Shotgun vs Rifle For Self Defense, Which One's More LETHAL???

Published on October 28, 2023
Duration: 15:53

This video compares the lethality of an AR-15 rifle versus a 12-gauge shotgun for self-defense scenarios. The host, an experienced shooter, demonstrates terminal ballistics through various tests, including pumpkins and ballistic dummies. Ultimately, the AR-15 is favored for its capacity, recoil, and ability to penetrate soft body armor.

Quick Summary

For self-defense, both AR-15s and 12-gauge shotguns are lethal. The AR-15's high velocity (5.56x45mm at ~3000 fps) causes significant hydrostatic shock and penetrates soft body armor. The 12-gauge relies on pellet mass (~1300 fps) for close-range devastation. An expert prefers the AR-15 for its capacity, lower recoil, maneuverability, and armor penetration.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Comparison Overview
  2. 00:40Ballistics: Velocity vs. Mass
  3. 01:57Hollow Pumpkin Testing
  4. 03:40Sponsor Segment: Live Free Armory
  5. 04:39Hydrostatic Shock Demonstration
  6. 06:18Body Armor Penetration Test
  7. 09:03Ballistic Dummy Head Lethality
  8. 11:53Conclusion and Personal Preference

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more lethal for self-defense: an AR-15 or a 12-gauge shotgun?

Both the AR-15 (firing 5.56x45mm) and a 12-gauge shotgun (firing 00 Buckshot) are highly lethal for self-defense. The AR-15's high velocity causes significant hydrostatic shock and easily penetrates soft body armor, while the shotgun relies on the mass and spread of its pellets for devastating close-range effect.

How does velocity affect the lethality of self-defense rounds?

High velocity, as seen with the 5.56x45mm round (~3000 fps), contributes significantly to lethality through hydrostatic shock, causing widespread tissue damage. Lower velocity rounds, like 12-gauge buckshot (~1300 fps), rely more on projectile mass and number of impacts to transfer energy.

Can a 12-gauge shotgun penetrate soft body armor?

In testing, 12-gauge 00 Buckshot was stopped by Level 3A soft body armor, though it delivered significant blunt force trauma. Conversely, the 5.56 rifle round penetrated the same armor effortlessly due to its high velocity and smaller projectile diameter.

What are the advantages of an AR-15 over a shotgun for home defense?

An AR-15 offers advantages such as higher magazine capacity, lower felt recoil, better maneuverability in confined spaces, and the ability to penetrate soft body armor, making it a preferred choice for many self-defense experts.

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