HD for wife - Shotgun or Pistol

**MMH** · March 13th, 2009, 03:41 PM

My wife is competent w/ a .357 at the range. However, in a high stress situation, I'm still thinking that she would be better off w/ a shotgun. She has no shotgun experience, so some training would be in order. But w/ a limited amount of training, would she be better off w/ a shogun or revolver in a HD situation? I figure that w/ a strong light mounted under the barrel, it would simple for her to shoot at the brightest spot.

**Mity2** · March 13th, 2009, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by MMH

My wife is competent w/ a .357 at the range. However, in a high stress situation, I'm still thinking that she would be better off w/ a shotgun. She has no shotgun experience, so some training would be in order. But w/ a limited amount of training, would she be better off w/ a shogun or revolver in a HD situation? I figure that w/ a strong light mounted under the barrel, it would simple for her to shoot at the brightest spot.

I think you answered your own question with what I highlighted.
She is already competent with .357mag, then just spend more time at the range/training with gun which she is already familier and comfortable with would be logical choice.
I mean we are talking about defence, not talking about shooting target here.
I think you should just spend the money you would spend on shotgun and send her to good shooting class, and more range time would be my choice.

Ofcourse, if you just need excuse to buy the shotgun, well then...

**Michele** · March 13th, 2009, 05:43 PM

Instead of "or" how about "and".

Absolutely nothing wrong with having both.

**Asmodeus6** · March 13th, 2009, 07:16 PM

Use the best tool for the job. Its usually the one you are most proficient with, if the tools capabilities are remotely close.

I absolutely agree with both.

**Mity2** · March 13th, 2009, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by Michele

Instead of "or" how about "and".

Absolutely nothing wrong with having both.

Yep that works too

**arks** · March 13th, 2009, 11:00 PM

Originally Posted by MMH

My wife is competent w/ a .357 at the range. However, in a high stress situation, I'm still thinking that she would be better off w/ a shotgun. She has no shotgun experience.....

Funny, that was my wife's M.O., too- experience and range time with a 357.

My story: I let her try my Mossberg 500 12 gauge once and she did NOT like it- AT ALL. Picture below. She said the shotgun felt less controllable for her than the pistol. And YES- I explained how to properly shoulder and hold it to absorb the recoil. She's now perfectly happy with the 357.

I say give your lady a chance to fire a shotty and let her decide what she's comfortable with.....

**PPM209** · March 18th, 2009, 11:26 AM

I went with the shotgun because of the deliberateness of it - its much harder to accidently point it in a potentially harmful direction. The handgun was too easy to sweep the wrong things. As stated above though, comfort and experience with is the key!

**Tootie** · March 18th, 2009, 11:40 AM

Originally Posted by arks

how to properly shoulder and hold it to absorb the recoil.

Back when the only thing I knew how to shoot was a bow I was told by many sport shop owners to never shoulder a shotgun. Also depending on her size it could knock her to the floor with one shot. Here's the advice I was given, cut stock to a pistol grip, cut barrel as much as you legally can and hold the shotty at your waist. Aim center mass, you'll either hit them center, head or legs.