Self Defense

[Tread]

Thanks to all who answered me to get a better understanding. I hope I'm not too annoying.

Originally Posted by aw9725

... I think a shotgun is a very effective weapon under home defense conditions--especially at close range. ...

That's a detailed answer.
I informed myself more about the crime in the different states compared to other countries. I was a bit surprised that I live in a county with so low homicides. And murders are done on the street, bars, or money transports. In other cases the murderer was a trusted person to the victims, friend, family, benefactor (tramping, meal, lodging), a client (prostitution), or something like this.
Maybe I don't know enough about the violent home attackers in the US, serial killers or about the addicts with money problems to see the home defence need.

I also looked up the advantages and disadvantages of shotguns, and still don't see why to buy an extra one.
A shotgun (pump-action) and the shells are usually cheaper than handguns but it's heavier and not so handy in buildings. They usually have less shells/bullets and a lower rate of fire (pump-action) than semi-automatic handguns. They are easier to use and have a better stopping power with one hit. If you have to shoot more than once the handgun is better. The spread of shot against the accurately of the handgun is not a big advantage at a room close rage. The penetration is lesser (limbs, walls).
So what is the reason not to use the gun you already have and use for self defence? If you let a shotgun out of the safe, you could also let your handgun at that place.

Originally Posted by jimnaseum

Hey Tread,
The first place I bought was a townhouse in a bad neighborhood, I got robbed twice, the second time the thief actally got my revolver.
I'm real non-violent, I've been in jail a couple week-ends for petty offenses, I didn't like it.
G Gordon Liddy had a radio show, he said when he was an F B I agent and his team had to go out on an assignment that was most likely going to be "up close and personal" that the agents wisked right by the machine guns for the Shotgun rack. That made sense to me.

I meant, was there one who robbed you violent or threatening at/in your home, while you were home.

Why it makes sense to you or/and the agents?