How to load for home defense

[tekrsq]

I dont intend to reopen this debate. Everyones different. But i keep mine with a full tube with a round chambered and safety ON.

Yep, me too.

[woodstock]

I dont intend to reopen this debate. Everyones different. But i keep mine with a full tube with a round chambered and safety ON.

Me too, but I live alone, and door locked if I have visitors.
If anyone else lives in the house you may need to think differently.

[Dr. Marneaus]

Shotgun isnt primary defense weapon for me. Pistol is.

Shotgun resides in the safe, 6 rounds in the tube, empty chamber, safety on. If I need to go for the 12gauge, needing to rack the slide isn't going to make a difference.

[Kentactic]

Edited for courtesy.

[Synchronizor]

Edited for courtesy.

Handguns don't have the stopping power of shotguns or rifles, but they have a ton of other obvious advantages. The way I see it, a handgun and a long gun are complementary parts of a good HD battery. Given warning, I'd prefer to respond to threats with my 870 in many situations, but it's not always the best tool for the job. If I need to move through a building, answer the front door in the middle of the night, or respond as quickly as possible to someone suddenly kicking down the door 10 feet from where I'm sleeping, my Glock is the first thing I'm reaching for.

[tekrsq]

Edited for courtesy.

Handguns don't have the stopping power of shotguns or rifles, but they have a ton of other obvious advantages. The way I see it, a handgun and a long gun are complementary parts of a good HD battery. Given warning, I'd prefer to respond to threats with my 870 in many situations, but it's not always the best tool for the job. If I need to move through a building, answer the front door in the middle of the night, or respond as quickly as possible to someone suddenly kicking down the door 10 feet from where I'm sleeping, my Glock is the first thing I'm reaching for.

Agreed !!!

[Mister_Remington]

Chamber loaded, full magazine, safety on. I have five rounds of double ought buck in the magazine and the round in the chamber is birdshot. First shot is birdshot, the rest are buckshot. For those doubting birdshot as good for defense inside of 20 feet, watch this Gunblast video, the shot stays very closely grouped then penetrates clothing, chest, ribs, muscle, and then at least 4 inches into a thick chunk of beef:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq3RVvL9ZjU

[Synchronizor]

Some birdshot loads can be effective, but buckshot is still best. If you're shooting to kill anyway, why pull your punches? Might as well open with your A-game.

[Zebra62]

We keep our 870's cruiser ready loaded with 2 3/4 00. Ye olde A5 is waiting on the sidelines with 3 1/2 magnum 000.

[Synchronizor]

Ye olde A5 is waiting on the sidelines with 3 1/2 magnum 000.

Ouch. I thought your A-5 was a 1950s model though, and 3.5" 12ga shells weren't introduced until 1988. Can your old A-5 handle those things?