Never too old to learn

Over the years I've commented on 'practical' shooting issues.  I've managed to document the reacquisition of a measure of my defensive handgun skills, such as they are post glaucoma, commencing some 2 years ago:

https://nexttobagend.blogspot.com/2022/02/range-day-report-end-of-snubby.html

https://nexttobagend.blogspot.com/2023/11/range-time.html

I've noted on conditions with regard church security nationally and in Texas.  

https://nexttobagend.blogspot.com/2021/05/unpleasant-reality.html

I've commented on:

'open carry' advocates - https://nexttobagend.blogspot.com/2023/03/drag-queens.html

and forwarded competent recommendations on surviving a riot -

https://nexttobagend.blogspot.com/2020/08/what-to-do-when-barracade-stops-you.html .

Most recently I've been introduced to a new technology which significantly improves the utility of the scattergun for civilian defense.  I had a 'riot gun' in the battery after returning from Katrina - 

https://nexttobagend.blogspot.com/2020/03/terrain-and-situation-observations-on.html .  

Attempts to assess how far beyond living room distances such a weapon was going to be effective, that is, able to cause immediate incapacitation, produced some disappointing results -   

https://nexttobagend.blogspot.com/2021/11/another-day-on-range.html

So, it was a BIG surprise to see the performance of Federal 'Flitecontrol' buckshot out of the 870.  Several rounds were fired from 7 to 20 yards,  IMHO such a round dramatically improves the 12GA's  applicability for an armed citizen and has put the 870 back into the 'ready service locker' along with the AR.

Here's standard number 4 buck at 10 yards - representative of in-house engagement ranges - circle is 9 inch:

Akin to being shot in the 'K zone' 24 times with a .25 pistol.  Likely very effective.

However, same gun and load at 20?

The increase in distance diminishes velocity, thus penetration, of the very small projectiles, and odds on damage resulting in immediate incapacitation questionable.

This is Federal 'Flitecontrol' 12GA 9 pellet at 15 yards, really remarkable - 

Orange spot is 3".   Hole at bottom is the wad.  Pellets are in a group less than 3 inches across including one flyer.  Again, I'm no pathologist, but I'd bet clearly capable of incapacitation if centered on the chest.  Beyond that, a shot to the hip even a bit past 15 yards, on an otherwise armored assailant would very likely immediately render said bogyman 'combat ineffective'.