Shotgun vs. Handgun: What Are the Differences?

Did you know that around 40% of Americans own a gun? If you were to ask around for which type of gun to get for home safety, you would likely get many different answers. It’s almost certain that among those answers would be a shotgun and a handgun.

It’s obvious that firearms can be dangerous, which is why you need to understand each type of gun. They have unique designs and characteristics that affect their operation.

Continue reading for the differences in shotgun vs. handgun so you are able to protect your home.

What Is a Shotgun?

The shotgun has a long barrel with a smooth bore and is used primarily for closer shots. The walls of the barrel are thinner because of less pressure. This type of gun is for a specific gauge of ammunition.

When you pull the firing pin it strikes. When the gunpowder sparks, the burning powder expands in the shell which forces out a shot. The bang you hear comes from the gas escaping as the bullet leaves the barrel.

The shotgun is a deadly weapon because it can deliver a huge load that contains projectiles. It certainly will intimidate anyone looking down the barrel. Some people prefer to have a shotgun for at-home use. You can customize your ammo between nonlethal rounds, buckshot, or slugs.

Shotgun Tips

Most would day the shotgun is easy to use. But even though experts recommend it as a starter gun, you still need to treat it with care.

Some good tips to follow when you own your first rifle are to get really familiar with your piece. You should know how to load, the max range, and the chokes. This will help you learn to shoot at various distances and ensure that you are safe at all times.

Another good piece of advice is to count rounds. This is important especially if you keep your gun loaded.

What Is a Handgun?

A handgun is a short-barreled gun that is small and light enough to hold with one hand. It requires good sight due to its shorter barrel but it does not give the intense recoil the shotgun does. Revolvers and semi-automatics are popular handguns today.

If you have to move fast or quietly, the handgun will outshine a shotgun in some situations. Reloading a handgun is also very easy, and they hold more ammo capacity. This page has training ammo at cheap discount prices, something that is hard to find today.

Handgun Tips

Handguns are more compact and can be taken into public places easily which is why it’s important to learn the proper techniques for handling them. Make sure to have the proper stance with a firm and high grip.

If you practice often, think about the recoil, and practice the proper trigger press you should be good to go. Practicing handguns are key to getting a better shot because of the short barrel.

Shotgun vs. Handgun: Which Do You Choose?

If you are still weighing the options of a shotgun vs. a handgun, ultimately, the decision is yours. Both choices will deliver results for at-home defense and protection. It all depends on your need and how you plan to use the firearm.

Whatever option you go with make sure that you are training and getting better to ensure your safety. Check out some more of our articles on firearms and your protection.