You DON'T Have To Aim A Shotgun... It SPREADS?!

Published on October 19, 2021
Duration: 10:08

This video debunks the myth that shotguns do not require aiming due to their spread. Through practical testing with birdshot, buckshot, and slugs at various distances, the instructor demonstrates that shotgun patterns, even at close range, are not wide enough to reliably hit targets without aiming. The analysis highlights that while spread increases with distance, it also diminishes effectiveness, and precise aiming is crucial for safe and effective shotgun use, especially in self-defense scenarios.

Quick Summary

You absolutely must aim a shotgun. The myth that shotguns don't require aiming due to their spread is false. At 10 yards, typical birdshot patterns are only 10-12 inches wide, insufficient for guaranteed hits without aiming. Shorter barrels do not significantly increase spread, and point shooting requires extensive practice, making aiming essential for safety and effectiveness.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The Shotgun Aiming Myth
  2. 00:49Sponsor: ShootSteel.com Targets
  3. 01:24Testing the Benelli Supernova
  4. 02:03Testing the Mossberg Shockwave
  5. 03:03Shotgun Spread Test: 10 Yards
  6. 03:30Benelli Supernova Birdshot Pattern
  7. 03:41Mossberg Shockwave Birdshot Pattern
  8. 04:23Spread Analysis at 10 Yards
  9. 05:05Aiming Between Targets Test
  10. 06:06Point Shooting vs. Aiming Discussion
  11. 06:28Buckshot and Mini Shell Test
  12. 07:50Shotgun Slugs for Accuracy
  13. 08:12Point Shooting Slugs at Steel
  14. 09:13Conclusion: You MUST Aim a Shotgun

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you really need to aim a shotgun?

Yes, you absolutely need to aim a shotgun. The common myth that shotguns don't require aiming due to their spread is false. Even at close distances like 10 yards, the pattern is typically only 10-12 inches wide, which is not enough to guarantee hits without precise aiming.

How much does a shotgun spread at 10 yards?

At 10 yards, a 12-gauge shotgun firing birdshot typically produces a pattern of about 10 to 12 inches in diameter. This spread is not wide enough to reliably hit targets without aiming, especially if the target is not perfectly centered.

Does a shorter shotgun barrel increase spread?

Contrary to popular belief, a shorter shotgun barrel does not significantly increase the spread of the shot compared to a longer barrel. Tests show very similar pattern sizes between short and long-barreled shotguns at typical engagement distances.

Is point shooting a shotgun effective for home defense?

Point shooting a shotgun is not an effective or reliable strategy for home defense, especially for inexperienced shooters. It requires significant practice to achieve accuracy, and without proper aiming, you risk missing the threat entirely or hitting unintended targets.

Related News

All News →

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from 1ShotTV

View all →