Choke Tubes for Home Defense Shotguns

Shortshot Tony explains why alternating buckshot and slugs ('candy cane loads') in a shotgun magazine is an ineffective defensive strategy. He demonstrates buckshot's immediate tissue damage and argues that slugs following buckshot are redundant, often passing through the same wound channel. Tony advises sticking to consistent loads like all buckshot for general use and keeping slugs on a side saddle for specific long-range needs.

This video provides an expert-level overview of the Mossberg 590R shotgun, specifically highlighting its configuration with a Chisel folding stock. The instructor, demonstrating significant expertise, details the stock's features, the shotgun's ergonomics, controls, sights, and barrel specifications. A live-fire demonstration with buckshot rounds underscores its effectiveness for home defense.

This overview of the Benelli M4 Tactical Shotgun, presented by USCCA, highlights its key features for tactical applications and self-defense. The instruction covers its adjustable stock, sling points, ergonomics, 7+1 capacity, ghost ring sights, and optics-ready receiver. The demonstration includes loading and firing buckshot, emphasizing its suitability for defensive use. The presenter's expertise is evident through clear explanations and a live-fire demonstration.

This video showcases a diverse collection of 12-gauge shotguns, highlighting various models from brands like Black Aces Tactical, Mossberg, Remington, Kel-Tec, Kalashnikov USA, Stoeger, and Beretta. The presenter, Yoki Sturrup, provides a brief overview of each firearm, touching on features, calibers, and some personal opinions. The collection emphasizes the versatility of the 12-gauge platform for different applications, including tactical and home defense scenarios.

This guide, presented by Shortshot Tony, explains the dangers of 'candy cane loading' shotguns, where different ammunition types are mixed in the magazine tube. It emphasizes the critical importance of consistent load management for tactical and defensive scenarios. The recommended practice is to load the main magazine with a single, reliable type of ammunition (like buckshot for home defense) and use a side saddle for specialty rounds, ensuring predictable performance when it matters most.

This expert-level overview from a firearms instructor explores five of the most potent non-gunpowder weapons available on Amazon. It details the performance capabilities, technical specifications, and unique features of various less-lethal launchers, including carbine conversion kits, CO2 pistols, PCP airguns, and pump-action shotguns. The content emphasizes their effectiveness for self-defense and training scenarios, often surpassing traditional firearms in specific metrics while remaining legal and accessible.

Chris Baker of Lucky Gunner Ammo explains the 'Cruiser Ready' method for storing a home defense shotgun, balancing safety and accessibility. This technique involves a loaded magazine tube but an empty chamber, with the safety off and action unlocked. This allows for rapid deployment by simply racking the slide. Baker also advises loading the magazine one round shy of capacity to preserve magazine spring longevity and prevent potential failures.

The FBI's brief adoption of the 10mm Auto in 1989, primarily with the Smith & Wesson Model 1076, proved disastrous due to mechanical issues and complexity. This led to the development of the '10mm Lite' and ultimately the .40 S&W cartridge, which was quickly adopted by Glock and dominated law enforcement for decades. The 10mm Auto's potential was recognized, but its practical implementation by the FBI failed.

The Ruger Mini-14 has maintained popularity for nearly 50 years by filling a market gap for an affordable, practical semi-automatic rifle, drawing inspiration from the M14. Despite early accuracy criticisms and political controversies, design updates and competitive pricing have kept it relevant, though the rise of affordable AR-15s presents new challenges.

This review of the Chiappa 1892 Alaskan Takedown lever-action rifle highlights its unique takedown feature, making it highly packable. Chris Baker of Lucky Gunner Ammo details its design evolution, caliber options (.44 Mag, .357 Mag), and compares it to other takedown lever actions. While praising its smooth action and crisp trigger, Baker notes some cosmetic quality control issues and suggests ergonomic modifications for improved handling. The rifle demonstrated 100% reliability over 300 rounds with good accuracy from premium loads.