Looking for a Defensive SEMI-AUTOMATIC Shotgun

[tomrkba]

I am shotgun ignorant when it comes to using one for defense. My intent is to set one up properly and then attend a class or two.

I am making two threads to get THR recommendations on defensive shotguns. One thread is for pump action only and the other is for semi-autos.

Requirements:

1) Adjustable length of pull regardless of manner. It could be a Magpul stock or use tools to insert spacers. Either method is fine.
2) Ability to add a light.
3) Slug capable. I want to be able to use it out to 100 yards.

Nice to have:

1) Ambidextrous safety.
2) Sights: either ghost ring or some way to add night sights.
3) At least 5+1 round capacity.


What are your recommendations for a semi-auto shotgun?

 

[oneounceload]

Defense at 100 yards? Then you are not most likely looking at defense. Hunting is another matter. There are many than are capable from Benelli, Remington, even Mossberg

 

[rule303]

Mossberg 930SPX, Remington 11-87P, or Benelli M2 Tactical. All three are very reliable, and very different. The Mossberg will be the cheapest and has an ambi tang safety. The Remington will be heaviest, and the Benelli the lightest weight and heavy recoil due to the inertia action. The Benelli and Remington will both come with a right handed crossbolt safety that can be reversed for a lefty. Whichever has the features you want at the price you are willing to pay.

 

[jmr40]

Basically the same advice as on pumps. Forget the accessories and keep it simple. A crossbolt safety behind the trigger guard is just as fast for lefty's as righty's and does not need to be reversed. It is about technique.

A pump is more reliable in theory, a semi is more reliable in practice, but if money is a factor buy a $400 pump instead of a $400 semi. If you can afford more buy a semi. I like Benelli, Beretta and Remington. Heard good things about Winchester and Browning but no first hand experience. Not sure Beretta makes a suitable SD gun though.

 

[oneounceload]

Yes, Beretta does:

http://www.beretta.com/en-us/1301-comp/

http://www.beretta.com/en-us/1301-tactical/

Remember, Beretta also owns Benelli

 

[Dmitri Popov]

Mossberg. They have a good understanding of how to make a shotgun. I firmly trust the security of my home to a 20 ga 500. Field model, nothing fancy. Its also my trap gun

 

[gamestalker]

I have a number of 870 variations, all have been 100% reliable, and never had any problems with any of them. But a few years back I bought a Charles Daly 18.5" Tactical Field bare bones pump, same cross bolt safety design as a Rem. 870, I just love it. I've even tried it for dove and quail hunting a couple times, with good results on fast low birds too.

It's an 870 clone, so that, and the very affordable price tag of $250 NIB inspired me to buy one.

Chrome lined barrel, and it's already sling ready, improved cylinder, slugs are fine through it.

The only down side, though it hasn't presented a problem, is that the receiver is aluminum, I think milled though? So I assume that it would probably fail sooner, if ever, before a steel receiver would?From what I have read, there are after market add on's available to dress it up, Magpul stock and the other bells and whistles some like.

Oh, and I killed a deer with it using slugs 3 or 4 years back from about 75 yds.. I was sitting in camp when a small mule deer buck decided to come walking through camp, and all I had within reach of me was that SG. IMO, I got my monies worth out of it, on that day alone.

GS

 

[Mainsail]

The FNH Tactical SLP has several interchangeable recoil pads for individual length of pull. While it doesn't allow you to change the LOP on the fly, you shouldn't need to anyway. It also has everything else you want straight out of the box, which comes with it too.

Also has interchangeable comb inserts and shoulders like it's natural.
High-profile, adjustable ghost ring rear sight on the one-piece MIL-STD 1913 accessory rail and wing protected front sight, even a forward-mounted MIL-STD 1913 tri-rail mount for your light.

 

[oneounceload]

Mossberg. They have a good understanding of how to make a shotgun. I firmly trust the security of my home to a 20 ga 500. Field model, nothing fancy. Its also my trap gun

Except THIS thread is about semis. His other thread is about pumps....

 

[Sav .250]

"Out to 100 yds." You did not qualify that . Meaning also for hunting ? Only as a defensive weapon, I don`t get the 100 yd thing.

Lots of good defensive shotguns our there. That will meet your needs.

My idea of an "defensive shotgun" is totally different than yours so I`ll let others offer their opinions.

 

[Frostbite]

tomrkba, for a defensive semi-automatic shotgun meeting your criteria, you should take a look at the Mossberg SA-20 Tactical.

 

[627PCFan]

M2

(not a ma duece)

 

[Dmitri Popov]

Or maybe a Ma Deuce!

 

[VA27]

Look for a nice used Benelli M1 Super 90.

 

[tuna]

Keep it simple - get an A5 or Remington model 11.

$300 used and reliable as the day is long.

 

[rbernie]

Benelli M2.

 

[btg3]

Some good reading here, if not already...

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=355528

 

[WALKERs210]

For Home Defense I have always preferred a Mossberg 500 pump. However today I took ownership of a Tri-Star Viper G2 with wood furniture, I have yet to test fired it but after looking at the You Tube evaluations of the shotgun for the price it might be hard to beat. The one I have weights in about 6-7 lbs with a 28" barrel, chambered for 3" shells with 4 shells in mag tube and one loaded gives a standard 5 rd load out. Reasons I keep my Mossberg 500e on hand is the 18" barrel, 20ga easier to handle recoil flashlights with squeeze switches. I have two of these, one has just the pistol grip and hangs behind the front door, the second has tactical stock with breacher barrel (just came that way) again 18" barrel easy to handle. But if your set on a Semi-Auto the the Tr-Star looks like a way to go.

 

[MenaceMan47]

The only semiauto shotty I've ever owned is my Mossy 930SPX; I added a side-saddle, a Wilson Combat front sling adapter (the Remington 870 adapter fits the same size mag tube), and a Nordic tube spring with aluminum/teflon follower. It had some feeding issues with the stock spring and follower, but runs flawlessly now. Short of the adjustable stock you specify wanting, it's a shotgun I don't ever regret buying. It's sexy, too

 

[wgp]

Very impressed with the Mossberg 930 semiauto.

 

[RustyShackelford]

Right handed....

If you are right handed, the Benelli "H2O" series tactical shotguns with the silver/grey NP3 type color look impressive.
Shorter barrels may help in CQB type drills or home defense. 1913 rails help too.

 

[I6turbo]

Keep it simple - get an A5 or Remington model 11.

$300 used and reliable as the day is long.

I agree, and would add that the quality and craftsmanship that you get with these guns is amazing.

 

[Sol]

11-87 maybe?

 

[mgkdrgn]

sumthin like this:

http://www.classicfirearms.com/russian-saiga-12-gauge-shotgun-1

 

[dprice3844444]

find one that's inexpensive,and functions well.even good used will work.remember,if your going to have to use it,you may wind up losing it,seized as part of the investigation.it may or may not be returned.therefore,an expensive hit .you may not want the shotgun to look real mean and nasty looking.it may help influence a juries decision,which may or may not be in your favor.remember the kiss principal.