Not long ago, the conversation turned to shotguns at the gun shop. While even the folks that are not the ones we call “gunny” know the merits of a shotgun for home defense, there are many opinions on the proper load and the best shotgun. The shotgun is primarily a projectile launcher and it is best to use what you are comfortable and familiar with.

Some years ago, a company came out with a line of firearms sights based on the old English Express sights. These sights are not intended for target-grade accuracy, but to allow the shooters to quickly get on target and get a hit. Designed to give professional hunters a fighting chance against a dangerous charging animal, this sight translated well to personal defense.

There are many firearm choices for home defense. The choice hinges on recoil tolerance, weight, bulk, expense, locale, and the shooters ability. You may choose a rifle, shotgun, or handgun, but the shotgun offers the greatest wound potential and the greatest versatility.

There is one distinctive sound no gun enthusiast would ever mistake—the sound of a pump-action shotgun be racked.

What is a riot gun? It is a 12 gauge pump-action shotgun with an open cylinder choke and 18-inch barrel. It just may be the best all-around personal defense firearm in the world. The short barrel and typical high magazine capacity—compared to sporting shotguns—gives the riot gun an edge in personal defense.

I have tested quite a few shotguns during the past few months. Many of them have been pump-action shotguns. This pump-action clone of the Winchester 1897 is my hands down favorite for fun shooting.

A few weeks ago, a friend purchased a cruiser model shotgun with pistol grip stock. It looked cool and was easily stashed behind the rear seat of the Ford. The Mossberg 500 shotgun is smooth, powerful, and easily maneuvered in the home. The problem came at the firing range.

There are shotguns that do not look like shotguns. All are not practical, but a few do have merit. Among the most innovative and interesting is the Kel-Tec KSG shotgun.

There are myths, misconceptions, and worse, misinformation about the shotgun. As the name implies, the shotgun was designed to launch a charge of

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love that knows me so well stuffed my stocking with boxes of Federal Power-Shok. Nine pellets of #00 buckshot (approximately .33 caliber) will certainly get the job done—if it hits the intended target.

Brass Fetcher Ballistic Testing recently conducted an eye-opening ballistic gelatin test of buckshot at 50 yards distance. The rounds were shot from a Mossberg 500 12-gauge shotgun with a 20-inch barrel length and full choke. This video shows the results.

Not long ago I took my younger daughter and a cousin on a trip to a kid’s resort in the mountains. As usual, I loaded the truck with a top-notch first aid kit, spare clothes and the tool kit. I also loaded a Remington 870 shotgun. (The TriStar Raptor has since replaced it.)

Shotguns are among the most versatile firearms available. With that versatility, a vast and confusing market exists for ammunition.