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When considering getting a firearm for self-defense, the first decision will be the type of firearm. Consider a handgun, a rifle or a shotgun. For most self-defense situations, a rifle is not the weapon of choice since it is generally too long and too bulky to use in close quarters. While a handgun and a shotgun can both function well as self-defense weapons, the shotgun is generally the more popular choice for a variety of reasons.
First of all, shotguns are usually more affordable than handguns of comparable quality. They are also generally more available than most handguns and are also legal for the civilian market in more states than handguns. Shotguns are commonly not as heavily regulated as handguns are. With the combination of affordability and availability, more people are apt to go for a shotgun rather than a handgun for a self-defense firearm.
Another reason why shotguns are preferred for self-defense is that handguns are usually inherently underpowered. Though handguns have the advantage of portability and are more easily concealed, shotguns are far more powerful. Shotguns are also perceived as more intimidating. For a self-defense weapon, this is very valuable, if we consider that the threat of being shot is usually enough to stop a crime in progress.
Because of the spread of the shot, the average shooter can engage multiple targets faster with a shotgun than with a handgun. However, given that self-defense situations usually happen in close quarters, the spread of a shotguns shot isnt likely to expand by more than a few centimeters. This still holds an advantage in taking down an assailant since the shot will still spread further after hitting the target. This causes more damage which lends more stopping power. A spread shot that is fired in close range is also more likely to result in a disabling wound than a shot fired from a rifle or a pistol.
A shotgun is also safer to use in a populated structure like a house or an apartment since it wont penetrate the wall as readily as a round from a handgun or a rifle. This makes it less likely for a shot to go through the walls and hurt innocent bystanders or neighbors.
Before purchasing a shotgun, you should be aware that shotguns are generally heavier and larger and arent as easy to maneuver as a handgun in close quarters. That being said, shotguns are considered to be excellent for close range use and continue to grow more popular as a self-defense firearm.