Home Defense Shotgun....

[ps2cho]

So I just purchased my first house last year and I would like to own a shotgun for home defense.

Anybody here a little more familiar?

I have a friend who recommended me getting a Remington 870, but there seems to be so many models. I know I want the shortest barrel I can get (Arizona here I can get a 16" barrel, but they are expensive). So I figure an 18-20" barrel should be fine right?

Any tips or suggestions?

(no gun debate please. this is for home defense and occasional firing range only)

[Air&Road]

For the most part a pump is a pump. They are all good. As far as I know, in most or all states, anything less than an 18" barrel is illegal. The common thing people do is to cut them to 18 1/4 or so, to make sure it doesn't go below 18".

For home defense, a pump shotgun is REALLY difficult to beat. Good choice!

[spdrun]

Pancor Jackhammer?
Pancor Jackhammer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[cjlipps]

Mossberg Pursuader 500. 18.5" barrel (I think) with no choke, 6-8 round magazine, parkerized finish with synthetic stock, pistol grip or standard stock. Pix in the link. Lots of different configurations.
IMO the best home defense shotgun there is, especially for the price. Not good for much else unless you quail hunt in heavy cover.

mossberg persuader 500 - Google Search

[cmbdiesel]

Originally Posted by cjlipps

Mossberg Pursuader 500. 18.5" barrel (I think) with no choke, 6-8 round magazine, parkerized finish with synthetic stock, pistol grip or standard stock. Pix in the link. Lots of different configurations.
IMO the best home defense shotgun there is, especially for the price. Not good for much else unless you quail hunt in heavy cover.

mossberg persuader 500 - Google Search

X2 on the Mossberg.

Excellent for home defense, and it's called "The Persuader"...

[ps2cho]

Would a 20ga be a better choice over the 12ga due to cheaper ammo, less recoil and weighs less?

[TheDon]

Originally Posted by ps2cho

Would a 20ga be a better choice over the 12ga due to cheaper ammo, less recoil and weighs less?

For home defense I would go with a 20ga because of the less recoil and anything out of a 20ga will stop an intruder and would probably not overpenetrate. A 12ga would make a bigger hole

I would also not go with a pistol grip or blunt stock. Just go with a normal ole pump action shot gun. Just the sound of the action is enough to stop an intruder and make them second guess their choice.

[jplinville]

Originally Posted by ps2cho

Would a 20ga be a better choice over the 12ga due to cheaper ammo, less recoil and weighs less?

No...

And while I own a Mossberg Persuader 8 rounder in a bullpup stock, I'd actually suggest the Stevens/Savage Model 320 with 18.5" smooth bore barrel. It comes in a configuration that includes ghost ring and fiber optic sights, rear pistol grip, and a long forend perfect for someone with a smaller stature. With a little bit of trimming, you can get the pistol grip forend for a Winchester 1300, which the 320 is a clone of.

The 320 with the above sights and rear pistol grip is right around $200 at Dick's when on sale, $259 when not on sale. The pistol grip forend for the Winchester is an ATI brand and runs about $20 through Amazon. If you catch everything at the right pricing, you can have a nice HD shotgun for less than $250.

Here's a picture of the 320 as it currently sits, with replaced forend and a flashlight attached...my wife has laid claim to it now that I have my Mossberg built, but I really like the Savage...a lot.

Yes, it's made in China, but to Savage's specifications. It's a great shotgun, and a great shooter.



And here's the Mossberg in the Muzzelite bullpup stock...which is no longer made, BTW

[jplinville]

BTW...The Mossberg kicks almost twice as hard as the Stevens/Savage. Heck, my H&R .410 kicks harder than the Savage.

On a rather funny note, my wife is pretty darned accurate with the Stevens when she shoots it from the side and down rather than from the shoulder...she shoots it kinda like a Tommy Gun.

[jplinville]

Originally Posted by TheDon

Just go with a normal ole pump action shot gun. Just the sound of the action is enough to stop an intruder and make them second guess their choice.

If all you want to do is scare them, then get an air horn. Don't EVER rack a shotgun with the intention of just scaring someone off...it doesn't work on methheads.

I'd rather have the element of surprise...sneak up on them and put the barrel in their back. If they reach for a weapon or make some other threatening actions, blow them away.

[Air&Road]

Originally Posted by ps2cho

Would a 20ga be a better choice over the 12ga due to cheaper ammo, less recoil and weighs less?

If you ever need it, do you REALLY want to be handicapped with a 20? How much do you plan on shooting it to make you worry about ammo cost? I reload, so I don't know what the cost difference is between the two, but I would be shocked if the difference is anything significant.

[Botnst]

The 870 is a proven, reliable shotgun. Mossbergs have a great reputation, too.

For greatest reliability and speed to first shots downrange nothing beats a double barrel.

[Air&Road]

Yes, I haven't handled a pump in a long time. I have doubles and they are indeed agile. The only thing they give up to a pump is the need to reload after two shots. If you need to reload after two shots, you're going to be in deep shlt anyway, AND if you have any experience at all with a double, as long as the shells are close at hand, you can reload VERY quick.

[jplinville]

Originally Posted by Air&Road

If you ever need it, do you REALLY want to be handicapped with a 20? How much do you plan on shooting it to make you worry about ammo cost? I reload, so I don't know what the cost difference is between the two, but I would be shocked if the difference is anything significant.

Besides...game shot is great as a HD ammo, and is danged cheap.



To the OP...what you don't want to do is load it for instant death. Let the first and second rounds be game (bird) shot, then 00 buckshot. This gives you the ability to maim them first...if they decide after the first to shots of bird shot to continue to be a menace in your home, hit them with the 00 buck.

Don't get a rifled barrel as a HD gun. DO get a smooth bore. Rifled barrels are costly, and if it's only a HD piece, then you're wasting your money on rifling that you don't intend to properly use.

[Botnst]

I disagree. One should never, ever shoot to wound.

Do not ever point a gun a person you do not intend to kill.