Shotgun Reccomendations?

[Irish-Dannyboy]

Hi,

First time gun buyer going to purchase 1 Handgun and 1 shotgun. For now. I have a thread open from last year with lots of great handgun recommendations. So now I'd like to get some shotgun recommendations.

Main purpose is home defense and a little fun on the range and occasionally id like to get out into some open space and shoot some targets. Ill have to find out where is suitable and permitted of course.

I was at the range a few weeks ago and shot a gun that looked like this

I really enjoyed this gun. I didn't catch the make or model of it but I think it was 12 gauge and i believe it retailed about $399.

What I want is something in the $500 range, low maintenance, preferably semi-auto. I do like the look of some of the bigger shotguns but I thought this would be a fun starter. I think the price range is good for a shotgun, what do yous think?

Thanks

[North Bay Guy]

I can't tell if you're serious. If you enjoyed shooting a shotgun like that then pretty much any shotgun with a stock will blow you away.

Home defense and target/hunting/trap/skeet/bird shotguns are two different animals. Barrel length and barrel choke is the main differences. Home defense shotguns are usually designed to shoot, bird shot, buckshot and slugs, most will take 2 3/4 and 3" shells. Longer barrel shotguns normally have a choke to get a tighter shot pattern at a longer distance.

If you want something that won't really break the bank but is still a good shotgun get a Mossberg Combo 12g. When I say the Combo shotgun I mean a pump action that comes with a short and long barrel. It's easy to change between the short barrel that's suitable for home defense and the longer barrel. That way you get the best of both worlds.

You could also go with a Remington 870, the express versions are cheaper and sold at most big box sporting goods stores. I believe Remington has a Combo option out there too. One thing to look out for with the express models is the chambers isn't as forgiving as some of the higher end 870's. Some of the express models need a little chamber work to get that extra reliability. In my experience I've found that the cheaper Mossberg's function a little better then the cheaper 870's especially for newer shooters who tend to short stroke the pump.

[Quiet]

I was at the range a few weeks ago and shot a gun that looked like this

I really enjoyed this gun. I didn't catch the make or model of it but I think it was 12 gauge and i believe it retailed about $399.

That is either a Title 2 AOW or Title 2 SBS, depends on what host firearm (Title1 Other or Title 1 Shotgun) was used to make it.
It will cost more than $500 to legally acquire and requires BATFE approval.
In addition, if it's a SBS, it will require a CA DOJ Dangerous Weapons Permit for a SBS.

[Quiet]

Home defense and target/hunting/trap/skeet/bird shotguns are two different animals. Barrel length and barrel choke is the main differences. Home defense shotguns are usually designed to shoot, bird shot, buckshot and slugs, most will take 2 3/4 and 3" shells. Longer barrel shotguns normally have a choke to get a tighter shot pattern at a longer distance.

If you want something that won't really break the bank but is still a good shotgun get a Mossberg Combo 12g. When I say the Combo shotgun I mean a pump action that comes with a short and long barrel. It's easy to change between the short barrel that's suitable for home defense and the longer barrel. That way you get the best of both worlds.

You could also go with a Remington 870, the express versions are cheaper and sold at most big box sporting goods stores. I believe Remington has a Combo option out there too. One thing to look out for with the express models is the chambers isn't as forgiving as some of the higher end 870's. Some of the express models need a little chamber work to get that extra reliability. In my experience I've found that the cheaper Mossberg's function a little better then the cheaper 870's especially for newer shooters who tend to short stroke the pump.

What he said.

[wweigle]

My guess, if this is serious, is he shot a 18"-20" barrels shotgun with a pistol grip.

[Socalman]

Very few people I have met ever enjoyed shooting a pistol grip 12ga. I mean, if you liked it, there are legal models to be purchased. My suggestion would be for the Mossberg 500 series, but there are less expensive pump models you can get too.

[zoner]

measure the farthest distance IN YOUR HOUSE that you might shoot your HD shotgun then go to a range and set up a target at that distance. 21' at my house. Patterns about 6-8 inches at that distance. See if you can make consistent hits at that distance with your pistol grip. Easy to miss....you have excellent advice so far....Mossberg 500 combo...and my advice is to forget the pistol grip for anything but fun at the range. Put a buttstock on your HD shotgun, easier to make hits with and a better club if you run outta ammo.......good luck

[static2126]

I hate shooting pistol grip only 12 gauges....don't really see a point at all

[Pupulepeter]

I'm going to guess you shot a mossberg cruiser. Basically a 500 with pistol grip and 18" barrel. You can pick up a moss500 with a game and defense barrel at the box store that rhymes with gig rive for under 500 and get the pistol grip on Amazon. That way you can shoot clays, birds and get tacticool. I've had one for years. Works every time.

[bsg]

you can have a very nice shotgun and stay within budget. in addition to your other candidates for purchase, consider an older Remington 870 Wingmaster.

[Sir Toast]

Just get yourself one of these.

[j15w]

In semiauto, consider a Mossberg 930 Home Security or Tactical. You can find them for around $550-600. It's a 5 shot.

One step up from that is the 930 SPX, which you can get with normal stock or pistol grip. Around $650. It's an 8 shot.

[whipsmart]

Stick to a 20 gauge, of course only buy one if you want a powerful shotgun which is actually shootable.

[L84CABO]

The, "which first shotgun should I buy" threads always go the same way...Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 ish. Can't go wrong with either. See which one feels better to you and/or which safety location/style you like better. You can configure them however you want including getting an 18 inch barrel for home defense and a longer one for birds.

To that end, I can't say that I'm a fan of the configuration you posted. To me, that fills a very limited and highly specialized need and not something I would pick for home defense. Contrary to internet myth, a shotgun needs to be aimed...especially in a home defense role when you life depends on it and your neighbor's house is right next door. That gun is pretty difficult to aim without a stock. YMMV.

[wpod]

KSG or AA12

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