New here and looking for some help

[humanoddity]

Hi everyone, I am so glad I found this site. I am looking to buy my first shotgun (12 ga pump) for home security/self defense. I am female and I live in a fairly large home on 1.5 acres but have neighbors to the side and the front. (I saw the womens forum but wanted to start here.)

I've been looking at several brands, and read quite a lot of positive things regarding the Mossberg 500 series. I also noticed some of these came with pistol grips. What are the advantages/disadvantages of that? That's new to me. (I'm not up-to-date on guns.)

I can handle quite a bit of recoil, but obviously don't want my shoulder blown off either. Are there specific models of any brand you'd recommend as having a lighter recoil but that I can still load with something like 00 bucks and kick some ***? (No, I don't want a 20 ga either) haha

I know there is a similar post like this which was very informative. I'm hoping some of you pros might be able to give me suggestions and if you have time, tell me why. I really want to learn!

Thanks all,
Shannon

[Generator]

My wife got me a Mossberg 500 2 barrel combo this past Christmas. I absolutely love it.

But, and you will see this a lot, you should go to the range and rent one or borrow someone's and fire off some 00buck and see how you like it. Try both with and without pistol grips. Everyone likes them. Personally, I like the standard grip. It just feels more comfortable to me.

Also, don't disregard a 20ga. I'm thinking of getting one as a HD weapon. Lots of bang with much less felt recoil. Especially for the usual under 10yds distance of home defense.

Good Luck!

[racky]

there are also low-recoil rounds you can buy

[TheKlawMan]

Shannon, I am pretty much a newby but having just gone through selecting a 12 gauge pump for myself, I may be able to summarize a few points of more knowledgeable members.

Pistol Grip While some say they can shoot just as accurately with one, and some claim they absorb some recoil, one thing is for certain they interfere with actuating the safety on a Mossberg as it is atop the tang. Oh yeah, someone thought it was more difficult to wrestle a sg with a pistol grip from its user.

Recoil The two most popular Mossberg pumps are the 500 and the 590. There are good deals on each at Big 5. As far as recoil goes, I understand that the heavier weapon has less kick and that would be the 590.

Length Some prefer the 590 0ver the 500 because the magazine holds more rounds. The 590 has a slightly longer barrel (20") as compared to the 500 (18.5"). The difference is small but some prefer the shortest legal barrel.

You asked about a Mossberg for SD/HD. If you might try hunting or shooting trap, skeet, or clays, consider that Big 5 often sells the 500 with two barrels, an HD 18.5 inch barrel and a 28" vent rib (with a fixed modified choke - check this on the gun you buy as I have had some tell me it is also cyllinder bore but I believe the manager of that Big 5 was confused).

The best advice was given by generator. Go to a range where you can rent a gun and see if you like it. Before going to a range check to see that you can not only rent a gun but if you can even fire anything more than target loads at it. You may want to first look into taking a class in which case the intructgor will often provide you with a weapon and recommend the best fit for you.

[003]

Shannon:
Take a serious look at the Remington 870, which is a pump; or the Remington 11-87 which is a self loading semi automatic. The 11-87 will have less felt recoil, because the semi auto action absorbs some of the recoil as it cycles. Both are available with a variety of stock options as well as barrel lengths. For self defense consider the “low” recoil 8 pellet 00 buckshot rounds. Many Police agencies switched over to those because of the lower recoil, but also because they throw a tighter pattern. Also, don’t discount the basic low base number 9 shot skeet load for inside the home self defense. At across the room distance they are very effective.

[BigDogatPlay]

Reduced recoil buckshot... Federal, Remington and Winchester all make acceptable varieties, the Federal seems to give the best results and (caveat) each gun will have it's own preferences, is the way to go for personal defense with a shotgun.

The Mossberg 500 is a time tested and proven platform. It makes an excellent first gun. If you are a bit recoil sensitive, consider having the stock recoil pad changed out for a Limbsaver pad. Makes a significant difference.

When choosing the gun weight is a consideration. All Mossberg pumps will have an aluminum receiver so longer barrels and mag tubes are going to add weight to the front end of the gun, which is both good and bad. Good in that the extra weight will keep the muzzle from rising as much, bad in that you have to lift it and hold it out there. Adding a light, which (IMO) is a necessity on a personal defense shotgun, adds a bit more weight.

As above, consider a trip to the range and renting, or a basic class. If you have a trap, skeet or sporting clays club local to you that has public hours, you can check in there. Alternatively, you might look into a basic NRA shotgun class, or an NRA Women on Target course, which will give you the basics on shooting and safety, along with some live fire to give you ideas of what may and may not work for you.

[hcbr]

Remington 870 express or Mossberg 500, you can't go wrong with either, but like some of the gentlemen here have said, go to the ranges that have shotgun fields, and try out some of theirs. Also including the low recoil rounds, i'd suggest getting a limb saver or recoil reducing butt stock pad. I have one on my 870 and several folks (including women) have said it shot fine and they've had no discomfort.

Good luck Shannon!

[tgriffin]

Hi Shannon,

Do take into consideration semiauto as well as pump. If you care to and distance is amenable, be more than happy to let you sample the various 12, 20, and 410 pumps and semi's that I own.

-Tom

[shtr45acp]

For "home" defense, I'd suggest a .38 wheelgun, 2-3" bbl. Other than that, if you are stuck on a shotgun, consider a semi-auto. Sure, an 870 will get the job done, but it's a heck of a lot of steel to swing in an emergency. You may want to consider both a pump/semi-auto and a handgun. Keep asking around in here...calguns is a great place for info. Good luck.

[Mug]

THE INFO BELOW IS A SUMMARY OF YEARS OF RESEARCH ON MULTIPLE FORUMS:

Create a budget and add the following items:
1. Cost of weapon including taxes and DROS fees
2. Ammo cost: Home and Training Ammo
3. Accessories cost: Gun Lock, Case, Ammo Carrier, Over-sized Safety, Big Dot Bead Night Sight, New Follower, New Magazine Spring, Flashlight, Sling, Snap Caps, Cleaning Kit
4. Training cost: Basic Firearms Safety Course AND a SG HD & Tactics Course

The Answers For a First Time Gun Owner for HD:
Weapon: Shotgun
Type: Pump
Gauge: 12 Ga.
Ammo: Reduced recoil 00 buckshot
Brand: Mossberg
Model: 500 or 590
Barrel Size: 18.5"
Sight: Bead
Accessories:
Hogue 12" LOP butt stock
Shotgun case and locks
Shotgun cleaning kit with Bore snake
Brake-Free CLP (Cleans, Lubricates, Protects)
Shot shell butt cuff

The Reasons for the Above Answers:
Weapon: Handgun may not stop threat, Rifle too long and over penetrates, Carbine too expensive. 12 Ga. can be used to breach doors.
Type; Auto SG too expensive and sensitive to ammo used.
Gauge: 12 Ga. easiest to source
Ammo: 00 low recoil buck, what the police use to stop bad guys, #1 buck is good but too hard to find. Bird shot is for birds.
Brand: MB has lighter weight aluminum receiver that will be easier you and your wife to maneuver with in your home. Has dual extractors for sure operation, the 870 only has one.
Model: 500/590 have ambidextrous tang safety, better slide release, better shell elevator for reloads (up not down, won't pinch finger). Many 870 express's having jams right now (rough chambers and only one extractor).
Barrel Size: The shorter the better to maneuver in your home.
Sight: Bead is easier to pick up for beginners and faster on target. Easier to install different size or a Big Dot tritium night sight too.
Accessories:
Hogue 12" LOP butt stock: Easier for you and your wife to reach slide and maneuver in your home.
Shotgun case and locks: Self-explanatory, but you might want to get a lock like this so you can open it with your eyes closed: http://www.masterlock.com/apps/maste...MLGROUP_1500ID
Shotgun cleaning kit with Bore snake: Bore snake makes cleaning your SG easy thus making it more likely that you will do it.
Brake-Free CLP (Cleans, Lubricates, Protects): The military uses this for all their weapons, enough said.
Shot shell butt cuff: You could also get a side saddle. You will fight with the ammo that is attached to the weapon.

Lastly, I've changed my thinking on Magazine Extensions for HD SG's. They are not needed and not worth the risk of having the extension fall off, break off or the mag spring jam during a reload. Magazine extensions make sense if you are routinely emptying your magazine or are likely to need more than 6 or 7 shots (i.e. military or police).

[CaliforniaLiberal]

Welcome to CalGuns Shannon!

I have little to add to what's been posted except that I really love my Mossberg 590. It's a bit heavier and more stoutly built than the 500. The 20" barrel allows for a longer magazine and greater capacity. Mine functions flawlessly. I use it to shoot Pepsi cans and paper targets and to stand ready for Home Defense.

Whatever shotgun you decide on I recommend shooting it a lot. There is a skill to be learned in order to be comfortable with the recoil and shooting a thousand rounds over a few month's time will help a lot. Choice of ammunition will make a huge difference in recoil.

Also, I would recommend that you consider a lever action carbine for home defense. My choice is the .357 Magnum Marlin 1894. High capacity tube fed magazine, easy to point quickly and accurate, working the lever action quickly becomes instinctive, almost no recoil.

And as has been said above, make an opportunity to fire whatever weapons you're contemplating buying before making your final decision.

[BigDogatPlay]

For "home" defense, I'd suggest a .38 wheelgun, 2-3" bbl. Other than that, if you are stuck on a shotgun, consider a semi-auto.

Quick question... why a semi-auto shotgun for HD, particularly for a self identified newb.

Not trying to start a fight, just wondering the reasoning.

[Sicarius]

Are you right or left handed? If you are left handed, I would suggest a 500 but if you are right handed an 870. Reason being is that the safety is on the trigger guard for the 870 and is more natural(for me at least) to work as a righty. Left handed the 500 because the safety is on the top of the receiver(ambi) but I have to shift my grip a tad to manipulate it. The 870 will have a tad more weight than the 500 due to the steel receiver. More weight to move around and a tad more recoil absorbtion. Tradeoff in my opinion but neither really outshined the other in my handlings. Don't bother with the 590 honestly(yes I have one). The extra couple inches really make a huge difference moving around a house and the added heft of the gun and additional ammo. It really changes the balance of the gun too. 18.5 inch barrel is what I would go for. Pistol grip is unnecessary and a stock is a must! Even firing from the hip, you can use your body and elbow to support the shotgun with a stock. Just having the pistol grip with no stock adds no benefit in a HD situation. It is more for consealability and honestly makes the shotgun fairly hard to handle and less accurate. If the unfortunate situation where the firearm jams good or you run out of ammo, You also have an added foot to use the thing as a club with a stock. Idealy you would grab your shotgun and hole up in an predetermined area where somebody has to come to you(end of a long hallway which you can see down) while calling the cops. Recoil is mostly dependant on the ammo you use. You can easily get low recoil ammo so that shouldn't be much of an issue. I would lean towards the 870 because I believe it is a sturdier firearm but as I said, only if you are right handed. The hardest part of manipulating a shotgun is loading it. Buy 4 or so snap caps and practice a lot. Hope that helps.
Kevin

[Sicarius]

Also consider a side saddle for the shotgun. Only drawback is that there will be additional weight to the shotgun but 6 more rounds attached to the firearm itself is worth the weight IMO. In a situation, it is difficult to grab a firearm and think of grabbing additional ammo. I personally am not a big fan of the stocks that hold the ammo. I find them difficult to manipulate in a situation. Whatever you do, keep it simple and effective.
Tip/warning: The big 5 Mossbert 500 combo(comes with 2 barrels) shotgun will not accomodate a side saddle out of the box. You will have to cut/trim the foregrip for it to fit.
Kevin