"Ask the Rabbi" by R. Mermelstein
QUESTION: Dear Rabbi
Mermelstein:
There seems to be a minority opinion that shotguns are best for
home defense, rather than a rifle or handgun. Part of the argument is
that they will not go through walls. Where do you stand on this?
Regards,
Brian
14 Sep 99
ANSWER: Dear Brian,
If you don't believe even a mild
skeet or trap load won't penetrate a wall, try shooting a section of
drywall (at a designated, legal shooting area!) and see how even the #7
1/2 or #9 pellets easily penetrate clear through it at house distances.
If your walls are lathe and plaster the results could be different, but
I doubt it.
The advantage of a shotgun for home defense is 1) the intimidation
factor, and 2) its effective use requires slightly less precision. With
either a handgun or shotgun, a miss will mean an expensive house
repair. Depending on the handgun cartridge and bullet type,
over-penetration is a real concern -- whether it's kids in another room
or the neighbor next door. Skeet or trap loads, at in-the-house
distances, will do about the same damage as 00-Buck to a hostile
intruder.
Sincerely,
R. Mermelstein
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