When people think about firearms today, the conversation usually goes straight to:
- AR-15s
- Precision rifles
- Concealed carry pistols
But in this episode of Beyond the Target, Rob and Jeromy ask a surprisingly important question:
👉 Have shotguns become underrated?
Because the more they talked about it…
👉 The harder it became to argue against the versatility of a shotgun.
🎥 Watch / Listen to the Full Podcast
🔥 Key Takeaways
- Shotguns may be the most versatile firearm platform ever created
- One shotgun can handle:
- Home defense
- Hunting
- Sport shooting
- Beginner training
- Different shell loads completely change recoil and performance
- Pump shotguns remain one of the most reliable firearm systems ever made
- Clay shooting is still one of the most fun ways to shoot
What Can’t a Shotgun Do?
This was the core question of the podcast.
And honestly?
Rob and Jeromy struggled to answer it.
As Jeromy puts it:
“What can a shotgun not do?”
Because realistically:
- Bird hunting
- Home defense
- Clay shooting
- Self-defense
- Big game with slugs
- Competition shooting
👉 A shotgun can handle almost all of it.
The only real limitation?
Extreme long-range shooting.
Why Shotguns Are So Versatile
One of the biggest themes throughout the episode:
👉 Ammo changes everything.
With rifles:
- Caliber determines a lot
With shotguns:
- The same gun can completely change behavior depending on the shell
For example:
- Light birdshot for beginners
- Heavy goose loads
- Buckshot
- Slugs
- Magnum loads
All from the same shotgun.
That’s wild.
Beginner Friendly? Surprisingly Yes.
This was one of the most interesting discussions.
Rob explains that he’s introduced more new shooters to firearms using shotguns than almost anything else.
Why?
Because:
- Point-and-shoot shooting style
- Forgiving spread pattern
- Adjustable recoil through shell selection
- Immediate feedback
And honestly…
👉 It makes learning FUN.
The “Point and Shoot” Advantage
Unlike precision rifle shooting:
👉 Shotguns are reactive.
You’re:
- Tracking movement
- Swinging through targets
- Reacting instinctively
Especially for:
- Clay pigeons
- Birds
- Moving targets
And that’s why so many shooters describe shotguns as:
- Addicting
- Fast-paced
- Extremely satisfying
Shotguns vs Pistols for Home Defense
This became one of the biggest debates of the episode.
Advantages of a Shotgun:
- Massive stopping power
- Easier aiming under stress
- Intimidation factor
- Spread pattern forgiveness
As Rob jokes:
“You hear that 870 rack…”
…and most people rethink their decisions pretty quickly.
But Pistols Still Win in Some Areas
Jeromy brings up some very fair counterpoints:
Pistols are:
- Easier to maneuver
- Easier to conceal
- Easier one-handed
- Better for tight hallways and corners
And honestly?
That’s hard to argue against.
Shotguns vs Rifles for Home Defense
This was another fascinating topic.
Rob argues that:
- Rifle rounds can penetrate walls aggressively
- High velocity can become dangerous indoors
Whereas a shotgun:
- Delivers devastating close-range force
- Typically loses energy faster after impact
But at the same time:
👉 Shotguns are LONG.
And maneuverability becomes a serious factor.
Hunting: Where Shotguns Shine
This is where Jeromy really gets into detail.
Common shotgun hunting uses:
- Ducks
- Geese
- Pheasants
- Doves
- Turkeys
- Rabbits
- Squirrels
And even:
- Big game with slugs (in some states)
The biggest advantage?
👉 Moving targets become dramatically easier.
Turkey Loads Are INSANE
One of the funniest stories in the episode:
Jeromy explains getting knocked backward while shooting a turkey load uphill.
And honestly…
If you’ve ever shot:
- 3-inch magnums
- Heavy turkey loads
- Goose loads
👉 You already know exactly what he means.
Why Clay Shooting Is So Addicting
This was probably the most relatable part of the entire podcast.
Clay shooting combines:
- Moving targets
- Instant feedback
- Fast shooting
- Friendly competition
And unlike long-range precision shooting:
👉 You know immediately if you hit.
That instant gratification matters.
The Remington 870 Discussion
Throughout the episode, Rob and Jeromy repeatedly bring up the legendary:
👉 Remington 870
Why?
Because it’s one of the most iconic pump shotguns ever made.
According to Jeromy:
- His shotgun is decades old
- Still works perfectly
- Barely differs from modern versions today
That’s a pretty incredible reputation.
Pump Shotguns Haven’t Changed Much… And That’s a Good Thing
One major point:
👉 Pump shotguns are already incredibly simple and reliable.
There’s just not much to reinvent.
As Rob explains:
- Steel internals
- Simple mechanics
- Manual cycling
- Extremely dependable
Which is why designs like:
- Remington 870
- Mossberg 500
Have remained dominant for decades.
Semi-Auto Shotguns ARE Evolving
Where the evolution is happening:
👉 Semi-autos.
Manufacturers continue improving:
- Recoil systems
- Reliability
- Ergonomics
- Cycling performance
Especially for:
- Competition shooting
- Tactical use
- Faster follow-up shots
The Panzer M4 / Benelli M4 Conversation
Another interesting section:
Rob and Jeromy discuss the Panzer M4, a Turkish-made clone of the legendary Benelli M4.
And according to them:
- The platform works extremely well
- Shorter barrel improves mobility
- Great all-around shotgun setup
Especially for:
- Home defense
- Sporting use
- General shooting fun
Why Shotguns Are Just FUN
This might have been the biggest conclusion of the episode.
Shotguns are:
- Loud
- Reactive
- Simple
- Exciting
You can:
- Shoot clay pigeons
- Blow up targets
- Shoot moving objects
- Compete with friends
And it’s hard not to smile while doing it.
As Rob says:
“There’s not much that brings more joy than that.”
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Final Thoughts: Maybe We’ve Been Ignoring Shotguns Too Much
After this conversation…
It’s hard not to realize something:
👉 Shotguns might actually be one of the most complete firearm platforms ever made.
They’re:
- Reliable
- Adaptable
- Beginner friendly
- Effective
- Incredibly fun
And honestly?
Rob and Jeromy might be right.
👉 Maybe shotguns really are underused.