A Shotgun Too Powerful For Home Defense ???

Published on January 25, 2023
Duration: 13:22

This guide details a ballistic test conducted by Kentucky Ballistics to assess the over-penetration capabilities of the Remington 887 Nitro Mag shotgun with 3.5-inch shells. The expert-level demonstration uses simulated walls, ballistic gel, and common household barriers to illustrate the significant penetration power, highlighting critical safety considerations for home defense scenarios.

Quick Summary

The Remington 887 Nitro Mag with 3.5-inch 12-gauge shells presents a significant over-penetration risk for home defense. Tests show 00 buckshot easily penetrates walls and doors, with rounds impacting deep into ballistic gel and penetrating multiple barriers, highlighting the need for careful ammunition selection and awareness of home layout.

Chapters

  1. 00:58Introduction to Remington 887 Nitro Mag
  2. 01:51Technical Features of the 887 Nitro Mag
  3. 02:06Over-Penetration Concerns for Home Defense
  4. 03:19Ballistic Gel Test with 00 Buckshot
  5. 07:14Door Penetration Test
  6. 09:07Turkey Load Comparison Test
  7. 10:34Double Wall Penetration Test
  8. 11:45Conclusion on Over-Penetration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main concern with using the Remington 887 Nitro Mag for home defense?

The primary concern highlighted is extreme over-penetration. The 3.5-inch 12-gauge shells fired from this shotgun can easily penetrate common household barriers like walls and doors, posing a significant risk to unintended targets in adjacent rooms or areas.

How did the Remington 887 Nitro Mag perform in ballistic gel tests?

In tests using 3.5-inch 12-gauge 00 buckshot, the rounds showed extreme penetration, nearly passing through a 16-inch block of Clear Ballistics gel after penetrating a simulated wall section. This indicates substantial retained energy.

Are 3.5-inch turkey loads less prone to over-penetration than buckshot?

Yes, 3.5-inch turkey loads (Number 6 shot) demonstrated less over-penetration compared to 00 buckshot. While they penetrated a simulated wall and a container, they did not pass completely through the container, suggesting a potentially safer option for home defense if 3.5-inch shells are used.

What safety considerations are crucial when using powerful shotguns for home defense?

It's crucial to understand the over-penetration characteristics of your specific firearm and ammunition. Consider the layout of your home and prioritize ammunition that minimizes the risk of endangering unintended targets, potentially opting for smaller shot sizes or different shell lengths.

Related News

All News →

More Self Defense Videos You Might Like

More from Kentucky Ballistics

View all →