Which shotgun for home defense?
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dogtown tom
Member
None of those.
Get an 870 and a case of ammo
Get an 870 and a case of ammo
TreeDoc
Member
Any of the above would do. I see more people of late that bought a assault type shotgun and spend a lot money only to realize that they don't train with it. Most would have been better of with an double or pump and a case of ammo.
hAkron
Member
I have a Mossberg 500 with an 18.5" barrel, and a youth stock to make it a little more compact. I don't see the need for a semi-auto for a home defense gun.
Lord Teapot
Member
given those choices I'd take a Beretta. i am heavily biased towards Beretta though, i have never had any type of issue with a Beretta firearm, and i own many. i don't clean my guns before firing them, if it has to be clean to work, i clean it and sell it.
lemaymiami
Member
Having the "best" shotgun in the world might be something to want.... I have a different point of view that might be worth considering.
Most will be better off with a simple riot configured 12ga pump shotgun (that means a simple bead sight, short barrel, standard mag -four in the tube one in the chamber weapon -usually Mossberg or Remington) that they really know how to use.... in whatever circumstances you might find yourself. All that will be needed is standard 2 3/4 00 buck ammo that you've verified is reliable.
To do that, purchase a bunch of ammo and actually practice with it. Learn exactly how it patterns at given distances, remember that in a shooting situation you still have to hit your target, center of mass, for a stop -before things get worse than they already are.
Once you can actually use that weapon properly -then find some advance training and learn skip shooting. Anyone that does the above will be a terrible opponent in any close quarters armed confrontation and that's how to prepare yourself for that once in a lifetime defensive event. You still won't enjoy all that follows if you ever actually use that popper (another of those "ask me how I know" propositions).
Most will be better off with a simple riot configured 12ga pump shotgun (that means a simple bead sight, short barrel, standard mag -four in the tube one in the chamber weapon -usually Mossberg or Remington) that they really know how to use.... in whatever circumstances you might find yourself. All that will be needed is standard 2 3/4 00 buck ammo that you've verified is reliable.
To do that, purchase a bunch of ammo and actually practice with it. Learn exactly how it patterns at given distances, remember that in a shooting situation you still have to hit your target, center of mass, for a stop -before things get worse than they already are.
Once you can actually use that weapon properly -then find some advance training and learn skip shooting. Anyone that does the above will be a terrible opponent in any close quarters armed confrontation and that's how to prepare yourself for that once in a lifetime defensive event. You still won't enjoy all that follows if you ever actually use that popper (another of those "ask me how I know" propositions).
Old Checkered Wool
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I will say that if your choices have been narrowed down to the 4 shotguns listed in the above poll, you have done a lot of homework, spoke with a lot of people, read a lot of info, maybe watched a lot of videos also. The reason I say that is because not one of those shotguns are garbage or junk and each and every one of them would serve its purpose (well and beyond) just home defense.
If I had to pick from those 4........ (if I felt the need to spend that kind of money on a home defense shotgun) I would choose the Beretta or the FN. But then again, If I was slinging that kind of money, I might just save a little more an get a Benelli M2.
I Have eyeballed shotguns in the price range of $1000 and up before, but it wasn't for home defense, it was when I was considering getting into 3 gun.
I would agree with what all the others have said about buying simple for home defense. You don't need extravagant for home defense. In fact, I even suggested in another one of your posts that you could purchase a simple bare bones model 1100 and do some add-ons yourself and save yourself cash for a case of ammo besides.
If you build it yourself, you are only limited by your imagination and what you actually would need. (maybe a mag tube extension) An old beat up Remington model 1100 with a +2/+3 magazine extension will do (everything, exactly the same) as that 1100 tactical will do in a home defense situation. $270 -$350 (for used 1100)... $70 (for extended mag tube & spring)....... I can have a Remington 1100 that goes bang every time I pull the trigger without having to reload for 7-8 rounds for anywhere between $340-$420.
It has become apparent that you have your mind set on the 4 shotguns listed in the poll, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I, along with the other members here are just suggesting you don't have to fork over that kind of cash or purchase something as extravagantly set up (or marketed for certain customers) depends on how you look at it, I guess.
If your heart is set on those final 4, my last suggestion is this, get out to your local gun stores that have those shotguns on their racks. Handle each and every one of them, shoulder each one of them, work the action on each one of them, inspect the ergonomics of each one of them, find which one feels best in your hand, find the one that naturally engages to your shoulder and allows your master's eye to acquire target area the quickest and most naturally.
In the end, it will only be YOU who can decide which shotgun you go home with.
If I had to pick from those 4........ (if I felt the need to spend that kind of money on a home defense shotgun) I would choose the Beretta or the FN. But then again, If I was slinging that kind of money, I might just save a little more an get a Benelli M2.
I Have eyeballed shotguns in the price range of $1000 and up before, but it wasn't for home defense, it was when I was considering getting into 3 gun.
I would agree with what all the others have said about buying simple for home defense. You don't need extravagant for home defense. In fact, I even suggested in another one of your posts that you could purchase a simple bare bones model 1100 and do some add-ons yourself and save yourself cash for a case of ammo besides.
If you build it yourself, you are only limited by your imagination and what you actually would need. (maybe a mag tube extension) An old beat up Remington model 1100 with a +2/+3 magazine extension will do (everything, exactly the same) as that 1100 tactical will do in a home defense situation. $270 -$350 (for used 1100)... $70 (for extended mag tube & spring)....... I can have a Remington 1100 that goes bang every time I pull the trigger without having to reload for 7-8 rounds for anywhere between $340-$420.
It has become apparent that you have your mind set on the 4 shotguns listed in the poll, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I, along with the other members here are just suggesting you don't have to fork over that kind of cash or purchase something as extravagantly set up (or marketed for certain customers) depends on how you look at it, I guess.
If your heart is set on those final 4, my last suggestion is this, get out to your local gun stores that have those shotguns on their racks. Handle each and every one of them, shoulder each one of them, work the action on each one of them, inspect the ergonomics of each one of them, find which one feels best in your hand, find the one that naturally engages to your shoulder and allows your master's eye to acquire target area the quickest and most naturally.
In the end, it will only be YOU who can decide which shotgun you go home with.
bannockburn
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- Apr 24, 2007
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- 26,307
Any of the listed semi-autos should serve you well in the home defense role but like many others here I would go with a dependable pump action shotgun, like an Remington 870 or Mossberg 500. My own choice is a Maverick 88 with a Limbsaver slip-on recoil pad and a buttstock shell holder sleeve.
lemaymiami
Member
Bannock, my current popper (a simple 870 Express with synthetic stocks) is set up almost identical to yours but without the limbsaver and the addition of a sling. On the street for many years one of those buttstock ammo sleeves was on every popper I carried. That setup is potent, very quick pointing, and certainly got the attention of quite a few folks at close quarters. It worked so well that folks who'd ignore me if I was pointing a sidearm their way never ignored the shotgun (with only one exception in 22 years...). In my world not firing a shot was pretty important....
Sheepdog1968
Member
There are very few semi autos I have seen in the shotgun classes that have been reliable to the point where I would rely on one for self defense. The one model that seems to be reliable is the Benelli M4. I am sure some do have utterly reliable semi autos. Whatever you get needs to be tested extensively and kept clean. Be willing to buy one and be honest with yourself if it isn't up to acceptable reliability standards. That is why meany stick,with pumps m
Remington 4 HD///Mossberg 4 Fun/Range/Plinking
Twenty Gauge Automatic/Pump Shotgun.
Buy used.
Take to Expert Gunsmith.
Purchase twenty gauge Slugs/Bird Shot.
Practice-repeat-then practice some more...
Clean Barrel when tired-then practice some more...
Twenty Gauge Automatic/Pump Shotgun.
Buy used.
Take to Expert Gunsmith.
Purchase twenty gauge Slugs/Bird Shot.
Practice-repeat-then practice some more...
Clean Barrel when tired-then practice some more...
MyGreenGuns
Member
Which one do you shoot best?
oneounceload
member
Which one of those fits you the best?
I think the OP owns one 9mm handgun and perhaps has little shotgun experience. He may not know what he shoots best or what even determines whether a gun fits. But he's ready to spend up to $1000 on a HD shotgun.
One suggestion is go to an indoor range with rentals. Ask for an instructor to help with fit and the decision process -- trying a few to see what works for you. Bring your handgun along and get some basic help with that as well. You may want to do this a few time before making a purhcase. You will make an informed decision and get some good coaching.
One suggestion is go to an indoor range with rentals. Ask for an instructor to help with fit and the decision process -- trying a few to see what works for you. Bring your handgun along and get some basic help with that as well. You may want to do this a few time before making a purhcase. You will make an informed decision and get some good coaching.
Deog
Member
Mossberg 590 9 shot
buckhorn_cortez
Member
- Joined
- Jul 8, 2010
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- 532
Buy the FN SLP. Send it to SRM Performance in Meridian, ID for the Sure Cycle system and their reliability / performance package that include the gas piston modification.
It will run anything from 1-ounce trap loads to 3-inch Brenneke Black Magic slugs with the heavy gas piston. I never change the piston in my SLP after the work by SRM.
It will run anything from 1-ounce trap loads to 3-inch Brenneke Black Magic slugs with the heavy gas piston. I never change the piston in my SLP after the work by SRM.
You are wise to stay with a semi auto if your budget allows. While pumps will take more abuse, and are theoretically more reliable, in practice a semi is more reliable. If you were looking for a survival gun to use in TEOTWAWKI situation then I might want a pump, or if your budget just won't allow it.
Anything but the Mossberg. I'd probably lean toward the 1100, but the other 2 are good.
Anything but the Mossberg. I'd probably lean toward the 1100, but the other 2 are good.
lobo9er
Member
he didn't ask about a pump....
If money was no issue I have wanted a FN for a while. The 930's are solid choice too, and the only of the choices I have shot and would recommend one.
As for the pump conversation... a quality semi-auto maybe a better choice and more dependable. I own, hunt with and like pumps but also know short stroking can happen probably easier to happen than jams with modern autos and ammo.
If money was no issue I have wanted a FN for a while. The 930's are solid choice too, and the only of the choices I have shot and would recommend one.
As for the pump conversation... a quality semi-auto maybe a better choice and more dependable. I own, hunt with and like pumps but also know short stroking can happen probably easier to happen than jams with modern autos and ammo.
Panzerschwein
member
The FN SLP with the 22" barrel, 9 round capacity, seems to garner great reviews. Nutnfancy on YouTube has a fantastic review on this gun. A tube full of #1 buckshot would be about the best thing for close range defense I could think of!
oneounceload
member
9 rounds adds a lot of weight up front; make sure you like the way that handles.
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