Shotgun for HD

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guitars and guns

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Ok, I am looking to purchase a shotgun for home defense. I'm looking for something in the sub $300 category. I am thinking 12 or 20 ga. Something I could have at the house for HD but also take out every once in a while and have some fun wasting a few shells.

My knowledge of shotguns is very limited so feel free to go off and explain why, what etc. etc.

Thx!
 
I was in your position recently, and a newcomer to shotguns. I knew only one thing-that I wanted a semi-auto. Ended up with a Mossberg 930 SPX, far pricier than your limit, but perfect for me in every way other than price. In your case, I would probably recommend a Remington 870 or a Mossberg 500. Either way, you'll get what you want. The pump guns are generally recommended for their reliability and these two are stellar in that regard.
 
Well if I were you Id go fondle some guns at the store. But I can tell you that you wont find many new guns for under $300. When it comes to home defense spend a little extra cash, now Im not saying you need a $1000 shotgun but get quality. Something like a Benelli, Remington, or mossberg. But the biggest thing is to find what fits YOU. After you do that get a case of shells and get good with it, or better yet take a class. People have the misconception that since it shoots more than one bullet that anyone can use it, and that you just point and shoot but it doesnt work that way. Its up to you to know how to use it and use it well. Then after you have become familiar with it come back on here and ask what type of shells to use for HD, I like to see the sparks fly when that one comes up.
 
A used 870 should fit the bill nicely, for about 200$. Then you can buy a barrel on gun broker for about 100$. I did exactly this and I have been very happy.
 
A used 870 should fit the bill nicely, for about 200$. Then you can buy a barrel on gun broker for about 100$. I did exactly this and I have been very happy.
Click to expand...

I agree. A used 870, a good cleaning and signing up for a trap, skeet or sporting clays league for practice.
 
The mossberg 500 is good. I have a hunting model and its great. You could get like a basic tactical model for that price range.
 
In your price range, you are most likely looking at a used pump action shotgun. The 870 is an excellent choice.

If you heart is set on a new shotgun, then you can look at Interstate Arms Defender. NEF is also marketing a low cost pump. Mossbergs are very good, but slightly out of your price range.
 
Room brooms; 12ga shotguns...

I, for the record, do not advise using a 12ga or a 20ga for home protection under most conditions.
That said, for under $300.00 USD, you may have limited choices. :(
I saw a sweet NIB(brand new) Remington 887 Tactical on www.GunsAmerica.com for about $430.00 beans. ;)

For home protection use, I'd say get a Mossberg 590, a 870 pump action shotgun or maybe a 1100 semi auto.
If you have the $$$, you can add custom features or get a good shop like Vang-Comp or Wilson Combat to soup it up for you.

www.wilsoncombat.com
www.VangComp.com

Have a safe & fun Easter weekend...

CF
 
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Mossberg has pistol grip pumps with heat shields and extended magazines for $299. I swapped the pistol grip for the full stock on my little 500 and I like them better this way.

pair.jpg
 
Like everyone says, you are looking at a Remington or Mossberg pump for about that kind of money if you want new. I got the Remington 870 but plenty love their Mossbergs.

What no one mentioned is that you can pick up a duo combination barrel Mossberg 500 in CA at Big 5 Sporting Goods for $279; which is a sale price they advertise about once every month. It has two drawbacks of which I am aware, when compared to a regular Mossberg 500.

It has a less expesive action slide that comes from a Mossberg subisidiary, Maverick Arms, and the long barrel does not accept screw in chokes. Instead the choke is fixed as a "Moderate". You can buy Mossberg's with interchangeable chokes, but that sale item doesn't have them.

Still, the Mossberg Big 5 deal isn't one to pass up without consideration if you want an HD gun that you can use to shoot some trap. In other areas of the country I believe other large retailers have similar deals (Dick's for one). WalMart in CA doesn't carry guns.

The Reminton 870 is a bit over your budget. I think the basic 870 can be found for $310 on sale at times.

Going with a used gun, as suggested, is not a bad idea. While I got a new 870 and I had to look for one, I found a used 28 inch vetn trib barrel with removable chokes for $85 in good condition.
 
Maverick Model 88

Maverick Model 88 20 inch barrel - 7 round magazine

Price: $219.99 to $199.00

http://www.maverickarms.com

Pump-action. Dual extractors & twin-action slide bars for non-binding extraction.
Recoil pad. Barrel compatible with Mossberg 500 model barrels
within gauge & capacity.
Cross-bolt safety. Handles all factory 2-3/4" & 3" loads.
Capable of firing lead steel or non-toxic loads.
Includes Cablelock. One-year limited warranty.

31046.1.jpg


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Off topic; 12ga protection-LE loads...

This is slightly off the posted topic but as for home defense 12ga loads, I'd buy one of the major brands that has a tactical or LE duty shell.
A few have come out in the last 5 to 10 years from Hornady, Federal, Winchester & Remington.
I'd use the 00 12ga but I've seen a few "exotic" shotgun loads here; www.Deltaforce.com . NOTE: some of these 12ga shotgun loads may not be legal see the details before buying.
 
Pistol grip only shotguns are way better in the movies than in real life. Either the 870 or 500,equipped with a real stock, is a great choice IF you learn it.

Even a Mexican Stratocaster will sound great in the hands of a Clapton. It's up to you to run the gun.......
 
It does....

BTW, there's a Gibson Les Paul Studio within my reach. Not as great an ax as the old 58 ES335 I used to use, but for just here in the house it'll do.

Same with shotguns. Get a decent one, and build your chops....
 
Nathaniel said "Then after you have become familiar with it come back on here and ask what type of shells to use for HD, I like to see the sparks fly when that one comes up." Now why would ya wanna start all that trouble;):D

I keep a 20 gauge sXs with a butt strap that holds 5 shells in a chair next to by bed. It is loaded with one round of bird shot, then a slug. All the rounds in the strap are slugs. The semi-auto or pump is a better choice for defense or anything else you are doing, outside of CAS, but I am a double barrel man and they are less complex(easier to use and a bit more reliable).
 
Dave M's remarks: Knoxx or Speedfeed brand shotgun stocks...

I agree with Dave M's post.
A Knoxx spec ops stock or the pistol grip/shoulder model from Speedfeed would do better.
Speedfeed markets a shotgun stock with extra rounds & a pistol grip.
See www.Blackhawk.com or www.Natchezss.com .
Sure-fire had a foregrip with a built in white light that was popular with SWAT & narcotics units. It's bright & can assist you in low light or night time home protection uses.
Im not sure if it's still for sale but it could be useful too.
Clyde
 
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