I have 2) Rem 870 shotguns that I never really train with and don't really know if I have a use for them. So my question is when do you choose a shotgun over a handgun or carbine?
What Magdump said. I have a concealed carry gun but it's not something I would select when expecting or running into trouble. It is something to get me out of an unfortunate circumstance. Given a choice, I would drop a building on someone over going into a place to remove them. I prefer a shotgun for a dedicated defense situation. I can run a shotgun at least as fast and maybe faster than a handgun. Definitely with more accuracy at extended ranges. During Katrina I always had the shotgun close. Obviously a shotgun is not a carry option.own personal experience and preference.
What Magdump said. I have a concealed carry gun but it's not something I would select when expecting or running into trouble. It is something to get me out of an unfortunate circumstance. Given a choice, I would drop a building on someone over going into a place to remove them. I prefer a shotgun for a dedicated defense situation. I can run a shotgun at least as fast and maybe faster than a handgun. Definitely with more accuracy at extended ranges. During Katrina I always had the shotgun close. Obviously a shotgun is not a carry option.
I get the shotgun over a handgun. Now why a shotgun over a carbine?
Well, you said all u need to know already. Training.
If you know your handgun like you should for home protection you are likely better off with your handgun.
I prefer a pistol grip Mossberg pump that I've owned for 25 years for my primary house gun. 4buck 2 3/4" suits me just fine. I've shot it a lot and still shoot it regularly. Some may argue, but in all honesty, their only argument is based on their own personal experience and preference.
If you want to change to a shotty for home protection, definitely go and shoot it and run some drills through your head, practice the pie maneuver around corners and such. Use light loads so it will be less of a chore, cheaper on your wallet and so you can shoot more.
There are benefits to using a shotgun such as knockdown potential per round, wall penetration issues etc. but it really boils down to what you are most proficient with.
I can hit with it while just waking up from the hip...
00Buck is absolutely devastating on a target, and with modern loads like Federal with the flight control wad, they group great in 18" barrels and have low recoil. Nothing is a guaranteed 1 shot stop, but I'd put good money on not needing a second if you do your job right on the first one.
Now why do you choose a shotgun over a carbine?
For use in the house against a home invader or two (or three), its real simple. A 12 gauge with 00B is going to work better, period. Shotgun ammunition, regardless of the barrel's choke, isn't going to even start expanding its "group size" until 20-30 feet from the muzzle; and that is just about the farthest distance in most common house areas. What topgunZ1 mentioned about ONE good hit IN THE HOUSE is not something he was just thinking about; its stuff he's seen, and so have I.
Shotguns are very limited in what they do best, true enough. In most combat situations, a rifle is going to be better. But close up inside the house, when the distance can usually be spit upon... a solid shotgun hit is going to do better.
And you DON'T need a "tactical" anything for house defense. I know more than a few guys who have their home defense shotgun geared up like a combat shotgun the military guys started using in Afghanistan inside tunnels; lights, red dot optics, longer magazine tubes, extra rounds in a side saddle/stock mount/whatever. That stuff is needed if you are actively going in after bad guys waiting to fight. It is NOT needed if you have to take down shitbirds who busted into your house and do not expect you to fight back. The bulky and heavy "tactical" stuff just makes the shotgun more difficult to handle. The best thing to do is leave the 870 or Mossberg (I'd not deal with any other brand pump shotgun; just my opinion. Semi-autos are another deal entirely) just like it came out of the box. Those are quick and easy to handle/shoot.
There is a lot of things to consider. If you insist that your house defense long gun has a white light because of others (like kids) in the house, etc., then maybe a 5.56 carbine is better in the long run. It certainly won't hit as hard as a load of 12 gauge, but...
Just remember that we're talking about using your 870s as an inside-house defense weapon. Its going to hit harder than any sensible rifle, and is superior to ANY handgun... in the house.
.
Shotgun ammunition, regardless of the barrel's choke, isn't going to even start expanding its "group size" until 20-30 feet from the muzzle; and that is just about the farthest distance in most common house areas.