20-Gauge Shotgun: Why Every Home Should Have One

What type of firearm is suitable for the protection of your homestead? A rifle? A pistol? A shotgun? An automatic weapon? When I had to make this decision, I talked to a lot of gun dealers. Initially I thought only about myself using it and wanted to opt for something with a large caliber. Surprisingly the majority of the gun dealers all asked me the same question when I discussed my preferred leanings; "if your wife or another member of your family had to use it, would they be able to handle something that large?" I had never considered that fact.

There recommendation was something smaller that the average to small size female could easily handle and control, because the truth of the matter is, she is home more than you are. They all recommended the same thing, a 20 gauge shotgun. Why? The stock is designed to fit a small framed individual, the recoil is a lot less than most any other gauge of shotgun, the gun is lightweight, it has more muzzle power than a 357 magnum, the trigger is set back making it easier for smaller hands to reach it, it is a very formidable weapon capable of stopping almost anything in its tracks, and the operator does not have to be a sharp shooter, just aim in the correct direction and shoot.

Another important point to me was that the pellet energy will generally not penetrate the walls, thus precluding the possibility of causing injury to an innocent bystander. In the open, the shot will travel 35 to 50 yards and with the proper shells, that should be sufficient to stop a predator before they can cause any harm. I later discovered the 20 gauge shotgun was a good shotgun to use when hunting for small game. It ended up being a very versatile tool for both self defense, and a good one for providing food for the dinner table. My wife, son, and daughter each ended up with a 20 gauge shotgun of their own.

I would put a 20 gauge shotgun on the line up against any firearm available. For the average to smaller sized individual there is no better or easier firearm for them to control and operate. It will definitely deter the two legged and four legged varmint every time. Do not consider it a lesser firearm because it has been scaled down to fit a smaller frame, I is a very useful and strong firearm. A 20 gauge shotgun is a tool of defense no home should be without.