shotgun advice needed / home defense

B

bk40

New member
I plan on buying a shotgun this week. Its sole purpose will be for home defense.

I'm either going to get a 12 or 20ga (wife will be using it also), 18" barrel, pump shotgun.

I'm only considering one of the Rem 870 variations or one of the Mossberg models. Cost is an issue - I want the best s/g for the least amount of $$ (don't we all) :)

Help me out here shotgunners!

I only own 2 shotguns. Rem 1100 12ga, Stevens single shot .410 (both used only for hunting). So, I'm kinda outta my league when it comes to defensive shotguns.

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*12ga or 20ga? - taking into consideration that my wife (5'-2", 115lbs) will be training it.

*Which model/manufr s/g is best suited for my needs?

*What is the best load (12or20) with the least recoil?

*What choke would be best?

*Worthwhile Accessories to consider?

Anything else you can think of that might help me will be much appreciated!

-bk40




[This message has been edited by bk40 (edited March 22, 1999).]
 
We've already covered this pretty well. Check the "Looking for a shotgun" thread.
My advice is go with a 12 gauge Mossberg Cylinder bore barrel. The model 590 comes from the factory with all the goodies at a reasonable cost.

[This message has been edited by Grayfox (edited March 22, 1999).]
 
One comment: check out a 20 gauge. It has much less felt recoil, for not much dropoff in terminal effect. Sure a 12 guage has more stuff to hit with, but really look at the difference in weight, number of pellets, velocity, etc. and see what the differences are. My bet is that you will come out with the 20 gauge for home defense! It is a lighter gun, less recoil, more handalable by smaller folks (men and women), and hits just about as hard. By the way it points faster too!

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Freedom is not Free
 
I agree with Grayfox. The Mossberg 590 is a nice package. Reasonably priced, easy to accessorize later on if you want. My wife had a little trouble at first with the 12ga, tried out some of that low recoil, personal defense ammo... much better, no complaints.
 
As far as 20 gauge defense shotguns are concerned, Winchester makes their Defender model in both 12 and 20 gauge. To me, the Defender has always seemed like a good shotgun. So I have Defenders in both gauges, although my personal favorite defense shotguns are probably the Remington 870HD and the Mossberg 500USA (both 12 gauge).
 
either the 870 or the MB500 would be good choices. If I was going to get one my wife chold shoot, get the youth model. Shorter stock, etc. Actually the special field remington 870 or 1100 would be a good choice too. So a 20/21" barrel, big deal.

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Vinny
 
Hello, Bk40. One of my coworkers just asked me that very same question. My recommendation would be Mossberg 500 cylinder bore with a 18.5" barrel in 20 gauge. You can get 20g ammo (birdshot I believe) from Wal-Mart quite cheaply.

Shutoku


[This message has been edited by Shutoku Shia (edited March 29, 1999).]
 
On ammo: local sporting good store has bitdshot at $4/25 and 00 buckshot at $6/10. They also have rifled slugs for $1.50/5. The buckshot and slugs are transluscent Fiocchi ammo. I have used their pistol ammo and like it alot...so I bought some shotgun fodder adn hope to try it out soon. BTW, pellets are plated.
 
It is probably worth checking out the Federal Tactical Shells. I am personally a behemoth and I find them much more comfortable. One source for them is Eric at www.ammoman.com.
 
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