But, as with anything, it takes lots of practice.OP, what do you consider "limited range"?
A shotgun with slugs can get combat accurate hits at 100 yards.
If you are in a "firefight" @ 100+ yards, then you need to leave.
The only reason I can see for a shotgun in the dark is the effect it will have on someone else when they hear a round being chambered. That's one scary sound if it's not you.I still see it that for defense against humans, if your good enough with a carbine or rifle and it's manueverable indoors and can hit at combat range outside, there's little need for a shotgun. You can get faster followups, higher capacity, longer range and more precision at distance, lower recoil, and carry more ammo. A shotgun hits harder up close that's no doubt, and it's a more pc one shot stop too at close range, but after that it looses appeal to me. I liked my last one, an 11-87, but really just didn't need it much when it came down to it. Like all my shotguns, I like a stock and even with 18 inch barrels there still pretty long. At home first and foremost I grab a pistol. It's the most maneuverable and concealable which I need at times to find out what the problem is before putting holes into things. If I feel the need to grab a long gun, there's a good reason and that reason would make me grab a carbine, not a shotgun.
A 12ga. loaded with 00 buck would not be my first choice for home defense if we had kids or other people living with us. I did quite a bit of time with mine on a pattern board and also a 24" x 24" piece of 5/8" sheetrock. Talk about some collateral damage...but that is what I have homeowners insurance for.Its not my first choice but it can be brutally devastating inside about 25 yards! One thing I did discover with some experimenting on a military gun range is that reduced recoil loads generally pattern tighter and penetrate deeper despite lower muzzle velocities. The new Federal 00-Buck loads with the flight control wads make a significant difference in how tight the patterns will stay as well.
The sound of the slide being pulled back and released of a semi automatic pistol is pretty distinct too. So is the BCG of an AR15. And yelling as you do it if all this is your kind of thing, " I give you one second to get out of my house dirtbag or I'll be spreading your guts across the wall."The only reason I can see for a shotgun in the dark is the effect it will have on someone else when they hear a round being chambered. That's one scary sound if it's not you.
If your saving for an Ar you better move soon.I agree that the shotgun is for close quarters. No question that a rifle would have a distant advantage. Therefore, I suggest a shotgun and and an AR
Currently, I have a Remington 870 with an extended tube. Saving for a Colt AR!!!!!!!!!
