Need some advice on first HD shotgun

[Deebow]

I'm looking to get a basic pump shotgun for home defense, possibly a 20 gauge so that it can be operated by smaller-statured family members. However, it seems like there are more available, and cheaper, options in 12 gauge. I'd appreciate some input from experienced shotgunners on recoil and manageability differences:
-20 gauge vs. 12 gauge with low recoil shells
-20 gauge vs. 12 gauge with a recoil-reducing stock (do they really work?)
-20 gauge vs. 12 gauge semi-auto

Thanks in advance.

[Bert Gamble]

With a semi auto you will have less felt recoil. That is a given. I bought a semi, and the first time I was shooting it, (First time shooting a shotgun) I thought the recoild was a little strong. Then I tried another guys pump 12 guage. OMG, it was about double the recoil and I was shooting the same slugs.

After some practice and instruction with the semi, I can now shoot hundreds of rounds a day and not get a sore shoulder.

My 13 year old has shot the semi. He had no problems.

Some have said that the semi is less reliable than a pump, but in my limited experience, the only issues that I have seen have been with pumps. The semi's in the 4 day class I took all worked flawlessly.

One of the instructors was saying that he has over 4000 rounds through his semi without cleaning it. He wants to see how long it will go before it has a failure. Says he will clean it after the first problem.

There were some women in the class I took, and all but one of them had some degree of difficulty with the pump.

[ERdept]

Just get the Benelli M4, or the Salient Arms Benelli M2.


haha. I spent $6000 on shotguns. Just go for the best man.

I'd also take the FN SLP

But if you must downgrade, get the Remington 870 P (you must get the police) for there are big differences not many are aware of..............

• 870 Police shotguns go thru a special 23 station check list – ranging from visual inspection, functional testing, test firing, and final inspection.
• All Police shotguns are assembled in a “special build area” at the plant in Ilion, NY. This section is secured and serves only to build LE and Military shotguns, with the same factory personnel working at that assignment each shift.
• All parts that enter the “special build area” are visually inspected by hand to ensure top quality and functionality.
• Due to heavy recoil in buck and slug loads, all 870 Police guns have a longer
magazine spring which ensures positive feed and function.
• A heavier sear spring is used to generate a reliable, positive trigger pull between 5 and 8 lbs.
• A heavier carrier dog spring is used to ensure when the carrier elevates the shell, it will be held there until the bolt can push it into the chamber. This ensures positive feeding when using heavier payload rounds.
• Police shotguns do not have an ISS (Integrated Safety System) which is a locking mechanism on the safety of commercial shotguns. This type of locking mechanism can cause delay to an officer who needs the weapon but does not have the appropriate key. LE shotguns have the standard, proven, cross bolt safety.
• The fore-end on the Express model is longer and not compatible with many police shotgun vehicle racks.
• The Police shotguns utilize the heavy duty SPEEDFEED Stocks and Fore-ends.
• The Express model will not allow for the addition of an extension tube without physical modification to the tube and barrel, which can nullify the warranty.
• The Express model has a BEAD BLAST BLUE finish while the Police models utilize either High Luster bluing or Parkerization.
• The Express model utilizes a synthetic trigger housing while the Police models use a compressed metal housing.
• The Police shotgun barrel is locked down with a “ball detent” system in conjunction with the magazine cap vs. a lesser grade “synthetic magazine spring retainer” lock down as used on the Express system.
• The receivers used in Police guns are “vibra honed” to smooth out rough finishes and remove burrs before parkerization or bluing.
• Police shotguns use machined ejectors and extractors, as opposed to powdered metal cast which are utilized on the Express models.

[aippi]

4,000 rounds. I would question that mans knowledge of firearms as not cleaning a weapon also can cause damage to the weapon if gunk builds up and could even become a safety issue depending on the model. 400 yes, 4,000 no as that is simply gross neglect.

I don't doubt these weapons worked well on the range when you have a perfect stance and conditions. However, depending on one in a fight is an entirely different story and one not even undestood by most people who comment on this topic.

If you seriously need a defense shotgun then opt for a pump in either 20 or 12ga. And yes, a 12 with the right stock and load will be softer on recoil then a 20ga. A Mesa with Endine Buffer, R3 pad and low recoil 00 12ga buckshot is a non issue for recoil.