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What’s Difference Between Shotguns vs Rifles and Who Should Use Which?

To someone new to hunting or firearms, it can be a difficult to decision to choose between a shotgun and a rifle.

In this article, we will go over the pros and cons of each, and make recommendations for when each one is better.

Before starting, we will go over some shotgun and rifle basics.

What Are Shotguns?

Shotguns are firearms that shoot shells rather than the traditional cartridge.

Shells are loaded into the shotgun, and are either automatically or manually (pump style) cycled through after shooting the shotgun.

Shotguns traditionally fire “shot,” which is a higher quantity of smaller projectiles, but can also fire a slug. Slugs are one larger projectile, and essentially make the shotgun a basic rifle.

The Pros and Cons of Shotguns

The pros of a shotgun are the versatility, legality, and slug size.

Shotguns are some of the most versatile weapons. With very few changes, you can hunt birds and big game with the exact same weapon.

weapon used has a significant impact on the range

By changing the shell used, you are able to do many different types of hunting with a shotgun.

In some places, you are not able to hunt with a rifle. In this situation, a shotgun shooting a slug is an excellent choice to be able to hunt.

Similarly, a slug that is shot from a shotgun is generally much larger and heavier than traditional rifle projectile.

As a result, a shotgun shooting slugs is much deadlier.

The cons of a shotgun are the accuracy and the range.

When a shotgun is used to shoot slugs, it is not nearly as accurate as a high quality rifle.

While scopes can be mounted on a shotgun, the accuracy is still limited.

There are shotguns available specifically for slugs with a rifled barrel, but this limits the shotgun to only shooting slugs.

Similarly, the range is limited to 75-100 yards, while high quality rifles can easily shoot out to 300+ yards.

What Are Rifles?

While there are countless different types of rifles, they all function basically the same.

Rifles fire a traditional cartridge, which has a projectile located above a propellant filled casing. Rifles fire this projectile downrange at extremely high rates of speed. There are many different cartridge sizes available.

The Pros and Cons of the Rifle

The pros of a rifle are the range, accuracy, and the available options.

Sightmark Ultra Shot Reflex Sight-2

As previously mentioned, many modern rifles can accurately shoot out to 300+ yards.

When paired with modern optics, shooting to 300 yards is not even a stretch for the experienced marksman.

Due to the rifling in the barrel, rifle projectiles are able to travel much further and much more accurately.

With modern rifles, there are many options available. There are seemingly endless cartridge sizes and ammunition types.

Choosing the exact cartridge size you would like to shoot and pairing it with a hand chosen ammunition will help to ensure your exact needs are met.

However, even with the multiple cartridge and ammunition possibilities, rifles are still extremely limited compared to shotguns.

If you are having an ar15, you should choose the best optic for your AR-15.

The cons of a rifle are its limited uses and potential legality issues.

Despite the fact that there are so many cartridges available, once you select your rifle, that specific cartridge is all that the weapon will be able to shoot.

With a shotgun, you can shoot multiple different loads of shot as well as slugs.

The other con, as previously mentioned, is that in some areas it is not legal to hunt with a rifle.

Why would a hunter choose to use a shotgun with slugs instead of a rifle?

First, there are some places where it’s illegal to hunt with a rifle.

In areas like this, hunting with a slug gun is absolutely necessary. However, there are other reasons to use a shotgun slug instead of a rifle as well.

If you hunt in an area with a lot of brush, a slug will travel through brush much better than a rifle bullet. Similarly, due to the stopping power, if you’re shooting within 100 yards, a shotgun is a better choice.

Shotgun Slug vs Rifle Bullet

Shotgun slugs and rifle bullets are similar in some regards, but different in others.

On one hand, they are both largely used for hunting deer and other larger animals. However, there are some key differences. Right off the bat, the biggest difference is the size.

Shotgun slugs commonly weigh about an ounce (437.5 grains), while rifle bullets are usually closer to 150 grains, dependent on the size.

Slugs are also significantly wider, at .69 inches in diameter, compared to rifle bullets which are commonly half that diameter or less.

As you can imagine, the significantly increased size and weight of the slug can be extremely devastating. A well placed shot with a slug will stop a deer dead in its tracks.

Recommendations

If you are planning on doing nothing but hunting for larger animals, such as deer, elk, and hogs, I would recommend getting a fine tuned modern rifle
If you know for a fact that you will be taking similar shots over and over again, a rifle is going to be your best bet, as long as it is legal in your area.
If you live in a flat area, where you will likely be taking long distance shots, you absolutely need a rifle.
If you plan on doing multiple types of hunting, but don’t mind buying multiple weapons, I would still recommend a rifle due to the increased accuracy and range.
However, if you plan on doing multiple types of hunting, but only want one firearm, a shotgun is the way to go. Choosing different loads will allow you to do many different types of hunting with this one versatile weapon.
If you plan on only hunting for birds, a shotgun is definitely your best bet.
If you live or hunt in a heavily wooded area, I would recommend a shotgun. As a result of the terrain, it is unlikely that you are going to take any shots at long distance. The added size and weight of a shotgun slug will be deadlier, but will also cut through foliage better.
If it’s illegal to hunt with rifles where you’re from, a shotgun is your best bet. If you’re looking for a home defense weapon, a shotgun will function admirably.

Conclusion

As you can see, both rifles and shotguns serve specific purposes.

While there are definitely circumstances where one is better than the other, they are both very useful weapons.

Shotguns are some of the most versatile firearms out there, and modern rifles have come a long way in terms of effective range and accuracy.

All said, decide what you need your firearm to do, and decide from there whether a shotgun or a rifle better suits your needs.

Which is Better Between Striker Fired vs Hammer Fired?

Despite the fact that a striker and a hammer serve the same purpose, they are actually a little bit different.

Striker Fired vs Hammer Fired

Ever wondered when a striker fired weapon may be better than a hammer fired weapon?

In this article, we will go over the differences between the two and a comparison about when each firing mechanism is better to have.

For starters, striker fired and hammer fired refer to how the firearm actually fires a bullet.

What's Hammer Fired Weapon?

A hammer fired weapon, as the name may imply, has a hammer.

A perfect example is a revolver and any 1911 semiautomatic pistol.

When you rack the slide of a hammer fired weapon, it cocks the hammer back.

When you pull the trigger, the hammer will fall, which strikes the firing pin. The firing pin then springs forward and punches the primer of the cartridge, which then initiates the propellant that sends the bullet down range.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that not all hammer fired weapons have external hammers. There are some weapons that have internal hammers that you will not be able to see.

What about Striker Fired Weapon?

Striker fired weapons are fired by an internal striker.

Think about any Glock firearm. These all work with an internal striker.

When you rack the slide of a striker fired weapon, the internal striker is cocked. When you pull the trigger, that internal striker is what rides forward to punch the primer. Most striker fired weapons can only be decocked by pulling the trigger.

What's the different between Striker Fired and Hammer Fired? Which's better?

One common thing that you hear is that hammer fired weapons are safer.

Skilled Amateur Stiker Fired and Hammer Fired Source: http://www.awwba.com

People say that because of the fact that you are able to decock the hammer, you are unlikely to accidentally discharge the weapon. Once you rack the slide and a round is chambered, you are able to decock the hammer, if you are not ready to shoot yet.

In a striker fired weapon or a weapon with an internal hammer, you are NOT able to decock the hammer or striker.

Usually, the only way to decock the hammer is to fire the weapon, although you can obviously pull the slide back and take the round of the chamber.

My opinion is that both firearms are definitely safe in the right hands, but the external hammer does add an additional degree of safety.

Another reason that I think hammer fired weapons with an external hammer are slightly safer, is that you can actually see the position of the hammer, so you will know exactly what position the firearm is in.

When to Use Each

In my opinion, hammer fired weapons with an external hammer are excellent for new shooters.

Being able to physically see the position of the hammer, and what pulling the trigger does to the hammer is a tremendous advantage to someone new to firearms. However, this is just my personal opinion. Safe handling of any firearm will make it easy for a new shooter to learn and shoot.

Striker fired weapons are more commonly used as concealed carry weapons.

The reason for this is that the striker fired weapons don’t have a hammer that can catch on the user’s holster or pocket. Since everything is internal, it makes for a sleeker weapon with no snags or catches.

For home defense purposes, I also prefer striker fired weapons. The reason for this is that I like the point and shoot use. In a high stress situation, there is nothing to worry about other than aiming and pulling the trigger.

For hunting and general shooting purposes, either type of weapon will work, and I don’t really have a preference. The important thing is to ensure that you are using the weapon safely, and are familiar with how it functions.

Related: Best shooting sticks for hunting are great accessories for hunters. Fine out it one is right for you.

Conclusion

Overall, both striker fired and hammer fired weapons systems are excellent options.

The primary difference is how the firearms is actually fired. In a striker fired weapon, an internal striker is cocked back and fired when you pull the trigger. In a hammer fired weapon, there is a physical hammer that does the same.

While both weapons have their pros and cons, they are both excellent choices.

Striker fired weapons generally are better in defense situations, but hammer fired weapons will also perform admirably.

New shooters may learn better from hammer fired weapons, and some old school shooters will prefer hammer fired weapons.

It comes down to personal preference, and whatever you can comfortably and safely use.

What’s Better Between Single Action vs Double Action? (Pros and Cons)

Feeling confused about the difference between single action and double action?

By the end of this article, I will teach you the primary differences between the two, tell you the pros and cons of each, and say in what situation I prefer each.

To understand the difference between single action and double action, you must first understand exactly how a handgun works.

When you pull the slide of the handgun back, it allows for the magazine spring to push a bullet into the chamber. It also cocks the hammer of the firearm back.

Then, when you pull the trigger of the gun, it causes the hammer to snap forward, which pushes the firing pin inside the gun into the primer of the bullet cartridge.

When the firing pin strikes the primer, it ignites the propellant that will send the bullet flying down the barrel at a high rate of speed.

Make sense?

What the Hell Single Action vs Double Action is?

What is Single Action?

Single action is the exact chain of events that was previously described.

what is the single action gun (1911 Pistol)

When you pull the handgun slide back, the hammer is cocked and locked back.

When you pull the trigger of the gun, it drops the hammer, and the bullet is fired.

Many revolvers are single action, meaning you have to cock the hammer each time you shoot it.

What is Double Action?

In some semiautomatic pistols with an exposed hammer, you are able to decock the hammer.

What is double action weapon thespecialistsltd

In essence, you are able to ride the hammer forward slowly with your finger, without firing a bullet.

Similarly, some revolvers do not have an exposed hammer, and are double action each time you shoot it.

When you pull the trigger of a double action weapon, it serves two purposes. First, the trigger pull will cock the hammer. Second, the trigger pull will also drop the hammer.

As a result, double action weapons have a very long trigger pull.

Comparison between Single Action vs Double Action

Both single and double action weapons have their pros and cons.

So what is pros and cons of Single Action weapon?

The biggest pro of a single action weapon is the shorter trigger pull. A shorter trigger pull will feel more natural to someone who is new to shooting. In my opinion, it is also a smoother shot, and you will be able to shoot more accurately.

The biggest con of a single action revolver is that you have to cock the hammer between each shot. This will increase the amount of time it takes between shots. However, in a single action semiautomatic pistol, you only have to cock the hammer one time.

Pros and cons of Double Action

The double action weapon are increased safety and faster shots in revolvers. Some people will argue that double action weapons are safer, as a result of the longer trigger pull. Because the trigger pull is longer, it is therefore more unlikely that you will inadvertently shoot the weapon.
Double action revolvers will shoot faster than single action revolvers, as you don’t have to cock the hammer each time. However, double action semiautomatic pistols will shoot at the same rate as single action semiautomatic pistols.

The con of a double action weapon is the long trigger pull. With some experience, it is easy to get used to, but at first, the long trigger pull will feel uncomfortable to most people.
In striker fired double action semiautomatic pistols, such as a Glock, you will not feel this long pull. However, in hammer fired semiautomatic pistols, the long trigger pull is easily felt.

When Each Type is Best

In semiautomatic pistols, the difference between single action and double action is almost negligible.

Once you pull the slide back, it will usually cock the hammer. Then, it’s just a matter of whether you decock the hammer or not. At that point, the two weapons are extremely similar, in that all you have to do is pull the trigger. For that reason, I think the two can be used interchangeably.

Both single action and double action semiautomatic pistols can be used for hunting, casual shooting, and self-defense.

However, the difference becomes magnified when using a revolver.

In my opinion, single action revolvers are BETTER for hunting, and double action revolvers are better for self-defense.

For general shooting, either will work, but I would recommend single action. I prefer double action revolvers for self-defense since you don’t have to worry about cocking the hammer each time you shoot.

I prefer single action for general shooting, because it requires you to pay better attention. Since you have to cock the hammer each time, you are unlikely to make any careless mistakes.

Conclusion

Overall, the biggest difference between single action and double action weapons is what the trigger does when you pull it.

When you pull the trigger of a single action weapon, it simply drops the hammer. In a double action weapon, pulling the trigger both cocks and drops the hammer.

Both are effective mechanisms, and each of them have their pros and cons.

What is the Difference Between Semi Automatic vs Automatic Rifles?

Are you confused by the difference between semi automatic vs automatic guns? What separates a semi-automatic gun from a fully automatic machine gun?

Both of them reload automatically, hence the ‘auto’ label.

The main difference between a semi-automatic and a fully automatic machine gun is that on a semi-automatic, the user must pull the trigger each time he or she wishes the gun to fire.

But let’s dive a little deeper into the two types of weapons and uncover other similarities and differences, as well as uses for both semi-auto vs full-auto guns.

Semi Automatic vs Automatic: Breaking It down

What it all comes down to is the ‘action’ on the gun. This refers to the operation of how a gun fires a bullet, ejects the cartridge, and reloads the next round.

Both of these types of guns handle the reloading part in an automated fashion. But the firing is where the difference is.

By definition, a machine gun refers to the fully automated version, which will continue to fire bullets until empty. Therefore, a semi-auto cannot technically be labeled as a machine gun.

On a semi-auto, once you pull the trigger to fire a bullet, the expelled gas from the round’s cartridge will eject the bullet casing automatically. Following this, a new round from either an internal or external ammunition magazine will be loaded into the firing chamber
For full-autos, this same practice happens. However, a full cycle is completed by pulling the trigger only one time. The first bullet is fired, spent casing ejected by the expelled gas, and a new round is dropped into the firing chamber. If the user continues to hold the trigger, the process will repeat itself indefinitely until the internal or external magazine is out of bullets
Think about some of the action and military movies you’ve watched in your life. It is pretty easy to tell when a full-auto gun is being used because of the rapid fire of the weapon with minimal effort from the shooter. Bullets are sprayed thoroughly, even as the shooter adjusts the aim of the weapon or of his/her personal stance. Semi-autos have a slower firing rate, noticeable by watching the pull finger on the shooter

Here is a great video on the differences between semi-auto and full-auto.

Semi Automatic vs Automatic: When Both Are Commonly Used

In the United States, full-auto weapons are typically only available to the military and law enforcement agencies.

The typical armed citizen cannot walk into a gun store and buy a full-auto machine gun.

The process of obtaining one requires extensive permitting and background checks, typically in line with the needs of the police or military.

Individual citizens can attempt to obtain the permitting necessary to purchase a fully automatic weapon, but there is certainly no guarantee of success. Semi-automatic guns can be purchased by citizens who pass the background check and process for obtaining one, and cooperate with any waiting periods or restrictions in the area where they live and are purchasing the gun.

This video explains how a semi-automatic gun works.

Semi Automatic vs Automatic: Types of Guns

Commonly, semi-automatic guns are shotguns, pistols, and rifles.

These types of guns work well with the automated reload and have a trigger conducive to quick pull and fire. Some will be recoil operated.

This refers to guns that have a locked breach, and are auto-loading. The automatic loading cycle is powered by the recoil.

The force of the shot recoils, emptying the chamber of the used casing and allowing the new bullet to load.

Others are powered by gas instead of recoil. The gas yoked from the fired round drives a piston into the weapon’s barrel. This pushes out the used shell, making room for the new one, which is automatically loaded from either the internal or external magazine by pressure.

No matter which type of power a shooter has in their semi-auto gun, no cocking or additional effort is needed to load the new round.

Here is a video on how a full-auto AK works.

Semi-auto vs full-auto: The debate between the two

There has been much conversation back and forth about whether machine guns, fully automatic, have a viable role in society. If so, what is that role?

Outside of law enforcement and military, there isn’t much of an argument that can succeed at a legal level, at least not right now. But gun hobbyists and fanatics don’t need to get all up in a tiff about it. Semi-automatic guns are honestly pretty impressive these days.

What’s wrong with a little trigger finger exercise? As fast as you can pull, you can shoot round after round until the magazine is empty.

Plus, unless you’re in California or another spot that outlaws them, gun owners can employ a multi-burst trigger activator to make the shooting process even faster.

With these handy gadgets, recoil is a breeze and shooters notice a significant improvement in shooting speed without much effect on their accuracy – provided they’ve got the shoulder for increased pressure.

Plus, the skill of mastering a semi-auto is something that’s definitely worth bragging about if you can back it up at the range. Trigger masters command a great deal of respect in gun circles.

Many of today’s finest shooters use semi-automatic weapons with the speed and finesse of a machine gun – to the point that it takes a keen eye to tell the difference.

Conclusion

Semi automatic vs automatic rifles will remain an ongoing conversation in gun circles.

Hopefully, this article has given you a better understanding of the difference between the two, and of their important place in society. If you’ve enjoyed this article, please share across your social media channels.

Remember that next time someone at the range starts rambling about machine guns, they are probably full of it. You now can correct them on the fact that a semi-auto is not technically a machine gun. The more knowledge in the gun community, the better.

I’d love to get some fresh takes on people’s favorite semi-autos as well as machine guns, so feel free to drop a comment below with what you’re shooting. Also note what you hope to be shooting next time you get a nice bonus at work.