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The Shotgun – The Most Versatile of All Prepper Guns – Epi-3114

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Today we are going to talk about the shotgun.  My goal is to give the listener a fundamental understanding of exactly how shotguns work.  What all the jargon like shot size, choke, gauge, etc. means and more importantly why it matters.  I also would like to dispel some myths and explain why in my view, the shotgun is the ultimate prepper gun.

Join Me Today to Discuss…

  • What exactly is a shotgun and where did it come from
  • What is “shot” and what do those numbers mean
  • What exactly is a “gauge” and what relation does it have to caliber
  • Anatomy of a shotgun shell
    • Case
    • Primer
    • Powder
    • Over powder wad
    • Shot cup wad
    • Shot (payload)
    • Overshot wad (optional)
    • Shot buffer (optional)
  • Understanding load information and shot sizes
    • Decrypting the load information on a box of shells
    • Good Explanation of Shot Sizes – link
    • High brass and magnums
  • A look at shotgun actions
    • Break action (double and single)
    • Pump action
    • Semi auto
    • Bolt
    • Lever
  • Shotgun uses
    • Small Game
    • Big Game
    • Sporting (clays, etc)
    • Defensive/Offensive
  • Chokes and uses
    • Cylinder bore
    • Skeet
    • Improved Cylinder
    • Modified
    • Improved Modified
    • Full
  • Gauges and thoughts on them
  • How Gauge is Calculated
    • 10 Gauge – .775 “caliber”
    • 12 Gauge – .729 “caliber”
    • 16 Gauge -.662 “caliber”
    • 20 Gauge – .615 “caliber”
    • 28 Gauge – .550 “caliber”
    • 410 Bore – .410 “caliber”
  • Patterning reality
    • Point and pull is a myth
    • Ammunition can have a huge effect on pattern
    • It is more about density than size
    • Patterns on moving targets are different than still targets
    • Precision shooting is the key
  • Choosing a shotgun for your use
    • What do you want it to do for you
    • What budget do you have
    • What weapons do you already own
    • Consider fit as it relates to function
    • Don’t discount the 20 gauge
  • Getting into reloading, the shotgun is the ultimate thing to reload for

 

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Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon.

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Comments

The Shotgun – The Most Versatile of All Prepper Guns – Epi-3114 — 9 Comments

  1. I cast .690 round ball this fires in a 12 gauge shot cup 1 1/8 ounce. I also cast 000 buckshot it stacks two per layer without a shot cup. In a 410 shot cup 000 buck stacks single. I cast 00 buckshot they stack three to a layer without shot cup or two per layer in shot cup. #4 buck stacks 7 per layer. Slugs come in different weights Lee sells both 7/8 and 1 ounce slug molds. The .690 round ball has more potential for big game. I have two favorite gauges 12 gauge long gun and 410 handgun.

  2. I’ve always felt that the 410 & 20g make a better home defense than a 12 and just dont get talked about enough. 20g with 00 is what’s sitting by my chair here. But, to each their own…

  3. 20 gauge interior dimension 0.615 inches #00 buckshot is 0.33 inches. The only sizes I found for 20 gauge were #1, #2, #3, and #4 buckshot. Certainly adequate for home defense.

  4. My 410 for personal defense has 4×000 buckshot (11/16 ounce) per shell in a 2 1/2″ shell Judge revolver. Fits but not in the loading books.
    4×000 is 0.64 ounces
    11/16 is 0.6875

  6. Jack apparently hasn’t shot pheasants without a dog in the Midwest -#4 is the minimum only because they are 30+ yard shots

    • Chris, Ringnecks are the same in PA as NE or SD. 30 yards is generally an average shot. I’ve knocked down plenty with 6-7.5 shot. 4s where required if using a 410 and I never had the guts to do it but my great uncle was murder on em with a 410, I think he did it to show off.

      Longer shots on deer in the Midwest is a thing, on pheasants not so much.

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