Zombie Survival Shotgun? Part 1

If you hit any gun forum you will see the endless debates about which guns are the best not only in the SHTF (Shit Hits The Fan) arena but specifically HD (Home Defense). I will not be adding to that debate (at the moment ;p) but I will be addressing the Shotgun and its application as a Zombie Apocalypse weapon.

First Off Lets set the ground rules:
>We are going to talk Pro's and Con's
>This Is based on my experience
> We will talk ammo
> All Shots are assumed in last ditch defense/close range (under 25m)
>Semi-Autos will be discussed

Starting out we look to zombie movies and the mythical belief that the shotgun is a point and click tool. The Reason that this a myth is that the shotgun is only a "point and click" if you have used a shotgun extensively. Like Any weapon system one has to spend a significant amount of time operating a weapon before they can run with minimal hang ups. depending on the Shotgun/loads/stock configuration one can see different results. for the sake of this post we will only cover the pros and cons of the 3 most common stock configurations.

what we see above is a traditional style stock:
Pros:
>Solid traditional rifle feel,
>If a larger framed shooter in most cases the length of pull is just right,
>easy to shoot Ambidextrously,
>very consistent draw for most shooters
>wood stocks can be used as a bludgeoned in a panic.
>some models have an internal magazine for slugs or extra ammunition

Cons:
>Smaller Framed shooters may have issues with length of pull,
>because of lack of defined pistol grip difficult to be used with one hand,
>if synthetic version becomes shattered leaves weapon difficult to operate.

What we see here is a Tactical Pistol Grip stock:
Pros:
>Adjustable Length of Pull for any shooter
>Pistol Grip adds control for faster target Acquisition (typically for inexperienced shooters)
>some models include recoil reducing systems
>reduces the overall profile of the weapon without sacrificing barrel length
>some models can Include Mounted Side Saddle for slugs or other ammunition
>Makes one handed operation easier (from shoulder)
>because of the way recoil is pushed backwards It naturally reduces recoil to a degree

Cons:
>Most unless counter balanced with slugs or other ammo throw off the balance of the weapon
>Most feel flimsy and cheap
>with side saddle mounted does not co-operate with ambidextrous shooting
>In most cases end up being left in the smallest length of pull and in emergencies not fitted to the operator
>Cannot be used as a bludgeoned.

 Cruiser/Pistol grip only (PGO):
Pros:
>Very Slim Profile
>Lightest variant of pump shotguns
>can be operated one handed
>can be thrown in shotgun scabbard and forgotten about
>best used in blowing door hinges or locks off
>Easier to conceal from other survivors

Cons:
>without serious modification It is not useful beyond 5m
>if you are by yourself It becomes extra weight to carry
>trying to use the sights on these guns tends to cause people to be hit in the face from the recoil of the shotgun. (Totally guilty)
>lacks real use unless you are in some sort of team with vehicles and support

So from this we can see that Stock Choice is EVERYTHING!! It can make the difference between an effective weapon system and dead weight. Currently The Author sees the Most benefit from a Solid Stock Shotgun. Having used all three of these common variants I would love the fact that the weapon can be used as a club in the event of a jam/failure. They happen and its better to be prepared. Granted some of my favorite pump gun shooting has been with a tactical stock It does not offer enough benefits to me to want to make it my main system. As I stated the PGO option on a shotgun just gets you smacked in the face under Aimed fire. Aside from actually being able to break barriers and doors I think that it is a waste of weight in a pack unless like I said you have vehicle support and you are limiting confrontations with it to 5m. I will be building a pump shotty with a folding stock soon to see test out the differences. As Im seeing it right now the Cruiser/PGO is better for Police breaching doors, thats about its entire niche.

This Is part 1 of the Ultimate Zombie shotgun talk. look out for part 2 we will be talking ammo and suggested engagement range.