Is a 12-gauge super magnum shell necessary for home defense, or are the 2.75 & 3 inch shells sufficient?
I’m starting to do my research into possibly purchasing a shotgun and I’m looking into the Remington 870 7-round synthetic. But should I get a model that can also fire 3.5 inch super magnums, or is that overkill?
Have you ever been inside a home or apartment when a firearm has gone off? It’s quite tramatic to the wife, kids, doggie – and at things that sit on the shelves and in the kitchen.
The suprer mags are for guys who are having more trouble hitting ducks as they become more scarce to find. When ducks were everywhere – the 2 3/4 shell was king. As more hunters took to the sport – ducks were a bit harder to get – hence the 3″ shell.
With a 2 3/4 shell you can expect to have better control of your shotgun in a tight space. This is important since it will not be at your shoulder when you fire – like normal. You will shooting it free hand or from the hip – and a 3″ or larger shell will not be a good thing.
That – and you will want to practice with the 12ga. With a box of 2 3/4 you can practice until it is empty. Not so with the heavier kick of the longer shells.
If you bought the 3.5″ you can shoot the smaller ones in it – no problem.
I live in Alaska. I carry my 12ga 500 pump with slugs and buck shot for grizzly protection. I use the smaller shells for better control. That – and if necessary – my wife or a buddy can handle it too.
Basics of the 3-5-3 defense
