I'm in the "exploratory" stage of finding/buying a shotgun for home defense. Ammo choices needed also. I do have a Mossberg semi-auto that I use for deer hunting, but the barrel is too long and the gun is too heavy. Thanks.

I keep a Mossberg 500 with a seven shot magazine handy. Tube is loaded and chamber empty. Any buckshot from number 4 to 00 will handle the situation. At present I have it loaded with 0 for two reasons. One is that 0 has twelve pellets and 00 has nine pellets in 2 3/4". The second reason is that was what was available when I bought the ammo. Any good repeating shotgun should get the job done. Oh, stay away from those with pistol grips.

If you dont want to spend much, you can find an H&R Pardner Pump of under $200. It'll do just fine and safe you some money. Might consider keeping one slug handy.

Yeah, I fired a 12ga with a pistol grip ONCE

I think the barrel on the Pardner seems a little long, do you know if the sell shorter barrels?

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Just the opinion of a kid

I suggest a stoeger double defense shotgun it is a single trigger side by side shotgun available in either 12 or 20 gauge. its also finished tatical black.

WHAT? A shotgun for home defense and not any myriad of choices for a Smith??? I agree 100%. Given my state of mind in the event of a home invasion in the middle of the night, a 12 gauge shotgun is my best friend! I have a Benelli M2 left over from my sporting clays days, so I'ma gonna use what I got. I'm getting an extended tube and would use the 26" bbl with a straight choke and 000 buck or Numero 4 shot, cause I already got some. Now if I were gonna "start over", I'd go along with what OFT II said.

Blessings,
Hog

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Isaiah 55:8-9
Phil. 4:13

What is wrong with a pistol grip? I have one on my 870P, works just fine.

I think the 20 gauge is shorter.

Ditto on pistol grip. Looks neat but not friendly or practical.

Remington 870 Wingmaster with a 18 1/2" barrel, nothing better, few as good. I live in the city so mine's full of #4 buckshot. Farther out I'd go for #00.

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LIVE FROM THE DAWGHOUSE

Nevermind, arrowed down and saw the Compact

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Just the opinion of a kid

Now if you were a home invader wouldn't you at least be proud for this to be the last thing you ever saw?



Walnut, blue and short barrels are sweet.

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LIVE FROM THE DAWGHOUSE

There's a reason why 870 Remingtons are so popular.



My favorite is "The Beast" (second from the bottom) a 20" 8-Shot with an Improved Cylinder barrel, Hogue overmolded stock, Mepro bead front sight, Surefire fore-end. All dull finish. It's my "outside the house" shotgun. It will shoot slugs like a carbine and keep all pellets from a 5 round OO buck fusillade inside the Kill zone on a B-27 at 25 yards.



BTW, has NY State lifted the Buckshot ban? When I lived there in the 60's you couldn't have buckshot...

YUP... sorta like this one..... extended tube.. loaded with Winchester Supreme Elite.. 3 pellets of 00 Buck Buffered Shot.. on top of 1 oz. slug ..

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DAV in honor of POP

Drew, I like that all black 870, real nice. I bought buckshot yesterday, never heard of a ban.

Nothing really wrong with them. To me they are a little more punishing than a regular stock. Kinda like shooting one of those J frame 357s. I guess I'm just some kinda wuss.

Gotcha, never noticed but then never tried shooting them one after another to compare either.

I have a Moss 590 Special purpose(9 shot plus 4 in the speed feed stock) and a 500 with folding collapsible stock both in 12 g.

I would rather have them in 20 gauge which is more than sufficient and less brutal to shoot.

A Ithaca 37 Deer Slayer short barrel 5 shot on layaway.

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Still Running Against the Wind

I have an 870 Wingmaster 12 gauge to which I added a 20" slug barrel and a three shot extension. I've gone back and forth on slugs or 00 buck. It's got 00 in it right now. Always one in the chamber and the safety on.

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I hunt with a Remington 870 and think it's a fine shotgun, but I also really like my Mossberg 590 with speedfeed stock, parkerized finish with 20 inch barrel and factory heatsheild and ghost ring sights.

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- Change it back -

I just purchased a Mossberg 590 spec. purpose, 20" barrel, 12ga. for home defense. It is my first shotgun and may be my only one as I don't hunt or shoot skeet.

I considered the 870 and the 590. I prefer the controls on the 590 with the safety up on the receiver tang area and the bolt release at the rear of the trigger guard.

LTC

I own a Winchester Defender (1300) 12 gauge "riot gun" and have both the walnut and the pistol grip. When I tried the pistol grip, I could control it, but the punishment my hand recieved made it numb for three days. Concerned about nerve damage if I continued, I took it off and have only used the regular stock since.

I have a Stoeger Coach Gun in 12 gauge that I am packing more and more these days as well as keeping it handy for home protection. In addition to 00 buckshot loads, I use Aguia mini slugs...short range, great knockdown power, and it doesn't have the risk of going down the block like a regular slug load.

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The Last Standing Knight

As a kid, I can remember that it was a big deal for my oldman to drive over to West Rutland, Vermont to buy several boxes of No.4 Buck that he and my Grandfather used up on the St. Lawrence for geese.... they always were very hush, hush about it.

There was always talk about my old "Uncle Lew" who lived in a wall tent at the head of Huntley Pond. He was half blind and had an old Remington Model 11. Uncle Lew had an unsavory reputation as a "doe shooter"... still the boys gave him a few buckshot rounds whenever they visited his camp. Was in the late 50's...

I thought that there was a general possession ban on Buckshot. Looking at the NYsDEC website it would appear that it only applies to Hunting...

"It is unlawful to hunt big game with:

•A shotgun of less than 20 gauge or any shotgun loaded with shells other than those carrying a single projectile...."

Deer and Bear Hunting Regulations - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation

I've got a Mossberg 590, 9-shot, Parkerized, speedfeed stock etc. (pistol grip if needed) BUT... This looks relly cool!

Benelli Shotguns | Benelli M4 On second thought, a tad pricey!

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RIP Shipmate

My wife and I have been considering a home defense shotgun for some time.

We are shotgunners, but use our guns for trap, skeet and sporting clays.

I considered a Model 97 Winchester or a Chinese clone (cool factor) and an old Stevens double barrel for the fine price of $175 at one of my LGS.

Then I realized we weren't using a little 12 gauge Browning Citori over and under skeet languishing in the back of a safe.

I got it out. It is fit to my wife so a bit short for me, but comes up nice. Now it's loaded and concealed in the bedroom.

Hate to see a gun go to waste and be lost in some safe.

Actually, we forgot we had it.

Bob

Mine is a Mossberg 500. First out is a slug followed by 00 buck for the remainder of the shells. I only have the 18 1/2" barrel with the standard feed tube but I figure if 6 rounds from the shotgun and 8 rounds of .45 ACP from my Combat Commander can't finish the fight, then I'm up that proverbial creek with no paddle anyway.

CW

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I'm partial to my early model Mossberg 590. last year I added the factory adjustable sights, a Mako fore end and a Streamlight TLR-1. Sights are set for slugs at 50 yards and work perfectly for buckshot at closer ranges.

I like the Mossberg 500 over the Remington 870. The controls are where they should be on the 500...

For ammo, I use 20 pellet 1 buck.

I'm set with this Mossy:



But the new Kel-Tec has caught my eye.

Mike

You guys who are running Mossbergs should be careful of those magazine tube springs if you store them loaded with an empty chamber. I had an ugly experiance with a failure to feed just when I needed it the most, and my Mossberg was reduced to that of a club.

If you are going to keep those things for serious purposes, at very least get a proper magazine tube spring....

For cool factor I'd go with the Model 97 trench gun. For angel of death factor-heck-870 or Mossberg 500-no point in spending over 300 or so.
Now-if the money was no object, I would order up one of those Browning short barrels thay NKJ nut made up-that is a wicked gun-I hope he sees this thread and posts the picture of it.

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Forum consigliere

I have a 20 ga. Remington 870 that, with the pistol grip & sling I have on it, I am able to use one-handed, at least for the first round.

Many times I have cornered the house, one of the barns etc. shouldering the shotgun using only my right-hand while using my left hand to hold my Night Vision Monocular up to my eye. Took a few sucessful shots from that position when I didn't have enough time to lower my monocular after seeing a Raccoon or 'Possum that had quick access to tall grass or standing crops, which come right up near the house & barns.

The bandana shown on the sling is simply there as a muffler since the small, metal strap keeper on the sling tends to make a "ticking" noise on the forestock when I walk.

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Ogy

this is what i have under my bed.
i would hate to have to actually shoot somebody, so maybe the twin barrels and exposed cocked hammers would be a visual deterrent.
it's a russian gun w/a greener crossbolt lockup.
very well made gun.

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	russian double-2.JPG (57.9 KB, 64 views)

Remington 870 or Mosssberg 500 - BEST VALUE
Plenty of nice used ones at good prices.

In my area it is not hard to find a decent one for $200, NICE ones can be had for $225. I have some NICE 870 Express on my table marked at $250 - Any offer of $225 or more buys one.

Barrel length - You could spend money an buy a shot barrel. Or you can cut one down to a LEGAL length. (18+ inches)

I do not always reinstall a bead after cutting a barrel.
At 2 AM I don't expect to have enough light to use the bead. A shot in the dark ...

Bekeart

I have a Remington 887 Tactical. Pretty neat home defense shotgun. Don

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"Don't worry be happy"

Winchester Defender 1300 w/ #4 buck.
It'll shoot a pattern about the size of the mounted Zenon beam flashlight at 20 ft. and the #4 buckshot is because I've got neighbors.

Bruce

I currently have both an 870 and Stoeger Coach Gun ready to go. The Mossberg 500/590's are great guns, but they don't work for me since I shoot southpaw (the slide release is positioned so the slide unlocks under recoil...bad situation!). I keep the chamber empty and a progressive loading, starting with #6 birdshot and moving up to 3" 00 buck, with the Stoeger empty and a 5 shot butt sleeve with 00 buck. I prefer to patch as little wallboard as possible.

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Even older, even crankier....

Though the problem is reported most by users of Mossberg 500s - I suspect because so many are commonly kept loaded in closets, under beds etc - most any tube fed shotgun can - and likely will - deform the shotgun shells left loaded in a magazine over time. I've noticed it myself with Mossbergs. Some people report this causing jams or other problems.

I've left Mossberg 500s loaded for literally years without the mag spring dying or seeming to have other problems, but the shells will deform.

Many shotguns from Mossberg, Remington et al have spare bbls available of a shorter length. This allows those who want to modify a hunting gun to do so with ease. Mossberg even makes bbls for the 870s and sells them as accessories.

You might want a light. Though a good (dedicated) weapons light can cost what a basic shotgun does, depending on what sort you get.

I've always liked hi brass, non magnum, OO buck. I'm not that recoil sensitive so I've never bothered with the various LE/tactical offerings, many of which tout reduced recoil (and reduced velocity). I actually liked Winchester OOO buck best of all, but it is hard to find. (The Ramones actually sang about it, and the 590, in a song "Ole Scattergun". Joey liked guns.)

A simple slip on shell carrier from Walmart (et al) can carry five extra rounds on the stock. These are best secured with higher grade duct tape or Gorilla tape. The shell holders - elastic - also stretch and wear over time. More expensive leather models can be had, or you can get a polymer side saddle.

The HR/NEF/what not Pardners are made in China.

Store brand pumps of American make can be had in many states for 150 dollars or less.

While a hacksaw can shorten a bbl (and open up the choke nicely) on a shotgun, it helps to crown the bbl (after it is cut) and get a new bead installed. I've got an old Savage Stevens of that type in the closet.

In "Free states" (those other than NY, NJ, CA, HI, DC and perhaps a few others) many people who once opted for pumps have come to prefer modified Saiga shotguns with rapidly loading mags (or drums). A cottage industry exists to sell these. Tromix Lead Delivery systems is one such maker. (Assuming that they didn't just get an M4 clone, which is the other thing people commonly get instead of a shotgun... but that's another story.)

Newer, purpose built, "tactical" guns will often have a dual purpose muzzle brake/breaching attachment on the muzzle. These can also be used as impact/strike weapons.

Pistol grip shotguns.... well they can be had in either the M16 type of "pistol grip" stock or the "just a pistol grip" style. Many shotguns can now be had with M4 style stocks, allowing the lenth of pull to be adjusted. If you're used to an AR, some of them fit naturally. If you're used to a traditional shotgun, you might not like them. M16 style grips are now sometimes seen on sporting shotguns and are said to reduce recoils.

There are other custom options in recoil reducing stock add ons, and some people get their guns ported (Vang comp, etc).

Newer guns may also have rails on top to mount an Eotech, Aimpoint, etc. Others can have a rail added by the same means one might drill and tap - if needed - and mount a traditional scope mount.

However you store extra ammo, it might be a good idea to have a few slugs handy. I've always like Brenneke slugs, other people just use good old Foster type deer slugs. I've never bothered with the tactical type offerings. It's hard to go wrong with a .729 caliber/1 ounce hunk of lead.

For buckshot, I tend to just but the 15rd value packs of OO (either Remington or Winchester) from Walmart. Saves a bit versus buying 5 packs.

Anyway... you can spend a lot of money and get a Benelli, tricked out Remington auto, etc... or you can just use an old store brand gun, Mossberg from Walmart, etc.

I keep two Mossberg 500s (they were cheap) and the Savage/Springfield/Stevens pump - all 12 gauges. I don't have optics or lights on mine, but I keep such on the carbines and rifles that I'd actually use. The shotguns are just... eh sort of there... and handy to have around.

If someone is even poorer, the old Mossberg bolt action guns are quite cheap when found. They are 2+1 guns and surprisingly quick if you are used to handling a rifle. I have one in 20 ga myself as a simple utility gun, in a pinch... eh, it'd do.

Oh and some Mossberg 590s will accept a bayonet. Just in case you are a pessimist. Or like options. (But the Marinecoat - or whatever they called it- 590 that I had years ago never would feed correctly.)

I have a Model 12 riot shotgun that started out with the Illinois State Police. Great piece. I keep it loaded with Military 00 buckshot. Ouch!

Model 37 Homeland Security 12-ga.
Winchester Super-X 00-buckshot.

Brutal simplicity.




-Jim

We use 2, a 1187



and this 870 with a folding stock so it will fit in a bed side cabinet in our camper



I load them with factory 00 and practice with my handloaded 000 9 ball load. I sure wouldn't want to be on the wrong end of that. I keep a couple slugs on the side saddle in case a T Rex attacks CT.

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Shoot fast & live long
Warren

This old Mossberg 590 has proven rock solid dependable and the weight helps tame some of the kick from 00 Buck. Here we are practicing point shooting...


This Mossbergg 500 is handy too, it has a factory laser sight and a tac light clamped on the mag tube. I'm going to add a vertical fore end if I can find one cheap enough at a gun show...

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"Shall not be infringed"

Love my Mossy 590A1 with a speedfeed stock. when I did my research, I decided on the 590 over the 500 due to the metal vs plastic parts also the 590 seemed a bit tighter during racking and loading. I also prefered the location of the safety and the slide release. My friend is selling his year old 500 with both stock and grip for $150-200, never been shot. thing I'll buy it and stuff it in a corner somewhere.. Also picked up one of those Stoeger 20ga coach guns, Liking that alot too. I'm thinking 20ga will get the job done quite well with little to no abuse to my body, plus my wife is more comfy with a 20ga... I used her as an excuse to buy it... There's bennies to getting the wife involved with guns...

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Jack C

I've been thinking about adding an autoloader to my home defense shotgun battery. Anybody know of an Auto 5 I can get reasonably?

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Even older, even crankier....

We have a dealer here in Lousiana that sell used rem 870 police turn in shotguns. Last gun show found a nice wingmaster for $195 before tax. Some minor rust on the bbl and receiver and barrel. About ten minutes with some 4/0 steel wool and clp and the rust is gone. He gets about 500 a year. prices reflect wether or not the shotgun has the 8 round mag extension. did have some ithcas and a few winchesters. I've totally stripped mine except for the trigger group. Cleaned up nicely. Frank

With the correct ammo, it doesn't matter which gun you use.

Vietnam era shells loaded with flechettes tipped with enriched uranium. No legal issues afterwards. Just remember to stay away from my side of the country.

This is mine, its an older (1986?, I bought it new from Hermans Sporting Goods) Mossberg 500, 18". I had it original wood on it for years. Later I added the Houge rubber fore grip and a Knoxx recoil absorbing stock with a 5 round shell carrier. Also added the OEM heat shield.

I like the pistol grip, it does make it bulky but I have a stronger grip on it and it is less likely to be taken away from me in a confrontation. Also I can shoot it with on hand.

As for loads Ive got Walmart Remington 3" OObuck and Remington Slugs. No real order of loading.

She shows her age and has marks (it fell over on to cement) but shes my loyal companion

I am sure the picture is awful

I have a basic 870 I carried back in the day and recently replaced the tube spring. If you have any older model shotgun I strongly suggest you consider replacing this, especially if you keep it loaded and under pressure. Any metal, given enough time and compression, can weaken. They only cost a few dollars and are easy to replace. Cheap insurance.

Identical setup to mine, though mine is an old 1200.

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I keep a Sig 220 for hd.:-)

I saw an 1187 TAC 4 a while back here in CA. Was tempting, but I already had these on hand.
I posted this pic a few weeks ago in another thread related to the subject. Benelli is an auto/pump combo.

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Benellli M3 & Rem 1100 Tac 4.jpg (47.8 KB, 36 views)

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9tenz