Recently finished a basic defensive shotgun course at Tac Pro Shooting Center. The Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 have to get my vote. Virtually unjammable, will shoot just about anything (can't really say that about autos). If you are serious about the shotgun as a defense weapon, then you really, really need to get some training and a lot of practice. If you know how to use the weapon, and how to select your ammo, it a weapon of formidable power and utility, and it is highly effective at much longer ranges than most folks realize. I got the 870 with a 20" barrel with rifle sights, and magazine extension.
What is the "gold standard" of home defense shotguns?
- Thread starter Mokumbear
- Start date
FirstFreedom
Moderator
Shappy, now that's just wrong... 
For one lifetime of use, any of the big three will most likely do OK (Winchester, Mossberg, Remington). But if you want it passed it along to a grandkid, get an 870. Please note that after about 40 years of experience, I am biased in favor of Remington's finest.
But no matter what tool is purchased, it is the skill level of the shooter that matters most. That cannot be bought, it must be learned and earned.
Stay safe,
lpl/nc
But no matter what tool is purchased, it is the skill level of the shooter that matters most. That cannot be bought, it must be learned and earned.
Stay safe,
lpl/nc
Benelli M4 is the newest tactical shotgun from Benelli. It is awesome and amazing and will do the job. It is used by the US Marines. However, it is about $1700. A remington 870 pump gun is a quarter of that price and will do just as good a job. Also, there are so many different aftermarket upgrades and add-ons for the 870 that you just can't go wrong with it.
Wildalaska
Moderator
870
WildnoifsandsorbutsAlaska
WildnoifsandsorbutsAlaska
rellascout
Moderator
I love my 870 Police with a Wilson Combat tube extension & Knoxx Spec Opps stock.
It is everything I could want in a home defense shotty.
It is everything I could want in a home defense shotty.
Jeffenwulf
New member
I'm considering trying to locate a Remington 870 Marine Magnum, otherwise I'm leaning towards purchasing a Benelli Nova or Supernova tactical at the local gun shop. I need a 12 Gauge pump, 18"-20" barrel.
I've seen Win 1300, a shotgun named Escort, the Mossy 500/590s, and of course the redheaded Mossy stepchild, the Maverick. Does anyone have experience with the Benelli that might come in handy? It feels right and I'll probably drop in and buy one this week.
I've seen Win 1300, a shotgun named Escort, the Mossy 500/590s, and of course the redheaded Mossy stepchild, the Maverick. Does anyone have experience with the Benelli that might come in handy? It feels right and I'll probably drop in and buy one this week.
Daves-got-guns
New member
the "golden standard", would have to be a old coach gun in 10 gauge with excessive amounts of black powder, not sure how common winchester 97's were in the civilian market but when their time came they were a damn fine weapon. Next step would be a remington 870 just because they have worked for year, after year after year and almost %100 part interchangable for their what 50 plus years. So for a modern standpoint the standard is the remmie, but i prefer mossbergs. Just figure i'd give credit where its do.
auburnboattail
New member
Home Defense
The gold standard is a firearm that is dependable(read pump or revolver).
Accessable,swings and fires quickly, covers target easily with a large margin for error(panic situation). Handgun is more accessable and handles easier than shotgun. There are two drawbacks to a revolver 1. If loved ones are in other parts of home highpower projectiles can pentrate walls
2. requires precise targeting.
Shotgun is a little less accessable however a properly configured weapon easily stores and swings.
Therefore a Pump shotgun with large magazine capacity and a wide pattern is the smart choice.
Barrel should be as short as legally possable and overall length at Federal minimum length. Guage should be 12ga for adult males and 20gauge for Ladies.
The make of the gun should be the highest quality gun that one can get, after all it is for protection.Money is not the issue.
Some thought on which to purchase depends on if the weapon will also be used for other purposes. If going to be used for hunting, it is essential that the weapon is a take down model for barrel interchangability.And as such should be a modern weapon not grandpa's cut down.
A matte finish is recommended to reduce any glare that may reflect and indicate your position within your home.
Choke selection should provide for maximum pattern and 20 feet.
Shell Shot selection should be very large for penetration. I load two 00 shells follwed by two slugs, (slugs for wall or vehicle pentration).
Therefore a Remington 870, Mossberg 500 are fine. The Winchesters 1200 and 1300 are ok, a little lighter but under extended use may not be as robust.
A thumb safety is great as it speeds shooting as well.
A Winchester old Model 12 with a short barrel is my choice ,it shoots faster as the trigger can remain pulled and shoots as fast as one can pump.Great magazine capacity and stock at comb fits well and easily covers target.
In addition the gun is well built and can be used as a club in event that the action gets close.
Whatever the choice it is serious and simply the weapon needs to function, feel comfortable have ample killing power(not wounding) and one must have total confidence in it and be expert in its use.
The gold standard is a firearm that is dependable(read pump or revolver).
Accessable,swings and fires quickly, covers target easily with a large margin for error(panic situation). Handgun is more accessable and handles easier than shotgun. There are two drawbacks to a revolver 1. If loved ones are in other parts of home highpower projectiles can pentrate walls
2. requires precise targeting.
Shotgun is a little less accessable however a properly configured weapon easily stores and swings.
Therefore a Pump shotgun with large magazine capacity and a wide pattern is the smart choice.
Barrel should be as short as legally possable and overall length at Federal minimum length. Guage should be 12ga for adult males and 20gauge for Ladies.
The make of the gun should be the highest quality gun that one can get, after all it is for protection.Money is not the issue.
Some thought on which to purchase depends on if the weapon will also be used for other purposes. If going to be used for hunting, it is essential that the weapon is a take down model for barrel interchangability.And as such should be a modern weapon not grandpa's cut down.
A matte finish is recommended to reduce any glare that may reflect and indicate your position within your home.
Choke selection should provide for maximum pattern and 20 feet.
Shell Shot selection should be very large for penetration. I load two 00 shells follwed by two slugs, (slugs for wall or vehicle pentration).
Therefore a Remington 870, Mossberg 500 are fine. The Winchesters 1200 and 1300 are ok, a little lighter but under extended use may not be as robust.
A thumb safety is great as it speeds shooting as well.
A Winchester old Model 12 with a short barrel is my choice ,it shoots faster as the trigger can remain pulled and shoots as fast as one can pump.Great magazine capacity and stock at comb fits well and easily covers target.
In addition the gun is well built and can be used as a club in event that the action gets close.
Whatever the choice it is serious and simply the weapon needs to function, feel comfortable have ample killing power(not wounding) and one must have total confidence in it and be expert in its use.