The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - SURVEY: What kind of buckshot and slugs do you load your defensive shotgun with?

Ice Axe · January 15, 2000, 07:59 AM

I just saw a video that bears on this question. It showed the penetrating power of slugs and buckshot through a typical fence and house.
The slugs and buckshot were fired from about 30 feet outside a 1x 6 solid pine fence toward a typical frame house. Both easily penetrated (1) the fence; (2) the front wall of the house (vinyl siding, 1/2 plywood, interior drywall); (3) two interior walls (two drywalls each on 2/4 studs); (4) the rear exterior wall (same as front); and finally (5) the simulated homeowner standing in the back yard.
The obvious message was that had the homeowner fired these shells from inside the house, family members, friends, anyone in or near his house, including close neighbors in their own homes might have been fatally hit, unless the bad guy absorbs all the energy. If so, buckshot and slugs may not be a good choice for many for home defense. Birdshot and specialized shells may be safer and sufficiently effective. Comments?

January 15, 2000, 07:59 AM	#29
Ice Axe Junior Member Join Date: January 15, 2000 Posts: 4	I just saw a video that bears on this question. It showed the penetrating power of slugs and buckshot through a typical fence and house. The slugs and buckshot were fired from about 30 feet outside a 1x 6 solid pine fence toward a typical frame house. Both easily penetrated (1) the fence; (2) the front wall of the house (vinyl siding, 1/2 plywood, interior drywall); (3) two interior walls (two drywalls each on 2/4 studs); (4) the rear exterior wall (same as front); and finally (5) the simulated homeowner standing in the back yard. The obvious message was that had the homeowner fired these shells from inside the house, family members, friends, anyone in or near his house, including close neighbors in their own homes might have been fatally hit, unless the bad guy absorbs all the energy. If so, buckshot and slugs may not be a good choice for many for home defense. Birdshot and specialized shells may be safer and sufficiently effective. Comments?