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Shotguns vs. PCCs For Home Defense: Is There A Clear Winner?
The age-old debate about which firearm platform is best for home defense will continue forever. We often hear or read arguments centered on AR-15s vs. shotguns or pistols vs. rifles, but now, with PCCs (pistol caliber carbines) being more popular than ever, it’s time to include them in the contention.
An extended magazine, a light, and an optic make for a great home defense combination.
Of course, there isn’t going to be an answer that applies universally, but we can help you decide which is best for YOU. There are many factors to consider when choosing a home defense gun.
Considerations
Stopping Power & Capacity
There’s really no arguing that the shotgun will deliver more stopping power. Even if you decide to run a PCC chambered in .45 ACP or 10mm, for instance, round for round, it will not match the devastating power of 12 gauge.
Can you guess which would be better suited for home defense? Source
But what about capacity, then? A PCC may be less powerful, but you can potentially have double or triple the amount of ammunition. Having 30 or so rounds ready to go is quite reassuring. You just never know how many rounds you’ll need.
Other Household Members
If you have other capable individuals in your home who would potentially help in a home defense scenario, you want them to be able to use the firearm as well in case you go down. If the only other person in your home is five feet tall and 110 pounds soaking wet, the recoil from a shotgun may be a bit on the difficult side for them to handle (or not, but you get the point!).
In addition to the members of your household, you also need to consider the layout of your home.
Home Layout
I included this last in the considerations for a reason. People often focus on overpenetration as the main concern. I will be the first to agree that it is a huge concern, as you never want to endanger any innocent person.
However, I don’t want to get into overpenetration too much because either firearm will penetrate multiple layers of drywall and other building material if you miss your target. That said, your home layout can still dictate what’s easier to maneuver with. Remember, if you need to move from your original location, turning tight corners can be difficult if your firearm is too long.
Shotgun Argument
Stopping power, stopping power, stopping power. That is the main argument for the shotgun. At the close distances that you’ll likely be at indoors, a single 12-guage buckshot round can easily stop an intruder in their tracks. The devastating energy and multiple pellets delivered by the shotgun will ruin the recipients day and night.
Both shotguns are ready to accept your home defense accessories, such as a light and sling. Source
PCC Argument
With a PCC, capacity and recoil are the main arguments. You can achieve a very high capacity through extended magazines or drum mags, and the recoil is often negligible. Even if you go with a PCC chambered in .45 ACP or 10mm, you’ll have much less felt recoil than a shotgun, making it easier for all family members to use.
You’ll be well prepared with a 50-round drum magazine. Source
Shotgun Counter-argument
With more modern tactical shotguns, you can now find some that can carry eight, nine, or even ten rounds, using shorter shells or mini shells. Then, if you add a shotshell holder to your shotgun, you can add several more. You’ll still fall short of the PCC capacity, but long gone are the days of settling for five or six rounds for your shotgun.
Regarding recoil, you can opt for a 20-gauge model that offers slightly lower recoil. It’ll still be more than a PCC but noticeably less than a 12-gauge model. Aftermarket recoil pads can also be purchased.
PCC Counter-argument
The wide range of calibers that PCCs are now offered in means you can choose one with much more stopping power than you may think. Having 30+ rounds of 10mm is nothing to turn your nose up at, especially when they are hollow points.
Preventative Measures
Ideally, you’ll want to take preventative security measures to stop a potential threat before it becomes one. If you ever have to use your firearm in a home defense scenario, you will have a long road ahead in dealing with the aftermath.
Cameras can deter a criminal easily. Source
In an effort to never have to use your firearm, make sure you’re doing the simple things, such as locking your doors and keeping your property well-lit. Consider installing a security system and cameras, etc., to make an individual feel like it’s too much work to begin with to enter your home.
A few hundred dollars upfront can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches down the road.
The Winner?
Both shotguns and PCCs can be exemplary home defense options. But is there a winner?
At the end of the day, you need to consider all of the factors we discussed to determine which is best for you. There’s also no one stopping you from having both!
Most importantly, you need to train with whichever you choose. Simply having a firearm is not enough to defend yourself. You need to be able to use it efficiently.
Here’s to hoping you never have to use one in self-defense. As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.
