Home Defense/ Hunting Combo

[stagcassidybond]

I am looking for a home defense shotgun right now. I would also like to use this shotgun for squirrel maybe quail and dove hunting. Can I hunt with an 18.5 inch barrel effectively? Or should I at least get something in the 22" range? I am on a budget and have been looking at the Maverick 88 Securities (for the fact that they are interchangible with the Mossy 500's), Norinco's and the HR NEF Pardner pump series. Can anyone give me feedback on these two pump guns? I would like to purchase one today. The Maverick I had my eyes on sold out from under me in under a week's time.

Cassidy Bond

 

[foghornl]

I am a Mossberg/Maverick guy, so guess what I pick?

Anyway, whether it is the Mossberg 500 or the Maverick 88 model, either one will give you long dependable service. My HomeLand Security Shotgun is the Maverick 88, with the 18-1/2" barrel (cylinder bore...no choke). It came with the 28" Mod choke barrel; I bought the short barrel a few years back.

You can hunt with the 18-1/2" barrel, but be aware that with the cylinder bore (no choke) effective game knockdown range will be short...generally less than 25 yds.

When I need to use my shotgun for "Woods-N-Water" hunting, the 28" Mod choke barrel goes on.

Although, since I inherited my late father-in-laws OLD Mossberg 500, I don't have to swap barrels anymore. The Maverick wears the short barrel, the Mossberg is set up for general hunting use.

If you can find it within your area and budget, the 2-barrel combos are a great way to go. Same basic "Chops" since the receiver/controls don't change, just a different 'swing' feel due to different barrel length.

 

[ccsniper]

my personal opinion, is buy two guns. get a maverick from a pawnshop for 130 and have a gunsmith cut it down to 18.5" and then buy another maverick same price. but yes you can use a shortened barrel shotgun to hunt squirrels, or quail heck even rabbits, just keep the range close, like 10 to 15 yards at most.

 

[stagcassidybond]

thanks foghorn,
So If I can't find a Maverick in the area soon, are there a good amount of barrels that I could get for the Pardner or Norinco 982 series shotguns?

BTW I am trying to stay around the $200 price range, that way I can get some shells and try them out as well. I'm a college student who also owns an AR that he needs accessories for, so basically I want a shotgun for home defense right now and if I could possibly get a different barrel in the near future.

 

[stagcassidybond]

Anyone? As far as accessories go I hear that all 870 products will work. what if I want a barrel though? Are these readily available and easy to find for the Norinco and the Pardner shotguns?

 

[meanmotorscooter]

I'm wondering the same thing. Are barrels available for the pardner pump and norinco?

 

[DaleCooper51]

H&R offers accessory barrels for the Pardner pump.

S03595 12 Ga., 18.5", Cyl. Bore, Bead frt. Sight $63.00
705 12 Ga., 28" Vent Rib, Screw-In Choke (Mod.) $106.00
S03613 12 Ga., 22" Rifled Bore, Adj. Rifle Sights $110.00

http://www.hr1871.com/Support/accessoryProgram.asp

I would look around for a Mossberg or Remington combo package. American built guns with good customer support and parts availability. They also have a long proven track record. Parts are available now for these inexpensive imports, but who's to say that they will be around in 5 or 10 yrs should something break on them.

 

[Vicious-Peanut]

Well, the 870 isn't built in America anymore.

I would personally go with the 500 or Maverick, but the 870 is a fine gun also.

 

[DaleCooper51]

Well, the 870 isn't built in America anymore.

I would personally go with the 500 or Maverick, but the 870 is a fine gun also.

Since when? I know the SPR models are foreign but last I heard the 870s were all still manufactured here in the states. Do you have a link regarding this change?

 

[heavyshooter]

You have described the Mossberg 500 to a tee. Here in Denver Big 5 Sporting Goods sells the Mossberg 500 with both the the 28" bbl and the 18 1/2" bbl for $249.00

 

[BullfrogKen]

A Mossberg 500 was one of the first firearms I ever got. With the different barrels, you can get an 18 1/2" for the house, a 26" for hunting small game, and a rifled slug for hunting deer. Its pretty versatile, and not too far outside your budget. If you find one used, you'll stay within your $200 range.


You can use an 18 1/2" for hunting, but the choke on it is going to really let your patterns open up. They might not be dense enough to reliably put game down. Make sure you hunt ethically. Kill that rabbit or quail quickly. You don't want to wound it and have it run off to die somewhere 3 days later.


By the way, welcome to THR.

 

[Vicious-Peanut]

Since when? I know the SPR models are foreign but last I heard the 870s were all still manufactured here in the states. Do you have a link regarding this change?

Unfortunately I don't. I remember reading it on THR, but the person may have been confusing it with the SPRs. So, Ignore the comment.