[inceptor]

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.

But, as with anything, it takes lots of practice.

 

[inceptor]

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.

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.

 

[inceptor]

I use a 12 gauge Remington 870 pump for home defense. I keep it loaded with Hornady TAP FPD 2 3/4" buckshot.

As to why, well, I will just leave this little video here for you to look at when you want to visually witness and understand 12 gauge terminal ballistics:

Terminal Ballistics - Part 2 | Down Range TV.

Ok, I'm impressed. Guess I will have to add that ammo to my list.

 

[inceptor]

I went backpacking and at night when you are sleeping in the tent it is so comforting seeing those three little dots glowing and you know just where to reach for you gun.

I put the Trijicon sights on my xd last week. These are sweet.

 

[inceptor]

First choise for in home, remington 870 with folding sholder stock and pistol grip, fits through doors and around corners. All of you boys advertising 00 buck. Please try some test fires with #4 buck.

00 will have 9 in 2-3/4 .30 caliber pellets 3" will have 12. #4 buck has 41 .24 calliber pellets in a 3" shell, the total weight will be up to 2oz depending on manufacturer, most are 1-7/8.

#4 buck is a better choice than 00. If you can test fire on a juck yard car door you will see the pattern differance.

I will have to look into that, thanks.