Asking for firearm advice/suggestions - Shotgun?

3/12/05 | me

[not_apathetic_anymore]

I know this question gets asked repeatedly, but this time maybe it's slightly different...I'm leaning more towards a shotgun, unless the consensus convinces me otherwise.

[not_apathetic_anymore]

Last week, near my home, there was a home invasion robbery (4 intruders) that resulted in the death of one of the family members. For my piece of mind, I'm still hoping that they were targeted rather than random, but...maybe it's finally time for me to get a firearm. I've been thinking about it for some time, but have procrastinated - feeling overwhelmed with the choices.

I could just go into the store but how do I know if I can trust their advice either or they're just trying to sell something that is stock that hasn't moved?

Since the purpose of this is home protection in the middle of the night I was thinking shotgun?

I've spent some time at a range years ago and got "comfortable" with a .40 cal handgun. But to be honest, I don't think I'd be consistent enough putting in range time so that I'd have reasonable accuracy during a crisis situation.

thoughts pro or con and/or suggestions?

[keithtoo]

I've always considered the Photon Torpedo to be the best personal defense weapon.

[Servant of the 9]

A shotgun is the only way to go.

Just buy a nice used Remington 1100 (they are cheap this time of year) and have it shortened to 20"

So9

[Servant of the 9]

12 guage unless you ave very small.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Shotgun. 12ga is good but 20ga is fine especially if you have thin walls or live in a apartment. Not a single shot. I like the six shot 20 ga pump but please yourself.

[LibKill]

Remington 870, Ithaca 37. 12 gauge.

Use birdshot. Buckshot will go right through a couple of drywall walls and hit someone you don't intend. At a range of a few feet birdshot is lethal.

If you nerf this up, don't bother suing me. My total worth is less than what your lawyer would charge.

[ORECON]

A 12 gauge Mossberg 590 Mariner shotgun is my preference for a home invasion type attack. The question is availability. If you have to go somewhere to get it, you may not have time. A handgun at your side is great for immediate response until you can get to more firepower and ammo.

[bad company]

I'm a mossberg 500 fanatic. Have three of them. For home defense I suggest #4 goose loads in 3"magnum. The shot is large enough to do serious damage, there's more of it, and it's cheaper that 00 buck loads.

[1066AD]

Mossberg 500 series has a 410 for home security - "spreader" choke, 6 shot. Would think it'd do the job close range without demolishing walls etc. Any comments anyone ?

[navygal]

How about 12 gage ( morberg),it is good for home defense and recommend that you take someone with you that knows about guns. If you have any question freep mail myself or my husband Bottom_Gun, he is an NRA certified instructor. He is very knowlegdable about all sorts of guns. If you have a mosberg ( mr mosgerg) when the perps hear the the sound of the pump, most of the time they will think twice.

Good luck and be blessed

navygal

[Condor51]

I prefer a handgun but if you're looking for a purely defensive shotgun this one's pretty good.

U.S. Repeating Arms|Winchester
Model Model 1300 Defender 8-Shot, caliber 12 gauge (comes in 20 also)
MSRP $341.00

Action: Pump Action
Stock: Synthetic Military Spec Polymer
Receiver: Black Matte
Capacity: 7+1
Safety: Cross Bolt Safety
Sights: Tru-Glo Fiber Optic Sights
Barrel Length: 18"
Overall Length: 39 1/2"
Weight: 6 3/8lbs

You can also search all makes & models at Davidson's Gallery of Guns

Good luck

[cowboyway]

Well, a shotgun is nice for duck huntin, but for self defense I prefer an assault rifle with, at least, a 30 round mag. Full auto is nice. My personal preference is a Bushmaster M4 with a 40 round mag. My M4 is also equipped with a M9 bayonet. Just in case.

But, lets get serious. In order to be prepared for a home invasion, you should be armed at all times. This just ain't practical, especially if you're gettin busy with the missus. Therefore, it would seem more effective to have a perimeter defense system in place.

I'm thinking fencing, dogs and, perhaps, Claymores.

M18 Claymore

[not_apathetic_anymore]

Now see, that's why I posted this question...Claymores never even entered my mind:)

[not_apathetic_anymore]

Thanks for all your input. Clearly several things to think about...gauge, type of shot, ease of availability etc. Appreciate your thoughts.

[cowboyway]

Extreme situations require extreme measures. Or, in this case, countermeasures.

[ORECON]

Always remember and never forget; turn the Claymores out and not in.

My first line of home defense is two dogs. My second line is a S&W .357 magnum that is always on me or within arms reach while I am at home. My third line is the Mossberg 590 Mariner. I have several other lines of defense if needed. My last line of defense and sometimes first line is a redhead wife with her S&W .357 magnum.

[PzLdr]

Go with a pump shotgun with extended magazine tube (8-9 rounds) in either 12 or 20 guage (Only 20 I found was a Winchester 1300) Take 18" barrel, or 20". Put Ghost rings on it, and consider adding a forearm with a built in flashlight. Parkerized finish, synthetic stock. Best home protection weapon available. I potential user is female, or somewhat small, DEFINITELY go with the 20.

Wilson Combat Scattergun Technologies has a 12 guage that fits the bill. With all of the above, plus receiver mounted side saddle carrier for 6 extra rounds-@$1150. Without sidesaddle or light, @ $900-1100.

[cowboyway]

when the perps hear the the sound of the pump, most of the time they will think twice

I don't want the 'perps' the hear the sound of the pump. The only sound I want the 'perps' to hear is their chest exploding from a well grouped triple tap.

[groanup]

I'll add to the shotgun advocates. I like a 20 gauge pump. If you're lucky, the sound of you chambering a shell in the middle of the night is enough to send the intruder scurrying out the door.

[keithtoo]

That's what I'm here for.