They are absolutely devastating at close range. I'm looking at getting a Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol because despite how open it is where I live, flight control buckshot would be perfect from the front of the house to the gate. 🥳
Not just "close range" depending on your choke and the wad design of your ammunition, and don't forget about segmented or pure soft lead hollowpoint slugs.
I remember my grandfather, he told me every man should have 4 guns. A pistol, a varmint gun, a long gun, and a shotgun. Those 4 guns will do anything a man needs to do with a gun.
@@DasGoodSoup I prefer 7.62x39 but yeah. A 9mm pistol, a 10/22, a magazine fed carbine, and a 12 ga. That covers pretty much every potential firearm need while minimizing the logistics tail of ammo.
Note from oilfield worker. Often work at north British Columbia/ northern Alberta. Brushy area with lots of bears., both grizzly and black . If by some reason I would have to WALK through the area I would carry 12 ga with magnum slugs or 0000(or 45-70 etc, handguns are prohibited)because if grizzly attacks you out of brush , and you will not drop it from 1 shot you might not have a chance for the 2nd. So stopping power is everything for that kind of scenario
Highly underrated topic by far. Shotguns are arguably the best for defense and taking game across the board...especially nowadays with ammo prices being where they are. I've always consistently found good buck shot for less than ANY 5.56/.223 ammo. Another good point with reloading shotguns is you can do it with just about anything...My buddies and I used to spend alot of times at garage sales and pick up unwanted silverware for free. Cut the fork tips and load a 2-3/4" shell with about 12-16 of them and watch what it does to a Pronghorn at close range. I've loaded everything from silverware to razor blades and mini matchbox cars into my shells and they all work just fine.
My Benelli m-4 is my go to home defense CQB firearm. At close range it’s devastating. When I was in Ramadi we used it for breaching and were told not to use it for room clearance, but I can report there are a lot of bearded doors that are no longer standing.
And a big thing to metion if you go with a rifled slug barrel. Do not shoot a rifled slug. Shoot the sabot slugs with a rifled barrel. The rifled slugs are meant to stabilize that big chunk of lead out of a smooth bore barrel.
@@Urban_hunter2021 Yeah, I've smoked deer with slugs from close range. They either just drop dead or you get some kicking and bucking for 10 yards and then down. 🥳
When it comes to slugs and buckshot the 12 ga is better for sure . Heavier buckshot and slugs. But when it's lighter shot that is like for like in size and travelling the same speed the only thing the 12 will give you is a slight gain in pay load.
GREAT WORK! I have been into weapons since 1973 when I got my first gun which was a Colt 45 ACP. In the last 8 years I had a bad surgical experience and I am now permanently handicapped. As a result I have watched so many videos it’s ridiculous. I really appreciate this segment. I agree with 90%+ of your comments. I have an older Remington semi but it’s not an SHTF weapon. I have watched so many Prepper, SHTF channels but I really enjoyed this video. Good luck in your future projects. Thank you.
I live in Indiana, wich is legally a shotgun state for deer. I've been hunting since the late 1970s in the hills of Southern Indiana an on several occasions I've taken deer at 120+ yards with Winchester super-X 2 3/4 inch hollow point deer slugs out of my Winchester model 1300 12ga pump. At the range I can routinely keep a 3" pattern at 100 yards with that gun and the same loads. I've had a lot of years of experience with it, but boils down to knowing your gun and your ammo and practice.
@@efficientinthefield smooth bore barrel with standard Winchester Super-X 2 3/4" rifled hollow point deer slugs. And BTW the barrel is short, it's an 18" 'Defender' barrel. As far as optics I'm using a cheap Tasco scope I bought at Walmart back in 2003. It's on an elevated mount so I can still use the iron sights for rabbit and squirrel hunting. Nothing special about it. I've just shot it so frequently for so many years I know the gun like the back of my hand.
I have one of those 1300 Defenders and can confirm it's a great gun. I like the 870 more but that's only because I have a lot more time on the 870. Main disadvantage of the Winchester pumps is fewer accessories for them compared to the Remingtons and Mossbergs.
I grew up in a shotgunner family. The first Christmas I remember when I was 5, I got a break action 20 gauge. When I was 9, I got a Remington 1100 20 gauge automatic. I killed everything with that shotgun. I generally use a double now as my sister borrowed the 20 gauge 30 years ago! With a double, you can use adapters to make a rifle in one barrel and a shotgun in the other. It’s amazing really what you can do with a shotgun. Thanks for the video.
My biggest concern with a shotgun in the SHTF scenario is size and weight of the shells. I’m 5’6”,67 years old. I can carry 210 rounds 5.56 no problem,try carrying 210 rounds of 12or 20 gauge.With that said, I love the 20 gauge,gave up my 12 gauge a few years ago.If I was held up in a city scenario and not planning to go anywhere…shotgun would probably be my 1st choice.
Combat load for a shot gun is about 50 rounds ready to use and 50 in pack I use old surplus fal mag pouch hold about 25 in each mix 00 and #4 buck and buck and ball and in pack 50 more plus 10 bird shot 10 slug I live in a jungle country so pretty much out side of the city or towns or up in mountains grassland rock it all jungle so 50 yard and in 80 percent of time
Then I’d carry as many as u can comfortably and pick up ammo as u go . 12 gauge is everywhere just like 9mm.. I’m 6’2” and 215 and only plan on carrying around 60
@@CalebRogers-e4d yes thats smart dont overburden yourself carry what you can only can or physically able too in my situation we get supplied by heli or meet up with a truck somewhere keep going etc
I gave up my 12ga for 20ga shotties. Actually it was a deal, sold my 870 in 12ga and got a mossy 500 and 870 in 20ga. Ive shot 45ish try shot slugs back to back and my shoulder pocket was hurting. Ive shot 85 rounds of 20ga slugs and I was fine.😂 I'm no body builder.. In 5 feet 9 inches weighing in at 175ish (it fluctuates sometimes as low as 172 and high at 181) depends on what I eat😂😂😂 . I'm not fat or skinny. Avg I guess. But looking at the data a 20ga produces on avg more joules or ft lbs of energy than 44 mag. Its good for black bear maybe not brown or grizzies but definitely 1000 more times adequate for man. Switch to birdshot and can hunt birds and ducks. Shotties have it place just like any other gun
or a good old fanny pack. made a makeshift on for keeping ammo in when im running and it works pretty well. looks... odd but it works better than a dumb pouch and makes less sound.
I like my sub-caliber inserts, for my single shot shotty. I have an assortment of 7-8 inch rifled adapters. Plenty accurate enough. Fun to plink with too!
I'm a shotgun man. .410 in particular. I can carry 250 rounds(10 pounds). Has the same knock down power with a slug as a .357 Magnum(Federal Firearms testing)over 100 yards. Mine are single shots and the shells can be easily reloaded in the field. The downside of the .410 is the availability of shells and the shorter distance one has to be aware of while hunting squirrel, quail and rabbit.
@@tbjtbj4786It was Federal Firearms Testing. take it up with them. I don't doubt it since .357 Magnum is legal in Ohio, yet in other states(and Countries)people regularly take deer with a .410.
I definitely agree with hunting upland bird game. I would recommend staying near seed,water, and trees. They wake up, feed, gravel to grind up whatever they ate, drink, and then head to roost in a tree/tall grass depending if it’s quail, dove, pheasant, or chukar. Then repeat that same thing again in the afternoon. Usually start at sun up until about 11am. Rest and go back out again around 2-3pm for an afternoon hunt. Hiding in the shade of a bush or tree is your best bet if you’re not trying to pop em up and shoot em. Which is far harder as you’ll get a very small window to hit them and will fly in directions where trees and other stuff blocks them.
I grew up on shotguns. Got my first .410 at 7. At 10 my dad got me a 20 gauge Remington 870 wingmaster. This gun was longer than I was tall, I kid but still. He laughed, you’ll grow into it. I lugged that bad boy through bush and brush you wouldn’t believe. That started my passion for scatter guns. Fast forward to now, I have a few or so. Meat and potatoes: The Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod2 My personal one is a FDE edition Mesa Tactical. It is absolutely amazing! It fits like a glove, like it was hand made for me. The ergonomics are great. No reliability issues yet. It chews through slugs and buckshot like a beast. I need to run birdshot through it and see how it patterns but so far I’m absolutely impressed and it is now my number one go to shotgun for defense. Now the price hits the wallet. The one I bought is listed on berettas website for 1,999.99 which no one would…should ever buy from. Usually I see them for 1700-1800 if available. But be patient, I came across a small dealer that was selling them stupid cheap! I wish I would have bought 2 to be honest!
@@efficientinthefieldHell yeah, if I find one for the cheap price I paid, I’ll comment right away and let you know. I only paid 1,550. No tax, free shipping. I only added the optional insurance. Which I think is a must when buying online. So just short of 1,600 total. Far cry from the 2 grand, or more, it might normally cost (including tax, shipping, FFL transfer).
Maybe , instead of looking at the 1301 which from what i understand are very expensive, try to find a 1201 or even a 1200 beretta, i still have my dad's 1201 and at the time was the cadillac of semis, still functions flawlessly, the only difference between the 1200 and the 1201 is the 1200 is chambered in 2 and 3/4 only. Great video and i'm glad to find someone that doesn't put down the shotgun as something of the past
I have never been a shotgun guy but I got an a300 ultimate patrol and I cant stop shooting it. I Gucci'd it out and man. This thing is devastating. A lot of work to run but man, it is scary.
I know these bags are meant to hold brass, like brass for reloaders , but the tactical brass bags are like maybe 6$ and they can hold about 50 shotgun shells in them, and are easy to clip to your side. I found out that this was a really good way to carry a good bit of ammo. My bag has a mesh bottom so I have looped rope through the bottom and then use this string to tie the bag into place on my thigh. I look a little bit odd with just a string tied to my leg but for running shotgun it's absolutely fantastic.
I'm with you on using shotguns for possible SHTF events. I am a pump gun fan for it's simplicity. Shoots high power and low power shells just as effectively. No problems with non lethal shells. After trying all kinds of shells. Found out the best shotgun shell to stockpile are 2¾" shells. Don't waste your money on those 1" mini shells. They are useless as far as I am concerned.
You can do that, and it's a potentially valuable technique to know in a pinch, but you can literally get set up to cast real slugs and reload them for less than a couple hundred bucks. Then you can have as much slug ammo as you might possibly want. Buckshot too, although I would recommend against casting it (BTDT) since you can buy big bags of it. Otherwise buckshot and slug shells are expensive to accumulate in bulk. Years ago there were pictures making the rounds on the gun forums about a guy in Nigeria who was turning standard birdshot ammo into improvised slugs on the cheap. He could only legally buy a shotgun and birdshot ammo in his country, so he was disassembling the rounds, casting the lead shot into slugs, and re-loading them with the rest of the original components. It was fascinating.
I love this topic: I'm a shot gunner; at heart, my load of choice would hopefully be in S.H.T.F. Hornady Critical Defense. 00, 8 pellet, moving at 1600 fps w/ the flight controlled wad; from my Maverick 88: I love that scatter gun. I did something like you, I had a Mossberg 500 JIC model: it was pretty but life happens; however my Maverick 88 has never let me down. I have an AR, but my gosh; I feel so confident behind my shotgun: they're just so powerful and what can escape a shot pattern. Great video, well done bro. 💯π✔
@@efficientinthefield i was hit in the ass with No 7 birdshot at 75 yards 12 ga got my right ass cheek and thank fully my snap on hunting seat caught the wad and part of the charge: i was 16 and a 13 year old new hunter got ansy and popped off a shot on a low flying dove that happend to be level with my ass.....2 hurs of dad digging shot out my ass in the field later and ER trip i learned i dont want to get hit with any type of lead
I’ve got a stoeger 3000,with slugs I can get a 3 inch group with slugs at 100 meters with open sights, bear in mind that’s a 430 grain projectile ,and if things get up close and personal ,then it’s either 00 or 000, shotty does it all
I believe the biggest challenge with combat shotguns for preppers is a lack of training. I My case, I have all the proper shotguns, have watched the videos, patterned and tested hundreds of rounds, but need the confidence and muscle memory that comes from formal training.
Chet, I would suggest getting into rabbit hunting for a start. Get out with a shotshell belt on or equivalent kit, engage live targets quickly, and rapidly reload once the rabbit is down. That will take you most of the way you need to go. After that, a weekend tactical course would be the next step. 🙏
I would recommend taking a defensive shotgun coarse from a reputable instructor. My son in law wanted to be proficient with the 12 gauge and so I took a coarse with him. (I take courses a few times a year myself) Once he was done at the end of the day, he was running his scattergun well. He said that was the best thing he ever did in taking that coarse. He said he feels way more confident in his ability to shoot, move and reload with it.
@@efficientinthefield It's not necessarily advised, and especially not in the modern climate, but I got VERY proficient with both my pump and my break action shotgun when I was young by gunning out of the truck, just driving around and looking for stuff. I can put 3 shells down range in right around 5 seconds with the break action 20
If you can get the best of both worlds. The benelli M3 is pump/semi and it’s wonderful. Light loads (IF they don’t cycle, they usually do) you can pump, but when switching to heavier loads switch an actuator and you’re running semi-auto.
One 00 buck shot is like half a 9mm mags’ worth of entry wounds in a fairly accurate chest size grouping at 25 feet. So pull a trigger on a 9 mm nine times in a defensive posture and see how your grouping looks under stress. Pull the trigger one time on a 12 gauge and you will quickly move to a shotgun for self-defense in and around your home.
The shotgun is definitely underrated, my preference is a first generation 12 gauge Mossberg 835 made on a 590 frame. Buckshot is devastating. AO terrain , Location , plus experience is also a factor. IE from the coastal plains of Virginia to East Texas a shotgun is probably ideal for most preppers and or survival types. Now West Texas is definitely rifle country.
Picked up a Beretta A300 ultima patrol. It is my first semi-auto and, it is a beast. I have run a variety of shells including some low recoil and, so far, it eats it all.
I have a Black Aces Tactical Semiautomatic 12 gauge and it cycles flawlessly in anything I’ve put through it. Very happy with it and good customer service too🙏🇺🇸🇮🇱
I served as a forced entry team leader many moons ago, in a far-away land. That made me a strong believer in 12 ga. My Ithaca-37, mid-production, is my fav. With tactical folding stock and 20 inch cylinder barrel - defence. With classic stock and rifled barrel - hunting. Slam-fire option makes it even more devastating.
The only semi auto 12g’s I have are the AK style Lynx-12. I picked up 2, and both ran better than my old Saiga, so that went bye bye and paid for 2 of these 😂 20 round drums need a slight modification to lock up good, but after that, g2g. Adjustable gas is a great thing.
It took a bit of massaging, but I eventually got my Saiga 12 to run well on everything from 3" slugs and buck, down to light 2-3/4" birdshot. The adjustable gas system is a great thing. I have a 5 position plug on mine, and while knowing your loads and what settings they need takes some time, it's definitely worth the investment. That's true of the whole platform... Learning it and becoming proficient with is not an overnight thing, but it's so worthwhile to have one of the most effective close range weapons ever devised.
Pump action shotguns worked VERY WELL in combat throughout WWI through Vietnam against semi and full auto weapons. Guy is funny. "A cylinder bore is just fine"....literally the next sentence "that you can put chokes in"...
I think you took my statement out of context. My position is that you don't need a shotgun with chokes to be pretty damned effective unless you are the noisiest MFer on the planet and can't shoot. Chokes can help you be more effective depending on what you are using your shotty for.
I’ve got 2 12GA shotties and the ammo is everywhere , my kids have shot the 12 G and I highly recommend every parent allows their kid to do so . If they can shoot the 12 , they can shoot anything
A pump action is definitely a go to SHTF weapon along with a reliable pistol such as a Glock. Heard stories of $200 Maverick 88s running like new with over 20k+ shells shot. Also slugs are truly devastating to unarmored humans. My cousin is a firefighter EMT and told a story of a domestic gone wrong. One guy shot another with a 12 gauge slug lower torso from front door to street distance and cut him clean in half.
Those 410 self defense rounds works great in the dedicated full barreled shotguns holds a tight pattern out to 15-20 yards. So these new self defense rounds are fully viable, try it through the 410 shockwave. Its a jewel of an alternative.
.410slugs can vary in wieght from 87 grns to 110 grns. They travel up to 1800 fps and deliver anywhere from 600 to 800 approximate ft lbs energy. That puts it on par with a 10mm or .357 magnum.
That puts it on par to a 10mm or 357 mag fired out of a pistol. 357 mag can produce over 1250 ft lbs from a long gun. I think the versatility (i.e. load variation) of the .410 over 357 mag and 10mm is more of a selling point. If we were to compare .410 to 41 mag handgun loads, you can shoot 210 grain 41 mags at 1550 fps for 1120 ft lbs of energy out of a pistol. This is out of a dedicated "slug gun" though and cartridges with higher pressures. 🙏
@@efficientinthefield I did not know that. Sounds like 357 would be a good deer rifle for short range. Imma have to get one to go with my 6" dan Wesson lol.
If you switch from lead to steel your 12 gauge projectiles weight can be reduced by 41 % . Weight of your amo can be reduced enough to carry water or a .22 cal glock 44 and a 100 rounds of .22 lr
I have a Benelli M4 and owned a Beretta 1301 Tactical for awhile. Side by side, the M4 takes the cake. It shoots everything from light Clay loads to 3" Magnum 00 Buck. The only thing that led to me selling the 1301 Tactical is because it had more plastic parts. The Benelli is where it's at. Keep it bone stock and it will run like a sewing machine!
Ive got a Mossberg 88 Security model and a 12ga Gforce. I love mine. I know theres better but they work good especially when you're living off Social Security. Just saying. Good video
I'm running an 870 and also a side saddle with cartridge belts check budk for in expensive cartridge belts even Walmart special tractor supplies has some also I invested in the lee load all 2 so I can keep my supply of 12 gauge at over a 1,000 I'm also always scanning the local store's for deals on 12 gauge as well as my other calibers
Semi auto shotgun is ideal during times when society is law-abiding. It has quicker response times and is great for competition. But, during the violent downfall of society pump is best due to the fact that a good 12ga pump will basically feed any 12 ga round and field stripping to clean the shotgun is usually minimal compared to semi auto. So, it may be slower, but I feel it is more dependable.
Shotgun is my primary weapon in shtf with Glock 17 as my sidearm . If I had a semiautomatic rifle then I’d go without a sidearm .. I have a family to protect ! We will move from shelter to shelter and my 12 gauge will be great for keeping ppl out id assume . What I do know is we won’t be able to move fast . I’m 6’2” 215 lbs and in extremely good shape with a wife and 2 babies were defensive only
Are we talking about the cheap ones made in Turkey or the Henry's in .410? I think Henry makes a good product, but the turkey ones have a very cheap linkage setup. I'd love a lever action shotty, but want it gear driven and in 12 gauge and I don't think there's one out there.
We have a semi-auto 16 in the safe, a few boxes of bird and game loads, a small amount of #1 buckshot...we shoot a few shells annually, clean, and back in safe...maybe not option 1, but being available can't hurt..
While i agree a 12 or 20 is optimal and i have hunted most of my life with a 28" 12 for pheasant, quail, grouse, partridge, ducks and geese. If the shtf i have determined a 410 for overall utility, weight of slinger and ammo is the most versatile. using slugs, buck and bird shot as well as nuts, hardware, pebbles in a pinch all you need is powder and primers and a lee type hand loader and you can load anything using homemade cardboard wads. 3" hold 5, 000 and 2.5" hold 4. A 12ga holds 3" holds 10 of 000. 410 is far lighter slinger and ammo. In a pinch you can manually load single rounds of 45 colt and it will fire but accuracy is not great but it will work. In Texas some people hunt out of blinds at close range for hogs with 410, 000 buck. So it is effective for game medium and small and birds with bird shot. With sabot slugs you get extended range and accuracy. Its also good with 000 for self defense at typical range. Obviously its not good for distance over 100 unless you have a spare rifled barrel. You can carry one heck of a lot more 410 than 12 or 20. Lastly you can carry a bond derringer in your pocket with 000 buck for up close and personal so you only have to carry one type ammo could also choose a judge or governor. Lastly while i agree steel shot sucks i did take down 2 Canadian geese with one shot of #2 bird of federal 3" mag steel at over 50 yards. It works its just hard on barrels and doesnt have the weight. Oh i forgot i always hunt pumps i wont own a semi auto anything they are two fincky with reloads i like simple and effective of the pump. My grandfather had a rem 1100 and it hated reloads always jamming never had one problem with a pump. My 5.56 is a pump rem 6515 thats how much i love pumps. I also love levers but dont own one. Pumps and bolts and revolvers are my choice. Its like a cummings diesel in my dodge pickup. If i had been smart i would have converted it to an old ppumo mechanical injection eliminating the problems associated with electronics and dependability. Its exactly why i stick with pump shotguns.
Thanks for the detailed comment. It looks like 000 buck is one place where 410 isn't all too bad, looking at the numbers, and 4 or 5 000 buck will definitely ruin anyone's day. Even then, I'd rather have 10 over 5 per pull of the trigger. Slugs out of 410 just aren't great. You can produce almost the same energy out of a 9mm. 410 loses hard when looking at birdshot and other buckshot loads, although I'm definitely curious about the Lee Loader 410 you mentioned. I'd like to play with 410 a lot though to be honest. Numbers don't always give you the whole story. And shot placement trumps all other metrics so if you can put it where it needs to go, 🥳.
@@efficientinthefield i have shot trap with a 410 so it is effective for upland game and for ducks i would definitely use 3" with 2 or 1 shot not 4. Its perfect for turkey up close with this turkey 410 i have with the super tight xxfull choke and 7.5-9 shot to the head. The choke makes all the difference. Lee loaders are really expensive now. I have the 12 and 20 but not the 410 yet. For the most part you can load with household items tons of videos about it and the cheaper alternative to a lee loader called a aurvival loader. The biggest problem with all hand loaders is there is no brass resizer and that is why auto loaders dont like reloads. I have yet to come up with a great idea for resizing and im not investing in a MEC. They make a dedicated resizer but its around 200 just for one gage size.
The biggest problem with a 12 gauge shotgun is the weight and size of the ammo. On the plus side it is effective, for game, protection keeping goblins at bey. A standard shotgun with a stock not a cruiser or Shockwave style.
I'll probably do my own video on this subject. I too have a lot of experience with shotguns. Shotguns are better for homesteaders and preppers. Just a short range gun for defending a home against 2 legged and 4 legged varmints. And it doesn't require a lot of training. In my opinion using slugs defeats the whole purpose of a shotgun. As far as a survivalist bugging out with a shotgun it's not so much the weight of the ammo as it is the space it takes up. Good video though.
Yep - I have a few, 3-4 for hunting, 3-4 for social, ran an experiment, I already had an M4 that I 922'd then looked at the best of class in 2023, Mossy 940 - Beretta 1301 - Beretta A300 Patrol, after buying and working with ALL of them I think the best cost/benefit compromise is the A300 for $1k - the 1301 is a rockstar but a lot of $, the M4 is awesome if you dont have to hump it for miles and is the most expensive, the Mossy 940 is great but had loading issues, for the money - the best buy modern fighting shotgun is the A300 Patrol - I'm just a dude no mil or LE experience I just shoot A LOT.
20 gauge is my choice more rounds can be carried 💪. .22 wmr insert for it I have.. Stevens 301 turkey model has pikitini rail I have red dot on mine it's great
@@gregzeigler3850 that was a pilot survival prototype .22 and .410 so actually yes. Snakes, small birds, rabbits, squirrels, etc. it wasn’t intended as a combat or big game weapon. It was replaced by a semiautomatic .22LR because a semiautomatic .22 is better
They have rifle and pistol conversions that can be put in the break down model shotgun I mean every caliber there is. Still not a good fighting gun by any means but survivalist hunting type moves the 12 gauge up on that aspect
a rifle CAN be a better option, it kinda depends on WHERE you are hunting. it thick woods, a shotgun every time. most shots are 50 yards or less and there may be brush or tree limbs in the way. in open country, use a rifle. longer shots over open ground.
Love a good 12ga all around. I would make an argument for a pump over a semi-auto for one important reason... A semi-auto’s action is driven by the shell and dependent upon its proper function. A pump, while slower overall will provide tremendously more reliability. Also, price. I’d rather have three mossberg pumps vs. one benelli... that’s subjective though, I realize.
I'm perfectly on board with pumps. If the intended use is self defense though, I highly recommend a well tested semi auto unless you live in a harsh environment. Motor controls go to shit, especially when the people trying to kill you are 20 feet away and the last thing you want to have to do is work a pump if it goes down. It's kind of like comparing a bolt action to a semi auto rifle. Bolt actions have their place, but you don't want to be stuck working one in CQB. 🙏
@@EroticOnion23 very true. Folks in gunfights get shot in the hands often. I’m a fan of semi-autos as well, please don’t get me wrong. My understanding of this is a Shtf/wrol/ apocalypse- thing. Ammo may not be as dependable in that instance. Ie: reloads etc. a pump will be more relatable overall. That said, I wouldn’t step out the door with just one gun. That’s silly.
Everyone forgets about the wild card, the bolt action 12 gauge... they are cheap and awesome. I did a video on my 195 K - A and I'm currently working on a 10-round magazine that's functional for it, it works and im finnishing it. Its working its not finished yet ill do a video when i do. Also you can get a 7/8 key mod slug mold and turn bird load into light recoil accurate slugs cheap and easy to make.
I'm a shotgun dude 2 for I dig my two vintage Remington 1100's 12 ga. with their 11 shot capacity and can sling all loads downrange and yes kill anything well within 50 yards for the most part I only rock 00Buck 7 1/2 to 6 shot and even BB loads which are awesome and yes I won't 4get my vintage trusty 870 pump that can sling 8 rds pretty fast downrange as well and I only get the 2 3/4 in. shells no need for that 3 to 3 1/2 in. expensive shit shells just my opinion !!!! The shotgun if well maintained can be one's do all for food fare or self defense if you had too !!! Oh yeah I really love my vintage H&R single shot 12 ga. which is more versatile than the auto or pump shotguns with its capabilty to shoot different calibers out of and not just shotgun ammo !!! That's my A to Z shotgun the one gun I'll never get rid of very sentimental !!!
Great video. The reason I don't stock up on bulk shotgun shells is the price. At over a 1$ a round they get expensive. Which means less bangs for my buck.
Sample of one my Remington Tac-13 runs cheap 7/8 oz loads no issue, and it a Remington. The semi auto have really come a long way in the last 10 years.
Get a modified single shot 12 gauge with adapters. My 12 gauge shoots 22lr, 9mm, 410, 45lc, 38 spec. Not to mention it can be used as a 209 muzzle loader. The adapters are under $150 for all. I suggest getting the 8" rifled 22lr for hunting. Very accurate. 3" adapters are not but are good for close range. The con is they are single shot. Good for hunting, poor for self defense
I have several thousands of 12 g, 22LR and 308, I do my own reloading of the 308 with different grains but at the end all is one caliber... Maybe in the future I will get the 556!!!
I'm no expert but I'll throw in my experience with the mossberg jm940 pro. It will eat any 12 guage you feed it. Slugs to 8 shot sporting loads. I ran over 1200 rounds threw it out of the box before I ever broke it down and cleaned the assembly gunk off it. Nothing but 7.5 to 8 shot light loads. (Shooting sporting clays) and I can say no lie, zero malfunctions! Give it a look
I had a magazine fed semi auto shot gun once and it was very unreliable and it wasn’t the gas system just the flat end of a 12ga shell isn’t meant to feed from a box mag. Idk maybe they have a reliable one but I just found the mags are super heavy and not reliable. I’d rather a 7+1 tube fed. Cuz a 10 round mag is about 2ft long and weigh a lot
This was actually some very good information. I have two shotguns, a Remington 870 and a Mossberg 590, But quite frankly I'd like to replace them both with a semi-auto 12 gauge with a shorter barrel. Maybe 18.5" - 20". I'm old and fat and out of shape, so I'm not running off anywhere to survive when the time comes. I'm going to have to stay put and just fight it out as long as possible. Is it smart to only have a Tactical shotgun, or should I keep the Remington 870 as well. It's a good shotgun and I like it a lot, just don't know if I need two or three shotguns.
If you're not planning to run,i'd keep all the shotguns loaded ''when the time comes'' most likely you won't have time to reload, yes, keep your 870 and all others you can afford to have, who knows, maybe you'll live to see the next day if you put enough lead down range from multiple shotguns. At least that's what this old fat out of shape dude would do.
I've got one and it sucks IMO. It shoots about a 6" group at 30 feet. I will say that it was a cheaper brand and only like 3" or 3 1/2" long, so maybe I should have gotten a longer one. I will be playing with these more down the road and should be able to give a better report then but for now, I'm not sold on them.
@@efficientinthefield I suppose if you wanted to be scientific you'd have to compare the groupings to a pistol with a 3 inch barrel. A 6 inch grouping at 30 feet wouldn't win any competitions but it's not absolutely awful.
@@fintonmainz7845 Yeah, and maybe I'll go that far with it. I was just very unimpressed. If I can't shoot a squirrel with it at 10 yards, it's worthless. I've done a lot of jackrabbit hunting with a Ruger Single Six in 22lr and have made plenty of shots past 30 yards. Albeit with a 5.5" barrel. Maybe my expectations are too high? I just don't see the value if it can't even have marginal accuracy.
As far as scavenging for ammo in SHTF, 12 gauge would be the best because it's most common. I love shotguns. They are not the best at anything but they are good at everything!
Shotguns are good especially single shot because you can get gun adapters that can shoot any round from 17hmr to 44 mag to any shotgun rounds. 12 gauge is best because you can use any size adapter in them.
![Stuff You Should Know About Buckshot [Part 1]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3haq5BFh7qs/mqdefault.jpg)
I've worked in the field of forensic pathology, close range shotgun fights is what I fear the most now
They are absolutely devastating at close range. I'm looking at getting a Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol because despite how open it is where I live, flight control buckshot would be perfect from the front of the house to the gate. 🥳
@@efficientinthefield just bought the A300 a few months ago…worth every penny. You will love it
@@45automag1 If only $1k would just fall into my lap. 😄
Not just "close range" depending on your choke and the wad design of your ammunition, and don't forget about segmented or pure soft lead hollowpoint slugs.
I fear knives more. No way to know someone has one until they're stabbing you
I remember my grandfather, he told me every man should have 4 guns. A pistol, a varmint gun, a long gun, and a shotgun. Those 4 guns will do anything a man needs to do with a gun.
Ill add a bow to that list and I love it (yes not a gun but still! haha)
Ar556 10/22 12ga and a 9! Thats that.
@@DasGoodSoup I prefer 7.62x39 but yeah. A 9mm pistol, a 10/22, a magazine fed carbine, and a 12 ga. That covers pretty much every potential firearm need while minimizing the logistics tail of ammo.
@@DasGoodSoupexactly what I got. Just completed my collection this week with a 10/22
Your Grandpa was right. I agree with Him 100%
Note from oilfield worker. Often work at north British Columbia/ northern Alberta. Brushy area with lots of bears., both grizzly and black . If by some reason I would have to WALK through the area I would carry 12 ga with magnum slugs or 0000(or 45-70 etc, handguns are prohibited)because if grizzly attacks you out of brush , and you will not drop it from 1 shot you might not have a chance for the 2nd. So stopping power is everything for that kind of scenario
Slugs have crazy power. 🥳
Highly underrated topic by far. Shotguns are arguably the best for defense and taking game across the board...especially nowadays with ammo prices being where they are. I've always consistently found good buck shot for less than ANY 5.56/.223 ammo. Another good point with reloading shotguns is you can do it with just about anything...My buddies and I used to spend alot of times at garage sales and pick up unwanted silverware for free. Cut the fork tips and load a 2-3/4" shell with about 12-16 of them and watch what it does to a Pronghorn at close range. I've loaded everything from silverware to razor blades and mini matchbox cars into my shells and they all work just fine.
Mini matchbox cars!!! 🤣🤣🤣
@@efficientinthefield I shit you not, 4 of them fit in a 3” shell. Useless beyond 30ish yards but still fun
I've heard that hearing aid batteries make decent shot, and that a AAA battery with a sabot is a pretty convincing slug.
I know what is on my schedule first thing tomorrow AM.
@@MrGunBunny13
I have a group of speciality cut # 12 shells w/ Bromodiolone for “ home invaders “.
My Benelli m-4 is my go to home defense CQB firearm. At close range it’s devastating. When I was in Ramadi we used it for breaching and were told not to use it for room clearance, but I can report there are a lot of bearded doors that are no longer standing.
Damn those bearded doors!
And a big thing to metion if you go with a rifled slug barrel. Do not shoot a rifled slug. Shoot the sabot slugs with a rifled barrel. The rifled slugs are meant to stabilize that big chunk of lead out of a smooth bore barrel.
Absolutely correct! Rifled slugs are for smooth bores. Kind of odd, but that's how they did it.
@efficientinthefield and I tell ya a 12 gauge slug would be like getting hit with a sledgehammer. And the same with buckshot inside 40 yards.
@@Urban_hunter2021 Yeah, I've smoked deer with slugs from close range. They either just drop dead or you get some kicking and bucking for 10 yards and then down. 🥳
When it comes to slugs and buckshot the 12 ga is better for sure . Heavier buckshot and slugs. But when it's lighter shot that is like for like in size and travelling the same speed the only thing the 12 will give you is a slight gain in pay load.
Excellent point; a man who has knowledge will always succeed.
GREAT WORK! I have been into weapons since 1973 when I got my first gun which was a Colt 45 ACP. In the last 8 years I had a bad surgical experience and I am now permanently handicapped. As a result I have watched so many videos it’s ridiculous. I really appreciate this segment. I agree with 90%+ of your comments. I have an older Remington semi but it’s not an SHTF weapon. I have watched so many Prepper, SHTF channels but I really enjoyed this video. Good luck in your future projects. Thank you.
Thanks Gary! 🙏
FEDERAL FLIGHT CONTROL,
00-BUCK, 8 PELLET LOAD
Is The BEST For SHTF...
I live in Indiana, wich is legally a shotgun state for deer. I've been hunting since the late 1970s in the hills of Southern Indiana an on several occasions I've taken deer at 120+ yards with Winchester super-X 2 3/4 inch hollow point deer slugs out of my Winchester model 1300 12ga pump. At the range I can routinely keep a 3" pattern at 100 yards with that gun and the same loads. I've had a lot of years of experience with it, but boils down to knowing your gun and your ammo and practice.
Are you using a rifled barrel or any optics?
@@efficientinthefield smooth bore barrel with standard Winchester Super-X 2 3/4" rifled hollow point deer slugs. And BTW the barrel is short, it's an 18" 'Defender' barrel. As far as optics I'm using a cheap Tasco scope I bought at Walmart back in 2003. It's on an elevated mount so I can still use the iron sights for rabbit and squirrel hunting. Nothing special about it. I've just shot it so frequently for so many years I know the gun like the back of my hand.
@@jerryransdell3450 Nice. Knowing the gun matters. 🙏
What's up fellow Hoosier around my area maybe
I have one of those 1300 Defenders and can confirm it's a great gun. I like the 870 more but that's only because I have a lot more time on the 870. Main disadvantage of the Winchester pumps is fewer accessories for them compared to the Remingtons and Mossbergs.
I grew up in a shotgunner family. The first Christmas I remember when I was 5, I got a break action 20 gauge. When I was 9, I got a Remington 1100 20 gauge automatic. I killed everything with that shotgun. I generally use a double now as my sister borrowed the 20 gauge 30 years ago! With a double, you can use adapters to make a rifle in one barrel and a shotgun in the other. It’s amazing really what you can do with a shotgun. Thanks for the video.
Also, the shotgun is effective in drone attacks, 5.56 NATO is difficult to shoot a flying bird, but hunters have been doing it for 100 years.
Yeah both Ukraine and Russia are using birdshot to bring down drones
Amazing cuz the 5.56 didn’t exist until the latter 1950s!!! It was released before it was released by these .22 bird snipers.
Breathing intensifies.
My biggest concern with a shotgun in the SHTF scenario is size and weight of the shells. I’m 5’6”,67 years old. I can carry 210 rounds 5.56 no problem,try carrying 210 rounds of 12or 20 gauge.With that said, I love the 20 gauge,gave up my 12 gauge a few years ago.If I was held up in a city scenario and not planning to go anywhere…shotgun would probably be my 1st choice.
Combat load for a shot gun is about 50 rounds ready to use and 50 in pack I use old surplus fal mag pouch hold about 25 in each mix 00 and #4 buck and buck and ball and in pack 50 more plus 10 bird shot 10 slug I live in a jungle country so pretty much out side of the city or towns or up in mountains grassland rock it all jungle so 50 yard and in 80 percent of time
Then I’d carry as many as u can comfortably and pick up ammo as u go .
12 gauge is everywhere just like 9mm..
I’m 6’2” and 215 and only plan on carrying around 60
@@CalebRogers-e4d yes thats smart dont overburden yourself carry what you can only can or physically able too in my situation we get supplied by heli or meet up with a truck somewhere keep going etc
think about how many .22lr shells you can carry LOL .
I gave up my 12ga for 20ga shotties. Actually it was a deal, sold my 870 in 12ga and got a mossy 500 and 870 in 20ga. Ive shot 45ish try shot slugs back to back and my shoulder pocket was hurting. Ive shot 85 rounds of 20ga slugs and I was fine.😂 I'm no body builder.. In 5 feet 9 inches weighing in at 175ish (it fluctuates sometimes as low as 172 and high at 181) depends on what I eat😂😂😂 . I'm not fat or skinny. Avg I guess. But looking at the data a 20ga produces on avg more joules or ft lbs of energy than 44 mag. Its good for black bear maybe not brown or grizzies but definitely 1000 more times adequate for man. Switch to birdshot and can hunt birds and ducks. Shotties have it place just like any other gun
12ga Remington 870.....king of the tactical shotties.
A dump pounch is what one needs for extra shells
or a good old fanny pack. made a makeshift on for keeping ammo in when im running and it works pretty well. looks... odd but it works better than a dumb pouch and makes less sound.
It's great for my Panzer mags.
A man without a semiauto shotgun who recommends a semiautomatic shotgun!
I like my sub-caliber inserts, for my single shot shotty. I have an assortment of 7-8 inch rifled adapters. Plenty accurate enough. Fun to plink with too!
Can you give me more details? I have two and they are complete garbage. I'd spend money to try a couple more from the right manufacturer.
I'm a shotgun man. .410 in particular. I can carry 250 rounds(10 pounds). Has the same knock down power with a slug as a .357 Magnum(Federal Firearms testing)over 100 yards. Mine are single shots and the shells can be easily reloaded in the field. The downside of the .410 is the availability of shells and the shorter distance one has to be aware of while hunting squirrel, quail and rabbit.
What slugs have the same power as a 357 mag.
And which load for the 357 mag are you comparing the 410 slug to?
@@tbjtbj4786It was Federal Firearms Testing. take it up with them. I don't doubt it since .357 Magnum is legal in Ohio, yet in other states(and Countries)people regularly take deer with a .410.
Good thing, also a 410 can be usted by everyone in the house because the recoil is softer than a 12 gauge! Wise election!
Im really digging this series your doing on SHTF weapons! A lotta good Golden Nuggets of Info here!
🙏
I picked up a gen 2 1301. It was a pretty penny . It's fed everything I've put in it so far.
I've heard this about them. 👌
I think if you are defending a hide or camp a shotgun is good. If you are in a bunker defending your camp and your not humping the weight.
I definitely agree with hunting upland bird game. I would recommend staying near seed,water, and trees. They wake up, feed, gravel to grind up whatever they ate, drink, and then head to roost in a tree/tall grass depending if it’s quail, dove, pheasant, or chukar. Then repeat that same thing again in the afternoon. Usually start at sun up until about 11am. Rest and go back out again around 2-3pm for an afternoon hunt. Hiding in the shade of a bush or tree is your best bet if you’re not trying to pop em up and shoot em. Which is far harder as you’ll get a very small window to hit them and will fly in directions where trees and other stuff blocks them.
Definitely good info, Rusty! 🙏
I grew up on shotguns. Got my first .410 at 7. At 10 my dad got me a 20 gauge Remington 870 wingmaster. This gun was longer than I was tall, I kid but still. He laughed, you’ll grow into it. I lugged that bad boy through bush and brush you wouldn’t believe. That started my passion for scatter guns. Fast forward to now, I have a few or so.
Meat and potatoes:
The Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod2
My personal one is a FDE edition Mesa Tactical. It is absolutely amazing! It fits like a glove, like it was hand made for me. The ergonomics are great. No reliability issues yet. It chews through slugs and buckshot like a beast. I need to run birdshot through it and see how it patterns but so far I’m absolutely impressed and it is now my number one go to shotgun for defense.
Now the price hits the wallet. The one I bought is listed on berettas website for 1,999.99 which no one would…should ever buy from. Usually I see them for 1700-1800 if available. But be patient, I came across a small dealer that was selling them stupid cheap! I wish I would have bought 2 to be honest!
We both can appreciate the shotgun and boy would I love to have one of those 1301's and the 500 rounds of buckshot I'd need to go with it.
@@efficientinthefieldHell yeah, if I find one for the cheap price I paid, I’ll comment right away and let you know. I only paid 1,550. No tax, free shipping. I only added the optional insurance. Which I think is a must when buying online. So just short of 1,600 total. Far cry from the 2 grand, or more, it might normally cost (including tax, shipping, FFL transfer).
@@blackcellagent That's still out of my price range right now. Maybe 6 months down the road it will happen!
@@efficientinthefieldRight on!
Maybe , instead of looking at the 1301 which from what i understand are very expensive, try to find a 1201 or even a 1200 beretta, i still have my dad's 1201 and at the time was the cadillac of semis, still functions flawlessly, the only difference between the 1200 and the 1201 is the 1200 is chambered in 2 and 3/4 only.
Great video and i'm glad to find someone that doesn't put down the shotgun as something of the past
I have never been a shotgun guy but I got an a300 ultimate patrol and I cant stop shooting it. I Gucci'd it out and man. This thing is devastating. A lot of work to run but man, it is scary.
I used my Ithaca in 3 theatre’s over 20 plus years and I’m alive today because of it.
I got a fully kitted out A300UP as well
@@mindexpanding1 I have an 8 shot Ithaca for my pump backup gun
I know these bags are meant to hold brass, like brass for reloaders , but the tactical brass bags are like maybe 6$ and they can hold about 50 shotgun shells in them, and are easy to clip to your side. I found out that this was a really good way to carry a good bit of ammo. My bag has a mesh bottom so I have looped rope through the bottom and then use this string to tie the bag into place on my thigh. I look a little bit odd with just a string tied to my leg but for running shotgun it's absolutely fantastic.
Oh for sure. Dump pouches, fanny packs, and the like are a great way to hold a bunch of 00 buck. 🙏
I'm with you on using shotguns for possible SHTF events. I am a pump gun fan for it's simplicity. Shoots high power and low power shells just as effectively. No problems with non lethal shells. After trying all kinds of shells. Found out the best shotgun shell to stockpile are 2¾" shells. Don't waste your money on those 1" mini shells. They are useless as far as I am concerned.
Mini shells are 1 3/4” FYI.
Man , I think people are just hung up on shotguns being an old man’s weapon of choice… To me is stupid, I love having a good pump action SHOTGUN…
I always have my 686 EDC and 637 back up on me; 870 is always in my Truck at the ready.
If you're a survivalist you'll know exactly how to turn birdshot into a slug
a) cutshells
b) parafin wax poured into birdshot = improvised slug
Good point from a likeminded “Peronista”.
Helicopter or pit, comrade? @@mindexpanding1
You can do that, and it's a potentially valuable technique to know in a pinch, but you can literally get set up to cast real slugs and reload them for less than a couple hundred bucks. Then you can have as much slug ammo as you might possibly want. Buckshot too, although I would recommend against casting it (BTDT) since you can buy big bags of it. Otherwise buckshot and slug shells are expensive to accumulate in bulk.
Years ago there were pictures making the rounds on the gun forums about a guy in Nigeria who was turning standard birdshot ammo into improvised slugs on the cheap. He could only legally buy a shotgun and birdshot ammo in his country, so he was disassembling the rounds, casting the lead shot into slugs, and re-loading them with the rest of the original components. It was fascinating.
Cut shell # 6 at 20-50 yards have almost the same effect as a slug.
Exactly and target load number 8 are 1/3 price compared to slug. Also not a rocket science to cast slugs or pellets from lead
I love this topic: I'm a shot gunner; at heart, my load of choice would hopefully be in S.H.T.F. Hornady Critical Defense. 00, 8 pellet, moving at 1600 fps w/ the flight controlled wad; from my Maverick 88: I love that scatter gun. I did something like you, I had a Mossberg 500 JIC model: it was pretty but life happens; however my Maverick 88 has never let me down. I have an AR, but my gosh; I feel so confident behind my shotgun: they're just so powerful and what can escape a shot pattern. Great video, well done bro. 💯π✔
If you know, you know. There's lots of "experts" out there on gun channels saying shotguns suck. They've obviously not spent time behind one. 🙏
"beware the man with one gun he might know how to use it"
@@efficientinthefield i was hit in the ass with No 7 birdshot at 75 yards 12 ga got my right ass cheek and thank fully my snap on hunting seat caught the wad and part of the charge: i was 16 and a 13 year old new hunter got ansy and popped off a shot on a low flying dove that happend to be level with my ass.....2 hurs of dad digging shot out my ass in the field later and ER trip i learned i dont want to get hit with any type of lead
@@Bucky1836 You don't want to get hit with anything. Good story by the way.😆
I’ve got a stoeger 3000,with slugs I can get a 3 inch group with slugs at 100 meters with open sights, bear in mind that’s a 430 grain projectile ,and if things get up close and personal ,then it’s either 00 or 000, shotty does it all
I believe the biggest challenge with combat shotguns for preppers is a lack of training. I My case, I have all the proper shotguns, have watched the videos, patterned and tested hundreds of rounds, but need the confidence and muscle memory that comes from formal training.
Chet, I would suggest getting into rabbit hunting for a start. Get out with a shotshell belt on or equivalent kit, engage live targets quickly, and rapidly reload once the rabbit is down. That will take you most of the way you need to go. After that, a weekend tactical course would be the next step. 🙏
I would recommend taking a defensive shotgun coarse from a reputable instructor. My son in law wanted to be proficient with the 12 gauge and so I took a coarse with him. (I take courses a few times a year myself) Once he was done at the end of the day, he was running his scattergun well.
He said that was the best thing he ever did in taking that coarse. He said he feels way more confident in his ability to shoot, move and reload with it.
@@efficientinthefield It's not necessarily advised, and especially not in the modern climate, but I got VERY proficient with both my pump and my break action shotgun when I was young by gunning out of the truck, just driving around and looking for stuff. I can put 3 shells down range in right around 5 seconds with the break action 20
@@TheVvolfgang If a tree falls in the woods and nothing was there to hear it, did it make a sound? 🤔
If I can only have 1 gun it would be a pump action 12 Gauge. Just pick the ammo for your needs.
If you can get the best of both worlds. The benelli M3 is pump/semi and it’s wonderful. Light loads (IF they don’t cycle, they usually do) you can pump, but when switching to heavier loads switch an actuator and you’re running semi-auto.
One 00 buck shot is like half a 9mm mags’ worth of entry wounds in a fairly accurate chest size grouping at 25 feet. So pull a trigger on a 9 mm nine times in a defensive posture and see how your grouping looks under stress. Pull the trigger one time on a 12 gauge and you will quickly move to a shotgun for self-defense in and around your home.
Pump all day every day for a shotgun. Very reliable
The shotgun is definitely underrated, my preference is a first generation 12 gauge Mossberg 835 made on a 590 frame. Buckshot is devastating. AO terrain , Location , plus experience is also a factor. IE from the coastal plains of Virginia to East Texas a shotgun is probably ideal for most preppers and or survival types. Now West Texas is definitely rifle country.
Picked up a Beretta A300 ultima patrol. It is my first semi-auto and, it is a beast. I have run a variety of shells including some low recoil and, so far, it eats it all.
Good to know and thanks for the report!
I have a 1301, it runs literally any shell I put in it no problem. White box birdshot included.
That's what I'm saying. 🙏
I have a Black Aces Tactical Semiautomatic 12 gauge and it cycles flawlessly in anything I’ve put through it. Very happy with it and good customer service too🙏🇺🇸🇮🇱
Good to hear. I've looked at those and wondered. There's been good and bad reviews about them.
Wow, congrats and glad that a new chapter is starting.
I agree a semi auto is great. But I just trust my pump gun 100% of the time. My M4 is awesome but I’m still gonna take the pump if it’s my only gun.
I AM SO GLAD YOU MADE THIS VIDEO - THANK YOU ❤
🙏
I served as a forced entry team leader many moons ago, in a far-away land. That made me a strong believer in 12 ga. My Ithaca-37, mid-production, is my fav. With tactical folding stock and 20 inch cylinder barrel - defence. With classic stock and rifled barrel - hunting. Slam-fire option makes it even more devastating.
If you know, you know. 🥳
The only semi auto 12g’s I have are the AK style Lynx-12. I picked up 2, and both ran better than my old Saiga, so that went bye bye and paid for 2 of these 😂 20 round drums need a slight modification to lock up good, but after that, g2g. Adjustable gas is a great thing.
Good to know. 👍
It took a bit of massaging, but I eventually got my Saiga 12 to run well on everything from 3" slugs and buck, down to light 2-3/4" birdshot. The adjustable gas system is a great thing. I have a 5 position plug on mine, and while knowing your loads and what settings they need takes some time, it's definitely worth the investment. That's true of the whole platform... Learning it and becoming proficient with is not an overnight thing, but it's so worthwhile to have one of the most effective close range weapons ever devised.
If I’m bunkering in a pump shotgun or two will be nearby. However because of the weight and bulk they are not part of a bug out plan.
I pair shotgun with Glock 17. Light load, Easy carry in urban and forested areas. However, in open terrain long gun is a must. Good video.
🙏
Pump action shotguns worked VERY WELL in combat throughout WWI through Vietnam against semi and full auto weapons. Guy is funny. "A cylinder bore is just fine"....literally the next sentence "that you can put chokes in"...
I think you took my statement out of context. My position is that you don't need a shotgun with chokes to be pretty damned effective unless you are the noisiest MFer on the planet and can't shoot. Chokes can help you be more effective depending on what you are using your shotty for.
I’ve got 2 12GA shotties and the ammo is everywhere , my kids have shot the 12 G and I highly recommend every parent allows their kid to do so . If they can shoot the 12 , they can shoot anything
True that. If they can handle 12 gauge recoil, they can handle it all.
Tavor TS 12 15 in the tube's 1in the carrier 1 in the chamber 17 total ,Holosun 512 on top. Ready for action.
A pump action is definitely a go to SHTF weapon along with a reliable pistol such as a Glock. Heard stories of $200 Maverick 88s running like new with over 20k+ shells shot. Also slugs are truly devastating to unarmored humans. My cousin is a firefighter EMT and told a story of a domestic gone wrong. One guy shot another with a 12 gauge slug lower torso from front door to street distance and cut him clean in half.
I found an old Remington 870 from the early 70’s. What a peach! I need some non full choke barrels. I’d like to have a rifled barrel.
Those 410 self defense rounds works great in the dedicated full barreled shotguns holds a tight pattern out to 15-20 yards. So these new self defense rounds are fully viable, try it through the 410 shockwave. Its a jewel of an alternative.
Yeah, but they seem either ridiculously expensive or hard to find. I guess you could load your own though and save a lot of dough.
.410slugs can vary in wieght from 87 grns to 110 grns. They travel up to 1800 fps and deliver anywhere from 600 to 800 approximate ft lbs energy. That puts it on par with a 10mm or .357 magnum.
That puts it on par to a 10mm or 357 mag fired out of a pistol. 357 mag can produce over 1250 ft lbs from a long gun. I think the versatility (i.e. load variation) of the .410 over 357 mag and 10mm is more of a selling point. If we were to compare .410 to 41 mag handgun loads, you can shoot 210 grain 41 mags at 1550 fps for 1120 ft lbs of energy out of a pistol. This is out of a dedicated "slug gun" though and cartridges with higher pressures. 🙏
@@efficientinthefield I did not know that. Sounds like 357 would be a good deer rifle for short range. Imma have to get one to go with my 6" dan Wesson lol.
@@mattdg1981 Great deer rifle to 100 yards. 🥳 I've also got a 6" Wesson. Love it!
H&R 10 gauge single shot. A Parkhurst 10 gauge hammer coachgun. Three M37 Ithacas: 12, 20 and 28. No complaints here.
If you switch from lead to steel your 12 gauge projectiles weight can be reduced by 41 % . Weight of your amo can be reduced enough to carry water or a .22 cal glock 44 and a 100 rounds of .22 lr
The weight might be reduced by 41% but so is the effectiveness. 😄 I think the best bet is to cache 12 gauge led at your bugout spot. 👍
I have a Benelli M4 and owned a Beretta 1301 Tactical for awhile. Side by side, the M4 takes the cake. It shoots everything from light Clay loads to 3" Magnum 00 Buck. The only thing that led to me selling the 1301 Tactical is because it had more plastic parts. The Benelli is where it's at. Keep it bone stock and it will run like a sewing machine!
Good report on the Benelli. 💯
Ive got a Mossberg 88 Security model and a 12ga Gforce. I love mine. I know theres better but they work good especially when you're living off Social Security. Just saying. Good video
I'm running an 870 and also a side saddle with cartridge belts check budk for in expensive cartridge belts even Walmart special tractor supplies has some also I invested in the lee load all 2 so I can keep my supply of 12 gauge at over a 1,000 I'm also always scanning the local store's for deals on 12 gauge as well as my other calibers
About all I keep for a 12 gauge is #6 shells. Full choke
Semi auto shotgun is ideal during times when society is law-abiding. It has quicker response times and is great for competition. But, during the violent downfall of society pump is best due to the fact that a good 12ga pump will basically feed any 12 ga round and field stripping to clean the shotgun is usually minimal compared to semi auto. So, it may be slower, but I feel it is more dependable.
Shotgun is my primary weapon in shtf with Glock 17 as my sidearm . If I had a semiautomatic rifle then I’d go without a sidearm .. I have a family to protect ! We will move from shelter to shelter and my 12 gauge will be great for keeping ppl out id assume .
What I do know is we won’t be able to move fast . I’m 6’2” 215 lbs and in extremely good shape with a wife and 2 babies were defensive only
Any thoughts on the lever action shotguns?
Are we talking about the cheap ones made in Turkey or the Henry's in .410? I think Henry makes a good product, but the turkey ones have a very cheap linkage setup. I'd love a lever action shotty, but want it gear driven and in 12 gauge and I don't think there's one out there.
My grandfather only shot his 16 gauge and taught me with it. If it wasn’t so rare it is the perfect family shotgun.
I don't have any experience with 16, but I have a lot of shells for it. Maybe I'll get the chance someday...
We have a semi-auto 16 in the safe, a few boxes of bird and game loads, a small amount of #1 buckshot...we shoot a few shells annually, clean, and back in safe...maybe not option 1, but being available can't hurt..
Shtf defense id do any 12g mossburg owner I know pump action lol I even bought a lver action 12g
While i agree a 12 or 20 is optimal and i have hunted most of my life with a 28" 12 for pheasant, quail, grouse, partridge, ducks and geese.
If the shtf i have determined a 410 for overall utility, weight of slinger and ammo is the most versatile. using slugs, buck and bird shot as well as nuts, hardware, pebbles in a pinch all you need is powder and primers and a lee type hand loader and you can load anything using homemade cardboard wads. 3" hold 5, 000 and 2.5" hold 4. A 12ga holds 3" holds 10 of 000. 410 is far lighter slinger and ammo. In a pinch you can manually load single rounds of 45 colt and it will fire but accuracy is not great but it will work. In Texas some people hunt out of blinds at close range for hogs with 410, 000 buck. So it is effective for game medium and small and birds with bird shot. With sabot slugs you get extended range and accuracy. Its also good with 000 for self defense at typical range. Obviously its not good for distance over 100 unless you have a spare rifled barrel. You can carry one heck of a lot more 410 than 12 or 20. Lastly you can carry a bond derringer in your pocket with 000 buck for up close and personal so you only have to carry one type ammo could also choose a judge or governor.
Lastly while i agree steel shot sucks i did take down 2 Canadian geese with one shot of #2 bird of federal 3" mag steel at over 50 yards. It works its just hard on barrels and doesnt have the weight.
Oh i forgot i always hunt pumps i wont own a semi auto anything they are two fincky with reloads i like simple and effective of the pump. My grandfather had a rem 1100 and it hated reloads always jamming never had one problem with a pump. My 5.56 is a pump rem 6515 thats how much i love pumps. I also love levers but dont own one. Pumps and bolts and revolvers are my choice.
Its like a cummings diesel in my dodge pickup. If i had been smart i would have converted it to an old ppumo mechanical injection eliminating the problems associated with electronics and dependability. Its exactly why i stick with pump shotguns.
Thanks for the detailed comment.
It looks like 000 buck is one place where 410 isn't all too bad, looking at the numbers, and 4 or 5 000 buck will definitely ruin anyone's day. Even then, I'd rather have 10 over 5 per pull of the trigger. Slugs out of 410 just aren't great. You can produce almost the same energy out of a 9mm. 410 loses hard when looking at birdshot and other buckshot loads, although I'm definitely curious about the Lee Loader 410 you mentioned.
I'd like to play with 410 a lot though to be honest. Numbers don't always give you the whole story. And shot placement trumps all other metrics so if you can put it where it needs to go, 🥳.
@@efficientinthefield i have shot trap with a 410 so it is effective for upland game and for ducks i would definitely use 3" with 2 or 1 shot not 4. Its perfect for turkey up close with this turkey 410 i have with the super tight xxfull choke and 7.5-9 shot to the head. The choke makes all the difference. Lee loaders are really expensive now. I have the 12 and 20 but not the 410 yet. For the most part you can load with household items tons of videos about it and the cheaper alternative to a lee loader called a aurvival loader. The biggest problem with all hand loaders is there is no brass resizer and that is why auto loaders dont like reloads. I have yet to come up with a great idea for resizing and im not investing in a MEC. They make a dedicated resizer but its around 200 just for one gage size.
Your shotgun will be used for 2 legged bad guys .
High powered 22 air rifle good for small game and no noise
Great stuff thank you very much.
The biggest problem with a 12 gauge shotgun is the weight and size of the ammo. On the plus side it is effective, for game, protection keeping goblins at bey. A standard shotgun with a stock not a cruiser or Shockwave style.
Excellent video. Thanks.
🙏
Thanks for the video man. Also, you are rich. You're a real smart dude. You will get richer, and be able to afford that sweet semi you wanted.
Thank you and hopefully! 🤞
I'll probably do my own video on this subject. I too have a lot of experience with shotguns. Shotguns are better for homesteaders and preppers. Just a short range gun for defending a home against 2 legged and 4 legged varmints. And it doesn't require a lot of training. In my opinion using slugs defeats the whole purpose of a shotgun. As far as a survivalist bugging out with a shotgun it's not so much the weight of the ammo as it is the space it takes up. Good video though.
Those bolt action 12g do extremely well with shooting stuff out the sky.
Yep - I have a few, 3-4 for hunting, 3-4 for social, ran an experiment, I already had an M4 that I 922'd then looked at the best of class in 2023, Mossy 940 - Beretta 1301 - Beretta A300 Patrol, after buying and working with ALL of them I think the best cost/benefit compromise is the A300 for $1k - the 1301 is a rockstar but a lot of $, the M4 is awesome if you dont have to hump it for miles and is the most expensive, the Mossy 940 is great but had loading issues, for the money - the best buy modern fighting shotgun is the A300 Patrol - I'm just a dude no mil or LE experience I just shoot A LOT.
That's the one I've been eyeballing. The A300.
The shotgun is the best farm and homestead gun ... a good truck-gun all purpose gun as a prepper
20 gauge is my choice more rounds can be carried 💪. .22 wmr insert for it I have.. Stevens 301 turkey model has pikitini rail I have red dot on mine it's great
My plan is to bug in .so I have rifles for when they are far away and shotguns for up close and personal
.410 Federal 3” 76mm 7 1/2 shot 1135 fps shell weighs 26.1
If you can feed it.
Also you are greatly limiting your range, power, and capability. Great for snakes though.
@@nemoexnuqual3643 "Great for snakes"...That's why the U.S. Military issued the M6. They were worried about snakes.😆
@@gregzeigler3850 that was a pilot survival prototype .22 and .410 so actually yes. Snakes, small birds, rabbits, squirrels, etc.
it wasn’t intended as a combat or big game weapon. It was replaced by a semiautomatic .22LR because a semiautomatic .22 is better
They have rifle and pistol conversions that can be put in the break down model shotgun I mean every caliber there is. Still not a good fighting gun by any means but survivalist hunting type moves the 12 gauge up on that aspect
Yes, I'm going to do a separate video on these. I have a couple.
Ur vids are Great!
@@riddickerickson9897 🙏
a rifle CAN be a better option, it kinda depends on WHERE you are hunting. it thick woods, a shotgun every time. most shots are 50 yards or less and there may be brush or tree limbs in the way. in open country, use a rifle. longer shots over open ground.
Everyone's individual situation matters. There is no cookie cutter approach to SHTF. 🙏
Love a good 12ga all around. I would make an argument for a pump over a semi-auto for one important reason...
A semi-auto’s action is driven by the shell and dependent upon its proper function. A pump, while slower overall will provide tremendously more reliability.
Also, price. I’d rather have three mossberg pumps vs. one benelli... that’s subjective though, I realize.
I'm perfectly on board with pumps. If the intended use is self defense though, I highly recommend a well tested semi auto unless you live in a harsh environment. Motor controls go to shit, especially when the people trying to kill you are 20 feet away and the last thing you want to have to do is work a pump if it goes down. It's kind of like comparing a bolt action to a semi auto rifle. Bolt actions have their place, but you don't want to be stuck working one in CQB. 🙏
Your pump hand might also get injured/destroyed...
@@EroticOnion23 very true. Folks in gunfights get shot in the hands often. I’m a fan of semi-autos as well, please don’t get me wrong.
My understanding of this is a Shtf/wrol/ apocalypse- thing. Ammo may not be as dependable in that instance. Ie: reloads etc. a pump will be more relatable overall.
That said, I wouldn’t step out the door with just one gun. That’s silly.
Everyone forgets about the wild card,
the bolt action 12 gauge... they are cheap and awesome. I did a video on my 195 K - A and I'm currently working on a 10-round magazine that's functional for it, it works and im finnishing it.
Its working its not finished yet ill do a video when i do.
Also you can get a 7/8 key mod slug mold and turn bird load into light recoil accurate slugs cheap and easy to make.
got some details on that extended mag?
I do like your point of view, and I prefer 410ga in in simiauto;pump action and a over-under.
I'm a shotgun dude 2 for I dig my two vintage Remington 1100's 12 ga. with their 11 shot capacity and can sling all loads downrange and yes kill anything well within 50 yards for the most part I only rock 00Buck 7 1/2 to 6 shot and even BB loads which are awesome and yes I won't 4get my vintage trusty 870 pump that can sling 8 rds pretty fast downrange as well and I only get the 2 3/4 in. shells no need for that 3 to 3 1/2 in. expensive shit shells just my opinion !!!! The shotgun if well maintained can be one's do all for food fare or self defense if you had too !!! Oh yeah I really love my vintage H&R single shot 12 ga. which is more versatile than the auto or pump shotguns with its capabilty to shoot different calibers out of and not just shotgun ammo !!! That's my A to Z shotgun the one gun I'll never get rid of very sentimental !!!
Great video. The reason I don't stock up on bulk shotgun shells is the price. At over a 1$ a round they get expensive. Which means less bangs for my buck.
My stock pile of shells are 10-15 years owned. Never an issue.
Sample of one my Remington Tac-13 runs cheap 7/8 oz loads no issue, and it a Remington. The semi auto have really come a long way in the last 10 years.
Get a modified single shot 12 gauge with adapters. My 12 gauge shoots 22lr, 9mm, 410, 45lc, 38 spec. Not to mention it can be used as a 209 muzzle loader. The adapters are under $150 for all. I suggest getting the 8" rifled 22lr for hunting. Very accurate. 3" adapters are not but are good for close range. The con is they are single shot. Good for hunting, poor for self defense
I have several thousands of 12 g, 22LR and 308, I do my own reloading of the 308 with different grains but at the end all is one caliber...
Maybe in the future I will get the 556!!!
Who needs a big mag when you can load a pump action on the fly easily. This is why I like side gate lever guns too.
Ksg 12….for close cqb…mostly home defence….slugs and 00buck….
I'm no expert but I'll throw in my experience with the mossberg jm940 pro. It will eat any 12 guage you feed it. Slugs to 8 shot sporting loads. I ran over 1200 rounds threw it out of the box before I ever broke it down and cleaned the assembly gunk off it. Nothing but 7.5 to 8 shot light loads. (Shooting sporting clays) and I can say no lie, zero malfunctions! Give it a look
I had a magazine fed semi auto shot gun once and it was very unreliable and it wasn’t the gas system just the flat end of a 12ga shell isn’t meant to feed from a box mag. Idk maybe they have a reliable one but I just found the mags are super heavy and not reliable. I’d rather a 7+1 tube fed. Cuz a 10 round mag is about 2ft long and weigh a lot
I just bought me a new 12 gauge
This was actually some very good information. I have two shotguns, a Remington 870 and a Mossberg 590, But quite frankly I'd like to replace them both with a semi-auto 12 gauge with a shorter barrel. Maybe 18.5" - 20". I'm old and fat and out of shape, so I'm not running off anywhere to survive when the time comes. I'm going to have to stay put and just fight it out as long as possible. Is it smart to only have a Tactical shotgun, or should I keep the Remington 870 as well. It's a good shotgun and I like it a lot, just don't know if I need two or three shotguns.
If you're not planning to run,i'd keep all the shotguns loaded ''when the time comes'' most likely you won't have time to reload, yes, keep your 870 and all others you can afford to have, who knows, maybe you'll live to see the next day if you put enough lead down range from multiple shotguns.
At least that's what this old fat out of shape dude would do.
Bug out to Gardnerville? is that far from Vegas?
Yes. It's over 400 miles if I remember correctly.
What do you think of .22lr adapter for a shotgun?
I've got one and it sucks IMO. It shoots about a 6" group at 30 feet. I will say that it was a cheaper brand and only like 3" or 3 1/2" long, so maybe I should have gotten a longer one. I will be playing with these more down the road and should be able to give a better report then but for now, I'm not sold on them.
@@efficientinthefield thanks.
@@fintonmainz7845 👍
@@efficientinthefield I suppose if you wanted to be scientific you'd have to compare the groupings to a pistol with a 3 inch barrel. A 6 inch grouping at 30 feet wouldn't win any competitions but it's not absolutely awful.
@@fintonmainz7845 Yeah, and maybe I'll go that far with it. I was just very unimpressed. If I can't shoot a squirrel with it at 10 yards, it's worthless. I've done a lot of jackrabbit hunting with a Ruger Single Six in 22lr and have made plenty of shots past 30 yards. Albeit with a 5.5" barrel. Maybe my expectations are too high? I just don't see the value if it can't even have marginal accuracy.
And the abundance of 12g ammo!
As far as scavenging for ammo in SHTF, 12 gauge would be the best because it's most common. I love shotguns. They are not the best at anything but they are good at everything!
best at close range and home defense if you are worried about over penetration. They really on lack at sniping.
Shotguns are good especially single shot because you can get gun adapters that can shoot any round from 17hmr to 44 mag to any shotgun rounds. 12 gauge is best because you can use any size adapter in them.
Available and options the suv station wagon of firearms