Home Defense: Buckshot vs. Birdshot

This video from Kentucky Ballistics demonstrates a practical drywall penetration test for common 12-gauge shotgun home defense loads. Instructor Scott uses a Mossberg 500/590 shotgun to test #8 Birdshot, 00 Buckshot, and a 1oz Slug against a drywall setup backed by water jugs. The results clearly illustrate the varying over-penetration risks associated with each load type in a residential environment.

This guide synthesizes expert advice on selecting shotguns and ammunition for home defense. It covers the effectiveness of different shotgun types, emphasizes proper ammunition choices like #4 buckshot to mitigate over-penetration, and highlights the importance of training for operating firearms under stress. The information is presented with an informative, professional tone, drawing on the speaker's expertise as a former officer.

TheYankeeMarshal, an experienced firearms instructor, advises against using birdshot or buckshot for home defense in a townhouse. He emphasizes that self-defense ammunition should be chosen for its ability to stop a threat, not just injure it. Birdshot is deemed ineffective for stopping power, while buckshot poses significant over-penetration risks in confined spaces like townhouses. The instructor recommends focusing on handgun calibers like 9mm or .45 ACP for this scenario.

This video, titled 'Ladrão de Entregas se Dá Mal' (Delivery Thief Gets What's Coming to Him), appears to depict a situation where an attempted delivery theft is thwarted, likely involving the use of firearms for self-defense. While specific firearm models or calibers are not mentioned in the title or description, the context strongly suggests a self-defense scenario where a firearm was present and potentially used. The title implies a negative outcome for the perpetrator, suggesting a successful defense or apprehension.

This video delves into the long-standing debate between .45 ACP and 9mm Luger, arguing for the .45 ACP's superior stopping power in specific scenarios like home defense. It contrasts their historical development, shooting dynamics, and terminal ballistics. While acknowledging the 9mm's advantages in capacity, cost, and recoil for concealed carry, the .45 ACP is presented as ideal for suppressed applications and situations demanding maximum impact.

This guide, presented by instructors from Gun For Hire Range, details considerations for selecting a home defense firearm. It covers various platforms including full-size and compact pistols, shotguns (semi-auto vs. pump-action), AR-15s, and Pistol Caliber Carbines. Key factors discussed include user training, living situation, recoil management, and state-specific legal compliance, particularly for New Jersey.

This guide details the field stripping process for a 1911 pistol, presented by Roy Huntington, Publisher of American Handgunner. It covers essential safety checks, step-by-step disassembly, and reassembly, emphasizing techniques to prevent damage. An alternative 'cheat' method for faster disassembly is also demonstrated, along with advice on using specialized tools for tight components.

This video showcases an exceptionally rare find: a first-generation 1873 Colt Single Action Peacemaker, discovered via metal detecting in Arizona. The expert speaker details its museum-quality condition, dating it to 1875, and analyzes the authentic patina and wear, including specific gutta-percha grip details and muzzle wear from holster friction. The firearm's discovery context among homestead ruins adds to its historical narrative.

This guide, presented by Roy Huntington, Editor of American Handgunner Magazine, outlines an efficient '5-minute clean' for modern semi-automatic pistols like the Glock 26/27. It emphasizes that over-cleaning is unnecessary and can cause premature wear. The process focuses on targeted cleaning of critical areas like the barrel and slide rails, with minimal lubrication applied only to high-friction points. Proper function checks after reassembly are also highlighted.

This guide details the use of the Henry .22LR Garden Gun, a specialized lever-action rifle designed for pest control. It emphasizes using .22LR shot cartridges in its smoothbore barrel and demonstrates its application at an outdoor range. Instruction is provided by Roy Huntington, a veteran firearms journalist, highlighting practical application and ammunition specifics.