12 gauge #4 shot (not to be confused with #4 buckshot) is cheap, low recoil, and is available pretty much everywhere. Is it effective for home defense, compared to other options, or best utilized for target practice and hunting small game? Using Remington 2 3/4" #4 shot, we'll fire a round into a ballistic gel block at 10 feet and look at the results.

The key point I'm trying to illustrate is whether or not this mid-range 12 gauge load has the potential to produce sufficient penetration, in volume, that could stop a viable threat in the home setting. We should understand that simply conveying to a threat the presence of a firearm can be a deterrent (a highly preferred outcome), but unfortunately this isn't always the case with an individual or group determined to commit bodily harm, or worse.

I'm using Remington 2 3/4" shells, 1 1/4 oz. shot, 1330 fps; approximately 125 pellets. Product number is SP124. This particular shell can be purchased in bulk at WalMart and numerous sporting goods outlets, plus online. Test gun is a Mossberg 590A1 Special Purpose with a 20" barrel, cylinder bore choke.

November 2011 00 buckshot test: [ Ссылка ]
January 2012 Foster Slug test: [ Ссылка ]
May 2012 birdshot test: [ Ссылка ]

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