Shotguns are the best choice for an "Only" Gun.

[270man]

As one who has pondered a "best" choice firearm for home defense (and maybe camp and truck as well), I've enjoyed the many comments about the scattergun. Recently I was reading an old article by gun writer Sam Fadala titled "Home Defense Firearms". Here are his recommendations with some comments: (1) short-barrel double (side-by-side OR O/U), (2) 20-gauge, (3) #4 buckshot, (4) external hammers.

Sam believes that the 20-ga with #4 buckshot has all the power and pellets needed to stop an agressor and yet not penetrate interior walls. He likes external hammers since the springs remain at rest for long periods and are strong enough that they are hard for children to pull them back into full-cock position. O/U shotguns of this type aren't readily available but the Armsport company used to make such a side-by-side shotgun in 12-gauge. I'm not sure if it is still in business.

270man