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LongDuck · February 4, 2000, 04:59 PM

You mentioned nothing about the model or brand or age of the shotgun, so assuming that it's a side-by-side (SxS), you'll want to be sure that it can handle standard shotshell loads before trying anything new. Most over/under (O/U) guns are designed to use modern loads, AFAIK. If you're unsure, take the gun to a gunsmith or shop (in a case, makes them nervous when you just 'walk-in' with it...) and have them look it over. Some were designed for black powder shells only and you could be in serious trouble if you ever tried to shoot smokeless powder shells (modern) in it.

To answer your question about shot size for self defense, it really depends on your immediate environment. Again, guessing that this will be a Home Defense (HD) gun left around the house, you'll need to take into account your maximum range of fire. If your house is contemporary ranch style, you'll be fine with standard #7 or #8 upland game loads, since penetration through drywall and 2x4's would be minimal. At indoor ranges of the modern home, you won't be called upon to fire at farther than 15-20 feet, and at this range, your shot spread with birdshot is going to be 4"-6" - possibly less depending on choke.

If you live on a larger property and may have to fire on more distant targets, 00 buckshot would make a great defense round providing it patterns well in your gun. Slugs are the ultimate in 'stopping power' but have limited utility indoors and very limited use until you need penetration or accuracy out to 100 yards (again, depending on choke and gun).

In all, you're probably okay with birdshot in that gun, but be sure to get it checked out if you're not familiar. Best,

[This message has been edited by LongDuck (edited February 04, 2000).]

February 4, 2000, 04:59 PM	#2
LongDuck Member Join Date: September 15, 1999 Posts: 97	You mentioned nothing about the model or brand or age of the shotgun, so assuming that it's a side-by-side (SxS), you'll want to be sure that it can handle standard shotshell loads before trying anything new. Most over/under (O/U) guns are designed to use modern loads, AFAIK. If you're unsure, take the gun to a gunsmith or shop (in a case, makes them nervous when you just 'walk-in' with it...) and have them look it over. Some were designed for black powder shells only and you could be in serious trouble if you ever tried to shoot smokeless powder shells (modern) in it. To answer your question about shot size for self defense, it really depends on your immediate environment. Again, guessing that this will be a Home Defense (HD) gun left around the house, you'll need to take into account your maximum range of fire. If your house is contemporary ranch style, you'll be fine with standard #7 or #8 upland game loads, since penetration through drywall and 2x4's would be minimal. At indoor ranges of the modern home, you won't be called upon to fire at farther than 15-20 feet, and at this range, your shot spread with birdshot is going to be 4"-6" - possibly less depending on choke. If you live on a larger property and may have to fire on more distant targets, 00 buckshot would make a great defense round providing it patterns well in your gun. Slugs are the ultimate in 'stopping power' but have limited utility indoors and very limited use until you need penetration or accuracy out to 100 yards (again, depending on choke and gun). In all, you're probably okay with birdshot in that gun, but be sure to get it checked out if you're not familiar. Best, [This message has been edited by LongDuck (edited February 04, 2000).]