[Kartographer]

1. Reliable

2. Accurate

3. Moderate power

4. Moderate range

5. Inexpensive gun

6. Availability of ammo

7. Ammo capacity

[Kartographer]

Preppers’ PING!!

For your consideration, discussion and critique.

[yarddog]

If you insist on the moderate power and range, the Ruger 10/22 is probably the closest match.

If you simply want the best gun, I would say a Remington 1187 or some of the other nice 12 gauge automatics.

[mountainlion]

7.62 x 25 Russian for $200-250.

[Blueflag]

H&R Pardner - an 870 clone.

perfect home defense shotgun.

[trimom]

Mossberg 12 ga pump shotgun. Thus sayeth Mr. Trimom.

[Red Steel]

5. Inexpensive gun

A Hi-Point gun.

[Georgia Girl 2]

You cannot beat a good old fashioned 12 gauge shotgun. We like the Mossberg 500.

[trimom]

Mr. Trimom also wanted me to mention that the Mossberg is 100% American made.

[Mr. K]

I have been thinking about a 420 gage shotgun for home defense

take down anything and not take out structural walls

What do you think?

Small enough to teach my young daughters to practice with a real shotgun

And the ammo is so tiny its almost CUTE

I know.. I'm weird

[DuncanWaring]

Related:

http://www.americanrifleman.org/GalleryItem.aspx?cid=22&gid=198&id=1770&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Disaster-text&utm_campaign=SuppressionScoop

[NonValueAdded]

Mossberg 500

[TexasTransplant]

Before I even read the other responses ... Ruger 10/22
(it is a must have)

TT

[lrdg]

Mossberg 500.

Nothing says you’ve entered the wrong house like the sound a pump shotgun being jacked. (Except maybe a slightly worn slide on a 1911).

If I had only one gun a 10/22 would be high the list but the question had do do with inexpensive home defense.

[jwalsh07]

300 bucks will get you a Winchester Defender in 12 or 20 gauge. 18inch barrel, 8 shell pump. They work.

[Fireone]

You decline to differentiate between urban “home defense” and rural. For urban settings, Mossberg 500 gets my vote.
For rural, Ruger 10/22 with Leupold variable scope will keep ‘em from getting clost to the home.

[STJPII]

Ping

[Fightin Whitey]

You can pick up a Remington 870 tactical 12-gauge pump, the no-frills model, for $330 in my area. Up to $400 some places. Holds seven rounds, 2 3/4 or 3 inch.

Pump rather than auto because you minimize concern about jams.

Shotgun rather than rifle or handgun because you minimize concern about missing.

Defense model rather than big old long gun because you can manuever in small rooms, around corners, so much easier.

You’ll be surprised at how secure you’ll feel with that little black bulldog in your hands.

[TheRhinelander]

I have the Marlin model 60, awesome rifle. I def need to get that hi-point.

[varmintman]

If any of you folks are going to buy a shotgun, I'd suggest you forget the games and buy a real one with at least 3" chamber(s) and the absolute top all around shotgun I know of is going to be the Beretta Xtrema-2 which can be had on gunbroker for around 1100 (last time I looked at least) and can basically do everything.

The Xtrema-2 is Beretta's semiauto hunting gun with a 3.5" chamber and a heavy spring and bleed-off valve meaning it can shoot skeets one day and geese or deer the next with just a chamge of ammo, said to be self cleaning which is only a tiny bit of a lie, you have to clean the barrel and I normally clean the piston chamber and piston but that isn't difficult.

A 3" magnum buckshot shell will absolutely annihilate any sort of a hoodlum or burglar who ever gets shot with it and available options include large-capacity feed tubes which are normally used by trick shooters but would in fact convert the thing to a home defense weapon.

[G Larry]

S&W .38 Special
Model 10 or 64

The amount of training and practice you’re willing to dedicate is another significant factor.

The Glock 17 is 9mm pistol I’d consider as a first semi-auto, if you’re willing to train & practice.