Pump 12 ga

[wingriderz]

This is for the 12ga pump pros. Many know here I always been a hand gun guy only for over 40 years. Since retirement I have a 12 ga pump that I practice alot with just sighting and handling. Here is the thing , in hand guns I like most on board always carrying with one in the chamber. But I hear many say racking chamber chamber is deterant. But really as self defense shouldn't you already have one in the pipe of shotgun ? . Thoughts please ?

 

[625-7]

Since an AD with a shotgun would be very devastating, err on the side of caution and keep the chamber clear.

 

[mtgianni]

A shotgun is not a draw and shoot gun. It is easily racked as you pick it up where as a semi auto pistol is not. Make sure it isn't plugged for waterfowl, put a band type ammo holder on the stock and you're good to go.

 

[blues7]

I recommend "cruiser ready"...

Good video by "Lucky Gunner" here:

Cruiser Ready: How to Store a Home Defense Shotgun [2020 Update] - YouTube

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Many (perhaps most) pump shotguns have inertia-type firing pins and safeties that do not restrict firing pin movement. The term "drop safe" comes to mind; if dropped or subjected to significant impact the firing pin may engage the primer with sufficient force to cause a discharge.

My defensive shotgun is a Remington 870 12-gauge pump. I keep it with magazine loaded, chamber empty, action cocked, and safety engaged. This is what "cruiser ready" means. To use the shotgun requires that the slide-lock be released, cycling the slide to chamber a round, and the safety disengaged. This may sound cumbersome, but it all becomes quite natural with repeated practice and takes only the blink of an eye to be ready to fire.

Shotguns that are going into and out of automobiles, into and out of closets, under the bed, standing in a corner, or hanging on wall pegs can all fall, drag across obstructions, bounce around. I prefer to always know exactly what the condition of my weapon is the moment I reach for it, never a question in mind about it, just do everything the same way every time.

Hope this helps.

 

[ColbyBruce]

A gross misconception in my opinion

Seriously, is a timid person likely to break into your home or business to steal or assault you? Taking risks is part of their "job". You rack that shotgun and
you make an intruder aware of the following:
1) you are awake
2) you are aware of their presence
3) you are armed
4) you gave away your location
5) you are possibly more frightened than they are

A prudent person has no desire to take a human life. Criminals know this.

 

[Bald1]

Every movie u watch the guy has to rack his shotgun or slide on his 9mm. Just know that racking the slide on any firearm gives away your position. If u want to scare someone audibly get a dog that barks. I would suggest 12ga with 5 in the tube and empty chamber. But rack it quietly. It's easy to do with practice.

 

[RCL-09]

The "racking" to dissuade a criminal is an urban myth fraught with pitfalls and danger.

 

[Jessie]

Many (perhaps most) pump shotguns have inertia-type firing pins and safeties that do not restrict firing pin movement. The term "drop safe" comes to mind; if dropped or subjected to significant impact the firing pin may engage the primer with sufficient force to cause a discharge.

My defensive shotgun is a Remington 870 12-gauge pump. I keep it with magazine loaded, chamber empty, action cocked, and safety engaged. This is what "cruiser ready" means. To use the shotgun requires that the slide-lock be released, cycling the slide to chamber a round, and the safety disengaged. This may sound cumbersome, but it all becomes quite natural with repeated practice and takes only the blink of an eye to be ready to fire.

Shotguns that are going into and out of automobiles, into and out of closets, under the bed, standing in a corner, or hanging on wall pegs can all fall, drag across obstructions, bounce around. I prefer to always know exactly what the condition of my weapon is the moment I reach for it, never a question in mind about it, just do everything the same way every time.

Hope this helps.

I thought it was full mag, empty chamber after the action was worked and trigger pulled. This sets it up for just racking the slide without using the slide lock. Just as if you just fired a round.

 

[AJ]

While I am very comfortable with a handgun in the house for protection against intruders. I do have a pump shotgun in the bedroom if needed. I keep the Remington 870 pictured below. It is set up exactly as the USMC M870 MK1's that I used in the Corps. Further I taught a Combat Shotgun Course for the USMC Security Force Battalion. I use #9's for in the house. In the Corps we used 00 Buck and Slug. I would be very comfortable using the shotgun for defense in the house.

 

[Sevens]

My opinion is often not popular, but if I were a 40-year handgun guy, I wouldn't want a cumbersome, two-handed, oblong, constricting shotgun for this role when I've got decades of familiarity, trigger time, many tens of thousands of round down range with handguns.

The shotgun is a formidable weapon for sure, but in the confines of typical house with doorways, hallways, staircases and all the angles and close quarters, I'll take a handgun with multiple magazines every day of the week.

 

[stanmerrell]

Good conversation. These days my primary weapon is a handgun and AR for real trouble. Shotguns have many limitations to my way of thinking.

 

[Rustyt1953]

If it is a deterrent you want then they have cellphone racking apps.

cell phone shotgun racking sound - Bing video

 

[AJ]

My opinion is often not popular, but if I were a 40-year handgun guy, I wouldn't want a cumbersome, two-handed, oblong, constricting shotgun for this role when I've got decades of familiarity, trigger time, many tens of thousands of round down range with handguns.

The shotgun is a formidable weapon for sure, but in the confines of typical house with doorways, hallways, staircases and all the angles and close quarters, I'll take a handgun with multiple magazines every day of the week.

30 -40 years ago I would use a handgun to search a house for the bad guys. Now a days the plan is to call 911 with a cell phone (and the neighbor, who is a Deputy Sheriff) and stay in our bedroom. A handgun and the pump shotgun will be used to keep the bad guys out. As the old saying goes "don't mess with an old man.......".

 

[375hh1973]

My defense shotgun is chamber loaded, safety on. Just like I was duck hunting. Something happens, I don't need to be trying to chamber a round.

Bad guy may or may not hear the safety going off...

 

[dsf]

This is for the 12ga pump pros. Many know here I always been a hand gun guy only for over 40 years. Since retirement I have a 12 ga pump that I practice alot with just sighting and handling. Here is the thing , in hand guns I like most on board always carrying with one in the chamber. But I hear many say racking chamber chamber is deterrent. But really as self defense shouldn't you already have one in the pipe of shotgun ? . Thoughts please ?

About 40 years back I was taking a look at a fellow apartment dweller's truck. Unknown to me someone had recently tried to steal it and he was watching. I heard a few footsteps and that familiar "cah-ching" of whatever pump action he had.

"Don't move"

I didn't.

So, perhaps it depends on the situation. Had I been a bad guy ready to react when I heard him coming that empty chamber could have been a problem.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Racking the slide in an altercation........IS MOVIE BS.......and could get you shot.

Would you do the same with your sidearm? No you would say that's stupid.......Well . The above is too.

 

[SMSgt]

Uncle Joe says you supposed to fire a couple rounds as a deterrent.

 

[RCL-09]

While I do keep a shotgun (Mossberg 930 SPX) my go to is an AR15 with 40 gr. Blitz varmint rounds. Much less penetration that 12 ga. buck

 

[Doug M.]

My opinion is often not popular, but if I were a 40-year handgun guy, I wouldn't want a cumbersome, two-handed, oblong, constricting shotgun for this role when I've got decades of familiarity, trigger time, many tens of thousands of round down range with handguns.

The shotgun is a formidable weapon for sure, but in the confines of typical house with doorways, hallways, staircases and all the angles and close quarters, I'll take a handgun with multiple magazines every day of the week.

*
This is not a bad point to consider. After making your home unattractive to bad actors with fencing, lights, and a good sized dog (which is also good company), the odds of having to use a firearm become a lot smaller. If you do, you want something with which you are really familiar and hopefully shoot well.

For most circumstances, the best tactic is to be in a fixed location, with a line in your mind at which you would feel it appropriate to shoot a bad guy. That will vary by your house, your family composition, your risk aversion with regard to waiting, etc. IMHO, American LE and private citizens are far too reticent to use deadly force in self-defense, and put themselves (and likely others) at increased risk as a result. Your tolerance is yours.

However, for most personal defense, pistols and their rounds suck. Pistols are what you carry if you have no specific reason to expect a problem. If you have reason to expect to need to shoot someone and can't make arrangements to be somewhere else, you likely need a long gun with which you are proficient. I have both an AR (formerly my patrol rifle) and a shotgun (set up as much alike as possible; red dot, light, sling), but I expect them to be pretty much fixed position platforms. My AR is loaded with duty ammo that meets Doc Roberts' testing; the shotgun (M590) is loaded with 000 to ensure adequate penetration while maintaining a tight pattern at realistic distances in my home.

Your situation will dictate your tactics. I have a 6' fence with padlocked gates, and anyone who comes over that is already trespassing. If they try to get in to the house after hearing from a decent sized protective dog (the current one is a 95 pound RottX), I am pretty sure they are really bad and need to be addressed that way if they get through the door or a window.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Many times I've heard gun shop sales people tell a customer that racking the slide is deterrent. Maybe. Maybe not.

My shotgun is kept cruiser ready. I won't count in racking the slide as a deterrent. And I'll be standing behind cover when I do so.

00 buck in the gun and slugs in a butt cuff.

 

[rockquarry]

No consensus on this as one would expect, but I can't imagine a better defense gun than an 870 12 ga. with an 18" or 20" barrel with buttstock, no extended magazine or shell holder, no flashlight or other unnecessary adornment - simple as it should be.

Whatever 2 3/4" large buckshot load that patterns well is the best ammo. Penetration isn't excessive and it's easier for most to hit with a shotgun than with a handgun, provided the shooter is familiar with the gun. And a shotgun is effective. The textbookers obsess over jello testing, heavy clothing, and other factors of little worth, but these elements become even more trivial with a shotgun.

 

[Kanewpadle]

No consensus on this as one would expect, but I can't imagine a better defense gun than an 870 12 ga. with an 18" or 20" barrel with buttstock, no extended magazine or shell holder, no flashlight or other unnecessary adornment - simple as it should be.

Whatever 2 3/4" large buckshot load that patterns well is the best ammo. Penetration isn't excessive and it's easier for most to hit with a shotgun than with a handgun, provided the shooter is familiar with the gun. And a shotgun is effective. The textbookers obsess over jello testing, heavy clothing, and other factors of little worth, but these elements become even more trivial with a shotgun.

A light is necessary.

 

[fatcat3]

If someone's close enough to hear you rack the slid, they are close enough that you maybe should already have a round in the chamber

 

[jschmidt]

All of my shotguns have had a safety. I am comfortable relying on it. But I don't keep one in the chamber of my Benelli, because the sound of racking the slide is a universal message: Run!

 

[Frailer]

As has been clearly shown, there are two vocal groups on this topic. One thinks it is an effective deterrent; the other thinks it is monumentally stupid.

There is a third, less vocal, group, of which I am a member. Our stance is that it is there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this (or, for that matter, almost any) question, and whatever you decide—after taking all the circumstances of your particular household into account—is A-OK.

As for me, I have a semiautomatic handgun (in a holster with an extended magazine inserted and a round chambered), a 12 gauge pump (tube loaded, chamber empty, striker down, safety off), and an AR (mag loaded, safety off). I also have a stupid bright flashlight.

There are no kids in my house, and I have no intention of leaving my bedroom in the event of a nighttime break-in. I also have no qualms whatsoever about "giving away my location." I *want* them to know my general location, and I want them to leave the same way they came in. Based on the layout of my house and the location of my bedroom coming to "get me" would be a very bad idea.

 

[jchodur]

I have heard about shotguns not being "drop safe". So, I do not leave one in the chamber. What I do is load the magazine tube, add a snap cap into the chamber, close the bolt and pull the trigger. This relieves tension on the firing pin spring. The added benefit is if you are unfortunate enough to require its use, you do not have to fumble for the slide release before pumping a round in the chamber. Just pick it up, pump it, and you are good to go!

Very important! Make sure you load a snap cap.

 

[K Frame Keith]

Police safe:
1. Clear the weapon
2. Point the weapon in a safe direction and pull the trigger to
drop the hammer
3. Load the magazine to capacity

The weapon is now ready to rack and fire without manipulating the safety or action release.

Some call it cruiser ready. This is how it's done.

 

[K Frame Keith]

Easily as fast or faster than chamber loaded, safety on.

 

[rjroberts]

Useful discussion. I'm back and forth whether I need a shotty. I have an M&P 45, and wonder if I can really justify the shotgun. I'm with AJ, my wife and i will stay in the bedroom, and call 911. If it's the perp's unlucky day and he/she/it makes a bad decision, my field of fire is kept narrow by a hallway and a door. What am I missing?

BTW, as far as penetration is concerned, no one else in the house, and the outer walls are concrete block (coastal Florida).