THIS IS THE LINK TO PAUL'S NEW PATREON ACCOUNT. www.patreon.com/user?u=5769301 In this video Paul gives his opinion of the .410 shotgun for home defense compared to a 12 gage shotgun.
Good video; I last fired a .410 years ago. It was a single-shot pistol. I spotted it in a Tombstone, Arizona gun shop; I never knew such guns even existed. The gun cost less than $40, so I bought it out of curiosity. A friend and I put a few rounds through it. But I got to thinking; "Should I trust a $40 gun, loaded with .410 ammo, not to explode in my face?" Anyway, I tossed it into a trash container. Probably should have destroyed it before junking it.
@@gordonweigle8916 We had one of those when I was a kid. I don't know where my dad got it from and have no idea what happened to it, but I do know that we were all too afraid to fire it.
Yes he has that presentation. Like a video on driving instruction. What’s amazing is he’s not reading anything and most of his takes are one long take.
Theres a video of this guy shooting a place up with a shotgun and he blasted a girl from like 5 feet away but she was mostly okay because it was birdshot
@@einhundertfunfzig4919 th-cam.com/video/kc9ZeHIGphk/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=CBSN Unfortunately the shooter did kill someone else so birdshot can obviously be lethal
Don't know how true this is, one guy said he was shot in the back with bird shot from a 12 Gage sawed off to 4 in. Did not break his skin at about 60 feet. He was running for his life at the time.
I’m a 73 yr. old Nam vet. I preferred the 410 for home defense because at my age a 12 gauge is just too big and unwieldy for my purposes. Also the low recoil of a 410 is easier on my arthritic wrists and I use the Winchester defender rounds in it with four discs and sixteen BB’s. And if those don’t take the target out in an average sized room nothing will. Great video by the way and thanks for the info.
I've actually repacked 410 shells with small aluminium disks.6 in each they make a great noise and spread out quickly.In a living room they'd cover the whole room would certainly disable multiple targets without necessarily being lethal.I packed a 12 gauge with 5 cent coins and fired it over one of my dams.Had a kick like I image a 50 cal might be and hurt my shoulder a lot made a weird whizzing sound and spread out about 30m withing about 5 metres.If you fired it in a lounge room it would take out the whole front of the house not a practical thing but I was just playing with it
My grandmother loved the 410 shotgun. An intruder was cutting her screen in Maryland...she pumped it..and said come on in...cant kill you until you enter.
@David Vance Thanks...she liked the 410...very little kick...but effective. My Grandfather would hunt rabbits...and bring them home...my grandmother would do the rest...5 kids to feed.
Me neither bro but that dosent matter 12 gauge is stil more effecctive than 410 if you can handle 12 you should use 12 , i wouldnt want to be shot with 22LR but that dosent mean i will use it for defense
I have seen what #6 Birdshot out of a .410 Bore does to the human liver at a range of 15". Ineffective isn't how I would describe it. 112 - 155 pellets still do a lot of damage (Don't remember if it was 1/2 oz or high brass 11/16 oz) if they haven't had time to spread out. Intruder really shouldn't have tried to take that. 410 Single Shot away from that disabled man.
Even at 12 years old I realized a 410-22 was one of the perfect rifles to have in your possession. It works for defense, small game hunting and a true breeze for maintenance and upkeep
Paul I'm Australian, I sit having coffee in the morning with a Vietnam Vet who served in the Australian Army. He always explained to me the most wanted gun by the Australian army was the US Army shotguns as they were not issued to Oz troops. Shotguns were often the best way to sweep shoot at a target in the jungle you couldn't see. And I see in this video the groupings of shot are pretty tight. Sometimes a spread is really useful, when aiming is difficult and the target isn't clear. If in the end you can only have one gun as a defensive home weapon the shotgun has to be the best choice. Unfortunately where I live we can't use guns as home defence.
TECHNICALLY you can! but its so many levels of bullshit that you'd probably die getting to it- last time i was told/bothered to check, you can have a gun, but it needs to be in a safe at all times, the ammo for it needs to be in a seperate safe in a different room, and on top of that, you're not allowed to own a gun if you have ANY criminal record (and ofc the liscence issues-) could be wrong though, im only a fresh adult haha
I killed a lot of rabbits with a .410 at a decent distance. A rabbit isn't all that much different than the size of your head. So if I can hit a rabbit running at 100 feet or more, I think I can hit a head at much less.
Every wienie ever who said .410 isn't deadly enough are the same ones who wax off to a Public Defender or a Judge, or carry 9mm. Really how far has our critical thinking skills fallen, that it's common to keep a handgun and treat it as sufficient but something literally dwarfing it in size moving nearly as fast just isn't deadly, wouldn't stop a threat effectively. That's literally what their argument is. Wtf is even that?
@@gunslngrxerotoo true. Not sure when it started to happen. Seems like people have become so desensitized by all the videos showing the comparisons of calibers in clear ballistic gel, so they automatically believe that something that has less power is inadequate, which couldn't be further from the truth. I've also noticed the same thing in the PC building field. A lot of people will completely write off older PC parts simply because there are newer parts that are better, so the old parts are "obsolete". Pretty crazy what "Keeping up with the Jones" will do to a society of sheep.
The intruder was taking his last breathe when he heard Paul say "Let's see how we did ....." and then shits because he knows his lung tissue is a bout to be checked for damage.
Paul in line at the grocery store with 6 watermelons, 12 packages of ribs and 20 bottles of soda. lol Everyone assumes he is having a Bbq. If they only knew. :)
Paul, I enjoy the education I receive from your videos, and I have a 410 story you will definitely enjoy! My dad gave me his J. C. Higgins (Sears and Roebuck) .410 when I was 10 years old. When my grandfather ordered it for my dad when he was 10 it came with an extra 4-inches on the barrel.....it was already a full choke. Later in my early adult life in the boondocks of South Carolina my best friend and I would seek out "turkey shoots" in the fall. We would leave my .410 in the car and walk up to the counter and pretending to be a couple of "Dumb and Dumber" types ask the guys what the heck they were doing! It would be explained that, NO, real turkeys were not shot, and, YES, you bought a target and whoever put the most shot in the target area won a Butterball turkey. There were house 12 gauges lined up to choose from if you did not bring a shotgun. I would look them over....and still acting the part.....say, "Hey! I have my own shotgun in my car! Can I use it?!" The answer being "YES" I would go and retrieve my .410 and place it on the counter for all to see. Guys would punch each other and chuckle about having "two live ones" there. After 12 or 15 guys popping targets the judges would gather the targets and throw out the obvious losers. Paul, I always came in second or first place. I would put the bead dead center of the target and then raise the barrel 3-inches and pull the trigger.......and fill the target area with shot. Sometimes these good ole boys would have to hold and look at the .410......other times the sense of humor was lacking and we were lucky to get out there with our hides intact less the Butterball turkey we had won. Hope you have enjoyed my .410 story! I'm looking forward to supporting you and watching your other videos! Good hunting.....and may you always find your mark!
I found one Paul Harrell video a couple days ago, binged a ton of them between then and now, and he has since replaced my own voice in my head when I read.
I know from personal experience that shotguns are great home defense. From the wrong end of the shotgun, Homeowner pulled it and I heard that fore-end slide back and I just lay on the ground before he could say get down. On side note he and I are friends now and I learned to be a better person.
Thank you, Mr. Harrell. I live in an apartment and a .410 seemed to be a good means of stopping an intruder without wounding my neighbors. Your meat target test results support that presumption.
Smartest comment I've seen here yet. Guess what? The best gun for home defense is the one that 1) you have in your hand 2) know how to use and 3) are _willing_ to fire at another human being. Personally, I have a 20-ga. Remington 870 loaded with 2 3/4 #1 buck. But if all I had was a .410, I'd be fine with it.
There is no better test I've seen online than the meat target, excluding actual animals people have shot and recorded the damage. Thank you for putting in the money, time and effort to do these tests. I highly appreciate it.
This is the most sensible, BS lacking, factual and informative gun channel I have found on YT. I really like how Paul ends every video open for the viewer to decide for themselves. This is the thinking mans gun channel. Thanks Paul. I wish you success and hope your channel continues to grow.
Yep. Along with Hickock45, one of the best on TH-cam. (Although FPSRussia can be informative and entertaining, taking a completely opposite approach.) Too bad the mainstream media don't pick Paul when they need someone to speak on behalf of gun owners. (And that is by design -- can't portray gun people as sensible, calm and rational, can they.)
@Timothy Simpson Most things that pokes holes where you dont want them to be (anywhere on your body) will do the job just fine if it comes to it. People went from: I want rhe biggest -> I want the smallest -> I want the lightest -> I want the fastest -> I want something thats effective -> I want the biggest again.
I'll be back on target with a .410 than a 12 3.5" #4 birdshot. Too be honest though, 2 oz of lead forming a swarm of at 1300 fps is probably sufficient.
@ I dont know a single 9 year old that would be able to properly do this in a realistic situation.
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@@Waldherz I don't either but kids ain't exactly built like they used to be. I knew several kids at my grade school who got passes out of school to go hunting with shotguns. I remember the way one kid in third grade said "shotgun". It was hilarious because you could tell whomever taught him how to say it was a transplant from the south. You might be right about kids these days, though.
Nittanyburg 20 if you have the anti recoil handle . I don’t even have a butt stock and was able to run 5 rounds of 3 inch slugs, barely. My wrist hurt for a day.
When my son was young, we felt pretty comfortable leaving him alone for awhile with his German Shepherd and his Rossi Circuit Judge loaded with 00 buck.
12 gauge is obviously the top dog but 410 has a place for extreme recoil sensitive people especially for an aging population. A 70 year old female could easily handle the 410
When my great grandmother was 74 she was a stone mason that carried statues on her back until her son forced her to retire from lifting them. She could probably shoot better than me too, I have her rifle still. Not arguing with you, I just miss her. She was a tough woman, made it to 102 and survived bowel surgery at 101 (to the delight of her doctors writing a case study).
Grandma had a great life and still has you to talk about how great she was to a bunch of strangers, (most of us have a smile thinking about her). But absolutely a small shotgun would work great for weak or infirm people. I was absolutely floored at the close range penetration of that pea shooter. I'd rather have a double gun myself with a full stock and before this video thought 20ga was the minimum. 80% of the power with 50% of the recoil. If I did my math right the .410 is still pushing some serious jam at around 40% of the power but 25% of the recoil of the mighty 12ga. Not for me though but I'm not volunteering to be shot to make a point.
My great aunt has a loaded .410 behind the first corner and is not afraid to use it. I believe she is pushing 95 and doesn't even weigh probably that much! She's still a kick in the pants and I wouldn't try rattling her door at night! I prefer the 12 00Buck, .357, .40, 9, .38 or whatever is handy! I'll use a .410 if that's what's at hand... come to think of it, I have a load of .22 Stingers in a real pinch! ;-) RUN WHAT YA BRUNG! REM7600
I knew a guy that set up a really weird looking pump action 410 that he loaded with fairly warm 45 LC for his aging, in poor health, mother. It wouldn't be my first or third or fourth choice, but she could actually manipulate it and fire it reasonably well, and with warm 45 colt loads I'm sure it'd hurt like hell to get shot with.
This video is outstanding. Ballistic gel is fun and all, but the meat test is something special. Very well rounded, direct, and highly informative. I really appreciate the work!
+phantomspaceman Google isn't on a "high horse". Advertisers have a right to indicate what content is acceptable to them. They are not required to pay for ads to be run on a gun channel. This is America where we are ALL free ... remember?
One of the things that I don't think gets enough mention, when discussing home defense rounds, is simple inertia. It's true that the smaller pellet sizes don't penetrate well (but that can actually be an advantage in home defense scenarios). But the mass exiting the barrel is still significant. If a decent number of the pellets hit the target, even if they don't do lethal penetration, the physics of that impact is pretty impressive compared to the commonly used handgun rounds. If you can put an attacker on his knees for 5 seconds, or his ass for 10, you have plenty of time to put another hole in him. Even with professionals, one shot kills are just not common. Even with extremely powerful rounds and a trained shooter, the odds just don't work like that. Any shot that physically stops the attacker, gains time for another shot, and that's the reality of it. I'd say the biggest argument against the .410 isn't its lack of power, but its lack of magazine capacity. Three shots isn't real confidence inspiring...
@@skipnelson858 if you just go on math, and assume that all of the shot hit and that the .45 doesn't pass through, that means that all of the kinetic energy has to be absorbed by the target. It doesn't speak to lethality, but to the amount of "shove" that the target receives from the impact. Based on that, most .410 loads have a lot more impact than a .45. But then, that's not surprising, considering the longer barrel and the fact that the round is designed to work out of the longer barrel. With the .45 there's a decent likelihood that the bullet will pass through, and thus the target will receive less of that push. But that's just math, and doesn't really represent the real world. In the real world, a pistol is often more accessible and easier to bring on target. People spend more time shooting pistols, and so those who practice, tend to be better with them. Then, there's the added magazine capacity, where even a .45 is likely to have more shots than a .410 shotgun. In the end, what you have is better than what you don't, and what you're good with is better than not being good. I like the idea of a "safe" indoor defense round. But I keep both a shotgun and a pistol in my home, because I don't expect either to be foolproof.
@@richardkenworthy9312 exactly. I keep frangibles in my pistol and #4 in the shotgun... and I practice. I'm not special forces, but I can hit my target reliably, and keep my guns cleaned and loaded, just like the rest of my tools.
I recently purchased the Mossberg 500 Tactical .410 for my wife’s home defense needs. It holds 5+1, 18.5 cylinder bore at 5.5 lbs. I’ve chosen to use the 2 1/2” 000 buck. She doesn’t have the time or desire to become proficient with a hand gun, or the complexities of an AR-15, but can easily learn to shoulder, aim, and fire the shotgun. The light recoil also allows her to easily control the weapon, especially for follow up shots.
LML My wife sounds just like yours. We have a Judge rifle that she loves. The 410 aspect is perfect for her and she doesn't have to rack it. It is extremely lightweight as well. I have come to love that darn thing but hate to admit it. I do run some .45 colt through it every now and then. It really is a heck of a fun gun.
LML Good for you (and her)! I would suggest you consider #4 buckshot rather than 000. More pellets and less chance of overpenetration. I wish Paul had shot the meat target with #4 buck from the .410.
I once got to shoot a 4 gauge, ... a neighbor had it, & me, & my buddy that lived next door, each got to shoot it once, ... talk about being punched? Wowed! Thought my arm was gonna fall off, it stayed black for a good 3 weeks, then turned several shades of an ugly yellow, & purplish blue for another 2 weeks, ... a .410 is great to have for punching a hole through a car door, from 20’ away, but the car door we shot with the 4 gauge, was all but in pieces, ...
Sir Dick Little us gun owners are supposed to look out for each other. Why call dennis a pussy when a 410 with buckshot is fine for home defense. I own several guns and even though my wife shoots my 12 gauge we both chose to keep our 410 pump loaded with 3 rounds of buckshot because she is comfortable with that gun in our home for self defense. I have no doubt that if needed that setup will protect someone just fine Have a good day. 🇺🇸
@@goodbyemr.anderson5065 I think he means a 4 bore rifle. It's the gun Teddy Roosevelt and other big game hunters used on Safari hunts to take down big/dangerous game like elephants or lions. I've heard they have the potential to dislocate your arm if not shouldered properly, but I think that's a myth. They can definitely put you on your butt if you're not prepared though.
I tried the Paul Harrell meat tenderizer on some pork steaks. It was truly dramatic, and downright fun. My wife is still PO'd over the noise and the brunt powder smell in the kitchen.
well the point of the meat test (i think) is to evaluate the damage to the lung tissue and because the pellets just pass though with little expansion or hydro-static shock they don't do as much damage to the watermelon as some expanding rounds or defensive ammunition he's tested.
@@TheSulross Well i guess if some criminal is breaking in to a person's house, that is the chance they take. You sound like these bleeding hearts that always care less about the victim while worrying about the THUG.
@@TheSulross So you are worried about the thug breaking in to a person's house are you? Typical of people like you that are more concerned about the criminal than the victims they assault or MURDER.
Thanks again for videos Paul . Never boring and always informitive. Been watching you along time now and hope you can keep it up and keep them coming . Be safe and good shooting from Manitoba Canada .
I'm only an amateur with guns, even though I served 4 years in the Marines, grew up hunting, and enjoy firearms today. But I am an ER nurse now and thinking about the separate injuries that the bird shot would cause are actually pretty devastating. Significant flesh wound, broken ribs, pneumothorax, any foreign body that penetrates the lung or heart (especially at such velocity) tissue damage to the heart and lungs. Any of these can be rather debilitating if not immediately fatal by themselves, much less all at once. Birdshot at close range is very capable, even out of a 410. It's what I keep in my 12ga for home defense, partly due to Mr Harrells other excellent videos on shotguns and different loads against sheetrock and how much each penetrate. Very informative stuff! Thank you sir for taking the time and effort to make such good quality videos
I've noticed overall that the comments on Mr. Harrell's videos are generally kind and full of appreciation and respect. That is how the majority of gun owners and 2A buffs are, and it's nice to see that, especially since Paul works so hard to make these videos. And it helps with our image to the gun grabbers and on-the-fence liberals when people keep it mature. Thanks for another great video, you have just given me an excuse to my wife to pick up another shotgun!! 😂😂
I was just listening to a Ted Nugent Podcast today and while he's still nuts, he has calmed down and started talking like Paul. I secretly wonder if Paul is wearing a deer skin loin cloth and has a long bow hidden under that table, or he's been giving Ted some elocution lessons. Joking aside crazy Ted mentioned that we don't need training to use a fire extinguisher or to throw a life ring to a drowning person. I used to think differently but guys like Paul have brought me around just a bit and being reasonable and well spoken has done that. (BTW I am a gun owner and I'm also an elitist hypocrite; sorry I'm getting better).
No one will ever believe how hard it is to make a good video like Paul does unless they try it themselves I'm trying my hardest to get better at it on my channel but that will take some years to get it down real good like Paul does them
It was a bit of a reach, Google shows images of suburban back yards in the search for "yard". So madman reckons someone 7 "yards" away is trying to make a ~700 foot shot. Good thing it's not at 7 meters, he'd be dead for sure! www.leacountyelectric.coop/sites/lcecnet/files/inline-images/smart-meter.jpg
if you had to pick one would you rather it be a .410 or a 12 gauge? I wouldn't want to have to but I'd pick the .410 you may have a slight chance. with the 12 gauge chances would probably be better winning the powerball.
I can tell you, having owned, hunted and shot various shotguns for 20 plus years, after getting hurt a few years back and having several surgeries on one arm and my neck and back, I can't take 12 gauge ammo like I used to. I could at one time shoot a 12 gauge all day long with game loads and go through 20-25 rounds of buckshot. I've killed several deer with shotgun slugs, but now, it hurts too much, mostly in my neck and back when I shoot them that I've pretty much given up on the 12 gauge. I recently got a .410 shotgun and I love it. It doesn't hurt or beat me up and I can say that I would have no problem using .410 for personal defense loaded with buckshot. I have a hard time working a pump action now so Henry's lever action with a 20 inch barrel is nice, or and as much as I would hate limiting myself to two rounds, but I recently saw a Stoeger Coach Gun in .410 and was really surprised at how light and compact it was.
Remington tests there 410 ammo on a 26" barrel. Paul is losing a bunch of velocity on his shells. I personally don't understand all this "tactical" barrels on shotguns. Our forefathers were shooting guns much longer than the 28" long barrel Rossi 410 that I own and I have no problems walking through the woods with it. Like you, I was a 12 gauge guy until I figured out the 410 shotgun was not only lighter, but the shells too, making it not only home defense, but a great bug out gun if needed.
@@gregzeigler3850 Because it's specifically about home defense. Significantly harder to work through your skinny hallways and doorframes with a 40"+ long rifle.
@@waybee5258 we bought the 12 gauge...maybe I'm crazy but to me the 12 gauge seems only marginally heavier than the 20 or 410...in fact, I was surprised at how heavy the stoeger 410 is, I was expecting it to be much lighter...on the bright side, I bet you love yours as much as we love ours...we shoot a box of birdshot every time we go to the range just to stay in practice, and it is fun...
I'll admit, I was more curious about the #4 buck rather than bird shot. A nice middle ground between the two, that could maybe limit the over penetration. Paul, if you ever decide to revisit the .410, that would be nice to know.
Yeah, I get why he tested the extremes as it shows the full range of expectations, but there are certainly quite a few options between the two. And that isn't even adding the extra variable of changing shot weight to adjust pellet velocity. I would be inclined to start my testing with the largest shot that still will still behave like bird shot in a 410, that is a random pile rather than an arranged stack.(Just a better pattern, but hopefully it would also have the preffered velocity and penetration)
I always say" a hit with a .22 is better than a miss with a .44" but that's just me. I shoot what I own and what I know the best ( Which is a Mossberg 835 ulti- mag). It's a long old bird gun but with #4 buck it would get the job done! Hope it would never come to that though.
True that. I would not recommend a dedicated purchase of a .410 for home defense, but would also not say it was useless. The upside of shotguns is their broad range of uses. Long guns, rifle or shotguns, have the advantage of increased hit probability because of their design(easier to point directly/accurately than handguns) but the disadvantage of lessened portability. Whatever one chooses, all in the household who may be called to use it should be trained in its use. Further, a home defense weapon should have a flashlight attached or stored with it to ensure target identification. Only bad folks get threatened and/or shot. Harrell takes his assessments seriously as we all should
Mr Harrell as a college professor of statistics I am thoroughly impressed with your presentation. It is a two sample test where are you controlled as many variables as possible. No bias it was really impressive at the very end when you talked about the limitations of that particular model of 410. Your professional presentation has made me a subscriber.
Why is everyone on these videos telling us what kind of professor or teacher they are...? Can't you people comment without trying to vainly impress strangers on the internet? lol.
As a college professor of Humility i'd like to use your comment for my talk on impressing strangers and the personal and social consequences of blablablabla bla bla blabla blablabla. :D
As a speaker of spiritual and philosophical matters, I am impressed by his un-opinionated way of speaking and presentation, as well as how he speaks out of experience.
Jeff, having a Master's degree in Snark Science and an B.S. in Sarcasm, I WAS going to give a smart ass reply, but chose not to. In the original comment the guy validates that he is someone who is speaking as an authority on the matter at hand.
Thanks for another really great video Paul ! This was actually my third return to this video Paul ! I find that I get so much out of re-watching your videos a second, or a third time, that I actually have to recommend to your subscribers, to allow for the content of the video to settle in a bit, and return for a second or third time, and see just how much you can actually pick up on ! Having said that Paul, I am paralyzed from my neck down, and totally dependent on my wife for our home protection ! I have tried to make as absolutely sure that I provide my wife with her best possible options for not only our protection, but her own protection, wether I am home or not ! We have done what we feel like is our best possible education, repetitive shooting, and best possible source of ammunition available to her ! We have a Lever action Henry .410 "short barrel" and a Taurus Judge, with the intent of standard shell consistency, for maximum simplicity, God forbid the need to reload ! ( let's certainly hope not ) 2.5 inch home defense .410 shells. ( along with the rest of the well placed additional handguns, and rifles throughout the home. My wife has her carry conceal permit, and continues to shoot for accuracy, and hopefully as much confidence as possible, although, truly nothing can ever begin to prepare you for a home invasion circumstance ! Nowhere in our 3500sq.ft. home, is there anywhere that exceeds a 5yrd. shot potential ! If anything, 3-4yrds. ! Having said quite a mouthful already Paul, is there anything that you might be able to suggest that might be helpful in our situation ? Looking forward to hearing back from you.
I chose a .410 with bird shot for home defense when I lived in a apartment. I figured somebody catching the shot at ten feet away would be enough to stop em, but not enough to kill my neighbor.
I have a 20 ga and keep it loaded with #3 buckshot. I dont think birdshots will really stop someone thats really trying to get u. If I had a .410 I would use buckshot
So youre telling me i shouldnt have a semi automatic 12 gauge with 00 buck 12p in my small little apartment lmaoooo I'm not gonna lie i never even thought about this until I started watching PH
You produced one of the most professional, informative and well rounded videos I have seen in a very long time. Regardless of which weapon is better for each individuals circumstance, you gave a very detailed comparison. Many years ago, when my mother was n her 60's we got her a 410 and now that she is older we are glad we did get her the 410. Why? Because she can still use it if (God forbid) need be. With that said, for people that are experienced or more fit, etc., the 12 ga. is awesome. Nowadays we do have the Shockwave and similar "firearms" that I feel are ideal for close quarter/home defense and now they come in 20 ga and 410, as well as the original 12 ga. We also own a Judge rifle, which I personally, begrudgingly have come to love, lol. It has become the weapon I hate to admit I love. You really did an outstanding job with this video, I will be searching your library for some of your other videos. 👍🏼 Edit: Of course, I sub'd.
I thought you made many very good and valid points in the video. My only two comments would be... The only person that I know personally that has ever had to defend themselves in a home invasion did so with a Stevens double barrel 12 gauge. It was loaded with 2 3/4 00 buck shot and 1 shot was fired. The person who had entered the home was the grazed by the round and not killed but decided to flee the scene after the first shot. The homeowner elected not to shoot a second time as the person was fleeing and they were never caught. The other comment I would make is, I think it is a safe bet that any long gun you produce in a home defense situation is going to give you the upper hand over a home invader. I won't make the argument that a .410 shotgun is your best weapon but even a 22 rifle is plenty lethal at point-blank range. Anyone that says that a 410 is not at least somewhat suitable for home defense (especially for people of small stature) has never stood in front of a loaded shotgun... it's a pretty cold feeling.
I will stick with 12 or 20 gauge for myself, but .410 will certainly work, with a well placed shot, in the small confines of most homes. It would make a good weapon in a pinch for a child or any smaller stature person, or seniors. That's the gist I get from this video. It wasn't so much about comparing it to 12 gauge as it was proving the adequacy of the .410, and I must say you did an outstanding job with this testing. Thank you!
I am thinking the same thing for female friend. I was wondering if there is a compromise between the 000 and birdshot with say #4 shot? Penetrates enough but not over penetrates. Paul? Any thoughts?
@@stuartdodson6630 and ribs and steak-like muscle tissue. Sure, some of the planetary sized people you see at Walmart who are large enough to have their own orbit may be closer to what ballistic gel is, but muscle and bone offer far more resistance than hardcore jelly
wow. thank you for having your channel. My neighbor and I are both seeking to purchase a shotgun, and when speaking with a woman at Bass Pro Shop she introduced me to the possibility of getting a .410. your video is very helpful.
Paul I do not understand why you do not have more subscribers. You do such detail work on your videos. I love your channel. Keep up the good work buddy!
And if built on a virgin lower with a brace instead of stock, following the rules for "Firearm" builds, can be a very hand short barreled build. Here's mine: th-cam.com/video/eBJPaf4Ad2U/w-d-xo.html
what a beautiful day there when you filmed this video. You do a great job explaining and showing us stuff, I really appreciate your videos I have always felt like I am taking a class, and enjoying the instructor and the subject matter. Thank you
Had a Mossberg 500e, 410 bore for approximately 25 years. Never feel undergunned anywhere. Paul, great video as usual, thanks for sharing. Will keep checking back with you for more videos.
I really like Paul Harrell's presentation style. It's very to the point, all his points are well explained and demonstrated. In my opinion, it also seems to be very suitable for people who are new to guns, or don't really like guns, but want to learn more about them.
Interesting and informative. Perhaps we should also talk a little about what the term "home defense" means to most people. Stopping power does NOT mean killing power to me. So your test of the .410 was totally adequate for home defense as far as I was concerned. With that initial damage if hit in the chest, it would put a man down. Then you drag him on to the tile or linoleum so he doesn't bleed on your carpet, immobilize him and call 911. If you used a 12 Ga at that same distance and hit in the same place, he will die. Then your problems may be compounded. AND if I have determined that he isn't armed or is not displaying a weapon, then I may not even have to fire. The threat of dying may be sufficient for him to surrender. And if the intent is to blow the head of any intruder, then you can do it with either round with in the normal home.
well, that's it, i've watched all of your videos to date. i had to look through your older uploads to find the ones i missed. and now i want a .410 shotgun, all the fun of a shotgun without that pesky sore shoulder.
I'm a rather new sub to your channel but I'm telling you, you make some of the most comprehensive presentations on TH-cam when it comes to firearms. I really love your stuff. It's much more intellectual than most and I feel like I'm actually getting something I can take away from it instead of just being entertained. Thank you so much for what appears to be very hard work (yet I'd hope enjoyable).
Great video. As a beginner, having just bought my first gun, a Browning 22 LR pistol, to learn with, I've come up with 3 things that stand out I need to memorize well. 1st, one video I watched said "remember that every projectile fired has 2 things attached to it....a lawyer and a grand jury - something worth internalizing. 2nd, for the most part, the training, skill and experience of the shooter is the most important thing, not the gun. A cop told me that most gunfights in a home environment are done in about 10-15 ft. distances, or less. 3rd, what you're actually preparing for and what so many gun videos are selling are miles apart. If you need 50K round of ammo and enough guns to wipe out an invading army.....you're better off living in a mountain cave. That's why I'm glad I found Paul's videos, great info. without the agenda of prepper against a world crazy with Zombie killers everywhere.......
Yup, the only gun I need for defense is the one in my hands. With that said, I own several defensive guns. My pocket pistol is my bare minimum, it is far from optimal, so that means one gun for carry and another for home defense. Beyond that, I have numerous guns for recreational and collecting purposes, and now that I've acquired those, I see no argument against making them loaded in secluded places around my house. There are no kids here, so that isn't a concern. We've had very few guests since Covid, and the few who have visited are trustworthy, so that isn't a problem, either. So yeah, I do have a mountain of guns, but defense is their second or third reason for existing. Their main purpose is just to be mechanically interesting.
In the close quarters of some urban or suburban areas, the .410 with birdshot may be a perfect alternative. For those that don't know; most walls are flimsy or thin at best, the rooms are smaller, property lots are smaller as well.
Interesting presentation. I never considered using a .410 shotgun for self defense. I had no idea how the bird and buckshot would work out on the meat target. I like the mentioned point of it being lighter which made me think perhaps allowing the user to get on target a little quicker vs the 12 gauge and the point of that as a lighter shotgun that some people would find the recoil easier to manage.
The statement "I wouldn't choose a .410, but I also wouldn't choose to be shot by one" comes to mind. As pointless as that statement is, i wouldnt choose to be shot by any kinetic energy weapon, .410 wouldnt be my first pick but not because it's not lethal. It's perfectly lethal, and if someone has a .410 for small game I believe they'd be fairly well off loading it with 000 for home defense, especially if they dont want to get another gun for some reason. I just wouldn't choose it because i have access to a weapon much more lethal, and when it comes to legality a margin of error seems like a safe bet. No, 12 gauge wont make someone 'more deader' but if it comes to that it can make them stop quicker, and when it comes to stopping a threat, if it actually comes to a situation where lethal force is required, I would say the quicker the better. But, TL:DR, if all you have is a .410 I believe Paul has demonstrated it's ability to be a decent self-fence/home-protection calibre is properly loaded.
wow! great info! very thought provoking. my son couldnt manage my 500, we didnt try to fit it to my daughter. so basically, its dad's go to, except i prefer our pistols. i don't hunt with the shotgun yet, and carry a 380. like i said, much food for thought
Nice video, you answered a lot of questions; I have never used a 410 pump shotgun,the only 410 I've ever used is a single shot break over H& R my mother kept in her closet for snakes and other pests,including the 2 legged kind! It works well on the big western diamond back rattlesnakes we have in N.M.! Now that I have seen your video,I might just have to buy me a Mossberg 510!
The .410 is 100% faster and more effective than dialing 911.
Yes sir it is.
Just 100?
Amen!
Good video; I last fired a .410 years ago. It was a single-shot pistol. I spotted it in a Tombstone, Arizona gun shop; I never knew such guns even existed. The gun cost less than $40, so I bought it out of curiosity. A friend and I put a few rounds through it. But I got to thinking; "Should I trust a $40 gun, loaded with .410 ammo, not to explode in my face?" Anyway, I tossed it into a trash container. Probably should have destroyed it before junking it.
@@gordonweigle8916 We had one of those when I was a kid. I don't know where my dad got it from and have no idea what happened to it, but I do know that we were all too afraid to fire it.
Idk what it is, but i get a very 90’s feel about paul. Just the way he talks makes me think of those 90’s school videos. I love it
Yes he has that presentation. Like a video on driving instruction. What’s amazing is he’s not reading anything and most of his takes are one long take.
An excellent teacher...... he keeps you interested
Paulyou could plz test winchester pdx 1 for .410
Yeah or an old work safety video from maybe the 70s
Retro, school video, vhs roll the tv cart into the classroom vibe. Part of its charm though. Maybe just a testament to Paul's timeless advice.
"I'm OK, I've only been shot in the chest at 5 yards with birdshot" .... said no robber ever.
Theres a video of this guy shooting a place up with a shotgun and he blasted a girl from like 5 feet away but she was mostly okay because it was birdshot
@@garliconionshallot link to the video?
@@einhundertfunfzig4919 th-cam.com/video/kc9ZeHIGphk/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=CBSN
Unfortunately the shooter did kill someone else so birdshot can obviously be lethal
Don't know how true this is, one guy said he was shot in the back with bird shot from a 12 Gage sawed off to 4 in. Did not break his skin at about 60 feet. He was running for his life at the time.
@@walterabernathy3229 sawed off to 4 in with birdshot???? what about the 20 other people the guy hit?
I’m a 73 yr. old Nam vet. I preferred the 410 for home defense because at my age a 12 gauge is just too big and unwieldy for my purposes. Also the low recoil of a 410 is easier on my arthritic wrists and I use the Winchester defender rounds in it with four discs and sixteen BB’s. And if those don’t take the target out in an average sized room nothing will. Great video by the way and thanks for the info.
I've actually repacked 410 shells with small aluminium disks.6 in each they make a great noise and spread out quickly.In a living room they'd cover the whole room would certainly disable multiple targets without necessarily being lethal.I packed a 12 gauge with 5 cent coins and fired it over one of my dams.Had a kick like I image a 50 cal might be and hurt my shoulder a lot made a weird whizzing sound and spread out about 30m withing about 5 metres.If you fired it in a lounge room it would take out the whole front of the house not a practical thing but I was just playing with it
Those 410 defender rounds are nasty out of a full sized shotgun.
My grandmother loved the 410 shotgun. An intruder was cutting her screen in Maryland...she pumped it..and said come on in...cant kill you until you enter.
I love this story!👍🏼
@feelings Are Not Arguments So true, you would have to shoot them, and get rid of the body...Glad he ran away.
@Dontevenask Garcia Not sure where your argument was going...please elaborate.
@Dontevenask Garcia The dude bolted right after he was threatened.
@David Vance Thanks...she liked the 410...very little kick...but effective. My Grandfather would hunt rabbits...and bring them home...my grandmother would do the rest...5 kids to feed.
Anyone else having a Poul Harrell marathon due to corona lockdown?
There are certainly worse ways to spend our time
At least your getting a good education during the lockdown
Yep always enjoy his educational videos
Kind of. The market is slowing down so I took some vacation.
You be the judge
I’m fully convinced I wouldn’t want to take a round from any firearm...Paul is an excellent teacher, once again an great video
This video shouldn’t have been the deciding factor on that one my guy😅
Me neither bro but that dosent matter 12 gauge is stil more effecctive than 410 if you can handle 12 you should use 12 , i wouldnt want to be shot with 22LR but that dosent mean i will use it for defense
I have seen what #6 Birdshot out of a .410 Bore does to the human liver at a range of 15". Ineffective isn't how I would describe it. 112 - 155 pellets still do a lot of damage (Don't remember if it was 1/2 oz or high brass 11/16 oz) if they haven't had time to spread out.
Intruder really shouldn't have tried to take that. 410 Single Shot away from that disabled man.
@@gk5891that's what I have been trying to tell these people...
Even at 12 years old I realized a 410-22 was one of the perfect rifles to have in your possession. It works for defense, small game hunting and a true breeze for maintenance and upkeep
Yeah buddy. Thousands of squirrels, bull frogs, and one creepy bastard had their lives permanently changed with that combo.
I thought this was a joke. But you're serious aren't you.?
Yup, game load is very versatile.
porch gun - see "Second Hand Lions"
@@markrigg6623 he is probably serious
Paul I'm Australian, I sit having coffee in the morning with a Vietnam Vet who served in the Australian Army. He always explained to me the most wanted gun by the Australian army was the US Army shotguns as they were not issued to Oz troops. Shotguns were often the best way to sweep shoot at a target in the jungle you couldn't see. And I see in this video the groupings of shot are pretty tight. Sometimes a spread is really useful, when aiming is difficult and the target isn't clear. If in the end you can only have one gun as a defensive home weapon the shotgun has to be the best choice. Unfortunately where I live we can't use guns as home defence.
anythings possible if you're smart enough.
TECHNICALLY you can! but its so many levels of bullshit that you'd probably die getting to it-
last time i was told/bothered to check, you can have a gun, but it needs to be in a safe at all times, the ammo for it needs to be in a seperate safe in a different room, and on top of that, you're not allowed to own a gun if you have ANY criminal record (and ofc the liscence issues-)
could be wrong though, im only a fresh adult haha
Move to a gun friendlier state my friend
If the target isn't clear you shouldn't be shooting at it!
@@floydmayes4924what if the target is shooting back and is actively trying not to get shot
I seriously laugh my butt off to anyone that say .410 are ineffective
I killed a lot of rabbits with a .410 at a decent distance. A rabbit isn't all that much different than the size of your head. So if I can hit a rabbit running at 100 feet or more, I think I can hit a head at much less.
Every wienie ever who said .410 isn't deadly enough are the same ones who wax off to a Public Defender or a Judge, or carry 9mm.
Really how far has our critical thinking skills fallen, that it's common to keep a handgun and treat it as sufficient but something literally dwarfing it in size moving nearly as fast just isn't deadly, wouldn't stop a threat effectively. That's literally what their argument is. Wtf is even that?
@@gunslngrxerotoo true. Not sure when it started to happen. Seems like people have become so desensitized by all the videos showing the comparisons of calibers in clear ballistic gel, so they automatically believe that something that has less power is inadequate, which couldn't be further from the truth. I've also noticed the same thing in the PC building field. A lot of people will completely write off older PC parts simply because there are newer parts that are better, so the old parts are "obsolete". Pretty crazy what "Keeping up with the Jones" will do to a society of sheep.
The intruder was taking his last breathe when he heard Paul say "Let's see how we did ....." and then shits because he knows his lung tissue is a bout to be checked for damage.
😂
Omfg dude I literally almost passed out from laughing at this.. wtf I wasn’t expecting that LOL
This dude is the bob ross of guns. Fantastic views, great animal sounds, calm demeanor, and you will learn something.
Paul in line at the grocery store with 6 watermelons, 12 packages of ribs and 20 bottles of soda. lol Everyone assumes he is having a Bbq. If they only knew. :)
HA HA
"Wow, you must BBQ a lot"
I doubt he doesn't barbecue them afterwords. No sense in wasting good meat.
Well, something is getting smoked. That's for sure.
Looks like a good old american bbq to me brother
If I ever have to shoot someone, (hopefully I don't)
The first thing I'll say will be,
"So how'd we do?"
now thats funny!!
David B lol
*Talks to the burglar* : ''Was that 12-gauge #4 buckshot in the face effective enough? You be the judge.''
Looks OK to me.
David B 😂😂😂
Paul, I enjoy the education I receive from your videos, and I have a 410 story you will definitely enjoy! My dad gave me his J. C. Higgins (Sears and Roebuck) .410 when I was 10 years old. When my grandfather ordered it for my dad when he was 10 it came with an extra 4-inches on the barrel.....it was already a full choke. Later in my early adult life in the boondocks of South Carolina my best friend and I would seek out "turkey shoots" in the fall. We would leave my .410 in the car and walk up to the counter and pretending to be a couple of "Dumb and Dumber" types ask the guys what the heck they were doing! It would be explained that, NO, real turkeys were not shot, and, YES, you bought a target and whoever put the most shot in the target area won a Butterball turkey. There were house 12 gauges lined up to choose from if you did not bring a shotgun. I would look them over....and still acting the part.....say, "Hey! I have my own shotgun in my car! Can I use it?!" The answer being "YES" I would go and retrieve my .410 and place it on the counter for all to see. Guys would punch each other and chuckle about having "two live ones" there. After 12 or 15 guys popping targets the judges would gather the targets and throw out the obvious losers. Paul, I always came in second or first place. I would put the bead dead center of the target and then raise the barrel 3-inches and pull the trigger.......and fill the target area with shot. Sometimes these good ole boys would have to hold and look at the .410......other times the sense of humor was lacking and we were lucky to get out there with our hides intact less the Butterball turkey we had won. Hope you have enjoyed my .410 story! I'm looking forward to supporting you and watching your other videos! Good hunting.....and may you always find your mark!
I found one Paul Harrell video a couple days ago, binged a ton of them between then and now, and he has since replaced my own voice in my head when I read.
I’m glad it wasn’t just me that that happened to
Everyone says they want Morgan Freeman to narrate their life. For me its Paul harrel.
You know the old saying... There are two kinds of people who shoot 410: beginners and experts.
My uncle falls into the latter. The mad-lad outshoots my 12 gauge with his .410 when we shoot skeet.
My first shot with mine dropped a ruffed grouse, my second shot expertly gutted it out! And not one pellet in the breast!
makes sense, having to get used to less pellets would probably make you a better skeet shooter.
"she keeps her 410 all loaded with lead" Bob Dylan
my pappy could kill anything with his old stevens 410.
If someone kicks in my door, I offer them a Shasta Cola just to get a better sight picture.
I've noticed I have started avoiding the cola aisle at the grocery store for fear of getting shot.
I offer burglars a rack of ribs to protect my neighbors from over penetration P
That’s funny 😆 I get the joke, and I’m enjoying the comment! 👍🏼
actually started laughing out loud at that, to funny.
Grew up right down the street from the Shasta plant in Hayward, CA. I like Shasta a whole lot more than Hayward.
I know from personal experience that shotguns are great home defense. From the wrong end of the shotgun, Homeowner pulled it and I heard that fore-end slide back and I just lay on the ground before he could say get down.
On side note he and I are friends now and I learned to be a better person.
This story makes me happy inside.
Thank you, Mr. Harrell. I live in an apartment and a .410 seemed to be a good means of stopping an intruder without wounding my neighbors. Your meat target test results support that presumption.
I would take a .410 shotgun over a stick any day for home defense !!!!
Smartest comment I've seen here yet. Guess what? The best gun for home defense is the one that 1) you have in your hand 2) know how to use and 3) are _willing_ to fire at another human being. Personally, I have a 20-ga. Remington 870 loaded with 2 3/4 #1 buck. But if all I had was a .410, I'd be fine with it.
but what if it was a really BIG stick? like huge even.
Azalka that would be an Assault Stick
I prefer 12 ga. But the .410 slug also defends well.
@@azalkathegunpowderdragon9439 And the BIG stick is sharp.
There is no better test I've seen online than the meat target, excluding actual animals people have shot and recorded the damage. Thank you for putting in the money, time and effort to do these tests. I highly appreciate it.
ditto - I'm here to see that
We kept a .410 loaded at all times on the farm. Perfectly fine home defense weapon.
Anyone here ever just admire the scenery of that range? After watching this video a few times, the amazing background really sticks out.
@@braininavatnow9197😂
This is the most sensible, BS lacking, factual and informative gun channel I have found on YT. I really like how Paul ends every video open for the viewer to decide for themselves. This is the thinking mans gun channel. Thanks Paul. I wish you success and hope your channel continues to grow.
I totally agree! This is the only channel I've ever donated to through Patreon, and presentations like this are why.
Best firearms channel on TH-cam, hands down.
Agreed. Most professional, trust-worthy and BS-free.
Yep. Along with Hickock45, one of the best on TH-cam. (Although FPSRussia can be informative and entertaining, taking a completely opposite approach.)
Too bad the mainstream media don't pick Paul when they need someone to speak on behalf of gun owners. (And that is by design -- can't portray gun people as sensible, calm and rational, can they.)
Badger Services +
The small size and reduced recoil mean that anyone in the house could use it if need be
@Timothy Simpson Most things that pokes holes where you dont want them to be (anywhere on your body) will do the job just fine if it comes to it.
People went from: I want rhe biggest -> I want the smallest -> I want the lightest -> I want the fastest -> I want something thats effective -> I want the biggest again.
I'll be back on target with a .410 than a 12 3.5" #4 birdshot. Too be honest though, 2 oz of lead forming a swarm of at 1300 fps is probably sufficient.
@ I dont know a single 9 year old that would be able to properly do this in a realistic situation.
@@Waldherz I don't either but kids ain't exactly built like they used to be. I knew several kids at my grade school who got passes out of school to go hunting with shotguns. I remember the way one kid in third grade said "shotgun". It was hilarious because you could tell whomever taught him how to say it was a transplant from the south. You might be right about kids these days, though.
Nittanyburg 20 if you have the anti recoil handle . I don’t even have a butt stock and was able to run 5 rounds of 3 inch slugs, barely. My wrist hurt for a day.
Watching Paul operate a shotgun is always a pleasure. The man's impressive!
When my son was young, we felt pretty comfortable leaving him alone for awhile with his German Shepherd and his Rossi Circuit Judge loaded with 00 buck.
Might put your kid on his ass but whoever comes through that door is gonna be a lot worse off😂
12 gauge is obviously the top dog but 410 has a place for extreme recoil sensitive people especially for an aging population. A 70 year old female could easily handle the 410
When my great grandmother was 74 she was a stone mason that carried statues on her back until her son forced her to retire from lifting them. She could probably shoot better than me too, I have her rifle still. Not arguing with you, I just miss her. She was a tough woman, made it to 102 and survived bowel surgery at 101 (to the delight of her doctors writing a case study).
Phantom your grandmother sounds like she was a very fantastic lady. I'm sorry for your loss.
Grandma had a great life and still has you to talk about how great she was to a bunch of strangers, (most of us have a smile thinking about her). But absolutely a small shotgun would work great for weak or infirm people. I was absolutely floored at the close range penetration of that pea shooter. I'd rather have a double gun myself with a full stock and before this video thought 20ga was the minimum. 80% of the power with 50% of the recoil. If I did my math right the .410 is still pushing some serious jam at around 40% of the power but 25% of the recoil of the mighty 12ga. Not for me though but I'm not volunteering to be shot to make a point.
My great aunt has a loaded .410 behind the first corner and is not afraid to use it. I believe she is pushing 95 and doesn't even weigh probably that much! She's still a kick in the pants and I wouldn't try rattling her door at night!
I prefer the 12 00Buck, .357, .40, 9, .38 or whatever is handy! I'll use a .410 if that's what's at hand... come to think of it, I have a load of .22 Stingers in a real pinch! ;-)
RUN WHAT YA BRUNG!
REM7600
I knew a guy that set up a really weird looking pump action 410 that he loaded with fairly warm 45 LC for his aging, in poor health, mother. It wouldn't be my first or third or fourth choice, but she could actually manipulate it and fire it reasonably well, and with warm 45 colt loads I'm sure it'd hurt like hell to get shot with.
I could literally watch this guy all day long. His delivery is so dry and perfect with so much humor. Thank you PH for another great vid!
Boudreaux Nutcracker Same
You should have a television show. Your speech and presentation are on point.
This video is outstanding. Ballistic gel is fun and all, but the meat test is something special. Very well rounded, direct, and highly informative. I really appreciate the work!
IMO, Paul Harrell has the best firearm videos on TH-cam.
I don't know how Mr. Harrell doesn't have more subs. His videos are by far the best presentations on TH-cam.
His subs have doubled in 6 months. They might pick up more when Google gets off its high horse about firearms content.
I agree 100% I was just thinking that also.
+phantomspaceman Google isn't on a "high horse". Advertisers have a right to indicate what content is acceptable to them. They are not required to pay for ads to be run on a gun channel. This is America where we are ALL free ... remember?
That's changing. I'm a new one due to the way he intelligently tackles interesting issues. No one else is like him.
Best by far. Not even close.
If every one of his subs gave $1 per month we'd get a whole lot more of them!
One of the things that I don't think gets enough mention, when discussing home defense rounds, is simple inertia. It's true that the smaller pellet sizes don't penetrate well (but that can actually be an advantage in home defense scenarios). But the mass exiting the barrel is still significant. If a decent number of the pellets hit the target, even if they don't do lethal penetration, the physics of that impact is pretty impressive compared to the commonly used handgun rounds.
If you can put an attacker on his knees for 5 seconds, or his ass for 10, you have plenty of time to put another hole in him. Even with professionals, one shot kills are just not common. Even with extremely powerful rounds and a trained shooter, the odds just don't work like that. Any shot that physically stops the attacker, gains time for another shot, and that's the reality of it.
I'd say the biggest argument against the .410 isn't its lack of power, but its lack of magazine capacity. Three shots isn't real confidence inspiring...
from what I have heard is the 410 has the same stopping power as a 45 round - I am no expert but in a close range situation it might be true ??
@@skipnelson858 if you just go on math, and assume that all of the shot hit and that the .45 doesn't pass through, that means that all of the kinetic energy has to be absorbed by the target. It doesn't speak to lethality, but to the amount of "shove" that the target receives from the impact.
Based on that, most .410 loads have a lot more impact than a .45. But then, that's not surprising, considering the longer barrel and the fact that the round is designed to work out of the longer barrel. With the .45 there's a decent likelihood that the bullet will pass through, and thus the target will receive less of that push.
But that's just math, and doesn't really represent the real world. In the real world, a pistol is often more accessible and easier to bring on target. People spend more time shooting pistols, and so those who practice, tend to be better with them. Then, there's the added magazine capacity, where even a .45 is likely to have more shots than a .410 shotgun.
In the end, what you have is better than what you don't, and what you're good with is better than not being good. I like the idea of a "safe" indoor defense round. But I keep both a shotgun and a pistol in my home, because I don't expect either to be foolproof.
Totally agree,how much penetration is to much,do you want to shoot through a wall and Injure or kill your wife or your kids?
@@richardkenworthy9312 exactly. I keep frangibles in my pistol and #4 in the shotgun... and I practice. I'm not special forces, but I can hit my target reliably, and keep my guns cleaned and loaded, just like the rest of my tools.
It's annoying I bet, but would it not be possible to get a longer tube?
That was the most comprehensive and persuasive review I have ever seen. Well done, sir.
I recently purchased the Mossberg 500 Tactical .410 for my wife’s home defense needs. It holds 5+1, 18.5 cylinder bore at 5.5 lbs. I’ve chosen to use the 2 1/2” 000 buck. She doesn’t have the time or desire to become proficient with a hand gun, or the complexities of an AR-15, but can easily learn to shoulder, aim, and fire the shotgun. The light recoil also allows her to easily control the weapon, especially for follow up shots.
LML
My wife sounds just like yours. We have a Judge rifle that she loves. The 410 aspect is perfect for her and she doesn't have to rack it. It is extremely lightweight as well. I have come to love that darn thing but hate to admit it. I do run some .45 colt through it every now and then. It really is a heck of a fun gun.
LML Good for you (and her)! I would suggest you consider #4 buckshot rather than 000. More pellets and less chance of overpenetration. I wish Paul had shot the meat target with #4 buck from the .410.
@@notsosilentmajority1 The Circuit Judge is one hell of a gun.
@@ZazzilasArden
Yeah man, it's a lot of fun. 👍🏼
Excellent choice. Well thought out and meets your wife’s needs.
Thanks, Paul ... After having shoulder surgery, I find that a .410 is perfect.
I once got to shoot a 4 gauge, ... a neighbor had it, & me, & my buddy that lived next door, each got to shoot it once, ... talk about being punched? Wowed! Thought my arm was gonna fall off, it stayed black for a good 3 weeks, then turned several shades of an ugly yellow, & purplish blue for another 2 weeks, ... a .410 is great to have for punching a hole through a car door, from 20’ away, but the car door we shot with the 4 gauge, was all but in pieces, ...
John E. Osman III they make a 4 gauge. Lol wow that's incredible. Can't find it in any of my gun encyclopedias. But I'm very interested in this gun.
Sir Dick Little us gun owners are supposed to look out for each other. Why call dennis a pussy when a 410 with buckshot is fine for home defense. I own several guns and even though my wife shoots my 12 gauge we both chose to keep our 410 pump loaded with 3 rounds of buckshot because she is comfortable with that gun in our home for self defense. I have no doubt that if needed that setup will protect someone just fine Have a good day. 🇺🇸
dont have to shoulder it,i would rather shoot from the hip in a home situation
@@goodbyemr.anderson5065 I think he means a 4 bore rifle. It's the gun Teddy Roosevelt and other big game hunters used on Safari hunts to take down big/dangerous game like elephants or lions. I've heard they have the potential to dislocate your arm if not shouldered properly, but I think that's a myth. They can definitely put you on your butt if you're not prepared though.
Excellent research on firearms. Thank you, Paul, for all your great work. Here in Montana, we appreciate you. Blessings.
One of the most thorough videos I have seen, addressing each question that comes to mind. Diving deep into it. Thank you, I am impressed.
I tried the Paul Harrell meat tenderizer on some pork steaks. It was truly dramatic, and downright fun. My wife is still PO'd over the noise and the brunt powder smell in the kitchen.
Was it still twitching?
I love that 5 pellets that punch through a human analog chest is considered “moderate damage”.
Yep.
well the point of the meat test (i think) is to evaluate the damage to the lung tissue and because the pellets just pass though with little expansion or hydro-static shock they don't do as much damage to the watermelon as some expanding rounds or defensive ammunition he's tested.
hah! moderate damage to the melon, fatal to the human
@@TheSulross Well i guess if some criminal is breaking in to a person's house, that is the chance they take. You sound like these bleeding hearts that always care less about the victim while worrying about the THUG.
@@TheSulross So you are worried about the thug breaking in to a person's house are you? Typical of people like you that are more concerned about the criminal than the victims they assault or MURDER.
Thanks again for videos Paul . Never boring and always informitive. Been watching you along time now and hope you can keep it up and keep them coming . Be safe and good shooting from Manitoba Canada .
I'm only an amateur with guns, even though I served 4 years in the Marines, grew up hunting, and enjoy firearms today. But I am an ER nurse now and thinking about the separate injuries that the bird shot would cause are actually pretty devastating. Significant flesh wound, broken ribs, pneumothorax, any foreign body that penetrates the lung or heart (especially at such velocity) tissue damage to the heart and lungs. Any of these can be rather debilitating if not immediately fatal by themselves, much less all at once. Birdshot at close range is very capable, even out of a 410. It's what I keep in my 12ga for home defense, partly due to Mr Harrells other excellent videos on shotguns and different loads against sheetrock and how much each penetrate. Very informative stuff! Thank you sir for taking the time and effort to make such good quality videos
I've noticed overall that the comments on Mr. Harrell's videos are generally kind and full of appreciation and respect. That is how the majority of gun owners and 2A buffs are, and it's nice to see that, especially since Paul works so hard to make these videos. And it helps with our image to the gun grabbers and on-the-fence liberals when people keep it mature. Thanks for another great video, you have just given me an excuse to my wife to pick up another shotgun!! 😂😂
I was just listening to a Ted Nugent Podcast today and while he's still nuts, he has calmed down and started talking like Paul. I secretly wonder if Paul is wearing a deer skin loin cloth and has a long bow hidden under that table, or he's been giving Ted some elocution lessons. Joking aside crazy Ted mentioned that we don't need training to use a fire extinguisher or to throw a life ring to a drowning person. I used to think differently but guys like Paul have brought me around just a bit and being reasonable and well spoken has done that. (BTW I am a gun owner and I'm also an elitist hypocrite; sorry I'm getting better).
John-Paul Silke You have some potential. Keep working on it.
+Dan Doyle VERY WELL SAID!
No one will ever believe how hard it is to make a good video like Paul does unless they try it themselves
I'm trying my hardest to get better at it on my channel but that will take some years to get it down real good like Paul does them
My mom had a 410 in the Rhodesian war for home protection. She even went to church with the 410
@Rusty Shackleford what is slotters
Rhodesians never die!
Tough sermon!
Is that how she made your dad finally marry her?
@Mario Salinas cool
These are truly awesome videos! I love how thorough they are. A data-junky's paradise.
Thank you , Paul, your presentations are always a treat .
I dont want to get shot with anything, especially at 7 yards.
If I were to get shot at it'd be from 7 yards away since they'd be more likely to miss.
*Google picture for "yard"*
madman2u ???
It was a bit of a reach, Google shows images of suburban back yards in the search for "yard". So madman reckons someone 7 "yards" away is trying to make a ~700 foot shot. Good thing it's not at 7 meters, he'd be dead for sure!
www.leacountyelectric.coop/sites/lcecnet/files/inline-images/smart-meter.jpg
@@hondolane3125 i'd sure prefer 7 yards over 14 cubits
if you had to pick one would you rather it be a .410 or a 12 gauge? I wouldn't want to have to but I'd pick the .410 you may have a slight chance. with the 12 gauge chances would probably be better winning the powerball.
I can tell you, having owned, hunted and shot various shotguns for 20 plus years, after getting hurt a few years back and having several surgeries on one arm and my neck and back, I can't take 12 gauge ammo like I used to. I could at one time shoot a 12 gauge all day long with game loads and go through 20-25 rounds of buckshot. I've killed several deer with shotgun slugs, but now, it hurts too much, mostly in my neck and back when I shoot them that I've pretty much given up on the 12 gauge. I recently got a .410 shotgun and I love it. It doesn't hurt or beat me up and I can say that I would have no problem using .410 for personal defense loaded with buckshot. I have a hard time working a pump action now so Henry's lever action with a 20 inch barrel is nice, or and as much as I would hate limiting myself to two rounds, but I recently saw a Stoeger Coach Gun in .410 and was really surprised at how light and compact it was.
Remington tests there 410 ammo on a 26" barrel. Paul is losing a bunch of velocity on his shells. I personally don't understand all this "tactical" barrels on shotguns. Our forefathers were shooting guns much longer than the 28" long barrel Rossi 410 that I own and I have no problems walking through the woods with it. Like you, I was a 12 gauge guy until I figured out the 410 shotgun was not only lighter, but the shells too, making it not only home defense, but a great bug out gun if needed.
@@gregzeigler3850 Because it's specifically about home defense. Significantly harder to work through your skinny hallways and doorframes with a 40"+ long rifle.
I have the Stoeger 410 coach . 👍👍👍👈
@@gregzeigler3850 get a stevens model 242 . Great little gun -o/u with a 21 barrel
@@waybee5258 we bought the 12 gauge...maybe I'm crazy but to me the 12 gauge seems only marginally heavier than the 20 or 410...in fact, I was surprised at how heavy the stoeger 410 is, I was expecting it to be much lighter...on the bright side, I bet you love yours as much as we love ours...we shoot a box of birdshot every time we go to the range just to stay in practice, and it is fun...
I love it when I find a video of yours I haven't seen yet.
I'll admit, I was more curious about the #4 buck rather than bird shot. A nice middle ground between the two, that could maybe limit the over penetration. Paul, if you ever decide to revisit the .410, that would be nice to know.
Yeah, I get why he tested the extremes as it shows the full range of expectations, but there are certainly quite a few options between the two. And that isn't even adding the extra variable of changing shot weight to adjust pellet velocity. I would be inclined to start my testing with the largest shot that still will still behave like bird shot in a 410, that is a random pile rather than an arranged stack.(Just a better pattern, but hopefully it would also have the preffered velocity and penetration)
The best gun for home defense? The one you can get to the fastest.
Reason I carry from the time I wake up until the time I lay it on the nightstand and all areas in between.
I always say" a hit with a
.22 is better than a miss with a .44" but that's just me. I shoot what I own and what I know the best
( Which is a Mossberg 835 ulti- mag). It's a long old bird gun but with #4 buck it would get the job done!
Hope it would never come to that though.
That would be my Glock 23. Always on my hip or right next to me on the nightstand.
Well ill take the gun you know over the gun you can get to fastest.
True that. I would not recommend a dedicated purchase of a .410 for home defense, but would also not say it was useless. The upside of shotguns is their broad range of uses.
Long guns, rifle or shotguns, have the advantage of increased hit probability because of their design(easier to point directly/accurately than handguns) but the disadvantage of lessened portability. Whatever one chooses, all in the household who may be called to use it should be trained in its use. Further, a home defense weapon should have a flashlight attached or stored with it to ensure target identification. Only bad folks get threatened and/or shot.
Harrell takes his assessments seriously as we all should
Mr Harrell as a college professor of statistics I am thoroughly impressed with your presentation. It is a two sample test where are you controlled as many variables as possible. No bias it was really impressive at the very end when you talked about the limitations of that particular model of 410. Your professional presentation has made me a subscriber.
Why is everyone on these videos telling us what kind of professor or teacher they are...? Can't you people comment without trying to vainly impress strangers on the internet? lol.
As a college professor of Humility i'd like to use your comment for my talk on impressing strangers and the personal and social consequences of blablablabla bla bla blabla blablabla. :D
As a speaker of spiritual and philosophical matters, I am impressed by his un-opinionated way of speaking and presentation, as well as how he speaks out of experience.
Jeff, having a Master's degree in Snark Science and an B.S. in Sarcasm, I WAS going to give a smart ass reply, but chose not to.
In the original comment the guy validates that he is someone who is speaking as an authority on the matter at hand.
@@jacobmccandles1767 how does a statistics degree make you an authority on ballistics or firearms???
This kind of content is why I keep coming back to this channel. The Patreon deserves a visit.
Thanks for another really great video Paul !
This was actually my third return to this video Paul !
I find that I get so much out of re-watching your videos a second, or a third time, that I actually have to recommend to your subscribers, to allow for the content of the video to settle in a bit, and return for a second or third time, and see just how much you can actually pick up on !
Having said that Paul,
I am paralyzed from my neck down, and totally dependent on my wife for our home protection !
I have tried to make as absolutely sure that I provide my wife with her best possible options for not only our protection, but her own protection, wether I am home or not !
We have done what we feel like is our best possible education, repetitive shooting, and best possible source of ammunition available to her !
We have a Lever action Henry .410 "short barrel" and a Taurus Judge, with the intent of standard shell consistency, for maximum simplicity, God forbid the need to reload !
( let's certainly hope not )
2.5 inch home defense .410 shells.
( along with the rest of the well placed additional handguns, and rifles throughout the home.
My wife has her carry conceal permit, and continues to shoot for accuracy, and hopefully as much confidence as possible, although, truly nothing can ever begin to prepare you for a home invasion circumstance !
Nowhere in our 3500sq.ft. home, is there anywhere that exceeds a 5yrd. shot potential !
If anything, 3-4yrds. !
Having said quite a mouthful already Paul,
is there anything that you might be able to suggest that might be helpful in our situation ?
Looking forward to hearing back from you.
this channel is underrated. paul should have way more subscribers
Thank you for putting in all this work to teach us. Much appreciated
Thank You AGAIN for the Right on AWESOME analysis of rifles, rounds, and the processes required!
After 4 years, I am still subscribed and loving it here.
I'd say the 410 is better than a sharp stick. I'll take it.
SuperSix Delta I don't have to reload a sharp stick. A sharp stick is easy to get rid of after a crime. Also it's cheap.
Bayonet
SuperSix Delta People,please stop using this as an excuse,be more dedicated for defense of your home/family/you,please
Woah, woah, woah!...
...how sharp is the stick?
@@RandomGuy9 dumbass
Mossberg makes a "home security" 500 in .410ga. It features a 5+1 capacity (2 1/2in) and a built-in pistol grip on the slide. Its a very neat shotgun
Jake Schmidt about to go buy it when my money comes in.
I really enjoy your videos. You have a good command of plain English and are clear and concise.
I chose a .410 with bird shot for home defense when I lived in a apartment. I figured somebody catching the shot at ten feet away would be enough to stop em, but not enough to kill my neighbor.
Exactly!! I think the results on the meat target were perfect. See my comment.
unless that somebody is your neighbor
I have a 20 ga and keep it loaded with #3 buckshot. I dont think birdshots will really stop someone thats really trying to get u. If I had a .410 I would use buckshot
So youre telling me i shouldnt have a semi automatic 12 gauge with 00 buck 12p in my small little apartment lmaoooo I'm not gonna lie i never even thought about this until I started watching PH
It's what I did as a kid.
You produced one of the most professional, informative and well rounded videos I have seen in a very long time. Regardless of which weapon is better for each individuals circumstance, you gave a very detailed comparison. Many years ago, when my mother was n her 60's we got her a 410 and now that she is older we are glad we did get her the 410. Why? Because she can still use it if (God forbid) need be. With that said, for people that are experienced or more fit, etc., the 12 ga. is awesome. Nowadays we do have the Shockwave and similar "firearms" that I feel are ideal for close quarter/home defense and now they come in 20 ga and 410, as well as the original 12 ga. We also own a Judge rifle, which I personally, begrudgingly have come to love, lol. It has become the weapon I hate to admit I love. You really did an outstanding job with this video, I will be searching your library for some of your other videos. 👍🏼
Edit: Of course, I sub'd.
I thought you made many very good and valid points in the video. My only two comments would be... The only person that I know personally that has ever had to defend themselves in a home invasion did so with a Stevens double barrel 12 gauge. It was loaded with 2 3/4 00 buck shot and 1 shot was fired. The person who had entered the home was the grazed by the round and not killed but decided to flee the scene after the first shot. The homeowner elected not to shoot a second time as the person was fleeing and they were never caught.
The other comment I would make is, I think it is a safe bet that any long gun you produce in a home defense situation is going to give you the upper hand over a home invader. I won't make the argument that a .410 shotgun is your best weapon but even a 22 rifle is plenty lethal at point-blank range. Anyone that says that a 410 is not at least somewhat suitable for home defense (especially for people of small stature) has never stood in front of a loaded shotgun... it's a pretty cold feeling.
I always walk away with more info from your videos. Thank you for sharing this Paul.
I was impressed by the damage the 410 can do. My grandmother loved hers but I always thought it was just a pest gun.
I’m now planning to get one soon.
I will stick with 12 or 20 gauge for myself, but .410 will certainly work, with a well placed shot, in the small confines of most homes. It would make a good weapon in a pinch for a child or any smaller stature person, or seniors. That's the gist I get from this video. It wasn't so much about comparing it to 12 gauge as it was proving the adequacy of the .410, and I must say you did an outstanding job with this testing. Thank you!
Agree. I here people agree and bicker over pistol calibers (9mm/40sw/45acp, etc) but the 410 is definitely more powerful any of those.
I am thinking the same thing for female friend. I was wondering if there is a compromise between the 000 and birdshot with say #4 shot? Penetrates enough but not over penetrates. Paul? Any thoughts?
Meat target. Because burglars aren't made of ballistics gel.
Exactly. They’re made of watermelons.
@@stuartdodson6630 and ribs and steak-like muscle tissue.
Sure, some of the planetary sized people you see at Walmart who are large enough to have their own orbit may be closer to what ballistic gel is, but muscle and bone offer far more resistance than hardcore jelly
“Getting hit with the shot cup would hurt, but it’s not really relevant next to getting hit with buckshot” 😂😂😂
wow. thank you for having your channel. My neighbor and I are both seeking to purchase a shotgun, and when speaking with a woman at Bass Pro Shop she introduced me to the possibility of getting a .410. your video is very helpful.
This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for being so thorough and knowledgeable about this.
Paul I do not understand why you do not have more subscribers. You do such detail work on your videos. I love your channel. Keep up the good work buddy!
First time viewer and i must say, i am impressed. Quite an in-depth and realistic viewpoint. Well done and thank you
This man is brilliant. Love his videos. So thorough, and insightful.
FYI: 410 in an AR platform offers 15 rounds in a magazine and faster firing and reload potential.
And if built on a virgin lower with a brace instead of stock, following the rules for "Firearm" builds, can be a very hand short barreled build. Here's mine: th-cam.com/video/eBJPaf4Ad2U/w-d-xo.html
Booligan Airsoft and Shooting Sports
I took a look. That is a very nice build you put together. Its gorgeous.
@@booliganshootingsports Great paintjob.
Booligan Airsoft and Shootingh Sports
Holy freaking crap I had never heard of that but I need one.
Thank you for the thorough, informative, and insightful demonstration. Even at 17 minutes, no words were wasted.
I like this guy. No BS just honest advice and good content with testing out firearms 👍
Great video format Paul, it answered all of my questions!
what a beautiful day there when you filmed this video. You do a great job explaining and showing us stuff, I really appreciate your videos I have always felt like I am taking a class, and enjoying the instructor and the subject matter. Thank you
Had a Mossberg 500e, 410 bore for approximately 25 years. Never feel undergunned anywhere. Paul, great video as usual, thanks for sharing. Will keep checking back with you for more videos.
I really like Paul Harrell's presentation style. It's very to the point, all his points are well explained and demonstrated. In my opinion, it also seems to be very suitable for people who are new to guns, or don't really like guns, but want to learn more about them.
He is very articulate and he does a great job breaking down every aspect of the situation
Interesting and informative. Perhaps we should also talk a little about what the term "home defense" means to most people. Stopping power does NOT mean killing power to me. So your test of the .410 was totally adequate for home defense as far as I was concerned. With that initial damage if hit in the chest, it would put a man down. Then you drag him on to the tile or linoleum so he doesn't bleed on your carpet, immobilize him and call 911. If you used a 12 Ga at that same distance and hit in the same place, he will die. Then your problems may be compounded. AND if I have determined that he isn't armed or is not displaying a weapon, then I may not even have to fire. The threat of dying may be sufficient for him to surrender. And if the intent is to blow the head of any intruder, then you can do it with either round with in the normal home.
well, that's it, i've watched all of your videos to date. i had to look through your older uploads to find the ones i missed. and now i want a .410 shotgun, all the fun of a shotgun without that pesky sore shoulder.
One of the best educated most well presented channels on especially fact documented presentations I've seen . Good job Paul ...
You always give honest evaluation. Thanks
That was a great comparison, and as always, a great presentation. Thank you.
Very interesting video. The 410 performed better than I thought it would. Thanks for the great information.
I'm a rather new sub to your channel but I'm telling you, you make some of the most comprehensive presentations on TH-cam when it comes to firearms. I really love your stuff. It's much more intellectual than most and I feel like I'm actually getting something I can take away from it instead of just being entertained. Thank you so much for what appears to be very hard work (yet I'd hope enjoyable).
Great video. As a beginner, having just bought my first gun, a Browning 22 LR pistol, to learn with, I've come up with 3 things that stand out I need to memorize well. 1st, one video I watched said "remember that every projectile fired has 2 things attached to it....a lawyer and a grand jury - something worth internalizing. 2nd, for the most part, the training, skill and experience of the shooter is the most important thing, not the gun. A cop told me that most gunfights in a home environment are done in about 10-15 ft. distances, or less. 3rd, what you're actually preparing for and what so many gun videos are selling are miles apart. If you need 50K round of ammo and enough guns to wipe out an invading army.....you're better off living in a mountain cave. That's why I'm glad I found Paul's videos, great info. without the agenda of prepper against a world crazy with Zombie killers everywhere.......
Yup, the only gun I need for defense is the one in my hands.
With that said, I own several defensive guns. My pocket pistol is my bare minimum, it is far from optimal, so that means one gun for carry and another for home defense.
Beyond that, I have numerous guns for recreational and collecting purposes, and now that I've acquired those, I see no argument against making them loaded in secluded places around my house. There are no kids here, so that isn't a concern. We've had very few guests since Covid, and the few who have visited are trustworthy, so that isn't a problem, either. So yeah, I do have a mountain of guns, but defense is their second or third reason for existing. Their main purpose is just to be mechanically interesting.
In the close quarters of some urban or suburban areas, the .410 with birdshot may be a perfect alternative. For those that don't know; most walls are flimsy or thin at best, the rooms are smaller, property lots are smaller as well.
Always a good thing to start the day with a Paul video.
And a good cup of coffee is a plus .
Interesting presentation. I never considered using a .410 shotgun for self defense. I had no idea how the bird and buckshot would work out on the meat target. I like the mentioned point of it being lighter which made me think perhaps allowing the user to get on target a little quicker vs the 12 gauge and the point of that as a lighter shotgun that some people would find the recoil easier to manage.
Paul, your vids are absolutely the best! Thanks.
The statement "I wouldn't choose a .410, but I also wouldn't choose to be shot by one" comes to mind.
As pointless as that statement is, i wouldnt choose to be shot by any kinetic energy weapon, .410 wouldnt be my first pick but not because it's not lethal. It's perfectly lethal, and if someone has a .410 for small game I believe they'd be fairly well off loading it with 000 for home defense, especially if they dont want to get another gun for some reason.
I just wouldn't choose it because i have access to a weapon much more lethal, and when it comes to legality a margin of error seems like a safe bet. No, 12 gauge wont make someone 'more deader' but if it comes to that it can make them stop quicker, and when it comes to stopping a threat, if it actually comes to a situation where lethal force is required, I would say the quicker the better.
But, TL:DR, if all you have is a .410 I believe Paul has demonstrated it's ability to be a decent self-fence/home-protection calibre is properly loaded.
Jam packed full of detail and information, Sir. Thank You!
Just about to go to bed and what pops up. Pauls new video.
Seriously... Cant go to bed now, dangit, Paul just uploaded!
meat targets are life
William Jones,
I'm sure you'll agree that the other 17 minutes and 17 seconds was well worth the wait. 😉
utk2ski We're all just meat targets and don't know it. Think about it.
wow! great info! very thought provoking. my son couldnt manage my 500, we didnt try to fit it to my daughter. so basically, its dad's go to, except i prefer our pistols. i don't hunt with the shotgun yet, and carry a 380. like i said, much food for thought
Never gets old watching these videos.
Nice video, you answered a lot of questions; I have never used a 410 pump shotgun,the only 410 I've ever used is a single shot break over H& R my mother kept in her closet for snakes and other pests,including the 2 legged kind! It works well on the big western diamond back rattlesnakes we have in N.M.! Now that I have seen your video,I might just have to buy me a Mossberg 510!