Best home defense shotgun

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I have no shortage of "industry standard" pumps. I prefer the Mossberg 500 Model 50411 or 50577 for HD use.
 
Honestly, ignorance. I was thinking that was some type of flash suppressor. Now you have brought that to my attention, you are right....I am not SWAT, won't be using that. The Thunder Ranch was appealing because of price, and the "more" durability claimed in recent articles on the subject. Also, I like the Ithaca design, and Dunham's had a Stephens version imported from China, but due to the poor sights, slugs are not accurate. I guess some refer to them as "seconds" but neither manufacturer or Dunham's will admit that. So I traded that one away.
 
To all posters: thank you all for the intelligence in your responses. I have 4 various Remington shotguns, and I will stick with what I know. God bless all of you and God bless America.
 
Take a look at a mossberg 590A1, our troops are useing this in the war zone right now, awesom shotgun.
 
I agree with the others. Use the weapon you are best trained on. I've worked in the security side of corrections for a couple of different departments for the last 14 years before coming out of uniform, and I've seen first hand the troubles with the 870 when it comes to yearly qualifications.

Shortstroking was commonplace as well as a host of other problems with issued weapons. Was this a problem with the operating system? No. Problems can arise no matter what the platform.

I'd venture to say that most folks would be better served with a good over/under for defense. I rember at one time EAA? had an over under with a picatinny rail for lights.
 
Empty nesters with the master bedroom darkened.


Point taken and is applicable to all equipment one might choose to employ with regard to HD. My choice is no light.


Seems yet another skill to learn and practice. As stated, I don't need to go there. In addition, my walls are painted a light color and with a bright light flashing, might the affect be similar to a camera flash, muzzle flash, etc with ensuing temporary vision impairment?
My "tactical light" is a Mini Maglight with a remote control cable and uses a bright LED these days. But, it has rthe red lens! Ever wonder why they do that in the movies (nighttime reading a map in the field, submarines go to red lights, etc.)? Red does not ruin your night vision!!! No-one ever mentions this or seems to think about it but bright, blinding strobes work both ways for all you tacticool guys out there as mentioned above...

As for the 870? Maybe sent the one you're gonna rely on to a good 'smith to polish it or something to help ensure reliability and please make sure you cycle the action vigorously, without fear of breaking anything.
 
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I had a Remington 870 that I gave to my son, it was an excellent firearm. I now have a Mossberg Thunder Ranch on order (not easy to find). It seems the right weight, length, and from I've read online and in person, I expect it to be equally reliable. As far as the "breaching"goes, it looks intimidating and sharp edges on sticks have put many a person in their grave. When the SHTF I'll take every option available to me and fight dirty. (IMHO)
 
I have 870 wingmaster 2 3/4, 11-87 3 in, mossberg 500 3 in with 3 barells, OLd s&w 1000 2 3/4. All work. Mossberg barrells cheaper. Remington can add extra shells easy. Mossberg even makes a breaching barrell for remington alot cheaper than remington does. Sold Benelli super nova 3 1/2. Great gun, barells high, less acc. Recommend 500 or other Mossberg if find. Find bullpup 500 might consider trade for next child.
 
I have a Mossberg 500 Tactical and will do the trick for home defense. However, choose your shot shells carefully and beware of over penetration with slugs and/or "00" buckshot.
 
Use the brand/model shotgun you are already familiar with using...

"run Whatcha brung..."

The Maverick 88 is my HomeLand Security shotgun
 
if you got the money then a remington would be the way to go. i don't have enough to get one and saving is out of the question with everything taking every dollar i can come up with to live. so went and got the h&r pardner pump, i compared it with the maverick 88 and found the pardner to be a better feelin gun to me and much tougher built. and after several rounds of ammo from shot to slugs its proven to be dependable. i know its made in china but i needed something to defend my home and used american guns around here are as rare as hens teeth and when they are found are close to new prices. thanks
 
We have a Rem 1100 skeet Lt for the wife with #3 buck. My choice is a 20" 12 gauge 3" Coach Gun with #1 buck. We also have on hand a 870 TB with a deer slug barrel that would alternate between slugs and 00 buck..
Jim
 
I just picked up a Mossberg 500 12 gauge, 18.5" persuader/cruiser, 6 shot with an Insight forend. No other tacticool bells and whistles. This seems to fit my needs perfectly.
 
I'm of the common belief that whatever shotgun you handle best and is the most reliable in YOUR hands is probably best.
I have a nice old 870 Police that would do home clearing duty without a hitch. However I prefer the old Ithaca 37. Its a little long but holds nearly twice the ammo and is old enough of a model to slam fire should I wish to do so. Its light weight, balanced, and the short action makes for fast shooting.

That said, it might not be the best for everyone. Hell, my 86 year old grandfather keeps a 26" barrel, 3 shot, bolt action 16 gauge next to his bed. Sound cumbersome? Sure does, but the ol' guy has sent enough bunnies to bunny heaven that he's a surgeon with that old shooter. 50 years shooting one gun really sharpens the muscle memory skills.
Kinda comical seeing a 5'4" guy toting such a long gun...unless he's pointing at you :D
 
Ole' military issue eight shot Mossie 500 with Remi 31 action eight shot mag, grey parkerized finish, plain walnut stock, millspec swivels and all important std. bayonet attachment. The blade on the end spares walls from excessive damage and blood splatter.
 
Really it is going to come down to what your personal preference it. Anything that goes boom when you squeeze the trigger is going to work.

Buy what tickles you....It all comes down to personal preference for defensive shotguns.

Because at the distances you are preparing for, ANY will produce the same results.
 
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