[outfieldjack]

Long story...... but to make it short.... My wife is going to let me purchase "one last gun".... I already have 3 pistols, an old mossberg 12 guage, a .270, and a 10/22. So.... I was thinking about getting a another shotgun for home defense. The one I have now is old with a LONG barrel. Does anyone have a suggestion for a home defense 3/4 length shotgun? I'm looking to spend between $200-$500.

Any help would be great!

Thanks,
Jack

[Smoke]

Read the floating threads in the shotgun section.
Read anything posted by Dave.
Use the search feature of this board.

Then buy an 870! :neener:

[Cameron Lamont]

I would suggest looking at a Winchester (FN) Defender 1300 and seeing how it fits you.
I purchased mine with:
8 shot capacity
Sling studs
Hi Viz AND bead sight

for $239 brand new.

But I imagine I will be drowned out by the 870 crowd.

Cameron

[makdaddy03]

Winchester 1300 12ga.

[CWL]

Nothing wrong with old. How about putting an 18" barrel on that mossy of yours? Why let that SG go to waste?

If you have $500 to drop, then consider sending that mossy over to Hans Vang and let him rebuild it into a real fightin' tool.

[Nippy]

For that price and since this will be your last gun get a Winchester 1300 HD version.
870's are an okay design but Remington's quality has been going down hill and if you go remington its hit or miss.... Up to you if you want to gamble with your money... Be safe, go Winchester, Benelli, or another Mossberg.

[TarpleyG]

I second CWL. Why not have a dual purpose Mossberg. I'm assuming it is still serviceable and reliable??? Keep an 18" barrel on it unless you're hunting. Stick a 6 round butt-cuff on it and you're all set. Use the extra $$$ to buy something else or more ammo.

GT

[Preacherman]

I agree with Nippy - the quality control on Remington 870 Express shotguns has been a bit hit-or-miss over the past couple of years. In your shoes, I'd look at two alternatives:

1. Since you already have a Mossberg, and are familiar with it, why not get another Mossberg? You can get a Youth Edition if you want something smaller to fit your wife, and you'll be able to shoot it as well. They're not that expensive, and the 5-round magazine capacity is adequate. You can then get extra barrels for either or both Mossbergs in due course.

2. If you don't want another Mossberg, I second the recommendation for a Winchester 1300 in the home-defence version. An 8-round magazine and a very fast action make for a great combination.

My own preference, in your shoes, would be to look for a used Remington 870 Wingmaster (not Express). They're usually not too hard to find, and they last forever. I've bought several (two just today - see this thread (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?threadid=30296) for details), and I'm a fan.

[Dave McCracken]

Ahem.....

IMO, the 870 is the best close range defensive tool around, bar none. But...

You're used to the Mossie. It's a very good tool itself, second only to the 870 in number of satisfied users. And if "All I had" was a Mossie, I'd consider myself well armed.

You have the MOA down already. Get a short barrelled 500 or 590, lots of ammo, and go have fun. Or buy another barrel, and save that "Last Gun" pass for a Barrett Light 50 or something....