Seeking Shotgun Recommendation (Vanity)

Vanity ^ | September 6, 2005 | Self

[pogo101]

After seeing how society crumbled in New Orleans recently, I realized that I need a basic home-defense firearm, and I'm pretty well decided on a shotgun. I'd like you FReepers' recommendations on a model. (Don't worry, I'm already resolved that the first place it'll go is to a 10-hour safety class with me. Got a well-reputed teaching facility all picked out.)

If it matters, I live in greater LA.

I'm about as macho and gun-totin' a guy as Captain Kangaroo, but these last seveal days have brought home to me that it is my RESPONSIBILITY as the head of a household to be able to protect my home and family in times of dire crisis, where the law is unavailable.

I hope I never need to use it, but I need to be ready: After the holidays, I'm adding a shotgun to my emergency kit.

[brbethke]

Why a shotgun, why not a semi-auto rifle with a couple high-capacity magazines?

Because he lives in Los Angeles, where honest citizens are unable to buy such rifles.

[VeniVidiVici]

I got a Mossberg 500 pistol grip shotgun the day after Katrina.

I realized I had a gaping hole in my home defense.

$239 - way cheaper than a 1911. I can't shoot those anyhow. ;-)

[DTogo]

He cant buy a semi auto in California.

Go "next door" and bring it home. You might not be able to buy a semi-auto in CA, but you can own one.

I was thinking a Mini-14 or Mini-30, too.

[Restore]

Agree about the M1 Super 90, but why do so few people consider the M3 Super 90?

Type: selective pump-action or semi-auto recoil inertia operated
Gauge: 12
Length: 1040-1200mm
Barrel length: 500-660 mm.
Weight 3.2-3.5 kg
Capacity: 8 rounds in underbarrel tube magazine

The Benelli M3 is an updated version of the Benelli M1 shotgun. M3 uses same inertia recoil semi-automatic system as earlier Benelli M1, but with addition of the another Benelli patented feature, which allows to the shooter to lock the semi-automatic action and switch to the manually operated pump-action mode and back in the matter of seconds. The action type switch is located at the forward end of the forearm, and is formed as an annular knurled ring. Rotation of this ring either engages the action rods of the pump system and locks the semi-automatic recoil system, or disengages the action bars, locks the forearm and allows the inertia recoil system to operate the action automatically. This greatly improves the versatility of the shotgun, allowing it to fire low-powered ammunition (mostly of special purpose, such as less-lethal rubber or tear-gas projectiles) in the manually operated pump action mode, and to fire full power combat loads with slugs or buckshot in rapid semi-automatic mode. Underbarrel tubular magazine usually holds 8 rounds for police or military versions, or less in some civilian models.

[Spktyr]

Oh, for pump action. 18-20" bbl (some models don't come in 18/18.5", unfortunately), pistol grip, and a sling. Heatshield for the barrel and folding/collapsible stock are nice to have but not necessary.

Acceptable, common, and cheap models (that are of good quality)

Mossberg 500/590
Wichester 1300 Defender
Remington 870
Any Ithaca pump (they're still floating around in the used market)
Winchester Model 12
Benelli pumps (can be found under $275 at times)

[Vinnie]

A vote for the Mossberg, primarily because I'm left handed.
The safety on a Mossberg is right under your thumb holding it left or right handed.

Not so on any other make.(that I'm aware of anyway.)

[Ruddles]

So THAT'S why! And I was just looking for for the ticker symbol.

[armymarinemom]

AMD has a shotgun that I just can't handle. I have thought about looking at pistols. My Marine is due home for a visit soon and I think I will drag him out too have a look.

[Revolting cat!]

This will work too when filled with strong acting ammunition!

[ibbryn]

DTogo,
It sounds like you are advising someone to commit a felony and be banned from owning a weapon nationwide forever (after he gets out of prison).

Anyone who takes (il)legal advice from someone on the internet is an idiot.

A shotgun will do for what he wants.

[GimpySadan]

Many wonderful suggestions from everyone...
I would add a few minor suggestions that might help...

1) You might want to stay away from a pistol grip with no stock. Sure, they look mean, but they require quite a bit of training and practice to use effectively.

2) The shorter the barrel, the wider the dispersal pattern (for the most part). Most states allow a barrel length as short as 18.75".

3) Other conditions might affect your choice of weapon, barrel length and ammunition: Do you have children in the home? Someone who sleeps in the same room or another room? How is your home laid out? Do you have long, narrow fields of fire (hallways), or lots of open space with few walls? Where are your blindspots from each of your firing positions? What will be in the background (windows, deflecting surfaces, etc) of each shot?

4) Practice, practice practice. The safety course you mentioned is a must, but won't do you much good if you never practice the fundamentals. Do lots of range time to become comfortable with the weapon. If you can, do UNLOADED scenario walkthroughs in your home. (What would I do if he/they came in here? or here? What if I were in this room? Or this room?) I recommend that the weapon remain unloaded and that no one else be present in the home when you do these walkthroughs.

These are all things you need to completely address BEFORE a situation happens. If the day ever comes where you need to defend your home, HOW you do it should already be second nature.

Weaver and Ayoob have both written excellent books on combat handgunning and shotgunning. Look for all the information you can find from the very few reputable authors who have actually survived armed situations.

...and, at the end of the day, keep it as simple as possible. The situation for which you're planning is incredibly stressful, and you will be very afraid. The physical and emotional elements will be hard enough to overcome. The fewer moving parts you've got in your equipment and your plans, the better chance you'll have of successfully eliminating the threat.

[spanalot]

There seems to be some experienced people here.

Shooting at close quarters presents pattern issues.

OO buck will open up to 3-4 " at 20'

Anybody ever see what happens in a rifled barrel? The centrifugal force should open it up.

Also any experience with the shell inserts that open up the patterns?

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

White, for formal weddings.

[DTogo]

Never claimed to be a lawyer. My admittedly limited understanding of the law is that maybe you can't buy a semi-auto in CA, but you can own one under the 2nd Amendment. No? What are the actual statutes on the books?

[brbethke]

Go "next door" and bring it home.

Unless things have changed, that's a 4-year felony in CA, or at least it was the last time my company tried to transfer me out there.

(I turned down the job.)

[kstewskis]

Shotgun blasts inside the house tend to be messy and usually damage the furniture in addition to the target.

That's what ultimately made me decide to go with my Beretta 92FS with 15rd mags filled with hollow points. Didn't want to clean up the "after mess."

I still have the shotgun on the wall (Liberty II Coach 12ga) if the little holes don't stop 'em enough.

[BulletBobCo]

Bang for tonight.

[IslandJeff]

Ping

[Godebert]

"As a convicted felon I can no longer possess any firearm so my home defense must rely on my almost 30 years of training and experience with this:"

What about antique rifles? They are not classified as "firearms" by the BATF and don't require a background check to purchase. The German Gewehr Model 1888 Commission rifle is very accurate and is chambered in 8mm Mauser. A two inch shot group at 100 yards with iron sights ain't bad for a 114 year old rifle.

[The KG9 Kid]

"... Agree about the M1 Super 90, but why do so few people consider the M3 Super 90?"

Unnecessary complication for a dubious feature. The M3 is designed for the police, allowing them an option to manually cycle the action to remove a lethal round and chamber a less-than-lethal 'stingball' or beanbag round.

Who needs that? I surely do not.