Question on new shotgun purchase

[Bushwack44]

I purchased a Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical ready for pick-up in a few days. Purchased for home self-defense. Question: Is a red dot (i.e. Holosun 507c-x2) necessary if loaded with buckshot?

I figure if I hear noises in the house, I'm reaching for the shotgun (and possibly shaking a bit at the same time). I think I would be more inclined to have the shotgun at hip level vs eye level (for better vision). So...in a realistic scenario, is a red dot a benefit or just decoration (in regards to home defense)? TIA.

[Oceanbob]

For sure you need a proper LIGHT for night time.
The Holosun 507Cx2 (I have the green for my astigmatism) in red or green is excellent. I found shooting OO Flite Control that the Circle option on the three choices you have is an exact match of the pattern. So I call it the Circle of Death…��

Everyone has a preference and I don’t want a light that is a hassle to turn on. The kit also comes with a pressure button on a wire that turns on with hand or finger pressure. I like the other option of a push button on the back and easy for me to activate.
Your choice.

Bob

[G-forceJunkie]

Please take a defensive shotgun class, all your questions will be answered. Yes, you need to shoulder and aim a shotgun. How big is your house? Typical buckshot pattern at most in home ranges will probably be smaller than your fist, Yes you need to aim, your responsable for every pellet that comes out.

[hermosabeach]

In a home, I want a bead....
No rifle sights
No ghost rings

Just a super fast bead sight

[xblax619]

Please take a defensive shotgun class, all your questions will be answered. Yes, you need to shoulder and aim a shotgun. How big is your house? Typical buckshot pattern at most in home ranges will probably be smaller than your fist, Yes you need to aim, your responsable for every pellet that comes out.

[Bushwack44]

Taking a course first is a no brainer. But even after taking a course, I will still be a realist. I could be wrong, but I still think whatever training I took will not take 100% when confronting a possible intruder (it is real life, not Hollywood). That's why I mention if loaded with buckshot, wouldn't one take into account the spread (at 3-5 yards) and not want to hinder field of vision? That's why I ask if a red dot makes sense for self defense.

[Imageview]

[xblax619]

a beginners training course will teach u that u have to pattern your shotgun with whatever load u intend on using. every shotgun, even across different guns of the same brand and model will pattern differently with different loads. even if u forgo the class for now, take your shotgun to the range and pattern it at different distances to find the loads that best works for your particular gun.

[FeuerFrei]

I purchased a Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical ready for pick-up in a few days. Purchased for home self-defense. Question: Is a red dot (i.e. Holosun 507c-x2) necessary if loaded with buckshot?

I figure if I hear noises in the house, I'm reaching for the shotgun (and possibly shaking a bit at the same time). I think I would be more inclined to have the shotgun at hip level vs eye level (for better vision). So...in a realistic scenario, is a red dot a benefit or just decoration (in regards to home defense)? TIA.

Cutting to the chase here.
Any shot shell will rat hole a meat target at inside the house ranges.

Lights are a smart option for night time use. Be sure of your target and what's beyond.

All shotguns should be shouldered and aimed whenever possible for best results. RDS are never a requirement. Personal prefs only IMO. Basic shotgun sights work for defense and many other uses.

[JagerDog]

Have you ever fired a shotgun? Your inclination to want to shoot from the hip rather than shouldering the shotgun is perplexing. The notion that shouldering the shotgun will hinder your vision is silly. You talk as if the buttstock would be covering your eye. Have you ever tried racking a shotgun after firing from the hip? The shoulder provides resistance and makes loading the next round much easier. You might be better off getting a 357 Magnum revolver and loading it with shotshells instead

Just a detail, but OP's shotgun is an autoloader.

I'd do a laser before I'd do a red dot on an HD shotgun.