Home Defense Shotgun???

[Guest]

I think I have an idea of what I want.

It is going to be a 12 guage. It is going to shoot 00.

This is where things start getting vague.

I am thinking about a semi-auto as opposed to a pump because I am afraid that under a stressful situation I'll only remember to pull the trigger because I am used to handguns. I know training would help here a lot.

I would also like the the shortest barrel possible but would prefer to have 5-7 shots if possible. The short barrel would be easier to traverse the hallway and corners.

I would like a pistol grip if it is legal. I am thinking this would help me better control the shotgun and the shot. I don't know if this is true though.

I am not sure what finish it should have. I would like this gun to have a finish that can be neglected from cleaning for months.

I would like the option of putting on a light but I don't see the need for anything else. If I should though please let me know.

This is going to be the a home defense gun only. The $$$ allocated is $700 max but if there is a gun that would meet my needs for less then that is better.

Could you guys please help me by recommending a shotgun or other things I should be looking for?

Thank you!

[blackmajik530@aol.com]

Also, I believe regarding semi-auto shotguns, a pistol grip cannot be used together with a magazine extension.

But, that wont be a problem, since many shotguns have a minimum of 4 shells in the magazine, with one in the pipe. That'd be 5 rounds and the minimum per your requirements of 5-7 rounds.

The best bet, would be the Remington 11-87 Police as already recommended. Parkerized, 18" barrel and ext. magazine tube. It doesn't have a PG stock however, but those are easy to change out.

[Mike Searson]

Originally posted by Black Majik:
Also, I believe regarding semi-auto shotguns, a pistol grip cannot be used together with a magazine extension.

Ummm...no.
Nowhere in any of this state's laws does it mention magazine extensions.

[maxicon]

For a pump, any of the Big 3 are a good bet - Mossberg 500/590, Winchester 870, or Remington 1300. The latest Gun Tests magazine liked the 1300 slightly more than the others, but you can't go wrong with any of them.

I also like the idea of a semi (though I don't have one yet), as one thing that can go wrong with a pump in a stressful situation is short-stroking. Like any gun, you'd want to test it plenty with your defense ammo to make sure it's reliable.

You definitely need a weapon-mounted light, since both hands are necessary to handle the gun.

Some semis that have good reputations beside the 11-87 (what I'd get if I was going to spend the money) are the Benelli M1 Tactical (highly regarded, but expensive), the Remington 1100, and the Beretta 390/391, which I don't know if are available in tactical models.

max

[HEUER]

G Note:

There are two classic choices for home defense. A pump action shot gun and a double action revolver in a caliber you can manage (I also like to include the lever action as well).

Why a pump action shot gun? They are reliable. Not to say that semi-auto shot guns are not, but the fact still remains that less complicated a machine or tool is, the less that can go wrong. My pick would be a Remington model 870. Look at the http://www.remingtonle.com (law enforcement site) for other options. The sound alone of the model 870 being chambered has been enough for potential criminals to surrender. Pumps can remain at rest indefintely, and will go bang no problem with just basic maintenance.

If you feel that a sem-auto is what you would like, then Ted's pick on the 11-87 Remington would be a sound choice.

You may want to go on to the Wilson Combat web site and take a look at some of there scatterguns, it may give you somemore ideas.

Very tight corners and hallways present different challenges. Short barrels are important, but all rifles/shotguns can be taken away from an individual in tight quarters by the barrel. It happens. I prefer a revolver or even a good pistol (SIG 226 .357SIG) because they allow more distance between yourself and your opponent. My two cents.

[bu-bye]

I second the Rem 870. Its a sold built gun thats been around forever. Parts and add-on can be found anywhere for cheap. Plus the sound of an 870 racking is just music to the ears. It sounds every bit as good as it does in the movies. With a little training racking the gun will be second nature.

[Mike Searson]

If you find yourself in an honest to goodness defensive situation using a long gun and the bad guy grabs the barrel...light him up and give him an E-Ticket ride straight to hell.

[Guest]

My boyfriend found a FN POLICE 8-SHOT TACTICAL. It was in the CDNN catalog (pg 35) for $270. He says its cheap so we should get it. I told him I don't mind inexpensive but I do mind cheap. What do you guys think?

It is a pump but am getting the sense that a pump is not too bad from you folks.

I looked at the M2 Benelli and it looks really nice. Can't seem to find a website that sells them to get am idea on price...

[Dump1567]

I don't think CDNN will ship to CA. I like the Winchester Defender. 7+1 18 inch barrel and just over $200 at your local Big 5. I believe this is pretty much the same Shotgun as the FN. The Remington 870 is another good choice. The downside is it's only 6+1 (with extension) and it's heavy. This weight really adds-up if you follow the "keep ammo on the shotgun" policy. Basically it's adding a sidesaddle & buttstock shell holder. That's an extra 12 rounds attached to the shotgun. They sell a mount for the M-3 light to fit on the Mag tube of any shotgun. This way you could take off the light if wanted. Mount sells for about $20.00. I would advise against the pistol grip set-up.

[Dump1567]

Here's a pic of my Mossberg 500. This is a 20 inch rifle sighted barrel. You can kinda see the M-3 mount in front of fore end. I have a tactical sling on this. My Win. Defender is set-up the same way, it's just shorter.

[bhpdvcm24@sbcglobal.net]

To be honest, with your budget, I'd definitely look for a used 870- they can be found around here for about $200 to $250. A mag extension if you want, a light, and I like a sling.

For lights, the surefire forearm with built in light is sweet, but a lot more expensive than some other syatems.

The 870 has been around for a long time, and the pump is easier to get used to than you might think.

[TonyNorCal]

As of January CDNN will only ship bolt action rifles and 'hunting' shotguns (which when I asked did not include anything with a short barrel that would be suitable for home defense). Of course, policies change and sometimes you may get someone on the phone willing to bend the rules...so it never hurts to call. However, I think it's unlikely CDNN will be accomodating.

Well, the original poster did express a prefence for semi-auto...but I'll agree with Heuer, Buy Bye, and others...pump is the way to go. Reliability is greater (not to say that semi-autos aren't reliable) and, as mentioned above, there's nothing quite like the racking of a slide to deter someone from coming through a door.

For a home defense shotty you don't need all sorts of bells, whistles, and tacti-cool Mall Ninja gear. Keep it simple and businesslike. Simple, streamlined, and not encumbered with stuff that affects your ability to point quickly and handle it.

An ideal choice is a Remington 870. The Express is the low-end model and works just fine. However, if you have the funds I'd get a Police Model or Wingmaster...action is the same, but a few of the parts are more durable and the finish is better. Mossbergs are also fine. The 500 is their base model and the 590/590A1 is their upgraded version. In all honesty any of the above will work just fine.

For $700 you can probably get a used Police/Wingmaster shotty and a good .357 wheel gun.

00 Buck is good.

[BigRich]

It is also very unlikely you will need the full 5 rounds in the magazine of a standard "riot" shotgun for a home defence event. Lighter weight and an illumination source are much more important for this kind of thing than a big ammo load.

[BigRich]

DEFENSE that is....

[reddot223@yahoo.com]

escort semi auto with mag extension for 7+1 shooting for under 500.00