SHTF: Shotgun or AR?

[HICKMAN]

I'm curious and thought I'd start a thread to get your input.

If you were going to focus on one platform if SHTF, which would you focus and build on and why, shotgun or AR?

 

[Apokalypsi]

AR as it is more versatile and you can have numerous calibers for it. That's saying something for me too as I love my shotguns more than anything.

 

[stormryder]

How about an AR w/shotgun attached?

 

[shooter521]

Again, you need to define your own personal idea of "SHTF". I keep a shotgun as my home defense artillery piece, but would choose an AR for general purpose use.

 

[bigg cheese]

Define general purpose. Homer Simpson used his gun to change TV channels, turn the light off, etc.

 

[shooter521]

I keep a shotgun as my home defense artillery piece, but would choose an AR for general purpose use.

Define general purpose.

In my case, everything that isn't home defense.

 

[fg12351]

I'm thinking for a SHTF situation where I was hunkering down in the house and riding something out I would take the 12 gauge shotgun. Great for home defense and can still reach out to protect if necessary.

If I were traveling somewhere I think the AR would probably be a safer bet as it offers higher capacity and the longer range would be a great benefit.

Just my .

 

[No Time to Shoot]

Have to go with the 12 Gauge auto loader with staggered 00 and 3 inch slugs. That's 9 .32 caliber balls followed by a wrecking ball every time I double tap the trigger.

 

[HICKMAN]

I get the feeling I'm going to become a 3-gun shooter... I see the needs for all three types of guns.

 

[1 old 0311]

Though it would be tough on the walls I prefer a shotgun for home. If I needed to fight my way back home ( think L.A. riots) I would prefer a rifle, and 8-10 high cap mags.

 

[tyler34]

Though it would be tough on the walls I prefer a shotgun for home.

better rough on your walls then on your neighbors dome piece.

 

[ARdysfunction]

For me it would be a rifle every time. I like shotguns, but think the advantages of the AR far out weigh the few areas of where the SG excels.

 

[WhitleyStu]

My thoughts for SHTF weapons have been "City-Shotgun", "Country-Rifle"...

 

[Keith_Indy]

AR as it is more versatile and you can have numerous calibers for it.

And a 12 gauge shotgun can have everything from rock salt to a saboted slug. Without needing to trade out barrels and magazines. I think utility-wise a shotgun beats the AR hands down.

SHTF, I plan on staying put, I've got 4 handguns, 2 shotguns, and 2 rifles, so just pass me the next one, and reload the empty one. Traveling home, I've got handguns, and a 2 ton weapon for that.

Best bet in any case is to avoid a fire-fight.

 

[Richard]

My thoughts for SHTF weapons have been "City-Shotgun", "Country-Rifle"...

Here is a man who has put a bit of thought into this.

If rifles are a bad idea for home/self-defense purposes in heavily populated area prior to a SHTF why on Gods green earth would anyone think they would be a good idea for home/self-defense in a heavily populated area post-SHTF?

 

[Walt_Jabsco]

If you're talking about a situation where everything has gone really, terribly awry, you have to think about availability of ammo. While assault rifle calibers are relatively common, they're nothing compared to the commonality of 12 gauge shotgun ammo. And as Keith pointed out, you can load a shotgun with a wide range of different shells. Good look finding a AR round that has spread. Or a non-lethal round.

 

[haldir]

A shotgun is also going to be better to shoot most game in our state, geese, ducks, squirrels, rabbits etc.

 

[HICKMAN]

I can see where a shotgun has so many uses as well. Great for defense or house to house. Slugs for reaching out and touching someone or a deer for meat.

Or maybe I just want a cool shotty

 

[dross]

Clearly it depends on the type of zombies you're dealing with. If they're numerous and slow-moving, as in Dawn of the Dead, I think the AR is the better choice. If they move at high speed, I think the shotgun would decrease your margin of error. If they're fast and numerous...only the claymore mine will do. Remember: Front Toward Enemy

 

[tv1217]

Ideally I'd be able to carry both, or I'd be with other survivors. But my zombie gun will always be a shotgun.