aiming/pointing a 12ga with a pistol grip stock. Be sure to look at the Box-o-truth link I provided above.

[samuel]

We could use a .12ga and bang it down on a table and fire at the same time.maybe that would make the shot spread more.Or we could have 3 .45,s fastened togather so when you pull one trigger,all 3 go bang.I dont advocate or denounce either.I just hope it never happens,but if it does I will have developed skill enough and can remain calm enough to handle it.Either would be sufficient if I know how to handle them and dont get clutched up. sam.

[3HOW12-11ACR]

Originally Posted by eddiedeverell

Hi all I would like to know what your thoughts are of this,
if someone broke into your house, lets say 3 am, and you had a 12GA pump pistol grip shotgun, and a 45 acp, which would you grab and why? Thanks all! I have always wondered that scenirio........

As a family man I use a 45ACP hours of darkness it’s easer to control with no chance of over spray and no need to reload as in the pump.


For daytime an AR 15 is the weapon of choice.

[eddiedeverell]

I agree with the pistol grip, I can buy a folding stock for it right? I lke the look of the stocls off the ar15 tacticles, do they have those for it? Like I said, Iam new to the shotgun world, not new to weapons just shotgns. So Iam probably asking some rather dumb questions, and I apologize for this!

[rockman]

I stand down now.

[Midas]

Both will settle any dispute in short order, as long as you know where to shoot the assailant.

[lefty o]

most people's hallways arent long enough to even consider the pattern of a shotgun, you had better be aiming it!

[gixxer32404]

i'm curious of the reccommendation for 12 guage ammo if you are close to neighbors, and live in a block house.

[neophyte]

gixxer32404: Sir; inside a block house [not shooting through a window] about anything will be okay. 0000 to 6shot and you'll do the job.

eddiedeverelle: Sir; I have an 870 with 4shot. Two things will happen.
The 'Racket' alone should cause any intruder tremendous concern.
Racking 'said' 870 and intruder wants to try out the shot; aint too good.

My observation: I aint going to look for the "intruder" I'm going to wait for "it" to find me in the dark. My house; My advantage.
Any other way; intruder may have the advantage.

[rebel727]

I don't care much for pistol grips. I've got a 12 gauge pump with a 20 inch cylinder bore that holds seven rounds. It also slam fires. It stays fully loaded and racked at all times, right next to the bed. If somebody manages to get past the dogs and gets in the house there will be no racking the slide warning.

[SilverRun]

Yea, the infamous slide rack - sends all bad guys running in fear and wetting their pants. You know - the funny thing is that lots of those same bad guys choose to take on the cops in gun fights - they know the cops are armed. All you told the nut job that is crazy enough to enter someone's house they don't know at night, is that you are armed and where you are at. I personally would like to keep both of those little secrets to myself. I will let him in on the secrete at the last minute (his last minute).

And I will say it again - bird-shot are for birds - not 250lb crack-heads!

As I said before, I really like 12ga defense shotguns - I have a couple. They have their uses. But, some of the rumors and hype surrounding them could get you hurt bad if you believe them. Just trying to keep it real here.

[lorcin25]

I've got a pistol grip 12 gauge under the bed with 000 buck shot. (Couldn't find 00 at the time....Anyone know where you can find 0 buck?)

My wife sleeps next to me and she is the only one I have to protect until my baby comes in August. I may change my tactic and go with a .45 or .40 once that happens. I like the idea of pointing around the corner with that shotgun and pulling the trigger once and that being enough. The idea is a one shot-kill. Not a full out gun battle in my apartment.

[neophyte]

SilverRun: in context? 6 shot at 15-20ft? intruder enjoying Bird shot.

Sound is a wonderful thing when you're prepared.

Comparative analogy in physics; 12 bore versus any conventional handgun; @?standard? household range. Changing the dynamic changes the field.

Sitting in one spot cocked and locked; intruder without your understanding of the nuances of said property.
Sir; in all reasoning; it will be real.

According to Federal; in 1998 -1140fps. Do your part and the pellets will do.
My particular ammo of choice 4shot.

[SilentSoul]

I keep my 870 loaded with either 3'' turkey loads or 2 3/4 00 buck shot. Either one of those inside an apartment will do the job. If not, the AR is always close at hand.

[AKHunter]

I like the 'closest one' statements. Personaly I keep my HK .40 SW next to my bed. If you choose a 12ga I recommend NOT using 00 buckshot if you have neighbors nearby. That round will easily penetrate walls. I think #2 or even better #4 shot would be best. At close quarters that will devestate an intruder. As for 'clearing the house', unless I have loved ones in other parts of the house I am going to defend my room, stay put and call the cops so that trained pros can 'clear the house'. Keep the lights off, stay quiet, take cover and keep the muzzle pointed at the doorway !

[gixxer32404]

i think i was told by a guy that he and fbi rec.number 4.Isn't number 4 "bird shot", but with the block walls (richochet reasons), and neighbors like 75 feet away ,I would kinda like 2 be a respons. owner and if I if I have to fire more than one shot because intruder is forcing me to by his actions so be it. I could also say it's the only weapon in the house so therefore it's a hunting shotgun, but intruder entered causing it to be a temporary defense weapon.

[neophyte]

gixxer32404: Sir; #4 isn't technically bird shot. It'll do duck and goose with the right powder. Kind of a 'do all' round.
You are trying to be a good neighbor. Part of the reason for my comments.

Nothing is ever "fool proof"

Sir; crap can go wrong. In that time of extreme stress; we for the most part need to have a plan. Ricochets are bad; real bad; that being said; in theory a nail in sheet rock could pose ricochet potential.

Give some thought to ballistics; consider the aspect powder and pellet weights. Decreasing the powder will slow the mess down. Then potentially a District Attorney will say your ammo wasn't BOX STOCK;?

Use only lead shot.

In a perfect world; we would be talking about hunting, fishing, motorbikes, youngins, and what the 'smart' neighbor did last night.

Stay away from slugs, they will get away in a hurry.

[LarryO1970]

In my humble opinion, a 12 GA. being cycled in the dark would be enough for most intruders to wet themselves. Although I agree with grabbing whatever is closest, the 12GA would have the biggest effect on the intruder psychologically. If you do have and use a .45, hopefully you have a flashlight or night sights.

[neophyte]

LarryO1970: Sir; Hopefully I didn't come off as a "knowitall"
Would I be embarrassed? Yes