Posted on 10/02/2021 9:37:51 PM PDT by Paul R.
For home defense at a very budget constrained price, what do FReepers (or their sources) think: Semi-auto or pump action 12 ga. shotgun? Semi-auto will deliver the most stopping power in a very short time, but might it be less reliable? Other considerations?
Ok, FRiends - have at it!
Both hold 5 shells, BTW.
You can’t go wrong with a pump shotgun.
Nothing wrong with an auto either.
It’s more a matter of aesthetics.
I prefer a pump myself, but I own both.
Pump. 870 or 590 and you got all you need.
The pump is cheaper, but the semi-auto is quicker.
thats not enough
get the extended tubes
further consider smaller tactical close quarter shells so you can really hold more shells
you dont need 3” shells if you’re close quarter
they have like 1.5” shells (or about that length, been awhile since i looked at them) and they will be plenty damaging but you can almost double your rounds
you might need to get a different spring and loading/feeding shell holder and modify the shotgun to work with the smaller shells reliably, it depends how short they are and if they will feed properly
i think if they are 2” or longer no mods are probably needed but if they are the 1.5” you might need to
The pump makes “that noise”...
Pump. Less to go wrong in the heat of the moment. Plus the sound of a pump shotgun racking can be a strong psychological deterrent to bad guys.
If you can find one, the maverick 88 is a good choice.
CC
My Winchester 1300 Defender consumes 1-3/4” shells perfectly.
The advantage is it only holds 7 2-3/4” shells, but it will hold 10 1-3/4” shells, and they are plenty powerful enough for defensive purposes at the short ranges you would be shooting inside your house, and they aren’t as loud.
Yes it does.
The pump. Ratcheting in a shell makes a very intimidating sound
If you get a pump, make sure you practice. It takes some range time to get used to pumping the action immediately after you pull the trigger. The best way is to go skeet shooting and only pull doubles (two skeet targets per round). I say this because doubles go fast and your brain will train your arm to immediately reload.
That being said, I don't know your living situation, but if you live with other people or have other people over somewhat regularly, I would suggest you get an AR-15. If you're trying to shoot someone who is standing next to someone you're not trying to shoot, a shotgun is the worst gun you could use.
In general, that is going to lead you to a pump rather than semi-auto. Semi-auto are simply more complex and thus higher cost for the same level of quality and workmanship.
I love my Mossberg pump. It has never hiccuped on me no matter what ammo I've put in it. I'll admit I did buy the pistol-grip only model 'cause I thought it looked cool. Yeah, looks cool, dang near impossible to shoot well - real life isn't Hollywood, imagine that. I bought and adjustable stock for it - much better.
The kids in town used to go down to the beach and rip off ice chest from campers. My one and only trip down there I will never forget the sound of a shotgun racking a shell. The sound and four high-school kids in full flight. I still remember it to this day.
Pumps are tough to beat. One or two shots will end a conflict, unless you are dealing with a body-armored threat, in which case an AR rifle is in order. I’ve seen 40-50 year old Ithaca 37’s and Remington 870’s function flawlessly. They are a safe bet.
You need 2 to work a pump gun, one to work a semi-auto.
Semi-autos are pretty reliable these days.
I take it you’ve fired 12 gauge 3 inch double ought shells 1 handed? I wouldn’t want to personally.
That’ll wake you up...
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