“Would you rather shoot him one time with a pistol or one time with a shotgun” that made me laugh

Sir, once again you dropped major insight - the back to the wall and weapon presentation demo was sheer fucking genius !!! Thank you Thank you Besides, I love my 590

The old "Rules For a Gunfight" are pretty clear on this. If you KNOW you're going to get into a gunfight: Bring a long gun. Bring more than ONE long gun. Bring all your FRIENDS who have long guns.

I use a long gun for home defense (a 5.56 bullpup), but there is a benefit he didn't mention here to pistols. I made this comment on a James yeager video a few years back where he said essentially the same thing.yes, with your hands extended, the end of the guns more or less line up. but obviously you can't retract your hand into your chest, or even at your side and still keep the barrel in line with your target with a shotgun like you can with a pistol.same goes for being in a struggle with someone. it is far easier to shoot someone with a handgun while engaged with them, or while they're on top of you than with a long gun.of course there are other positives (and negatives) of choosing a pistol over a long gun, and most importantly, if someone is already in your house, you've already lost (meaning, you should probably put more time, money, thought, etc. into keeping people OUT of your house, than what to do if they get in, or which gun to use.that being saod, I too use a long gun, and mainly for the same reason Clint said: getting shot with a long gun (especially a shotgun) will dissuade an attacker/end a fight far quicker and more efficiently than shooting him with a pistol (even the hallowed .45.)

When police or military raid a compound they use long guns. This has been done for many years and is very successful when using proper handling and training techniques. Why would defending and clearing your home be any different? To add to that the only circumstance that I know of as to when a hand gun is used to clear a structure is for a front man with a shield.

Thank you all for watching and sharing comments on the video. Stay tuned more and check out a recent video where Clint demonstrates how shotguns at close ranges or in close quarters should be treated as precision tools much like handguns. Shotguns don't propel walls of lead at your targets but require your point of aim to be true. Watch here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/b7SGfbmS3djch6M.html

One more thing I forgot to add in regards to shooting from the hip and getting practiced at it. You have maximum retention protection. Your gun is at your side protected by your body and your outstretched arm keeping the attacker away. Having the gun out in front of you gives your attacker a chance to make a grab for it and possibly succeed.

For close quarters I would choose the pistol. A man coming at you with a knife would certainly be stopped more assuredly if was hit with a shotgun round as opposed to a pistol. However, if your shotgun is pointed away from the direction the attacker is, you can reposition the pistol way quicker to get it aimed at the attacker. This could even be accomplished simply by turning the wrist, not so with the shotgun. Also, in the video you added the length of your arm to the pistol. I train in point shooting. My PD, just before I retired, adapted their training to the real world. Up to 10 feet, you don't have time to get a site picture, sites are useless. So in our qualifications, from the 3 up to the 10 yard line it was just point and shoot. Up to the 7 yard line it was shoot from the hip. Secondly, unless you have an auto shotgun, all you have time for is one shot at the suspect. You can get off several shots at the suspect with an auto pistol.

Short and to the point! Love these videos from Thunder Ranch.

Excellent demonstration. I truly appreciate the perspective that you have given this topic. Especially the visual perspective. The way that the camera angle is set clearly depicts that there's much less difference between the long gun and a handgun during operation. You've touched on this but it can't be overstated. The biggest issue is to be well acquainted with the space your operating your weapon in , as well as being very familiar with all aspects of your weapon within that space.

Sir, you just made total smart sense. Thank you for your time. Keep them coming.

I always thought the shotgun was best for me because I've shot them the most. You've given me a reason to stay with what I know and keep learning more shotgunning.

Great illustration and relating it for us. I’ve done some mental gymnastics that worked to the same conclusions but never had it Barney’d down to that. Thanks warrior.

Great visual demonstration. So true.

Weapons retention, opening closing doors, using phone, gathering kids, pushing off an aggressor with weak hand to enable you to shoot, easier reloading and faster target acquisition are all good reasons for the handgun.

The point of the short video is to address a snippet of comparison of a long gun vs a handgun for home defense that many are misinformed about. There are benefits and drawbacks to any tool we choose. He's a great instructor if you are capable and have a desire to learn. The negative comments show many here have neither.

Context is everything, that difference may not be insignificant in your situation. There is an idea that in a home defense situation you should hunker down in your bedroom and not move around your home, this does not take into account that you may have loved ones you need to get to safety. So the question maybe which would you rather try and use while carrying your child in one of your arms, a pistol you could use one handed or a shotgun which you can't.

Great point. Hadn't thought of it.

Good explanation of the length differences--I had not considered it.

I teach NRA's Personal Defense In The Home so I know a bit about this. Clint is quite correct that a handgun, properly extended and aimed, is about the same length as a shotgun with an 18" barrel. And the shotgun is a superior personal defense weapon hands down. But, as is often the case (often the usual case) in civilian shootings, the attacker is arms length away or less. An expended gun, of any sort, can be grabbed or deflected. In such a close encounter, I teach my students to hold the pistol in the dominant hand, tuck the arm and gun in close to the chest (elbow "sticks" out the back), strike the attacker with the open, dominant hand in the forehead (away from the line of fire) and fire center of mass. What's by my bed? A pistol and a 20ga shotgun. Yes, a 20ga, at close quarters, is "enough gun."

Wow. Thank you for your insights.

fantastic vid I never thought about the length difference. only 4 to 6 inch difference wow is all I can say. thanks for the vid.Clint you are one of the best trainers out there.

Extremely practical take on this matter.

That’s actually a really valid point that I never thought about. So true. Thanks guys

"Would you rather shoot him one time with a pistol or one time with a shotgun?"

Good advice guys. This is the kind of info Americans need to see. Kudos my friends!

Thanks! Great demonstration! 🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸

Very well said.

I love this video! Mine is an Anti-Aircaft cannon! She is a Remington 870 express with a 28'' long standarb barrel and a high-Viz Tombuster II sight but also a 10 round capacity extension tube and a light on it. Nightmare for goosy, ducks, turkey, doves or pheasants on the filds and incredible firepower in combat! Course this lenght is really too long, but based on my experience it's mean only more practice required by this system and you can shoot across a whole season of the Walking/Burgler/Looting Dead without any reload XD

Solid answer Clint!

What you say is true, BUT 1) you can also fire a pistol close to the chest if necessary in close quarters and 2) It is much easier to store a pistol in a convenient location for easy access than to store a long shotgun.

Just last night a family member accidentally closed my cat into the living room. In the middle of the night I heard something banging doors. I jumped out of bed and grabbed my go to bedside, HK 40 and completed a search. (I normally would wait upstairs but this sound wasn't a "human sound".) I found nothing because the cat hid under a chair. Came back upstairs and heard another more vigorous bang twice and really went on alert. Put HK back in Hill People Gear chest holder and grabbed my other fave go to, Mossberg 590 a1 12 ga. Did another search and found cat and laughed. I was significantly struck by the difference in size rounding corners, once again, just 8 hours ago. What I think this video, and so far the comments fail to mention, is that you can hold a pistol really close into your chest. You don't have to hold it out at full length like the video demonstrates. I know no one on this panel or the posters of the video are ignorant of this, but there is a huge difference in gun-grab potential when rounding corners and opening doors. The difference is not so important if you're at the opposite end of a room and you have plenty of space. Other big concern was that I did not have my light attached to the 590. I know my house blindfolded so it didn't matter, but you're only as good as your eyesight / lighting. Having an extra hand free for flashlights, phones, and door nobs is important (and unlikely with a shotty). Not to mention it's good to have a hand free for a gun grab of your assailant, if they are gung ho enough to break and enter with a long weapon.

Awesome easy breezy demo

Pick a gun, and then TRAIN with it! The techniques may be slightly different, but all of them are up to the task of defending yourself and your family if you do your part. "Beware the man who only has one gun. He probably knows how to use it!"

Right on!

Wow that was great showing the gun lengths like that side by side against the wall, NOBODY EVER thinks about it like that... people I know ALWAYS try to give me reason after reason arguing about why I should keep a pistol by my bed INSTEAD of my trusty shotgun for home defense, and they ALWAYS bring up that indoor gun length argument... I’m gonna have to show some people this video!!

Agree with this 💯. I think the actual concern is what do the projectiles do after we stop the threat? I think there is nothing wrong with a shotgun for HD WITH THE RIGHT LOAD.

Which over/under is that with a thunder Ranch logo on it?

Man I love Clint.

I always enjoy anything Clint Smith says and somehow they way he wears his shirts reminds me of Mr Rogers sweaters.

The question that ALSO needs to be answered is, will you be able to bring the shotgun on target faster or the pistol. If you aren't actually able to shoot the perp with one or the other, it makes no difference whatsoever which one you'd rather shoot them with.

Very interesting.

Just train if you have anything, and given the choice no 28” hunting barrel lolz

What’s your opinion on pistol caliber carbines for home defense

Used a shot gun about 90% of the time during my 18 years in swat( cut down browning A5 )

Can you do a video saying some Clint Eastwood lines from movies?

I never considered this great vid

"We're at our tactical house, which we call 'The Terminator'. It's just a name. It's not a big deal. " Hahaha! He knows the name is badass.

Yea, Ok video. Good talking points. I've got both available. Being in a residential neighborhood I do give a slight edge to the shotgun. I have a Remington 870 20ga. 3" mag in a youth model which is shorter in length and weight and packs the wallop to stop any imbecile but is much easier to handle. It is also less likely to penetrate the walls and injure my neighbors but put the bad guy(s) on their ass. In low light with the shotgun you don't have to aim 'dead on' with a single bullet either. Seems all the bad guys recognize the sound of loading a pump shotgun and don't want to be on the receiving end of that! There are 3" loads made for this gun that will do the trick. In addition, I found it was easier for family members to practice and feel confident with the shotgun over my pistols. If you're going to have a home defense weapon then make damn sure you're not the only one who can use it! My Staff Sargent in Nam carried a Remington 870 12ga. in the bush. And he came home. Nuff said! Another plus is you can find a nice used/new shotgun without breaking the bank and having the 'Federalizes' sticking their nose in your life.

What make and model was the over under shotgun in the video?

Anyone who believes you do not have to aim a shotgun should measure the rooms in their house, then take their shotgun out and pattern it at those distances, you might be very surprised. My S&W Governor patterns about 6 to 8 inches at 30 ft. Also, I believe anyone who goes "clearing" their house is looking for trouble. I don't know about you, but there is nothing in my house worth my or my families life. It is just my wife and I. Our protocol is to grab the phone, and governor, roll out of bed, opposite of the door, call 911 and wait. As long as they do not step in the bedroom doorway, they may live.

Right on, cool video. You have a point there. I'll take the shotgun and the handgun for a backup. Keep up the good work. 👍

Clint sounds like gargles rocks every mourning.

I'm looking for a cheap, reliable, self-loading shotgun in 12 gauge capable of shooting different type of ammunition and cut-shells, primarily for home defense and planking. What would you recommend to me? Or is there any?

My AR pistol is shorter than both. Just throwing that out there Clint is an absolute mad lad. One of the best instructors walking the earth.

interesting question @1:47 Id say it shouldn't matter what you shoot someone with as long as you're hitting center mass although shotty will deliver more tissue destruction

I have both shotgun and pistol at an arms reach away, whether sleeping in the master bedroom or on the living room couch. If push comes to shove, I'm grabbing my Mossberg 930 SPX. Nothing against my Sig Scorpion 45, but I'll take 9 rnds of 00 buck any day of the week in a break in/CQC situ.

I would say if you have time always go for the shotgun first. IMO one should have a long gun and a pistol for home defense. If you are in a strange situation where mobility is a real issue your are in the car, traveling, or on a hike go with the handgun. Otherwise if you're at home reach for the 12 gauge.

Just an example… you’re wrestling with an intruder on the floor. There is a 9mm on the coffee table within reach and there is a shotgun on the coffee table within reach. Both loaded with safeties off and a round chambered. Which do you reach for? Now same example standing with intruder 3 feet away coming at you. Point being you’re not always standing q0 feet away pointing your weapon. A pistol can be nimble and shot from many angles and body positions.

NSSF how do you spot the differences between the parts of a shotgun and a handgun?

you could take a short shotgun like a remington tac 14 or a moss berg shockawave

Excellent argument. Shotty it is! Time to train...

Ahhhh, I can shorten my arms positions maintain fast target to target acquisition Israeli center chest or right side and left side room to room. Takes a little practice but easily adaptable..! Long gun always long gun..! Love you videos agree 90% of the time, this video not so much.

I keep a handgun AND the 12 gauge Shockwave by my bed. Along with a knife and sword. About to add a rifle to that.👍

Is thounder ranch still working

It really depends though because let’s say you have small children or doors to open ideally you would want a hand easily freeable to hold people back unlock doors etc I think it depends like I say if you’re married at home sit in your room take cover and wait with your shotgun or AR if you have small children consider a handgun IMO

I've debated this same thing to people years ago. That the distance is minimal. I've never advocated what people should do but that you at least do something to fight for your life. This is a free country, choose a weapon or not it's your free choice.

Fortunately I have enough room in my dwelling for both a pistol and shotgun. Depends on the circumstances. Suspicious knock; pistol. Someone trying to kick down the door; shotgun.

That's a really tough question so just get both like me. Ya can't go wrong!!

If speed counts (and it does), the 18 in. shotgun is faster. My "bump-in-the-night" gun is a Mossberg 500, 12 ga. I have practiced many times firing from the hip with field load 2-3/4 in. ammo. It is no big deal. And from the hip, it is even shorter than a handgun.

Being a graduate of Diemon Dave's Ninja Academy, I have no need for either.

Short vid and to the point Geez H Christ perfect.

Hmmm... very interesting

I just traded my 870 for a full size 9. I rarely shot the shotgun. I shoot the pistol all the time now. use what you are most comfortable with. I carry a handgun on my hip everywhere I go. can't do that with a 24" barrel Mossberg. 18 + 1 9mm or 6 rnds of 12 guage? easy answer for me.

When you are sitting in a corner or just one room then okay. When you are moving to other rooms then you've missed something. A long gun sticks out and can be grabbed. If you hold it downward then you have a lot of movement upward that can be blocked. A pistol can be held close to the chest and is less able to be grabbed. You can fire from a chest hold position if necessary. If the barrel is grabbed you then can fall straight back and fire aligning yourself with the assailant. Long guns can be used as leverage against you using the door frame or just jerked forward allowing your body to be left vulnerable for attack and the barrel unable to be aligned with the assailant. Of course a pistol grip and shorter barrel can help the long gun reduce the profile to a degree. Just a thought.

This guy is good

How is there, A, Right or, Wrong, ANSWER?! Everyone had a different take in reading here so, while to each his own, I find what MAKES YOU CONFIDANTE, SAFE, SECURE, AND READY, is your, BEST BET! ?!?!

Remington 870. 18.75” barrel. 00 Buck...

Clint I love all your videos. But none of them, as far as protecting a house are not relevant to me. What do you suggest for a 700sqft house? I'm thinking stick with 9mm pistols? I have no "wings" to check out. Pretty much what's around me is the entirety of my domicile.

Shotguns are dope

In a close quarters tactical situation (a physical struggle), you may have to shoot from the hip. Not easy to do with a shotgun.

Both can render you temporary deaf and blind, Honestly, A MP 15-22 you can pepper your aggressive perp quickly with 25 rounds, Or not emtey your weapon , You may not kill them with any choice depending on lighting and state of mind of perp, But a small caliber wont render you deaf or blind, Im sure my choice is debatable, But I dont care to debate, Its my choice

Always have to think about what the Thunder Mug Ranch presents...You always have tactical experts say this and that. One thing the video doesn't mention is the differences of weight. Regardless, you can deploy a sidearm faster than a long gun. The next thing that you'll never see the majority of the tactical experts say, what load they recommend shooting in your shotgun. Some experts will say with buckshot or slugs and totally negate over penetration of walls and your neighbors house next to you or passing mechanical. If you want or have to use a shot gun, use bird shot / game shot. If you use a sidearm (handgun) try to a least use hollow points.. But still there is no guarantee that your round that you shoot won't over penetrate the attacker body or walls. Some guys out there use a full auto in .22LR for the sole purpose of minimizing over penetration..And sure it's not the most power round.. but like the bird / game shot in a shotgun it minimize your chances of injuring other people out side your home.

I'd rather go to most gun fights with a shotgun than a pistol if that's the question. That said, I've spent 15,330 nights with my pistol in a lock box beside my head which I open upon laying down for the night. I feel comfortable sweeping my house with it when investigating sounds during the night. When the morning comes, my carry gun goes into my pocket, I close (which locks) the case, slide it under the bed, and don't worry about the kids messing with it (they know better but I like extra assurances). Point is that I don't have a good way of hiding & locking my shotgun like I do my little 45 pistol. So, I'll go to my big safe and grab my shotgun when I get enough warning of a pending intrusion. Until then, I'll feel comfortable with my system for balancing the everyday concern of safety & security against the probability of being attacked.

it depends on how close the attacker is, you have the option of not having to extend the pistol. It's definitely a lot quicker to present a pistol than a rifle or shotgun. Most defensive confrontations are at 10 feet.

HAHAHAHAHA that INTRO omg i forget you people exist unironically anyway cool

Yes, but with a pistol, you don’t walk around the corner fully extended. You bring the weapon close to your body which is why a pistol or a short barrel ar would be better suited for in a home. Imo a short barrel shotgun (10” barrel) would be ideal but NFA sucks so pistol is easier obtained for most.

Well, planting 000 buck center mass is actually shooting them more than onnce.

I think it depends on whatever you have, and are confident and proficient with. Don't forget that even a bolt action rifle has permanently stopped a crime spree.

There is an assumption that you would have the shotgun at the shoulder, left(or right) arm extended as if addressing an upland bird. Not so! the shotgun would be employed at the waist and would be maneuverable in every direction. The mess following discharge is another story.

CAR system, changes the game on this. center axis relock, look it up

Or,,, take the Mossberg 12 Gauge like I have and put a pistol grip on it and it is PERFECT for home defense....

Recoil is the biggest issue with shotgun, but beside that flaw, no other firearm has such stopping power as 13 gauge shotgun in close range.

It's the stock that affects the shotgun's maneuverability indoors, not the overall length. A handgun is superior for maneuvering indoors because you only have one point of contact (your grip) on the handgun versus two (grip and shoulder) for the shotgun. If you've ever worked CQB indoors, you know it's a vastly easier done with a handgun.

can someone address the sound issue of discharging a shotgun without ear protection vs. a handgun? I have both and wonder what might be the effects, both short and long term of firing a shotgun without ear protection. thx.

What about the deterrent of the speed of pump action vs semi-auto pistol for followup shots? Also, isn't it much easier and still usable to pull the handgun closer to your body when you need to, than with a shotgun, even if comparing to a KSG or UTAS which seem reasonable to include in the comparison? Having a handgun tight to your body is a reasonable position, but not part of your comparison. With a full length or even tactical length shotgun, you can't do that and still be as ready to fire, going around corners, etc. Also, based on this video, at least the considerations mentioned in the video, if not a KSG or UTAS, the ideal home defense weapon would be to shoot shotgun shells from a pistol, such as the Taurus Judge or S&W Governor: shooting 410 shotgun, and you could even alternate 410 and 45LC (soft/Hollowpoint to avoid overpenetration into other rooms) rounds when loading to make pistol or shotgun round even less of a decision, and no pumping to have someone grab your gun while you're doing it. And if you already have your pistol/revolver, why not CCI shotshells, at least the heavier ones like 45, intermixed with regular 45? They might not stop the drug-crazed attacker, but most people wouldn't keep charging while blinded or with some sting like that, and alternating between 45 and shotshell addresses that issue as well. And on the other side, if using a shotgun, alternating between buckshot and slugs could give you that extra chance to handle both kinds of attackers as well. But biggest issues of comparison would be ability to pull it close to your body, and speed of followup shots, which this video doesn't mention.

Depends on the kind of mess you want to clean up I guess.

Eh... Shotguns are really good but pistols are still better for many reasons. I prefer the 45 handgun in a reliable 1911 style design. That horse may be beaten to death but trust me it still reigns supreme. Also people crap on the pistol grip shotgun but its a lot better than you think for close quarter combat. I prefer the 20 gauge PGO. There is still issues with the full length stocked shotguns that are the same issues with long rilfes. Ya sure if you live on a ranch or a mansion like some kind of playboy king like Bruce Wayne than full length stock shotguns/rifles are best however most of us live in little cramped close quater dwellings where a smaller pistol or PGO is best. What would be better than all that crap for CQB is a SMG UZI or MP5 but most of us cant get those.

Yea, 000buck would sure do a better job than a handgun.

I prefer the handgun , accurate , faster draw , more ammo in the clip , (if you have an extra magazine) faster to reload . here is why I dont like the shotgun , lack of accuracy , heavy weight , slow draw , very lethal (meaning you could kill someone in a hostage situation . unlike the hand gun if you know how to use it you can neutralize or kill , shotgun is just deadly.