hunting shotgun for defense???

[bubba in ca]

i would venture to guess that the absolute majority of ``HD`` shotguns in existence are hunting models.

I would also venture to guess that the majority of tacticool ``HD`` shotguns are range queens.

Shot what you got and get good with it. Get a shorter barrel for convenience when you can.

 

[lpsharp88]

I have a mossy 590a1 that sits by my bed, and has many rabbit kills to it's name. The way I see it, anything is better than nothing.

 

[iyn]

I have an 870 with 18" and 26". I have skeet loads and slugs because that's all I could find in my area.

 

[DNS]

A shotgun for every job is my motto.

Why limit yourself to just one?
Do you own just one screwdriver?

 

[SenecaGunner]

i used a long barrel wingmaster for HD for a while. never felt it was a problem. now i use a 18.5 inch smooth bore mossberg 500 that doubles as a slug gun

 

[Armored farmer]

I shoot, hunt, and compete with an 870. Naturally, a short barrel 870 is my go-to. It,s not tacticool, just a plain old wingmaster with nice wood, and no plug. 5 extra rounds in a sleeve on the stock.
I'm always on the prowl for a newer, better, handgun or rifle, or a fancier trapgun, but I have no desire to change my HD gun.

 

[PlaneJain]

Dirty Bob said it all:

"Training and tactics trump hardware.

The ideal shotgun use for home defense is "forted up," so the bad guy comes to you. In that scenario, a long barrel is not much of a disadvantage.

In a situation like the aftermath of a Katrina or Sandy, you could conceivably face a threat in your yard, while watching over a generator or clearing a downed tree, etc. In that case, the longer barrel (well, actually the choke) will probably give you better patterns out to 15 yards or more. Again, tactics and training will keep you safer than a shorter barrel on a shotgun."

 

[PabloJ]

It's easy to find good HD candidate. I found ca. 1947 Winchester 25 with 28" 3/4 choke barrel for just over $300. That is not a whole lot of money for the gun that spent many years in someones closet. Much better proposition then parkerized clunkers with plastic stocks they make by piles today. Few boxes of Winchester No1 BK from Walmart and the setup is complete.

 

[Drail]

Hunting guns are just fine as long as you don't go all "Ninja" and try to go through hallways and doors attempting to "clear" your house. Let them come to you. Maybe even warn them. Maybe not.

 

[oneounceload]

Short barrels are really over rated as the "do-all, end-all" gun. Folks have been using their long barreled shotguns for hundreds of years with no issues. The "room-clearing, door-breaching"tend to watch too many video games

As mentioned, learn to run your gun with your eyes closed and rest easy

 

[Dirty Bob]

A plain-jane hunting gun -- even with a 28-30" barrel -- is probably quicker in the hands than a shotgun that's loaded up with a Surefire forend, extended mag, sidesaddle, etc. The true asset of the shotgun is the SPEED with which it can be used to engage a threat and end a confrontation. If I have 5 or 6 shells in the mag, I generally don't think I need more. Extra ammo is conveniently put in a musette or gas mask bag, or in a bandoleer that you can sling across your body like a Boy Scout merit badge sash. This gives you more ammo than a sidesaddle, and it doesn't weigh down the shotgun.

The "tactical" accessories have their place and can be very useful when needed. If you have a very light 20 gauge, an extended mag or other accessories can add much-needed weight to tame recoil. Tactical stuff can also help us to put together a specialized shotgun, when needed. I'm building a short, folding-stocked shotgun as a trunk gun. It can hide in a low-profile tennis racket bag. This one will have a sidesaddle, as part of its "grab-and-go" mission.

All my best,
Dirty Bob

 

[unreal45]

I'm with DB on this. There is nothing faster into action then a well balanced hunting shotgun. There is a lot to be said for familiarity with a platform in stressful situations.