Barrel length for home defense

I don't think it matters at all. If one appeals more than then other go for it. In most homes, any defensive firearm is about two steps from being grabbed. Two inches doesn't make a difference either way.

Short answer 18" Cylinder Bore

You are not going goose hunting.

The cannibals will be close in and multiple.

Short answer 18" Cylinder bore

For HD, shorter the better, I think 14" would be just about ideal if it weren't for the pesky tax stamp.

The entry man on our SRT was equipped with a 14" shorty... We got rid of it once they figured out it was useless once entry was gained... In a situation where a homeowner was the only "good guy" present in a structure facing possibly armed opponents maybe, repeat maybe, it might have some value but I'd still much rather have a standard riot barrel equipped shotgun since any shots would be much more controllable (me, I want every pellet hitting my target since that has a much better chance of ending a fight with that one shot....). A single center of mass impact at less than 15 meters with an 18" barrel improved cylinder shotgun with 00buck is that "fight ender" unless your opponent is armored - then a simple sight adjustment to the area just under the belt buckle will still get the job done - every time....

More to say about this - but not on an open forum.

vito said:

I've always relied on, for good or bad, my handguns for home defense. As I age and must recognize that the last thing I can risk is to get into physical combat with an intruder, I'm considering getting a shotgun to keep at the ready in my home. My question has to do with barrel length, i.e., what is considered ideal for this purpose? I understand that a shorter barrel makes the gun easier to manuver inside the home, but see both 18 inch and 20 inch models for sale. Assuming I am buying a 12 gauge pump shotgun, is there a significant difference in effectiveness and ability to hit what I aim at between the 18 inch and the 20 inch. My ability to hit the target with a revolver is markedly affected by a 2 inch difference, i.e., a 2 inch snubbie versus a 4 inch standard barrel, but in a shoulder fired shotgun, does it really matter at all?

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It depends on type of ammo used. The longer the barrel the less flash there is. The flash will be a lot worse in poor light than in daytime when most people practice. Another reason to use low recoil (lower velocity) ammo. One should try several brands to see which produces least muzzle flash.

I chose a 20" Mossy. I like the tang mounted safety.

A 'light' of some type (mounted) might be something to consider. I also put a sling on mine...in the event I would need to move to another location and need both hands or transition to a handgun.

Not a bad 'point'. By Clint Smith.

Get a baynet on the end of it and it does not matter

entropy said:

They're both good guns. A bit of advice; get the steel safety for your 500. The plastic safety is the weak point on the 500, I've replaced many of them over the years as a smith, and it is always the first bit of advice I have for 500 owners.

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I went with the 590A1 model due to the metal safety.

DP03 said:

I went with the 590A1 model due to the metal safety.

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^^^^^^^^^^
First thing I changed out on my 500. Put an aftermarket metal safety on it. It sits much higher and has very prominent grooves in it for contact with the thumb whether bare or gloved. Less than $20.00 and few minutes of your time to install. Can be installed either direction.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/810657/promag-mossberg-500-590-enhanced-slide-safety

My downstairs shotgun is an 870 Tactical with the 20" Barrel and entended mag tube, and upstairs is an 1100 with 26" IC barrel and extended mag tube. The M1 Super90 is in the safe, but ready to go. The 870 and 110 are loaded with 6 rounds, side saddle (870) or Speed Feed stock (1100).

Call ..Don Corson in arizona " Corsons Barrels " Longtime gunsmith , Longtime shooter , over a thousand barrels in stock , just the nicest guy , tell him what you want ..what your trying to do ...If you want to talk shotguns call Don....928 - 718 - 4282 .....

When family members are gathered in the safe room, ordinary field length shotgun barrels are not a hindrance.

I prefer the Mossberg 590 w/18.5" barrel. The 590 lets you use a tube extension. With a +2 tube extension on the 18.5" 590 the tube will be flush with the end of the barrel and give you 7+1 capacity, same as the 20" 500. Best of both worlds. I used own a 20" 500 and I hated the extra 1.5"s on it.