Looking for shotgun ideas

[Galdo]

Hey everyone, was hoping to get some advice. I am looking at getting a shotgun, and I need it to be flexible.
I would like to use it for home defense, and be able to hunt deer and turkey. I know that for home defense, i should be looking for a shorter barrel. At the same time, i know that for hunting the longer barrels are needed.

Is there a "magic" barrel length that would be good for both? Should i be looking for something like a combo (http://gunwatcher.com/Search-best-pr...18-24-for-sale) Or would it just be better to buy 2 different shotguns for that price point?

I know you all have had the same thoughts yourselves... What were your conclusions?

[ysr_racer]

There's no magic shotgun that will do everything at the top of it's class. That being said any good pump or semi auto is a good place to start.

For me, the best value out there is the Beretta A300. The synthetic stocked version is adjustable to fit most people.

[the_tunaman]

Most important, if you are truly considering both purposes, would be the correct length for your hunting purposes given that distance and accuracy will be paramount.

For home defense, it is a scattergun after all, and not too hard to point and shoot even with a longer barrel and still hit a large target in relatively close proximity.

All IMHO, of course.

[bigbearbear]

I would recommend getting a barrel length that you feel comfortable shooting with. Longer barrels are still useful for home defense, you are not going to be clearing rooms like a commando anyway and should be barricaded with the shotgun pointing towards the only approach while waiting for the cops to come. Hopefully with the home alarm wailing and waking up all your neighbors too.

There is a relatively new shotgun on the market, the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3, it is getting pretty good reviews and you should check it out.

[Sandro]

Hm,
How about a little different concept: not "one BBL fits all", but "one gun does it all"

What about Mossberg 500? Hard to find more flexible tool. Has at least 3 BBL options and can cover ALL OPs needs
1. 18" barrel for HD.
2. 28" field BBL with Accuchokes for waterfowl/upland hunting and occasional slug use for shorted distances big game hunt
3. 24" Rifled cantilevered BBL for serious big game hunt for up to 200 yard shots with sabot slugs(already plenty in lead free options).

All in all in less than $500 he is set.

I guess if he is looking for the option "one gun fits all" he is a bit "price sensitive".


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[ezb57]

For what you are talking about the Mossberg combos are pretty hard to beat.
If I had to pick a single length for your purposes, I'd go with a 26 inch model.

[aippi]

The 870 is more flexible considering there are 110 barrels made for it. Of course some are the same barrel but in different finishes. But this leaves you with over five times the options of the Mossberg. The Mossberg 500 only offers 11 different barrels at my last count.

Good news is that if you purchase an 870 before March 5th there is a $50 rebate that you file for on line at www.remington.com They then send you a check.

Also before the haters attack and tell you the Mossberg 500 is better then the 870 you should know that the Mossberg is a Remington shotgun that was discontinued in 1950 in favor of the 870. The patent lay dormant for 10 years and Mossberg picked it up and renamed it the Mossberg 500. So much for the point of view of uniformed haters. Yes, the 500 is a good gun but it is not an 870 nor does it have the versatility of the 870. I am a certified Armorer on both the 870 and 500 and would take either to a fight, however, I would rather have the 870 for multiple reasons. So, your primary request was for a defense gun as it would be that 24 hours a day if not out hunting or Sport Shooting. Take advantage of the rebate and check out the 870's at you local gun stores.

[pennstater]

Galdo,
Not sure where you live, but, if you're near a Big 5 look at their Mossberg 500 deals. They are currently running two: 12 or 20 ga black synthetic with a 28" ans 18.5" barrel combo. The other is, Mossberg 500 camo with same barrel combo's. Both of these are, I believe, under $300.00. Worth a look. The camo version is 12ga only I think.

[sgtmrangel]

I am quite content w/my Mossberg 930 WF w/26" Vent Rib Barrel along with an 18" for home defense. I use the 26" VR for those occasional trips to the skeet/trap range. The Mossberg 930 also accepts 3" shells for hunting purposes.

[RedRiderF26]

I have a mossberg 500. Came with a 28" ported vent rib barrel with interchangeable chokes, and a 18" barrel.

[SkyHawk]

Some guns come with two barrels. Mossberg also offers their 930SPX semi auto in a Field/Security combo with two barrels. I have one, great gun. I put a Nordic +2 mag tube extension on mine. 18" and 28" barrels.

http://www.mossberg.com/product/930-combo-fieldsecurity-85325/

[ysr_racer]

Op consider one of these for your nightstand. That's where I keep this one

[JS41989]

Galdo,
Not sure where you live, but, if you're near a Big 5 look at their Mossberg 500 deals. They are currently running two: 12 or 20 ga black synthetic with a 28" ans 18.5" barrel combo. The other is, Mossberg 500 camo with same barrel combo's. Both of these are, I believe, under $300.00. Worth a look. The camo version is 12ga only I think.

This. The camo version was my first shotgun and could serve both purposes you mentioned. Barely cracked $300 with tax and fees included.

[pennstater]

The 870 is more flexible considering there are 110 barrels made for it. Of course some are the same barrel but in different finishes. But this leaves you with over five times the options of the Mossberg. The Mossberg 500 only offers 11 different barrels at my last count.

Good news is that if you purchase an 870 before March 5th there is a $50 rebate that you file for on line at www.remington.com They then send you a check.

Also before the haters attack and tell you the Mossberg 500 is better then the 870 you should know that the Mossberg is a Remington shotgun that was discontinued in 1950 in favor of the 870. The patent lay dormant for 10 years and Mossberg picked it up and renamed it the Mossberg 500. So much for the point of view of uniformed haters. Yes, the 500 is a good gun but it is not an 870 nor does it have the versatility of the 870. I am a certified Armorer on both the 870 and 500 and would take either to a fight, however, I would rather have the 870 for multiple reasons. So, your primary request was for a defense gun as it would be that 24 hours a day if not out hunting or Sport Shooting. Take advantage of the rebate and check out the 870's at you local gun stores.

Regarding the statement that Mossberg picked up the patent after ten years and introduced the 500 is not true. Mossberg already had their 500, only with one action bar. After the Rem patent ran out, Mossberg adapted the twin action bar. Like most others have/had done. The Mossberg 500 and the Rem 870 have some obvious similarities and some different ones. No one is saying the 500 is better than an 870, so no haters here.
The one correction I need to make is: The 500 was designed in 1960, waiting for the Rem patent to expire. The twin action bars came in 1970. The 500 was not picked up and re-named after some other Rem model as suggested.

[sigstroker]

Deer hunting? Is hunting deer with a shotgun legal anywhere in California?