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.

[navygal]

Not everbody is in it to kill, if the situation can be defused by less than lethal means I am all for it. Why use deadly force when they turn and run the other way. But if a life is being threaten then by killing the perp would be justified. I know this stuff because every now and then I work in military security.

[Ursus arctos horribilis]

Yeah, if you are serious about being unfamiliar with shotguns and are coming to FR for firearms advice as what to buy? Then, you should defer from making a purchase until you obtain some extensive training with different types of those type firearms.

[sharktrager]

I would go with a Benelli M-1 Super 80, pistol grip stock and short barrel. It is the shotgun of choice for many SWAT teams, and many of the officers I have spoken to prefer it to their fully auto M-16 and MP-5's.

The gun has an advantage over a pump action in a home invasion situation because it is semi-auto, so you can get your shots off faster than with a pump action.

[Mulder]

You still have to aim with a shotgun.

I would recommend an AR-15 with a red-dot Aimpoint and Surefire light.

[Mulder]

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

So what's going to keep the goblins away when you're out and about during the day? You should get a handgun to carry when you are away from the house.

Depending on what state you're in, you can probably get a CCW "permit" quite easily.

[Pharmboy]

The Sears Ted Williams Model 12 ga. pump that I bought in Cincinnati in 1968 has given me years of great service, can be broken down easily in the field, and has kept quail and pheasant on my table would be my recommendation. If you can find one.

[NorCalRepub]

some like handguns, others like shotguns...at close range a shotgun is the most devastating weapon you can own.....in that case a 12 gauge if you can handle it or a 20 gauge is also fine with 3 inch magnum shells......many police depts use 20 gauge cause of it's ease of use.......the two best shotguns you can buy for this are either the Mossberg 500 or the Remington 870......both pump action and you need to get either the 18 or 20 inch barrels for ease of use....most military or police depts use either of these two pumps to do the job

[Phsstpok]

I agree with all of the recommendations so far, though I'm less fond of autoloaders for home defense than pump. I'm particularly fond of the Mossberg 500 family.

However, to take this in a slightly different direction....

Ever heard of Magnum Research (the folks who make the Desert Eagle)? They have a revolver they call the "BFR." They insist that it stands for Biggest Finest Revolver. Really.

Here's a chance to mix your metaphors, so to speak.

The one in the picture is their BFR .45 Long Colt/.410 Revolver. Put in two or three 410 shot shells with bird shot up to buck shot type loads, then have the last couple of rounds be .45 long colt. By that time the bad guys are either on top of you or trying to get distance. In either case the bullet would have advantages by then, if you have to go that long in combat.

Of course, I'd still keep a conventional shotgun available. If you go beyond the 5 shots in the BFR you're in a serious firefight and you DON'T want to take time to reload a wheelgun without a speed loader!

More seriously, look at "less than lethal" shotgun ammo from several companies, among them Blammo Ammo. They have some very interesting loads for 12 gauge that will scare the hell out of the perps (and kill them if they're close enough). Dragon's Breath is one of my favorites, particularly at night. 90 feet of flame. If the sucker is still coming after you let that off then he means to kill you and the slug in the next shell is automatically justified.

Finally, both seriously and realistically pick a pump shotgun, either Mossberg 5XX, Remington 870, Ithaca 37 or Winchester 1300 would all be fine (I listed them in personal preference, but I have NO expertise). Then it makes sense to me to load it with successively more lethal rounds, starting with something like "rock salt" or rubber bullet loads, then bird shot, then buck shot and so on. Then practice with all of the loads you might need to use and have everyone else in your household practice with it and be 100% familiar with all of the safety and operatioin features of whatever you end up with.

Finally, with whatever you get, hopefully just the sound of you racking a pump shotgun will convince any intruder that he wants to look elsewhere.

[ORECON]

I have always wanted a BFR in .45/70 to go with my Marlin.

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

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

I was going to post this also.
Great inexpensive shotgun.

[Mulder]

but for self defense I prefer an assault rifle

In order to be prepared for a home invasion, you should be armed at all times

Therefore, it would seem more effective to have a perimeter defense system in place

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.

You've got the right idea. It's good to see there are still a few folks posting that know how to fight.

[Shooter 2.5]

Are you saying you don't keep a round in the chamber of your service pistol? Are you advising a new gunowner that it's better to try to load a gun after waking from a sound sleep?

Are you sure a new shooter won't short stroke a pump shotgun?

As far as I'm concerned the only sound a burglar should hear is the word "Freeze" while I'm behind strong cover with the safety off and my finger on the trigger, the front sight on center mass. The word "Freeze" is only an option.

[absalom01]

I just love these threads!

My preference is the Mossberg 500 series, because the safety and magazine catch can be operated while maintaining a proper firing grip -- something that isn't quite possible with the Remington 870. The downside to the Mossberg is that it has a few more parts to deal with when cleaning, and it uses an aluminum receiver. Semi-autos are fine, but they're expensive and heavy and the "tactical advantage" is visible more in competion than anywhere else.

Sights are a big plus on a "social" gun, but I've seen guys do amazing work with slugs with only a front bead. One thing you definately want is a dedicated weapon light -- Surefire has a dedicated forend that replaces the standard stock. Only downside to this is that the light costs more than the gun. You can also consider a "side saddle" TacStar makes a good one, but I don't really know that you're going to need a bunch of extra rounds in a home defense situation. Lots of people also find that the standard stock is just a bit too long, and a 13" "youth" stock is a better fit.

In my experience, if the stock is the proper length, and you're mounting the gun properly, the recoil from a 12 guage is easily handled by anyone weighing over 90 pounds. With an improper mount, or a stock that is too long, well, I don't care how big you are -- you'll get beat up!

Anyway, a 18" or 20" 12 guage is a fine primary. Economical when compared to most quality handguns, powerful, reliable. No reason in the world not to have a couple available.

One final thought: I've seen lots of trouble with the expensive Wilson/Scattergun front sights -- at least in the past, they were 'bonded' to the bbl, not brazed ('cause they didn't want to break the tritium bead with the heat). These fall off with some frequency. You want that front sight brazed on to the gun. Also, a small percentage (say one in 10) of Vang comp. bbls seem to 'throw a flyer' on occasion -- maybe a small burr in the bbl. You'll have a nice tight pattern, but one pellet seems to show up consistently outside of the pattern at, say 10 o'clock. Factory bbls seem to be just fine.

[Euro-American Scum]

I'm a mossberg 500 fanatic.

Got to agree with you there. It's the most bang for the buck out there. Although I load mine with Federal 00 buckshot tactical law enforcement loads.

I figure why take chances when TSHTF.

[not_apathetic_anymore]

I just love these threads!

Good, cuz I've gotten lots of good basic information that will allow me to start to do a little online research about recommendations listed here then collect my thoughts and make a trip to the gun store with some idea about what I'm looking for. I appreciate hearing all the thoughts of those who are knowledgeable enough to have opinions.

[muir_redwoods]

12 ga. pump. The sound of racking the slide will turn most threats into cowards. You may never have to fire it. If you do, you can be pretty sure of hitting the target.

[185JHP]

Benelli. Convertible semi to pump.

[ORECON]

That is why I prefer the double action S&W .357 magnum revolver with two frangible ammunition rounds first up for immediate home defense. Point, double tap, assess the situation. Then go for the 12 gauge shotgun or other rifles and handguns if necessary. I still have four rounds of hollow point left in the S&W and another twelve rounds in two speed loaders for an unlikely extended gun fight. I can do it with either hand. My wife also has a S&W .357 magnum, so she is can use mine if necessary. Anyone unfamiliar with guns can point and pull the trigger on a double action revolver if necessary. I don’t want my first problems waking up in a bad situation being whether there is a round in the chamber or not and whether the safety is in the on or off position.

For concealed carry, I prefer cocked and locked double stack .45’s. But then I am wide awake and already assessing options and alternatives.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Something that I have to consider is that I can't see worth beans without my glasses. It they are close enough that I can see them clearly I would go for my .38. But with a shotgun accuracy is less of an issue if they are further away and I can't grab for my glasses.

[ironman]

I agree on the Mossberg 500. I also load with 00 buckshot so I can blast through interior walls and doors if necessary.