20 G for elder dad

[ARtistinCA]

Hey folks,

Would like your advice. My father who is turning 75 this year (but still sharp) cannot handle his handgun anymore. He needs a home defense weapon other than his trusty M1911.

Since mom and dad are retired and on a budget he wants to purchase a shotgun (pump) for home defense. Any input from the masses on a good 20 gauge or even a .410 gauge that is most likely going to be taken out 5-6 times a year for fun shooting and refresher and for that "god forbid" incident that wont break his wallet? Im thinking abotu $300-400 range.

Mossberg, Remington, somethign else?

Thanks.

[AJAX22]

Exposed hammer double barrel 410 is the easiest to operate for the elderly

[socalsteve]

Big 5 occasionally put the mossberg 20 gauge on sale with 2 barrels.

The nice thing about the mossberg is the safety is on top where it is easy to manipulate with older hands & fingers

If recoil is an issue a 410 pump or double should serve ok.

Even an H&R topper single barrel break action is better than nothing and if he can still reload fast enough may be suitable.

I bought a used 410 Over & under hunting shotgun used from a Turners years ago - I think its a Savage? I know I paid no more than $199 for it.

[Ripon83]

I'll trade him a Rem 1100 20 gauge for his 1911...j/k. Good luck to you and your father. I miss mine but mine would have never given up his 12 gauge duck guns for a 20....he'd have beat me with it if I tried.

[shellslinger]

Can't go wrong with a 20 gauge Mossberg.

[Sicarius]

If you are going to opt for a 20 over a 12 with the consideration of recoil, I would suggest a remington 1100 or something that is gas operated. The recoil is pretty comparable to a 20 gauge pump imo. You won't find one new for the 400 dollar price range but sometimes can be seen used for around there or a little bit more.
Kevin

[aippi]

I agree that the double barrel coach gun in .410 or 20 ga is the best option. Light, short and easy to operate for a Senior. I don't know of any low recoil rounds for the 20ga but some guys here might. Some regular shot loads would do in this situation. Recoil is the issue here since you Dad is 75 and getting older and you want this weapon to continue to provide protection for years to come. Yes, buckshot is better but think about the capability of the user. If you go with a 20 ga. You may also find someone local who could load you some Low recoil # 3 or #4 buck, after all we are talking inside the home HD distances of feet here, not yards.

[plumbum]

The 20 gauge is favored by Mas Ayoob, and I think he's right on about it. As long as your Dad has no issues actuating the pump or loading and chambering rounds, that is certainly where I would look. If either of them have issues with how the shotguns functions, then definitely look at a double or single barrel. My sister only has full use of her left hand, but she can work my H&R Topper .410 with no problems - I am considering finding her one of those Rossi Tuffy or a Snakechamer II. It may not be much, but even a properly loaded .410 can change the minds of those with ill intent.

[BillCA]

See if you can get your dad to the range with a 20 gauge pump and a 20 gauge semi and see which one he prefers. The gas action of a semi reduces some recoil and he doesn't have to remember to pump the shotgun in a stressful situation. But if he prefers the pump and is willing to practice with it, he should be fine.

As we age, our ability to respond quickly and coherently in a surprise crisis usually diminishes greatly. An intruder in the house is frightening enough, but you don't want dad to take out #1 and suddenly see there is a #2 and forget to pump the shotgun.

20-gauge #2 buckshot will be devastating at the receiving end at household distance. Birdshot is for birdies and skeet, not defense. I have the Remington 870 20ga and love it, but the Mossberg's tang mounted safety may be easier for your dad to work.

[aippi]

Size is important and any pump or semi will be longer then the Coach gun due to the lenght of the action being longer.

yes, of course a pump over all else. I have been preaching the 870 20 ga as an HD for years and I am one of the few building the tactical 20ga pump and even have the ability to mount the Surefire forends on them, but for your Dad at his age the size of the coach gun is a big plus. At 75 he may be able to handle the pumps, but what about 78 or 80.

[say12]

20 ga.

rem. 870 youth model, shorter butt stock and 21" barrel , Winchester makes a low recoil 20 ga.round, i think Focchi does also.

[ARtistinCA]

Thanks folk. Never gave the "Coach Gun" approach a though. My father in law reloads .410 but for home defense I'd rather my dad have factory loads. I think the pump or the coach gun would fit the bill. He's hunted with side by side 16 gauge YEARS ago so it may bring back fond memeories as well.

Interesting to note one of you said birdshot was not a home defense round but I tend to disagree. I think #7 birdshoot would ruin anyones day. I'm not familiar with 20 gauge or .410 gauge rounds so if I can find a #4 buck it might be a better ticket.

Appreciate all the positive feed back. Thank you!!

[PEZHEAD265]

410 you are limited in your choices of shells.Slug,00buck or 000buck [between 3 and 5 balls] is all there is out there 410 birdshot is useless for HD.20 gusge is a better choice #2 buck in a 3 inch or #3 buck in 2 3/4 or some heavy birdshot will spoil a bad guys day.

[Trapper]

Take a look at the Remington 870 express 7 round 20ga. It costs less than $400, weighs 6lbs, has a very soft R3 recoil pad, and holds seven shots. Load it with #3 buck and your father should be well prepared for HD.

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model-870/model-870-express-synthetic-7-round.aspx

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=971353

[ZombieTactics]

See if you can get your dad to the range with a 20 gauge pump and a 20 gauge semi and see which one he prefers. The gas action of a semi reduces some recoil and he doesn't have to remember to pump the shotgun in a stressful situation. But if he prefers the pump and is willing to practice with it, he should be fine.

As we age, our ability to respond quickly and coherently in a surprise crisis usually diminishes greatly. An intruder in the house is frightening enough, but you don't want dad to take out #1 and suddenly see there is a #2 and forget to pump the shotgun.

20-gauge #2 buckshot will be devastating at the receiving end at household distance. Birdshot is for birdies and skeet, not defense. I have the Remington 870 20ga and love it, but the Mossberg's tang mounted safety may be easier for your dad to work.

^^^ THIS ... best advice so far.