Need Shotgun And Ammo For Home

Some folks like Fords, others Chevys. For an entry level HD shotgun check out the Mossberg 500 and the Remington 870 Express. There are pros and cons for each which will generate endless debates. Load with 00-Buck shot.

Remington 870 Express Synthetic 7-Round 12-ga 18-1/2" barrel #25077
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Mossberg 500 Perusader/Crusier 6-round 12-ga 18 1/2"-barel #50411
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Zippy summed the next 50 responses very well.

You most likely will get several responses. Most of them will be for the Mossberg or 870.

I happen to be an 870 fan. I am not a fan of 00 Buck. A personal thing.

My home defense gun is an 870, Smith Model 60, Smith Model 38, Smith Model 5906, Smith Model 4566 and a 12 gauge double barrel (big house and I want quick access).

A good used gun from a reliable source will work the same, and cheaper

Now lets see what the rest of the world has to say.
 
To add to the Mossberg/Remington plug, look in your local pawn shop for a used one in decent condition.

Any large shot at high velocity will do the trickv-veven decent duck/goose/turkey loads, though most folks will push 00 Buck
 
Mossberg 590-A1 9shot with ghost ring sights and Winchester military grade 00Buck cannot go wrong with that combo ;)
 
I by-passed both the Mossy and Remington and went with a Browning BPS.
20" bbl, composite stock, 5 round capacity, bottom eject and, important to me, a tang safety. If you can find one, give it a look. The main draw back is lack of tacticool stuff, but to me, I don't need that on my HD shotgun.
I keep it loaded with 00 Buck (reduced recoil).
 
First, what type of area we talking about?

urban residential, suburban, or rural?

What is yours (& others) firearm experience?

12, 16, or 20 gauges shotguns will fit the bill, but could use more specifics.

Also, have you considered an M1 Carbine with soft-nosed ammo?, easy recoil, 15rd mag capability, good range.

think about it.
 
I personally like the Mossberg 590. The 590A1 would be even better. For ammo, take your pick. I tend to use Federal LE Tactical 00 Buckshot...when I can get it.

Of course, your request (as stated) is similar to saying, "I need a fast car....which one is best?"

Hence, do some research, narrow things down and then try them out. After that, you should have a decent idea of what suits you.
 
The shooter is more important than the gun- software trumps hardware. Any good reliable pumpgun will do if YOU will do.

Handle as many makes/models as you can, if family/friends own pumpguns, get them to take you shooting and get some trigger time. Base your choice on YOUR experience and YOUR preference, not what a bunch of strangers tell you.

jmho/ymmv,

lpl
 
I was wondering what would be better for home defense, pump, semi, or sawed off double?

Pump.
But only if you are proficient with a pump.
Don't select any gun unless you are proficient with it. Otherwise, big trouble may be in the future. Using a weapon, under stress, in the dark, leaves no room for figuring out what has to be done next.
 
A pump has the ability to have a large capacity compared to a double, The double wins for absolute simplicity, but some have issues leaving both barrels loaded and cocked, while they'll leave their pump with an empty chamber with a full mag tube, requiring only a pump motion to get into action
 
On the lighter side:

I have heard stories from street LEOS of bad guys 'disappearing' when they heard the pump being racked.
 
I have heard stories from street LEOS of bad guys 'disappearing' when they heard the pump being racked.

This is true but there was a recent thread about HD shotguns and the whole racking the slide to let a BG know you mean business is a risk. If the BG is willing to come in your home with a firearm himself he might not have to much concern with your shotgun and is most likely not alone. Don't get me wrong you will quite possibly scare him/them off but if you don't you just gave away your position and no longer have a tactical advantage over the potential BG. Like it was said in the other thread you might as well just yell out LETS DO THIS!!!!!! I do suggest a Pump shotgun for HD as well as a good flashlight setup. You always want to identify your target before engaging. For the Remington/Mossberg debate I will not tell you my preference because it does not matter. Like said before handle any gun you are interested in and see what fits you best and what you could use easier in a high stress situation. Good luck and congrats on your soon to be shotgun purchase.
 
Pump.Semi or SxS?

Yes. Whatever you use, know the weapon. Expertise trumps hardware.

The shotgun is maybe 20% of the equation. WE are the rest....
 
What about the Saiga 12 w/19 inch barrel and 10 or 12 round magazines. Letting the bolt go home on a chambering round gives anyone in ear shot a Oh S--t sound that few want to face, Just like racking a pump.
The Saiga has less kick than a pump, very simple to operate and is quite accurate with buck or slug rounds.
Having been a department firearms instructor during my 25 yrs as a LEO I can attest to the racking sound as a deterrent to some bad guys. A shooting with one here was with a slug from about 35 yrds and went clean thru from side to side at mid chest and upper arm level. Bad Guy was D.R.T. before hitting the dirt.
Home defense does not need slugs or a big pellet to work safely. Shot shells and shells loaded with rock salt are just as deadly at 35 to 50 feet. Most home shootings are under about 25 feet (think of your room sizes or hallway lengths) so a small shot or a big pellet or slug will still come out the back side most times in a small hole.
Be a shame to shoot thru the subject and go thru a wall injuring a family member.....:cool:
 
Greetings Novalondon, and welcome aboard.

With respect to the Saiga 12, I think you'll agree Dave McC expressed it well with his, Whatever you use, know the weapon. Expertise trumps hardware.

Your, Home defense does not need slugs or a big pellet to work safely. Shot shells and shells loaded with rock salt are just as deadly at 35 to 50 feet, will probably rekindle some old arguments.
 
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