Most Compact Shotgun for Camping

[LAGuy]

So I do a lot of camping out in the deep woods. I want to find the most compact pump shotgun (over 18" barrel and 26" OAL) manufactured. I'd like to add a folding stock and pistol grip if possible.

Who manufactures a 26" OAL shotgun? (Or next smallest possible).

Generally, I would use mostly for protection from wild life (had a few close calls one too many times), but don't want to be carrying some huge shotgun with me.

I know a pistol may be a good alternative, but let's assume it is not an option. (Not a fan of pistols. Probably won't ever own one. No real reason why.)

[Wes C Addle]

probably a bull pup design like a KSG or an AOW (any other weapon)

[wweigle]

I would get an inexpensive Mossberg 500 or other pump action gun. I built a Remington 870 with a Choate Machine and Tool folding stock that has a pistol grip and a short barrel for the same general purpose that I stored on on my boat when I spent a lot of time in the Northern California Delta back in the 80's when the delta was pretty wild and isolated. I would have never spent the night out there without a gun back then. I stored it hidden in the front berth were we slept. I think the same idea would serve your purpose. I would likely never have shot it pistol grip only, but it would have been effective in that configuration if I had to shoot from inside the berth, and in your case a tent, trailer, or camper. Another option would be to just cut down the standard stock to the bare minimum length you could still shoulder and fire effectively, similar to the gun in the seen here. http://bullcreekarms.com/pdfs/BC_whippet.pdf You can always replace the stock with a full length one in the future if need be. Lots of decent choices, but I think this route would be one of the least expensive. Good luck.

[CK_32]

Stoeger coach gun or alike.

I just got one and love this little thing. Even busted some clays pretty successfully.

Tiny OAL with out having to have a useless PG or any of that crap to compensate. I think they OAL at around 36".

Broken down it fits in my standard school back pack. A camping pack should not be an issue what so ever. Very light too. Standard modern pumps and autos will be heavy due to the added parts.


**disclaimer- I do not take this to any schools, I just used my old school backpack to ses how portable it really was. So before I get a knock on my door for "taking a gun to school" lol**

[wweigle]

I would also consider a 20 gauge which depending on the brand and model can be a pound or so lighter than the equivalent 12 gauge.

[quiet shooter]

Mossberg 20 gauge 505

......this is what I use........very small and light...

[elSquid]

Yeah, a 20 gauge with an 18 barrel and side folder would be a solid choice.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/745954/choate-adjustable-side-folding-stock-remington-870-20-gauge-light-weight-steel-and-composite-black

A double barrel would be shorter, but I'd prefer a pump.

A 16 inch lever action rifle in 357 or 44 would be another decent choice.

http://www.rossiusa.com/product-details.cfm?id=171

A left field choice would be a Troy PAR in 223:

http://troydefense.com/troy-sporting-rifle/

Depends on what you need protection from...

-- Michael

[static2126]

I love my KSG

[hammerhead_77]

I love short stuff...

My answer to this is an 870 tactical in a Bullpups Unlimited stock. Stock fits perfectly, its still a highly reliable 870, it fires from the shoulder instead of a pistol grip (unlike a M500 Cruiser) and it can eat 3" slugs for dangerous animal defense. Sidesaddle options are not great, but I just use a California Competition Works 6-round stripper carrier on my belt and that is plenty of bang-bang for any wilderness situation.

Loading through the ejection port is tougher to do with a bullpup, but that isn't what you would be doing in the woods anyway...

I'll see if I can dig up a picture.

[BigBoyPinoy]

Get one of these. I like the 870 marine with hogue furniture for camping.

[CK_32]

No offense but that top one is all sorts of ugly.

Looks like a Starship Trooper gun.

[jeffrice6]

Ck ~ always there to tell folks their stuff it crap!

[CMBrowning]

I am not sure how I like a pump rifle..... But that troy rifle is cool

[BigBoyPinoy]

No offense but that top one is all sorts of ugly.

Looks like a Starship Trooper gun.

That's a KSG, not you old school shotgun, but 14 rounds in a compact design is hard to beat.

[1911ShooterPhil]

Single shot & double barrel shotguns?

So I do a lot of camping out in the deep woods. I want to find the most compact pump shotgun (over 18" barrel and 26" OAL) manufactured. I'd like to add a folding stock and pistol grip if possible.

Who manufactures a 26" OAL shotgun? (Or next smallest possible).

Generally, I would use mostly for protection from wild life (had a few close calls one too many times), but don't want to be carrying some huge shotgun with me.

I know a pistol may be a good alternative, but let's assume it is not an option. (Not a fan of pistols. Probably won't ever own one. No real reason why.)

Besides pump shotguns...have you thought about single shot shotguns or double barrel shotguns? They have simpler mechanisms and are easier to maintain.

Check these out:

http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Shotguns/tamer.asp

http://www.stoegerindustries.com/coach-guns-single-and-double-trigger-shotguns

For the money, the H&R 1871 Tamer is a great gun. I have owned several H&R 1871 rifles and shotguns over the years. They are extremely durable and reliable. They're a viable option to look into. Plus, you could get two Tamers for the price of a good pump shotgun. Something to think about. --1911ShooterPhil