Levant
Platinum Member
I have never regretted the decision made 20 years ago to buy a 12-gauge and especially not the extra $20 the gunsmith charged to shorten the barrel to 1/8 inch longer than the legal minimum. Very handy as a bear gun when hiking and easy handling in confined quarters. Fortunately I have never had to use it but fire it several times each Springtime and then clean it. Typical loading is 1 rock sale, 1 lead shot (not too easy to buy these days - it's not "eco-friendly) , 1 rifled slug then to capacity with sabot rounds. I love those sabot rounds! Their short-range stopping power can't be beaten.
You need to rethink your loading. 00 buckshot from chamber to end of the tube. Your goal should not be to try to hurt an attacker. You should never shoot to hurt an attacker. You're shooting because your life is in danger. You need to stop the attack. You may not get a second shot and then what?
You never fire your gun if you're not willing to see your target dead. And you shouldn't be willing to see them dead unless it's you or them. And when it's you or them, salt is not your answer.