shephard19
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- Jul 23, 2009
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I was wondering what you guys would think would be the best option, a used pump 12 gauge perhaps?
Best HD shotgun on a $300-400 budget
- Thread starter shephard19
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scythefwd
Member
You can get a NEW Mossberg 500a 12 Ga pump shotgun for 270 with a 18.5 inch barrel already on it. You can get different barrels for it later if you decide to shoot clays, hunt large game(with slugs or buckshot), hunt small game and fowl, shoot a black powder rifle, or whatever later. New barrels are only about 100-150.
You can get a new remington 870 for about 300. It'll do everything the mossberg will except act as a muzzle loader (I could be wrong on this). Spare barrels run about the same for both. Both will serve you well. Go try one on of each for fit and then decide.
You can get a new remington 870 for about 300. It'll do everything the mossberg will except act as a muzzle loader (I could be wrong on this). Spare barrels run about the same for both. Both will serve you well. Go try one on of each for fit and then decide.
Mossberg 500 8 shot
Remington 870 7 shot
The Mossberg is a bit cheaper, the Remington is a bit smoother out of the box, although the Mossberg is easily improved with a light amount of stone work.
Remington 870 7 shot
The Mossberg is a bit cheaper, the Remington is a bit smoother out of the box, although the Mossberg is easily improved with a light amount of stone work.
bambam1723
Member
Go with the 870. It's what my department uses and I love it so much that it is what I protect my home with. Got my parkerized 870 6+1 for $279 after $30 mail in rebate. I also have a mossberg 500 and I like the 870 much better.
Virginian
Member
Get a used 870 Police model. Save money and end up with a better gun.
Fred Fuller
Moderator Emeritus
"Best" is an elusive concept, often fraught with disappointment. You might find what is 'best' for you, however 8^). But it would take some time and experimentation.
I suggest you try to conduct the experimentation on someone else's dime, as much as possible. This is often known as "try before you buy." Talk to family members, friends and co-workers. Find out who owns what in the way of shotguns. See if you can arrange outings to the range with them (you buy the ammo, of course, and maybe spring for lunch or dinner too). Get them to show you how the different guns are run and let you handle and shoot them with the light target loads you have provided.
All too often, I get a plaintive response to the above- "But no one I know owns guns, or hunts, or shoots." That's always disheartening to me, but it is a fact of life for a lot of people in America these days. But all is not lost, even if that's the case. Some shooting ranges rent guns- look around in your area and see if such is available. And some gun clubs have rental shotguns as well, and you might even find a helpful old hand to show you the ropes, if you confess your beginner status early and often.
Learning to shoot a shotgun is the first step in being able to use one effectively to defend hearth and home. Don't look upon this exercise as a waste of time- chances are you will learn more, learn faster and learn better habits under the tutelage of an experienced shotgunner than you could manage all by yourself.
And after you get some experience with different makes and models, you will be better able to decide which one among the plethora of suitable shotguns you like the best. That's a lot better approach than trying by buying!
Stay Safe,
lpl
(You don't mention where you are located in your profile. If you go back to the user control panel, and enter your general location, it might just be happen there is a THR member nearby who would volunteer to help you.)
I suggest you try to conduct the experimentation on someone else's dime, as much as possible. This is often known as "try before you buy." Talk to family members, friends and co-workers. Find out who owns what in the way of shotguns. See if you can arrange outings to the range with them (you buy the ammo, of course, and maybe spring for lunch or dinner too). Get them to show you how the different guns are run and let you handle and shoot them with the light target loads you have provided.
All too often, I get a plaintive response to the above- "But no one I know owns guns, or hunts, or shoots." That's always disheartening to me, but it is a fact of life for a lot of people in America these days. But all is not lost, even if that's the case. Some shooting ranges rent guns- look around in your area and see if such is available. And some gun clubs have rental shotguns as well, and you might even find a helpful old hand to show you the ropes, if you confess your beginner status early and often.
Learning to shoot a shotgun is the first step in being able to use one effectively to defend hearth and home. Don't look upon this exercise as a waste of time- chances are you will learn more, learn faster and learn better habits under the tutelage of an experienced shotgunner than you could manage all by yourself.
And after you get some experience with different makes and models, you will be better able to decide which one among the plethora of suitable shotguns you like the best. That's a lot better approach than trying by buying!
Stay Safe,
lpl
(You don't mention where you are located in your profile. If you go back to the user control panel, and enter your general location, it might just be happen there is a THR member nearby who would volunteer to help you.)
dispatch55126
Member
Quick note. Mossberg vs. Remington is the shotgun equivalent to Ford vs. Chevy. Do what the moderator said and try both out.
Here are my thoughts: The 870 gets +1 for a steel receiver but the 500 gets +1 for dual extractors. The 870 gets +1 for the ability to extend the magazine. The 500 gets +1 for the controls.
Here are my thoughts: The 870 gets +1 for a steel receiver but the 500 gets +1 for dual extractors. The 870 gets +1 for the ability to extend the magazine. The 500 gets +1 for the controls.
jakemccoy
Member
I'd go for a used 870P for around $300. There's always a deal out there somewhere.
MCgunner
Member
One word....Mossberg. 
+1 to what Mr. Lapin said.
For home defense, all the shotguns with 18.5 to 22 inch barrels are fine. You won't go wrong. You don't need to spend $400. Much over $225 isn't buying you anything you care about right now. Parnder, Maverick, Mossberg on sale, Remington on sale. The chances of getting a lemon gun out of the box new is very low. The differences between brands, for staring out home protection, are insignificant.
Learning and practicing is the key. Start worrying about where to practice and who to learn from, that'll eat up a lot of your time.
If you are a buy-first learn-second kind of a guy, the main pre-buy question is what gauge. Some places won't let you shoot with a barrel less than 23 inches (or 24, or 26, depending). If you need 2 barrels, you either want to buy 2 or find a different place.
For home defense, all the shotguns with 18.5 to 22 inch barrels are fine. You won't go wrong. You don't need to spend $400. Much over $225 isn't buying you anything you care about right now. Parnder, Maverick, Mossberg on sale, Remington on sale. The chances of getting a lemon gun out of the box new is very low. The differences between brands, for staring out home protection, are insignificant.
Learning and practicing is the key. Start worrying about where to practice and who to learn from, that'll eat up a lot of your time.
If you are a buy-first learn-second kind of a guy, the main pre-buy question is what gauge. Some places won't let you shoot with a barrel less than 23 inches (or 24, or 26, depending). If you need 2 barrels, you either want to buy 2 or find a different place.
Milkmaster
Member
Go get a used pump at a pawn shop or gun store. Put a little love in it by cleaning it up and get to know it by shooting it. Then you MIGHT be ready to use it in a HD situation. The shooter and his training makes a lot more difference than the brand gun. Any major brand that fits you well works for a good pump gun.
snooperman
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- May 4, 2009
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For that price range you have a lot to choose from
You can not beat the Mossberg, Reminton or Winchester guns in a pump. Or you may find a nice used Ithaca, my favorite. Do not shun the coach guns. I have a Remington Spartan with choke tubes and you can use it for Dove or Quail as well. They are simple and will do the job.
You can not beat the Mossberg, Reminton or Winchester guns in a pump. Or you may find a nice used Ithaca, my favorite. Do not shun the coach guns. I have a Remington Spartan with choke tubes and you can use it for Dove or Quail as well. They are simple and will do the job.
Guns and more
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First I would inquire if your wife would ever use it (even in self defense)
I agree with a pump shotgun, but for your wife I would say a .410 loaded with buckshot.
Pellets are traveling just as fast as if they were fired from a 12 ga., there are simply fewer pellets. Recoil is way more manageable, wife might actually go with you to practice. Then she would feel competent to use it too.
Personally, I'd get a Mossberg .410 (because of the easy safety) pump with a 18 1/2" barrel and a pistol grip.
Let the flames begin!
AKElroy
Member
First, I agree with trying several to see what fits. You do not need to spend your budget to get a good one. I am going to buck the trend here & suggest what sits next to my bed. Action works slick as the Exxon Valdez, and trigger breaks light w/ ZERO creep.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=140830691
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=140830691
Skill matters more than this or that quality tool. I would get a used Remington or mossberg and buy two sleeves (50 rounds per sleeve) of tactical/low recoil buck or slugs.
You can find used Remington 11-87's for $300-400 around here most anytime except start of hunting season. They have very low recoil for 12 gauge.
I would also look long and hard at 20 gauge. If I was starting over I would get 20 gauge and skip 12. YMMV
You can find used Remington 11-87's for $300-400 around here most anytime except start of hunting season. They have very low recoil for 12 gauge.
I would also look long and hard at 20 gauge. If I was starting over I would get 20 gauge and skip 12. YMMV
THE DARK KNIGHT
Member
Mossberg 500
Also no reason not to get a 12. There are plenty of low recoil loads for 12 gauge if you can't handle regular 12 gauge ammo.
Also no reason not to get a 12. There are plenty of low recoil loads for 12 gauge if you can't handle regular 12 gauge ammo.
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Mr. Bojangles
Member
+1 for the 870 with the 18.5 inch barrel. Tons of accessories are available, everything you would ever want from magazine tube extensions up to bayonets.
Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
There's way more good defensive shotguns than good defensive shotgunners.
The tool matters, but the user matters much more.
Whatever you get, shoot it until it's a body part.
The tool matters, but the user matters much more.
Whatever you get, shoot it until it's a body part.
RSVP2RIP
Member
Just bought a used 870 express for $150 and a IC choked 18.5" barrel for $150. Done.
Snarlingiron
Member
See that is more along the lines of my thinking. Certainly there is nothing wrong with trying out a bunch of shotguns, but on the other hand LEO's and Soldiers just get handed whatever is issued. They then learn to use it to the best advantage. There is no doubt that any of the guns mentioned can be learned and deployed with great effectiveness, but the key is you have to LEARN the gun whatever you decide. They all have their quirks and tricks. If you have already learned with something, then get whatever has features closest to that. A good example would be if you are very familiar with an 1100 or an 11-87, then the 870 would be the most logical choice. If you are used to a double barrel with a top mounted safety, then maybe the Mossberg would be the ticket.
As stated, any of the choices presented will work real good and last a long time.
ReadyFreddy23
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- Jul 16, 2007
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I'll add a couple of choices that haven't been mentioned.
Benelli Nova/SuperNova (18.5 inch barrel)
Mossberg 500 Bullpup (18 inch barrel and only 26 inches overall)
Stoeger 2000
Stoeger Double Defense
Benelli Nova/SuperNova (18.5 inch barrel)
Mossberg 500 Bullpup (18 inch barrel and only 26 inches overall)
Stoeger 2000
Stoeger Double Defense
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