This article challenges the traditional belief that shotguns are the superior choice for home defense, arguing that this preference is based more on folklore than scientific reality. The author examines how acute stress negatively impacts a person's motor skills and perception, making the heavy recoil and manual operation of a pump-action shotgun difficult to manage. In contrast, the handgun is presented as a more practical option due to its compact size, lighter weight, and ease of use within the tight confines of a residence. Furthermore, the text debunks common myths regarding shotgun spread and sound levels, emphasizing that these weapons actually require significant training and physical strength. Ultimately, the source concludes that while powerful, the shotgun is a specialist tool that may impose too many cognitive and physical burdens on the average homeowner.
https://valortec.com/shotgun-vs-handgun-home-defense-scientific-analysis/