Originally Posted by
8mm/06
By code apartments are constructed with a firewall between units (basically double thickness of sheetrock on both sides) and you are unlikely to pass through it with any buckshot.
If you are hoping to defend your domicile with a short fight and as few shots as necessary, a shotgun is hard to beat. You do not need to be a great shot. you just need to be familiar with the weapon and it's pattern. Heck, just racking the round in is usually enough to send bad people back the direction they came from.
I would GREATLY beg to differ!!!!!! When I was with another agency we did our own tests. We had some of our guys build mock walls, to code, and at room distances. Even 4 buck penetrated 2 rooms worth!!!!! Bad ju-ju for the neighbors or loved ones in another room!!!! We then tested the standard 3-1/4dram- 1-1/4oz of 7-1/2's or 6's pigeon load and at standard room distances, bad medicine for the perp, neighbors and loved ones got a pair of ringing ears, no damage though in next room except some minor dust splatter. Basically an 1-1/4oz frangible slug.
That is what I have in my night time bump in the night weapon. An 870 with saddle mount shell holder, ext. magazine, mag light forearm and pistol grip mounted lazer light. First round is a pigeon load of 7-1/2s, next load is load of 1-1/2oz of BB's and then its all bucksot and slugs after that. Back that up with a Les Bear full of BlackTalons and CorBons. Then I have a few other toys stashed away if I get near them for added zest!!!! I live in a brick home with my nearest neighbor a 1-3/8ths miles away.