Shotguns are considerably more difficult to manipulate under stress, and require a degree of fine motor control to operate that is less of an issue with magazine-fed weapons. They’re also fairly large. A handgun or even a carbine is more maneuverable and also leaves a hand free if you need it, which is important in a defensive scenario.

Main advantage of shotguns is that there is less chance of over-penetration if you’re using the correct shot. I believe #8 is ideal.

-Firearms are weapons, and as such are dangerous.

-Everyone has their own understanding of the bill of rights ammendmants, whether they are right or wrong.

-Everyone should have the safety and well assuredness that their home and family will be protected.

-People who take the time to learn understand, and make time for sufficient practice and safety exercises, have every reason to own a firearm to protect their home.

-Not everyone is fit to carry a firearm, or use it. Ex. Children, pets, thieves, murderers, clowns (exclusion to any and all participating in rodeo events), and general idiots.

I believe if we just follow these guidelines, we can cut down our arguments substantially. Take myself for example: 2 years in active service army, 1 1/2 years of which I was an explosive ordinance disposal technician, over 135 plus hours on a shooting range dismantling cleaning and adjusting firearms to protect our country. I own 1 revolver and 1 double barrel 12 gauge shotgun for home defense. I can dismatle both weapons completely and service them until I deem them ready for any purpose. I practice with them both twice a week, and operate them both safely and with a certainty that I understand them, is there any problem with me using my firearms for home defense.

BTW, Dept. of Homeland Security gives top home defense honors the the AR15. This because it’s tiny little round tumbles after the first layer of sheet rock and doesn’t go though as many walls as the much heavier (and more stable) 9mm and .45 ACP. I like their thinking. I’d sure take off that compensator and go back to the birdcage, for all you 3-gun competitors, though, for indoor use.

Keep on researching, but you’ll find that many knowledgeable folks will recommend you get a 4 inch .357 magnum revolver, load it with .38 Special cartridges, and store it loaded in a small metal lockbox with a finger-pad combination lock within arm’s reach of where you sleep. Re: kids, remember that you cannot child-proof a gun, but you can gun-proof a child. Show them the gun unloaded, tell them what it’s for and how dangerous it is when loaded, and LET THEM HANDLE IT. Tell them that anytime they want to handle it, they can — they just need to ask you (and you must let them when they ask).

Take them to a safe place and have them watch you shoot a watermelon with a hollowpoint, so they will KNOW the gun’s devastating power. Teach them the rules of safe gun handling (know and follow them yourself!). If age appropriate, take them to the range and let them fire it. Guns are here in our world and will be for a long, long time; EVERYONE, especially children, must know how to deal with them safely. Only those with a realistic understanding of the potential threats we face from predation (both the odds and the stakes), the potential dangers inherent in owning guns, and the stones to accept responsibility for their family’s defense should own guns. Get wise, know yourself and your family, do the right thing and stay safe.

A Concerned Citizen