Video: Defensive Shotgun Training

by
posted on June 16, 2015
The short-barreled, pump-action shotgun is still the go-to home-defense firearm of choice for many Americans.

But the debate rages on: birdshot or buckshot, and at what distances? Sheriff Jim Wilson is back with his Remington 870 at Gunsite Academy in Paulden, Ariz., to test various loads to determine the effectiveness and feasibility of using each within the home. Most importantly, he tells you when each is most appropriate to use.

Watch the complete American Rifleman TV segment, "Defensive Shotgun Training," above.

Latest

40 S&W 1A
40 S&W 1A

The Short, Happy Life Of The .40 Smith & Wesson

Despite the wide acceptance of the .40 Smith & Wesson defensive handgun cartridge in its early years, the round has since faded from armories around the U.S. and replaced by an older, smaller-caliber cartridge.

Zastava's ZPAP M72 RPK Is Now Shipping

Zastava USA announced it would be expanding its lineup to include an M72 "RPK" model. Now, in 2025, that model has finally arrived and is shipping to dealers.

Preview: Mesa Tactical Truckee Forend

A 12-ga. shotgun can be a devastatingly potent defensive platform, but even the tactical models often aren’t configured terribly well for installing accessories.

Gun Of The Week: Benelli Lupo HPR

Welcome to another American Rifleman Gun Of The Week, and on this episode, we’re taking a closer look at Benelli’s Lupo HPR, or High Precision Rifle.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 21, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Glock 49 Gen5 MOS: The Glock 9 mm Perfected?

Available as a TALO distributor exclusive, the Glock 49 Gen5 blends the the longer G17 slide with the comfortably compact frame of the G19, and it also includes Glock's MOS optics-mounting system.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.