[Dont_Tread_On_Me_888]

If we were "picking off thugs at 300 + yards" we would later be "defending off 300 + pound 'Ben Overs' at 1 yard" in the slammer.

True--total anarchy, night of the living dead type stuff could cause a need for a long range rifle for self-defense, but I do believe most married people should have has and her handguns and his and her shotguns first (with the kids trained to be reloading a possible 3rd set of guns) before any homeowner shops for a long range rifle.

Legally, your need for a shotgun/handgun combo far outweighs the need for an assult rifle/long range rifle.

Granted, scare power does play a role that does boost the usefulness of the AR and may "posssibly" scare off the mobs.

I have a .357 Magnum (always loaded with the real stuff) and am in need of a shotgun. I will take the word of the suggestion of the Remington 870. Does anybody else second that opinion or do you have a better shotgun choice?

[Cliff Dweller]

The Remington 870 is a good choice, another popular variety is a Mossberg 500, especially the older versions, less buck-o-las, but lots of accessories.

Hi end and with the fastest cycle (semi-auto) Benelli.

Personally for home applications, a good pump with an 18 inch barrel, mixing up 00 buck and bird shot.

[jrp]

Winchester Defender is another option. Benelli also makes defensive shotguns. Take a look at each one (shoot them if possible) and pick the one you like best. They will all get the job done. I would however, advise sticking with a pump action. Some good info here on selecting appropriate ammuntion for your defensive shotgun:

http://www.firearmstactical.com/briefs10.htm

[Bottom_Gun]

Personally, I have found, while teaching basic shotgun classes, alot of students preferred a Mossberg shotgun over a Remington mainly because of Safety placement. The Mossberg safety is on the back-strap vice the Trigger guard. Makes accessing it easier in a high stress situation.
I personally perfer the Mossberg, I bought a 500 combo set, came with both the 18, and 24 inch barrels. good for both home defense, and hunting, with a barrel change-out that takes only a few seconds!

[kilowhskey]

I have had a short barreled Remington 870 with folding stock for a number of years now and I absolutely love it. On mine, the magazine tube is about 3/4" longer than the barrel. My son and I go to the range and maintain proficiency by shooting pumpkins this time of year and watermelons in summer.