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GUNS

Biden: a Shotgun's Better Than an Assault Rifle in an Emergency

Get yourself a shotgun 'to keep people away in an earthquake'

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by Mary Noble

Senior Editor t

Image: AP

Joe Biden told Americans to get themselves a shotgun - it's a better form of self-defense than an assault rifle. The outspoken Veep went into detail during a Google+ hangout on Thursday afternoon.

He was asked whether the planned assault weapons ban would interfere with 2nd Amendment rights of Americans who want such firearms "as a last line of defense" against looters during "some terrible natural disaster."

"Guess what?" Biden responded. "A shotgun will keep you a lot safer, a double-barreled shotgun, than the assault weapon in somebody's hands [who] doesn't know how to use it, even one who does know how to use it. It's harder to use an assault weapon to hit something than it is a shotgun. You want to keep people away in an earthquake? Buy some shotgun shells."

Biden compared buying assault weapons to purchasing an F-15 fighter jet or an M-1 tank. The Veep is a shotgun owner himself - but not an assault rifle owner.

Via Yahoo! News.
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Would a shotgun be better than an assault rifle after a natural disaster?

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Comments (view in Forum)

  • malpaso
    !
    Depending on the situation, I prefer a 12 guage pump loaded with buck and ball ammo to a pistol or a semi auto rifle. In a close combat situation the shotgun will make a mediocre marksman more effective. At longer range I actually prefer a M 14 in .308 calibre or an M1 Carbine .30 calibre loaded with silvertip or hollow point ammo unless I can find Glazier's in those calibres. Up close and personal I am a fan of the 1911 .45 with either shatter rounds or preferably Glazier's.
  • drpeeper
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    Dumbest man in government. If he were on the right, MSNBC would have 24/7 coverage of his 30+ yrs of stupidity.
  • View all 15 replies >
  • Souljah
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    Gotta Love it..Really Guys taking away your guns.. lmao .. I do feel sorry for the people who believe that.. The Government knows damn well they cant do that to Americans( Not now anyway) imo this is all theater anyway, NRA has Had Politicians in pocket for years...
  • Fishbone345
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    "NRA has Had Politicians in pocket for years..."
    They aren't one of the biggest lobbies for no reason. They spend their money wisely.
  • Souljah
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    @Fishbone345 Agreed.. imo this big stompinfest O is doing is to keep the apphease his critics from the left.. Thats why he went after assault rifles only, to say that he at least did something about the the gun situation after having such a tragedy as Sandy Hook, among others. Thats why I believe this issue is more so political posturing than anything else.
  • Fishbone345
    !
    @Souljah Oh it absolutely is political posturing. Which makes the reactions from people across the nation that more asinine.
  • Fishbone345
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    @jessejaymes Oh you are right. I sorta expect it now though, so its mostly white noise.
    Poster 1: From my Cold Dead HANDS!! Obama, Commie, and other words I don't understand!
    Poster 2: You are an idiot, Obama Savior, Green, save everyone, be PC, and other talking points!
    Poster 1: Not in my "Merika! I'm movin to Canada where they are more Conservative!
    Poster 2: I'm going to make fun of you for that, even though I did exactly the same thing when Bush beat Kerry!

    Its more surprising when it happens and you wouldn't expect it. Apparently all of the Sheriff's in my state said that if the Feds were to take away guns from anyone they would arrest them, save for one. I think that one got that its all posturing and saying something like he would arrest any Fed for confiscating guns, would make him look like a dipshit. Especially since they've done nothing of the sort. So the local news goes on to talk about the consequences of being arrested etc...
    It embarrassed me to live here at that moment. Truly, and I've lived through all the Polygamy stuff, AND the Osmonds. This was worse... far worse.
  • View all 16 replies >
  • o
    woodtick57
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    jeez..i get a smile on my face just seeing a headline saying uncle Joe spoke...ya just know it's gonna be riot.

    Great pic, Politix dude/ttes! you should use this for every Biden story from now on...
  • wangotango
    !
    A double barrel shotgun against intruders with semi auto pistols....yeah great choice biden your one smart man.....u keep ur shotgun i will keep my semi auto rifle with a 30 round clip n pistol with a 14 round clip....what a ignorant vp
  • dances-weebles
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    i prefer the double barreled shotgun, too. you can knock down two or three people at a time and the rest'll run away. not only that, but he wasn't talking about 'intruders' but looters.

    if you have intruders in your house, then it's time for you to move to a new neighborhood.
  • wangotango
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    @dances-weebles if a looters in my home then he's a intruder....yes the double barrel would take them out just dont wanna have to take the time to reload if the ones left standing decide to not leave...now a pump shotgun or semi auto shotgun may do the trick
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  • armed_liberal
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    I only use my shotgun for in home defense. Bird shot won't go through 2 layers of Sheetrock and I don't want to kill my kid. I have an AR-15 if a group of crazies wants to party.
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    Ashstop
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    @dances-weebles
    Uh.. No
    I was referring to the wisdom of the VP who said shotguns are a better choise
    " I was being sarcastic"
  • Ashstop
    !
    @dances-weebles
    Yea, I hope so, they are in such high demand now I may have to wait to upgrade, wish I had stock in some of these arms manufactures, prices are up and they can't build enough to meet demand, I bet a million have been sold since Obama got serious about seizing them! Cool uh?
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    Speedieg
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    @dances-weebles you see looters, I see mobs. It's a matter or perspective and the scope of the disaster. Hope for the best plan for the worst.
  • Speedieg
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    @dances-weebles I did but Biden is using this to support his legislation which would restrict them in all cases. It's not the looter that concerns me. It's like Biden saying we should get rid of fire departments because a fire extinguisher works on a skillet fire.
  • dances-weebles
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    @Speedieg so, what concerns you? nobody is out to cause you harm... nobody is attacking you enforce, there are no armies of enemies walking your streets, are there? if there are, then you had better move post-haste.
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    cleverusername
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    cuz we all live in tight spaces. I suppose the guards outside that tight space all have buckshot too huh? cuz ya know we all know criminals only carry knives and waiting for em to be in short short range is the best way to go.
  • u
    kyrebel
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    I'm not no nuclear scientist. You probably don't wanna be shooting full metal jacket around nuclear warheads. The buckshot probably would bounce off and not cause an incident.
  • Thunderchicken
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    Now that I'm at a real computer.

    Buckshot"Buckshot" redirects here. For the American powered parachute design, see Goodwin Buckshot.
    Larger sizes of shot, large enough that they must be carefully packed into the shell rather than simply dumped or poured in, are called "buckshot" or just "buck". Buckshot is used for hunting larger game, such as deer (hence derivation of the name). Buckshot size is designated actual diameter or (traditionally) by number, with smaller numbers being larger shot; sizes larger than "0" ("aught") are designated by multiple zeros. "00" ("double-aught") is the most commonly used size.

    The most commonly produced buckshot shell is a 12 gauge, 00 buck shell that holds 9 pellets. Buckshot is generally used for two purposes, self-defense and hunting medium to large game. Loads can be tailored through altering the size of the shot, pellet count, length of the shell, powder charge, and in other ways to fit individual weapons and purposes. For instances, loads of 12 gauge, 00 buck are commonly available in 8 to 18 pellets in lengths from 2.75" to 3.5". Reduced-recoil shells are becoming increasingly available. Low-recoil 00 buckshot allows the shooter to make fast follow-up shots, which may be needed in a combat situation. They are also useful for training shooters who are not yet used to the recoil of full-power shells.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shotgun_shell
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    cleverusername
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    sure if they manage to get that far... past longer range weapons with higher ammo capacity...then if they get past the door and within arm length its knife time and hand to hand. Its all about the situation. Not every situation is the same.
  • Keyjo
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    @cleverusername
    Well this is true. I forgot about the earthquake scenario. I was thinking about someone waking you in the night trying to break into your house.
  • o
    cleverusername
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    @Keyjo oh heck yes a shotgun definitely has it's uses under the right circumstance and that is up close and no innocents in that vicinity.
  • Biter
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    @cleverusername If you open up on looters with a AR-15 you will probably end up in prison yourself unless you can prove they were coming for your house. Walking Dead zombie shoot sound fun though huh.
  • o
    cleverusername
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    @Biter I don't know why everyone keeps saying ar-15. That isn't the only "other" gun in the world and certainly not the only one that wont be able any longer.

    No it doesn't sound fun...looters or zombies...
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  • u
    Faceman
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    it all boils down to the distance to the target and if the shooter has a good enough aim to hit his mark.me i scored a 96.8 with a hand gun and that was 5 different distances 10 20 30 40 50,i shot a very tight pattern but if i had to pick in a life and death situation i would pick a shot gun for home protection and a rifle or pistol if it was in a big group of Innocent bystandards because the rate of injury to innocent people would be slim to none i can take a man down with a 223 or a 270 at 500 yards
  • u
    Faceman
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    @jessejaymes uh lets see just think about it a little your family or someones kids are in danger and you cant get close enough to take them out with a hand gun and the chances of you hitting the ones in danger even if you are close enough to get them with a shot gun you will hit innocent people due to a shot gun spreads if you are gonna have an opinion on a subject at least know what you are talking about
  • jessejaymes
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    @Faceman that's a little vague there buddy. You can determine if your family's life or that of someone's kid is in danger at 500 yards? A football field and 3/4ths? I got some disturbing news for you. In about 99.999999999999% of cases in America you shoot and kill someone from 500 yards without being in the Military under orders or a member of Law Enforcement with a go shoot order you will face trial. And please? Don't "save" my kids based on a decision at 500 yards. You're a dangerous man.
  • View all 77 replies >
  • FollowTheMoney
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    I have a 12 Gage shotgun, AR 15 rifle and a .45 cal pistol among other guns. But then, to me, guns are just tools, just as cooking utensils or carpentry tools. To be proficient at any give task, one must have the right tool for the job.
  • Souljah
    !
    well tbh .. it doesnt matter wtf you are packing.. assault rifle, shotgun, or a bazooka..If intruders enter your house at while your sleeping, there aint nothing that can protect you from a guy standing next to your bed with so a knife to your throat!!
  • Tralee
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    Hairspray, my last line of defense! A good full spray to the eyes and nose and you have time to run, and boy o boy, can I run fast if I have to! ;()
  • Souljah
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    @Tralee dont let the hairspray companies know or they'll charge more for their products.. "Dual Purpose hairspray keeps you in style, aaand catches the bad guys we call it AquaNet"
  • Tralee
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    @Souljah LOL! Love it, sure, we'll just keep this a secret between you and me and the rest of Topix. ;() I can see it now. Thanks for the chuckle.
  • View all 14 replies >
  • TheJimmy
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    The earthquake reference threw me off at first but then I quickly realized that a West Coast earthquake is likely to be Da Gubmint's upcoming sequel to Hurricane Sandy. That Biden is so stupid to think none of us would pick up on that little tidbit hidden within his shotgun endorsement.
  • stepped_in_it
    !
    Ok...first:'You want to keep people away in an earthquake?" An EARTHQUAKE! Joe, put down the whiskey and take a step back! Hey, I grew up in L.A. Went thru about 6-8 7.0's or better! The 1st (or 2nd or....etc) thing I grabbed was NOT the shotgun (or any gun). Unless we're expecting a 8.5 and Cali slips into the ocean. Why after an earthquake? I know.....it's Joe. Idiot.
    Hope they understand that a pump/semi-auto shotgun could have easily handled the CT shooting with little training....O what a tangled web we weave....when first we practice to deceive!
  • u
    bwa
    !
    I think its up to the person defending them selves,family or property to see which weapon would be better but Ar15s are easier to load than trying to load shells into a bottom of a shotgun
  • Tralee
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    I have no idea, don't have or want a gun, not for the lefts reasons, I would just probably end up shooting myself in the foot!:() BUT, when I am alone I keep a can of hairspray next to the bed, laugh all you want, ever got a good dose of hairspray in the eyes? Hurts like anything and you are blind and that's just a little bit, try a full out spray, it would give me time to get out, that's all I want, just to get away they can have the silver and whatever else. I've used it since Sharon Tate was killed just down the road from me many years ago. Hubby was in the Navy and gone all week, just me and my big preggers belly, thinking no one would hurt a pregnant lady, sure, right, out came the hairspray and it stayed out after the baby came because there were now two of us to get out of the house. LOL - I know, but it's still my "Pepper Spray".
  • mimi57
    !
    LOL...they say Wasp spray is good too. I'd be afraid I'd turn it the wrong way and spray myself, I wear contacts and don't see well without them. ( :
  • stepped_in_it
    !
    Hairspray....lol. Not laughing at "hairspray" because you are right! Just the thought of you giving the robber a new do....LOL. You do know that for about 5-7 dollars you can get a can of pepper spray. But, under no circumstances, do your hair with it! ;-)
  • Tralee
    !
    @mimi57 LOL - Don't think the thought hasn't occurred to me! Thankfully, I haven't had to use it, perhaps it was the two very large, very loud Black Labs who also protected the family. The "Boy's" could look very scary if you didn't know them. Gentle as all get out, but very loud barkers when strangers came around and with both well over 100 pounds, no one seemed to want to take the chance. Only one break-in ever and that was aborted when Clyde decided to take charge! The alarm went off and the police came and they were even a little intimidated by the boys. But, I live on 4.5 acres of wooded land out in the country, it pays to be prepared.
  • mimi57
    !
    @Tralee Sure does, my husband travels all week. I have a Chow and a Pit Bull,
    he is the sweetest thing, he's a year old and I rescued him when he was only four months old. My neighbors are close, but the one is elderly. The dogs are intimidating if you don't know them. I had to laugh at the hairspray 'weapon', too
    funny. I need to get target practice lessons, I just keep putting it off. I find guns
    intimidating. But, I may have to start packin. LOL
  • u
    LazerFlash
    !
    Actually, the hair spray thing is a very old self-defense tip. It was taught back in the days when pepper spray wasn't generally available. The one advantage to hair spray, is that you can rotate fresh cans onto your night stand; try to do that with pepper spray! ;-)
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  • Tralee
    !
    Geeze, just shoot me now then. Scranton Joe as pres? No thanks, I know the man, personally, and he's the last person you want to run the country, trust me on that one.[shudder.......... I can only hope the poor people of PA still think he was their third Senator and not a representative of DE. Joe's not a monster mind and he passed that on to the kids, the only reason DE doesn't have the rule of 3 time to tax the DE bar and forever out of the DE Bar anymore, is because poor Beau, went to school with my son, couldn't pass the DE bar the three times he took it, Joe pulled a few strings and Beau got to take it until he finally passed.
  • u
    Blessed
    !
    @Ttenneb My ex-husband swears a good iron skillet will get your attention every time. I never did anything more than fry chicken in mine... don't know where he got that big ol' scar on the side of his head. Joe Bite Me can not have my AK47 or any of my iron skillets.
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