What I Look for in a Shotgun

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It’s a dog eat dog world out there, and in a post-disaster world, the dogs are only going to get bigger and meaner. I would suggest investing in a good shotgun to even the odds a little bit. When it comes to protecting your home and family, nothing beats this versatile and powerful weapon. Here is what I look for when I go shotgun shopping.

First things first, when looking at the shotgun rack you need  to know what bore size to get. Shotguns are classified by “gauges”. The gauges you will probably see will be  20, 16, 12, or 10. I recommend getting a 12 gauge. It is, by far, the most commonly sold shotgun, so finding ammunition will be easier; if you ever have to scavenge for more shells, odds are in your favor that what you find will be 12 gauge. Also, it is one of the largest bore sizes. Staring down that big barrel would be a religious experience for even the most desperate criminal. That’s the beauty of a shotgun- it looks so intimidating that simply having it on you is a deterrent. Looters will likely steer clear of you. If not, the 12 gauge is loud and destroys whatever is unlucky enough to be in front of it. It is a good ally to have in a dangerous situation.

 Shotguns come in many shapes and sizes. For use as a  survival shotgun, I recommend a pistol grip. That is one without the shoulder stock you normally see on most shotguns. The drawback to this style is a lack of accuracy. You will have more control with a shoulder stock, but in the kind of situation we are talking about, accuracy is not our primary concern. The pistol grip shotgun looks fearsome and is a powerful gun, but the main benefit is that it is perfect for going mobile. If you are forced to leave your home or shelter area, you can easily take your shotgun with you. I have a scabbard type holster that fits right onto the outside of my bug-out bag. I would recommend you get a similar type of setup. You can also find many tactical slings and such that will work great.

Now, there are as many accessories available for shotguns as there are grains of sand on the beach. Laser sights, rails, folding stocks, and heat shields to name a few. This will be a matter of personal preference. My personal viewpoint is to keep it simple. Some of these things may come in handy but keep in mind, anything you add to your gun will also add weight and size. Keep it simple. One accessory that might be good to have is a belt or shoulder strap to hold your extra shells. You don’t want to be fumbling around looking for those in a sticky situation.

When you go shopping for your new shotgun, keep these tips in mind. In a future that is uncertain,a survival tool like this is invaluable. The shotgun will help keep you safe and give you the edge in any conflict. Keep plenty of ammunition on hand, and please store your weapons safely if children are around. There are many good shotguns to choose from out there, so go today and start safeguarding your future.