Reliable Shotguns for Home Defense

[anthracite]

Hello everyone,

New to the forums and looking for advice & suggestions on an affordable (<$750+/-) semi-automatic shotgun.

I’ve seen quite a few in the sub $500 range used but either do not recognize the brands or have read mixed reviews regarding jamming, etc.

Appreciate the time.

EDIT: After more research and better understanding of shotguns, semi-auto is no longer necessary and also open to pump varieties. Although I haven’t gotten to the pros/cons of each.

EDIT2: Thank you to whomever combined my two threads into one!

[newbutold]

My Berettas don't jam.

[anthracite]

My Berettas don't jam.

Are there a specific model(s) you own?

LGS has A300s in stock around $900.

[five.five-six]

Browning A5 can be found for under $700.

[anthracite]

Browning A5 can be found for under $700.

Thank you very much for the reply.

Are you talking new from a store or used through PPT? Regardless I’ll look into it now.

[9Cal_OC]

For home defense, go pump-action. Cheap, efficient, and effective.

I have a Maverick 88 20” and a Mossberg 500 I don’t mind using for home duty.

[highpower]

Unless you just HAVE to have a new gun that will take the magnum shells, I suggest looking on the used market. Lots of people buy into the notion that they need the latest and greatest firearms and sell off their older guns for substantially less than what a new one is going to set you back.

I think the Maverick 88 and the Mossberg 500's are great shotguns for the money. I have had a few Remington 870's and all have been 100% reliable. I also have a Winchester Model 12 that is a sweet shooter and also has been 100%. I've seen several Model 12's in local shops from $250 (worn finish but mechanically excellent) to $700 (like new). Unless you just HAVE to have a new gun that will take the magnum shells, I would look for a deal on the used rack.


Gratuitous Model 12 picture.

[DArBad]

The Stoeger M3K. Its made in Turkey....but WELL MADE.

It has an Inertia Drive, so its marginally cleaner, very easy to take apart and maintain since the recoil spring is in the forearm, the bolt is very simple to take apart and to take out the firing pin.

Overall fitting of parts is excellent (on mine), has chrome lined chamber and barrel which aids in easier cleaning, lots of aftermarket parts from MOA precision. It has an enlarged port, enlarged bolt handle, and enlarged bolt release. Has extended chokes. Has red fiber optic front sight.

No Beretta, Mossberg, or Remington can approach its features in the same price range. Got it OUT THE DOOR on a sale prior to the pandemic for $645.00.

I prefer it over my Mossberg 590 A1, Mossberg 930 Tactical, and Remington 870 Express Combo.

[anthracite]

[anthracite]

Unless you just HAVE to have a new gun that will take the magnum shells, I suggest looking on the used market. Lots of people buy into the notion that they need the latest and greatest firearms and sell off their older guns for substantially less than what a new one is going to set you back.

I think the Maverick 88 and the Mossberg 500's are great shotguns for the money. I have had a few Remington 870's and all have been 100% reliable. I also have a Winchester Model 12 that is a sweet shooter and also has been 100%. I've seen several Model 12's in local shops from $250 (worn finish but mechanically excellent) to $700 (like new). Unless you just HAVE to have a new gun that will take the magnum shells, I would look for a deal on the used rack.


Gratuitous Model 12 picture.

[anthracite]

The Stoeger M3K. Its made in Turkey....but WELL MADE.

It has an Inertia Drive, so its marginally cleaner, very easy to take apart and maintain since the recoil spring is in the forearm, the bolt is very simple to take apart and to take out the firing pin.

Overall fitting of parts is excellent (on mine), has chrome lined chamber and barrel which aids in easier cleaning, lots of aftermarket parts from MOA precision. It has an enlarged port, enlarged bolt handle, and enlarged bolt release. Has extended chokes. Has red fiber optic front sight.

No Beretta, Mossberg, or Remington can approach its features in the same price range. Got it OUT THE DOOR on a sale prior to the pandemic for $645.00.

I prefer it over my Mossberg 590 A1, Mossberg 930 Tactical, and Remington 870 Express Combo.

[five.five-six]

They haven't made them in years. But a better autoloader, I don't think you will ever find.

You'll have to keep your eyes pealed. Ive seen them go for $600-$2600. Mine is older than I am but they are stupid reliable.

[newbutold]

Are there a specific model(s) you own?

LGS has A300s in stock around $900.

390, 391. As mentioned, a pump is a good choice for HD.

[five.five-six]

I'm pretty sure both the mossberg and Maverick and just about every sub $1k current manufacture pump is an aluminum receiver, which are fine but my model 12 is older than I am with a steel receiver and just as if not more reliable than my new production 500 was. my mod.12 is a upland game gun.


These are my HD shotties.... not as old as me but close

wingmaster factory metal overfolders

Unless you just HAVE to have a new gun that will take the magnum shells, I suggest looking on the used market. Lots of people buy into the notion that they need the latest and greatest firearms and sell off their older guns for substantially less than what a new one is going to set you back.

I think the Maverick 88 and the Mossberg 500's are great shotguns for the money. I have had a few Remington 870's and all have been 100% reliable. I also have a Winchester Model 12 that is a sweet shooter and also has been 100%. I've seen several Model 12's in local shops from $250 (worn finish but mechanically excellent) to $700 (like new). Unless you just HAVE to have a new gun that will take the magnum shells, I would look for a deal on the used rack.


Gratuitous Model 12 picture.

[theduracellbigd]

https://www.remington.com/shotguns/pump-action/model-870/model-870-hardwood-home-defense