Pistols are fine, but they are seriously underpowered.
Blades are good, but they need sharpening and they are best used up close. Too close for comfort.
You should have a pistol and a blade - one of each, at least - as backup.
Ideally, though, one would have a long gun as a primary weapon. Indeed, rule #6 applies here. A long gun is immensely more powerful than a pistol. But does it really matter which you choose? Let's talk about that.
Choice #1 - 12-gauge shotgun.
They come in many varieties, and really pack a punch.
For the record, I cannot in good faith recommend any shotgun other than a 12 or 20 gauge:
- The 10-gauge and 16-gauge are fine with respect to power, but ammo is not commonly found.
- The 28-gauge and .410 are underpowered, and suffer from lack of available ammo.
A self defense shotgun needs to be pump action or semi-automatic. Remove any tube inserts which limit the number of shells that can be loaded.
Shells should be limited to buckshot or slugs.
Choice #2 - AR15 rifle/carbine.
They come in many configurations, and are highly customizable.
Caliber is not as important as with shotguns, as the most common AR calibers: .223, 7.62x39, 6.8, and .308 are all powerful enough. Only 6.8 suffers from low ammo availability.
Almost any commercially available ammo would be sufficient for most applications.
Which is superior?
Lets look at common and comparable attributes:
Power
Up close (under 25 yards) - advantage shotgun.
But the advantage is marginal:
The AR platform, even in .223, is plenty powerful.
Additionally, the AR will catch up in power beyond 25 yards.
Beyond 100 yards, the shotgun will be nearly useless, and the AR is just starting to stretch its legs.
Range
Regardless of which way you cut it, the AR will dominate this category.
The shotgun, loaded with buckshot, will have a maximum effective range of about 25-35 yards.
With slugs, that might be stretched to 75-100 yards for a good shooter, and maybe to 150 yards for a superb setup and superior shooter.
The AR15 in .223 is lethal too 60 yards with boring consistency in the hands of a competent marksman.
The AR15 in the hands of an average shooter can easily stretch to 300 yards.
Follow up shots
In the Zombie Apocalypse, there will be a need to shoot again and again.
The advantage goes to an AR15.
The 12-gauge has heavy recoil, and this will negate any power advantage it has up close.
The AR15 has mild recoil, and can be customized to have even less.
Capacity
Definite advantage to the AR15
Shotgun tubes rarely exceed 6 rounds in capacity. Extenders might take that to 8 rounds.
An average AR15 magazine holds 30 rounds.
Toting additional mags for the AR15 is easy, not so for a shotgun.
Reloading
Another definite advantage to the AR15 - again.
The shotgun is bulky and awkward to reload, at best.
The AR15 is capable of lightning fast reloads.
Sights
Big advantage to the AR15.
Shotguns typically have a bead sight.
Sure, you can add a red dot, peep sights, or other, but that is not what the platform is built around.
The AR15 is designed to be customizable. This includes sights: peep sights, red dots, ACOGs, scopes, and even combinations are easily possible.
Accessories
Attaching a red dot, flashlight, or other accessory makes things convenient.
Both platforms do well, and have plenty of aftermarket suppliers.
However, this is an advantage to the AR15.
Summary
Too many advantages here for the AR15. It is a superior platform. Nothing wrong with a good 12-gauge, but the AR was designed as a fighting rifle, and it shines in that role.
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Good Job! The way you describe and compare AR15 Gun and 12-gauge is really superb. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ammo, for reading.
ReplyDelete