Cheapest 12 gauge pump that works?

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Panzerschwein

Panzerschwein

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Hello everyone!

What is the least expensive 12 gauge pump shotgun that is still considered "reliable" and is offered in a short barrel for home defense use?

The budget is... strained right now, shall we say... and I need a home defense weapon that is better than the few handguns I have. I own a PTR-91 GI .308, God knows it COULD do the job but I have neighbors very nearby and my new apartment has thin walls. I have some Hornady TAP 110 grain "Urban" ammunition for my PTR-91 but most I've spoken with still think this would overpenetrate my apartment. I'm thinking a #4 buck or one of the heavy birdshot loads would be right up my alley for HD use.

I have no price range in mind, but like I said... I really want about the least expensive newly made 12 gauge pump shotgun with a short barrel that is still considered "good" or "reliable".

Thank you all so much! :D
 
Either an 870 remington or one of mossberg 500 family will serve well and have a track record for reliability. The one you feel more comfortable with .
Roy
 
There are quite a few foreign clones out there. I picked up a H&R Pardner for 179.00 back in November. It's a 870 clone and will use many of the parts/accessories. After putting about 400 rounds of asst buck/shot/slugs I'm impressed at how smooth it is. No failures of any kind. It's Chinese made but owned by Remington. I've seen and held some recent American made pumps that feel like junk compared to this. Theres plenty of online tests and revues on this shotgun all good. It's made by Hawk Ind. and also available with their name and ghost sights. I also looked at the maverick 88 but this was much better IMO.
 
Back in 2009, one of my sons ANG Bothers bought a Charles Daly 18.5" barrel, modified fixed choke, aluminum receiver, flat black finish, and black synthetic stock. It also comes with equipped with sling attachments. It's a little bit lighter weight than a my 870 with the same length barrel, much to do with the aluminum receiver and thin synthetic stock I'm guessing. I've probably put a good 1000 rounds through it, probably a 100 of those have been 3" magnums, and slugs, maybe more. So far, the aluminum receiver is holding up just fine. It's design is nearly identical to a Rem. 870, but I can't find a single model number any where on it. From what I understand, it's been dubbed as an 870 Turkish clone.

As to price, I think I saw one at Wally World for around $200.

I've taken it dove hunting just to see how it handles, and it was actually pretty decent for a 18.5" barrel.

On another note, my DIL bought the 1187 version about 4 or 5 years ago in 20 gauge for dove and quail hunting, and that SG has operated flawlessly.

GS
 
A few years ago my wife bitched me into selling most of my shotguns. Two years ago I bought a Mossberg Maverick 88. Not the 870 or Win 1300 I sold but 100% serviceable.
 
If "newly made" isn't a requirement, you can get an older 870/500/87/1300 for $100-200 used. I got this for $100 a couple weeks ago.

DSC_7248_zpshnsiibcd.jpg~original
 
I bought a used Hawk for $160. It's a steel Rem 870 clone for the most part, the exception being the magazine tube.
The only real problem I found with it was the the drop of the heel of the stock was outrageous. Turns out it matched the drop of an AK-47! I took the buttstock off, and replaced it with a Remington. All is right with the world now.
 
If I had to have a new one, I'd just go to Wal-Mart and see what they had.

But in reality, I'd probably go look on the used rack and see what I could find. I'd probably look for an old Sears 200, or something like that. I could cut the barrel back if I had to.
 
New, I would go with a Maverick 88 (which i did several years ago). Used, I would look for a Remington 870, Mossberg 500, or an older Ithaca 37, in decent condition (functioning properly with as few cosmetic concerns as possible).

011_zps302e9e59.jpg
 
I really want about the least expensive newly made 12 gauge pump shotgun
Click to expand...

I'm right there with bannockburn. If newly made is a requirement, then the Maverick 88. I picked one up a couple months back when the LGS ran a special on them. $169 with a box of 25 Federal 00 buckshot.
 
Careful with the Mavericks. The new style fore-ends have the action bars pinned into the plastic, so with vigorous pumping it's possible to break those pins. You can upgrade to an action tube assembly as used on the wood stocked 500s or 590 series. Just an FYI. There's a reason why they're more affordable...
 
Just bought a used 870 Wingmaster for $200. Still has decades of useful life remaining.

I'd shop for a used 870 or Mossberg 500 series in the $200 range, in good mechanical and cosmetic condition. Will serve a lifetime of reliable service.
 
Honestly, your stated reason for buying a shotgun doesn't hold up. A shotgun running SD/HD loads will penetrate as many walls as a 7.62 rifle running 110gr TAP.

Don't panic, you have a usable weapon already. Save your pennies until you can afford a shotgun you really want.
 
From a maintenance point of view, I would go with either a a Remington 870 of some flavor or a Mossberg 500 or Maverick 88 over a foreign copy. If something breaks even a small country gunshop (like mine) can get it running again in short order. Not all parts interchange on the foreign copies.
 
personally I would take a good used gun, over a cheap new one every time. but that is just me
Roy
 
Ed Ames said:
Honestly, your stated reason for buying a shotgun doesn't hold up. A shotgun running SD/HD loads will penetrate as many walls as a 7.62 rifle running 110gr TAP.

Don't panic, you have a usable weapon already. Save your pennies until you can afford a shotgun you really want.
Click to expand...
...

Are you sure? I've talked to many folks online and they seem to think otherwise. I was thinking about stoking the shotgun with some BB lead shot or #4 birdshot loads if I can't find those. I've heard those will be very effective at close range. I would really rather NOT injure or worse my neighbors. They're noisy college kids, but they don't deserve all that! :eek:
 
I'm not saying 7.62 is ideal, but with the right ammo it is no worse than a shotgun.

The problem is that birdshot/bb is next to worthless for self defense, and bigger shot is still dangerous after going through several walls. The best shotgun choices for defense are 00 buck and slugs, either one of which will go through 3-4 complete walls. So will your 7.62.

Read this, especially the part about birdshot effectiveness:

http://www.theboxotruth.com/the-box-o-truth-3-the-shotgun-meets-the-box-o-truth/
 
I agree with Ed. #1 buck or 00 buck is what you need and at HD ranges, it will go through drywall as easily as .308. When it comes to protecting your life or your family's life, do you thing you should be worried about over-penetration etc. versus stopping the threat?
 
So.... I should just save the money and use the gun I already have with this Hornady TAP 110 grain load?
 
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