No one needs more than a shotgun for self-defense, even against a criminal with an AR-15, Vice President Joe Biden said today during a “town hall” hosted by Parents Magazine.

During the video chat, Biden answered questions posted to the magazine’s Facebook page, including whether banning assault rifles would simply make law-abiding Americans more vulnerable to criminals who won’t hesitate to use illegal guns.

Biden chuckled at the question.

“If you want to protect yourself, get a double barrel shotgun,” Biden said. “You don’t need an AR-15.”

The vice president described telling his wife, Jill, to get a shotgun for self-defense, saying the gun has more than enough rounds to fend off an intruder and is easier to use than an AR-15.

Another questioner asked why the administration thinks a gun ban would effectively get guns out of the hands of criminals if making drugs illegal doesn’t keep drugs away from criminals.

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“No one’s banning guns,” Biden answered. “We’re talking about a background check.”

The Vice President said the comparison between drug laws and proposed gun legislation is “inappropriate.”

“Are you suggesting we just legalize all drugs?” he asked. “That would go real well on Parents Magazine!”