What's the deal?...

[stubblejumper]

I dunno about you, but I've never seen a criminal fly through the air like a clay or duck (actually I did once, but thats because he ran into traffic and got hit by a car). I am well aware of how one uses a shotgun for clay shooting and hunting, but that is a completely different task than home defense. Plus, I bet there is a massive number of people who have a shotgun for home defense who do not partake in clay sports nor hunt, and thus do not have the knowledge base/skillset to point the gun as you suggest.

And considering the OP was specifically talking about using slugs at longer distances, I think it is perfectly relevant. You're not gonna just point your shotgun to shoot groups at 50yds with slugs, the vast majority of people are gonna try and aim down the bead/rib/whatever it has.

If you can hit a clay disc that is less than 4-1/2" in diameter doing more than 45mph, a human body stationary or even running is no challenge at all.

 

[Butcherbill]

It's because of cost and most people don't know any better. Most people won't even shoot a bunch of slugs or buckshot, they will do it a few times then either not shoot the gun or use target loads.

Most people that are buying an inexpensive Mossberg or Remington or a clone are buying it more because they are cheap, cool and fun.

People that are actually going to use their shotgun will be buying higher grade defense shotguns that come with choke tubes and/or modifying their shotgun.

Bang on, most people have no idea that you can get a shotgun to group with slugs or the buckshot patterns can be controlled. I’m less concerned with the type of sights a shotgun comes with, although I have my preference and that’s rifle sights. Having a barrel that’s threaded for chokes is what I care about, fixed chokes are alright but if you spend enough time shooting slugs or buckshot you’ll know how results vary with different ammo out of the same choke. I really don’t have much use for cylinder bore, a mod-full choke out performs with most ammo in my shotguns. Cylinder bore is just lack lustre for my uses.

 

[Suther]

But if you really are well aware of how one uses a shotgun then you shouldn't be spreading nonsense because shooting clay targets isn't any different than home defence shooting, if your eye is drawn to the front sight then you have missed the target plain and simple... don't for a minute tell people that a bright front sight is a good thing because it isn't!
And you are correct in saying that most people are not aware of how one should use a shotgun but that isn't necessarily their fault so you shouldn't be advising them on things that both you and they don't understand.

If bright sights are a bad thing why are lots of people shooting things like 3-gun putting red dots on their shotguns?

Perhaps because there IS a difference between busting flying clays with target loads and hitting targets (moving or not) with a slug?

 

[stubblejumper]

If bright sights are a bad thing why are lots of people shooting things like 3-gun putting red dots on their shotguns?

Perhaps because there IS a difference between busting flying clays with target loads and hitting targets (moving or not) with a slug?

Three gun targets don't move, so the shotgun is used as a rifle. In the case of self defense or wingshooting, you need to hit moving targets. Whether flying , or running, you need to lead moving targets, unlike stationary targets.

 

[the spank]

My question is how did a tactical shotgun thread go three pages in the hunting and sporting shotgun forum? Shouldn't it be moved to the appropriate sub-forum?

 

[Suther]

Three gun targets don't move, so the shotgun is used as a rifle. In the case of self defense or wingshooting, you need to hit moving targets. Whether flying , or running, you need to lead moving targets, unlike stationary targets.

I dunno about you, but I can't run very fast side to side in a 3ft wide hallway.

 

[stubblejumper]

I dunno about you, but I can't run very fast side to side in a 3ft wide hallway.

I didn't realize that all attackers, human or animal, are encountered in hallways.

 

[the spank]

I didn't realize that all attackers, human or animal, are encountered in hallways.

Well ya! Every farm has a hallway to and between all the outbuildings. You'd know that if you got permission to hunt all the land you do by visiting in person instead of using the RM maps and a phone book!

 

[Suther]

Well ya! Every farm has a hallway to and between all the outbuildings. You'd know that if you got permission to hunt all the land you do by visiting in person instead of using the RM maps and a phone book!

In the time it takes a slug to travel 50 yards the average person running full tilt will be covering 2-3 feet. Certainly that'll require some lead. But now you've got the issue of is it self defense - good luck getting off on the murder charges for shooting someone who was not advancing towards you and 50m+ away. At more reasonable home defense distances of 10-15yards you're counting the lead in inches rather than feet (like 5" at 15yards).



And IMO shooting a bear at 50yds wouldn't meet the bar of self defense either.


I don't doubt that being a good shotgunner would make you more proficient at home defense. But we're not all good shotgunners. Hell most people using a shotgun for home defense probably don't even know if the gun fits them...