The Shotgun Slug

For the most part, shotguns are better off using buckshot. Buckshot is the true strength of the shotgun because of the number of projectiles launched with a single trigger press. Slugs are really a compromise solution to one (or both) of two problems 1) the need for additional range, 2) shooting through things, like cars. …

Pattern Testing #4 Buck Loads

When it comes to defensive shotgun loads, 00 buck is usually the standard, and for the guys who are really clued in, #1 buck is the preferred load. Even so, many people use #4 buckshot for the supposed reduced penetration risk, especially in a home defense setting. There is an interesting analysis of buckshot loads …

Drill: The 5 in 10

Spending time on the revolver this year, I quickly realized that many standardized drills are not "revolver neutral". Shooting 10 rounds on the clock is a definite disadvantage for the wheelgun operator (as maybe it should be), making it difficult to draw comparisons of actual shooting ability, regardless of firearm capacity. In an effort to …

Not all shotshells are created equal

Lately I have been doing a bit of shotgun work. The shotgun, much like the revolver for me, has a certain appeal to it that simply cannot be explained. I just like shotguns, and there seems to be no logical reason why that is. Over the years of shooting shotguns, I have learned that there …

The Shotgun’s Greatest Weakness

I have been spending a lot of time shooting the shotgun, reading about the shotgun, watching videos about the shotgun, over the past couple months. These are some of my thoughts. The greatest weakness of the shotgun is not the lack of capacity, as many people argue. In fact, barring side-by-side, over/under or single shot …