[MissDairyGoodnessVT]

i don’t even own a gun but am thinking about getting one & if I do, I’m getting a 12gauge

[Prole]

Nice choice! Try the Remington 870 or the Mossberg Persuader.

For handguns, you can always get a .38 revolver as your starter.

I am partial to Smith and Wesson revolvers, myself.

[txnativegop]

If you do, another good starter gun for you would be a Ruger SP101 in .327 Federal, smaller than a .38, but packs the same punch.

[NRA2BFree]

Before you buy a 12 ga you should have someone take you out and let you shoot it. Unless you’re a strong woman, a 12 ga might knock you off your feet. It’s got a big kick to it. I got a 20 ga instead of a 12 because it was too much for me. I know a 12 ga is more powerful but a 20 will get the job done if someone tries to break into your house.

[txnativegop]

My apologies. I make the mistake that everyone has a basic knowledge of firearms. I grew up with them you see. No offense was intended.

[txnativegop]

My apologies. I make the mistake that everyone has a basic knowledge of firearms. I grew up with them you see. No offense was intended.

[Mad Dawg]

Vang Comp

And maybe if you get a pink one, Obama will like it because it reminds him of his politics.

You gotta think these things through.

Seriously, my wife and I each have vang-comps, hers on the wall on her side of the bed, and mine on the wall on my side of the bed. They're about as sweet as a shotgun can be.

But we've been thinking: All we really need is a recording of two shotguns being racked and then my wife saying, "Honey, it's not fair. You got the last one, I wanna get a shot at this one." That's gotta be cheaper than two shotguns.

[Red in Blue PA]

Remington 870 hands down.

[InABunkerUnderSF]

As a proud member of the FR Mossberg cult let me make four suggestions.

1. Fire a shotgun of the same model you are thinking of getting. To defend yourself you have to be able to aim, fire, reload the chamber, aim and fire again quicker than someone who has just been shot at can react. Even with "low recoil" loads shotguns kick. Ask yourself if this is something you can learn to deal with.
2. Do not let recoil frighten you off. I have a friend who is (Maybe) 100 pounds and stands just over 5 feet. He shoots a Mossberg 590 12 gauge with no problem. The key is training and technique. Learn to lean into the gun and practice.
3. Don't buy a shotgun and just leave it in your closet. You may have to use the thing some day to save your life. Make a commitment to practice with it. Dedicate the time to become proficient and stay proficient.
4. Did I mention practice? There is a popular myth that you just have to point a shotgun in the general direction of a bad guy to hit him. This is not true. The pattern for 00 buckshot at 15 feet is about 3 1/2 inches. You'd be surprised how easy it is to miss with a shotgun. Practice.

Here's a link t o a brief 3 minute introductory video by a guy whose opinion I respect. Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhgwHQCJwWw

[dirtboy]

i don’t even own a gun but am thinking about getting one & if I do, I’m getting a 12gauge

If you are getting it primarily for home defense, be sure to get a shorter barrel. It's not easy to navigate hallways with a bird hunting barrel to swing around.