Should you rack a shotgun for home defense?

[Raggedyman]

Does it work?



Link for phones that literally don't even.

(NSFW: language)

[The_Shadow]

The Plastic furniture doesn't resonate the sound like that of the real wood!  But with my 870 WingMaster with the 30" real full about 9" long, I could just poke the perp in the eye!  Or reach out and bean the bastard in the middle of his forehead and give him a third eye 

[Rlee276]

Bottom line in don't pull a gun on anyone !! Unless ur man enough ,have the balls, and plan on squeezing the trigger . Racking it to scare off an intruder is more times than not give away where u are and u killed .. Shoot first ask questions later when it comes to home invasions

[Centimeter]

Bottom line in don't pull a gun on anyone !! Unless ur man enough ,have the balls, and plan on squeezing the trigger . Racking it to scare off an intruder is more times than not give away where u are and u killed .. Shoot first ask questions later when it comes to home invasions

That seems a bit hyperbolic... Every situation is unique and often rapidly changing so, if anything, I'd advise against "racking" purely for the time savings in a time-is-life situation. But that doesn't preclude you from doing your best to not have to take a life. You should be shooting to save a life, never to take one. Don't end up as another Theodore Wafer because you don't want to "give away where u are."

[cwall64]

I have several LEO friends that have told me there is nothing like walking into a bar with a riot gun and racking it to calm down a crowd, it might not be proper procedure, but they claim it does have a significant impact...  It was several years back when we had those conversations, so things might have changed.

[Mr. AR50]

Each situation is different, based on the individual, and the circumstances involved. Speaking for myself, I'm not going to waste valuable time chambering a round in a confrontation with an intruder. He gave up any rights he may have had the moment he chose to make me and my family his victims. There is a 590-A1 within easy reach of my bed, with a full magazine, and a round in the chamber, not to mention my RIA 10mm, which is also my daily carry gun.

[sqlbullet]

Three 10's in the bedside safe, to be used to fight my way to the patrol rifle in the main safe.  If it is a big invasion, then the rest of the family will get their AR's or Garands as well.

[4949shooter]

I have several LEO friends that have told me there is nothing like walking into a bar with a riot gun and racking it to calm down a crowd, it might not be proper procedure, but they claim it does have a significant impact...  It was several years back when we had those conversations, so things might have changed.

Yes it doesn't have the same effect when you rack a semi auto.

[Raggedyman]

I have several LEO friends that have told me there is nothing like walking into a bar with a riot gun and racking it to calm down a crowd, it might not be proper procedure, but they claim it does have a significant impact...  It was several years back when we had those conversations, so things might have changed.

Those cops had at least a partner and backup close by. Rack a shotgun in your home and the response could be that the bad guy runs away or it could be that he panics and fired his own weapon blindly through your walls.

[dakota1911]

I have a cocked and locked 45 under my pillow so I would have to put one in the shotgun.  I guess if things get worse I will have to have one in its chamber also.

[pacapcop]

I agree with Raggedyman. For mere intimidation/warning purposes could cause further mishap on Shotty user. Of course, one will rack if need be to be on the ready if threat is imminent or break in is occuring regardless.

[10mmfan]

I found a shotgun to be awkward within my house so I have the witness p carry in the bedroom (my wife likes it) and whatever my carry gun is will be nearby. I might add no racking necessary with those.

[Pinsnscrews]

Just under 30 years ago, when I was not of legal age to own a handgun, an unsavory person was attempti to jimmy the lock on my apartment. I had taken the evening off as I normally worked RIP shift at the time. My girlfriend had my truck as her car was in the shop. This fumbling unsavory person made enough noise to wake me. I waited until I was next to the door, then racked the slide on my Mossberg. Said person fell down the stairs in his haste to flee.

Today however, I would not tempt the same action. As has been pointed out, it might draw immediate fire.

[Ramjet]

I cannot rack the slide on my Maverick Dbl barreled home defense shotgun.......

[bandit3]

If I rack mine I'd just be throwing a live round out. The only warning sound from mine will be the "click" of the safety.