Shotgun for Home Defense??

[thegreyman2013]

Came across this article in another forum. I like the Beretta 1301 Tactical, looks like its perfect for home defense. Then the question is to go semi or pump?

https://www.tacticallounge.com/reviews/2017/4/25/top-five-shotguns-for-home-defense

Thoughts?

[NATEWA]

I had a friend in this situation. The 1301 is impressive but he ended up going with an 870. The main reason was cost but also because he is unfamiliar with shotguns, so he wanted something simple.

[blaser]

Take a look at the DP 12. Nothing says "Freeze M!@#$%R F&@@#R!" like the rack of a slide.

[G.F.C.]

I've had/have all the pumps listed and the SXP is my #1. It is the fastest cycling, most ergonomic (I'm a lefty), and by far the easiest to disassemble and clean. One pin, one cap, and field maintenance can begin.

That being said, a semi is much easier to run than a pump once it's set up and broken in properly. Only after years of repetition can I cycle my pump 100% of the time without short-shucking or not pulling completely forward into battery. A semi is one pull of a knob. No boom? Pull the knob again.

It's a lot easier in stressful situations than a pump but the reliability of a pump ought not to be overlooked. I choose pump because I've spent so many years with them it's just natural. I got a Troy PAR as my final rifle because I just like pump guns.

My advice would be this: Completely ignore every single article you've ever seen sans the make and models. Take a class, go to the range with a friend, rent something at a range, etc. and get familiar with them. I thought the 870 would be the only shotgun I'd ever need when I first got it. Boy was I wrong and do not regret selling it for one moment.

[Librarian]

Take a look at the DP 12. Nothing says "Freeze M!@#$%R F&@@#R!" like the rack of a slide.

Nothing says 'here I am, and I wasn't ready for you, and I probably dropped one of my limited number of rounds on the floor' like racking the slide.

[thegreyman2013]

I had a friend in this situation. The 1301 is impressive but he ended up going with an 870. The main reason was cost but also because he is unfamiliar with shotguns, so he wanted something simple.

Its always a tough go choosing semi vs pump. I'll be honest, I love the looks of the 1301, I'm just drawn to it.

[L84CABO]

Semi all the way. As long as it's a good one.

[sigstroker]

Semi if you can afford it. There are all sorts of situations where a pump sucks. Great for hunting - suck otherwise.

[whatarush]

I have watched several shows about professionals Who carry shotguns for bear protection in Alaska. They always seems to carry remington 870's

[rubbman]

I have children in my house so I keep my shotgun as a backup to my
.45(w/2 mags loaded with CCI shot shell)!

[drdanno84]

UTAS-15. 15 ROUNDS OF 12 GAUGE. 2- 7 ROUND TUBES AND ONE IN CHAMBER.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_o3YsUVAyQ

[-hanko]

Take a look at the DP 12. Nothing says "Freeze M!@#$%R F&@@#R!" like the rack of a slide.

Obviously. Best thing about bad actors running away is you don't have to shoot, so you save a ton on ammo.

I've had/have all the pumps listed and the SXP is my #1. It is the fastest cycling, most ergonomic (I'm a lefty), and by far the easiest to disassemble and clean. One pin, one cap, and field maintenance can begin.

That being said, a semi is much easier to run than a pump once it's set up and broken in properly. Only after years of repetition can I cycle my pump 100% of the time without short-shucking or not pulling completely forward into battery. A semi is one pull of a knob. No boom? Pull the knob again.

It's a lot easier in stressful situations than a pump but the reliability of a pump ought not to be overlooked. I choose pump because I've spent so many years with them it's just natural. I got a Troy PAR as my final rifle because I just like pump guns.

My advice would be this: Completely ignore every single article you've ever seen sans the make and models. Take a class, go to the range with a friend, rent something at a range, etc. and get familiar with them. I thought the 870 would be the only shotgun I'd ever need when I first got it. Boy was I wrong and do not regret selling it for one moment.

^This.

I have watched several shows about professionals Who carry shotguns for bear protection in Alaska. They always seems to carry remington 870's

Thread seems to be about HD/SD...not sure why bears came into the thread.

[BigPimping]

God I bought a Maverick 88 with the extended tube. I can't imagine ever need anything more than that. I don't think I'm going to have a mr. And mrs. Smith firefight in my house anytime soon.

[user120312]

Everyone's needs are different. Presuming close defense in an enclosed space, the space I live in now in Oregon wouldn't support a full sized gun so I'd likely do something like a 870 or simpler yet a double barrel gun with a shortened barrel and stock. Why? Tight space. In OR, NFA items are OK and the energy from the pellets is expended before they leave the building or property. I played with swinging my Mauser around to experiment and it was a joke. Too clunky. Fine here in CA with the big open rooms and wide halls.

The irony is, in OR, I can leave the doors unlocked and no one bothers anything. I've mistakenly left them unlocked for months while away and zippo. Equipment still in garage, house untouched. Different world. Still, it's nice to have the freedom, for now anyway, to purchase/construct whatever firearm I like or need, even if that's none.

In CA, I'd probably stick with a Mossberg or Remington pump. Oh, and do some tests with blanks in an enclosed room with no ear protection and see how it goes. Oh my.

[diverwcw]

I'm a big proponent of a shotgun for HD. Find one you like and practice/train with it. Instead of spending money to put expensive doo dads on the gun, spend it on some training. You would be surprised at what you can accomplish with it.


Here is a video of shotgun training at Front Sight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12C-7YtHaNk&t=8s