Which Shotgun to get?

[sixstringsteve]

I'd like to get a shotgun for home defense (and because they're fun to shoot). I've shot 12 gauge and 410's before. I think I want a 12 gauge, but I can be swayed. Which shotgun is the equivalent of a 10/22 (affordable, reliable, and fun to shoot)?

I like the idea of a shotgun that has a magazine with multiple rounds in it. Suggestions?

 

[frieed]

I had a Mossberg defender in 20ga., 18 1/4" barrel, w/pistol grip.
That thing would nearly break your hand to shoot it.
I would definitely go for a full stock if you are leaning 12ga

 

[I Lean]

What's your budget? I was looking at semi-auto shotguns, but the price point scared me away. I ended up getting a Stevens 320 (Savage's budget line), because it's an inexpensive pump-action. I got the package with both an 18.5" barrel, and a 26" barrel--just because it sounded fun that way. :greg:

 

[sixstringsteve]

I like the idea of a full stock.

I'd like to keep it below $500 (unless there's a large advantage to spending a bit more).

 

[I Lean]

That's a decent budget for a pump gun. I'd think the two usual suspects are the Mossberg 500, or Remington 870.

 

[Deleted member 12904]

Remington 870 Express That's the 10;22 of shotguns.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

 

[I Lean]

Just one example of the Mossberg. There are around 47 different combinations available. http://tooeleshootingsupply.com/sho...butt-stock-pistol-grip-18-5-28-barrels-51482/

Can you go shoot a couple different ones and see what you like before dropping any money?

 

[blznnp]

I picked up a mossberg 500, is has a 28" barrel and full stock, little big of a barrel but I can't complain since I got it for $130 from one of my wife's photography clients that owns a pawn shop. Havn't had any problems with it. Only thing I would change, other than the barrel, is the amount of shells I can put in it. My brother in law picked up the mossberg 590 which holds 8 shells I believe where mine holds 5 shells, but I hope I don't need to have to have more than that for home defense, hopefully I don't have to use any of the shells ever. If you want to try it out steve I am more than happy to show you, my brother in law lives over in ceder hills and has an area right above his house we can shoot at and he is bugging me to come over and fix a screw on his gun and then go shooting.

 

[bamacpl]

Used 11-87!

 

[sixstringsteve]

That's a decent budget for a pump gun.

Are there pump guns with magazines? I don't mind pumping every shot, but I'd rather not have to reload every single pull of the trigger.

 

[TRD270]

I happen to have a Remington 870 20ga 18" barrel home defense I would be willing to sell right now. I think it holds 8 rounds, maybe 7..... You can check it out when you try those tires

 

[clfrnacwby]

Are there pump guns with magazines? I don't mind pumping every shot, but I'd rather not have to reload every single pull of the trigger.

Typically no. Your choices are either a pump shotgun or a semi-auto. They will typically hold 5 shells with the plug removed (3 with the plug). I know in California it is illegal to bird hunt with the plug removed.

I found this AR-15 style semi-auto/mag fed shotgun - a little over the top IMHO.

http://armsofamerica.com/akdalmka191912ga.aspx

 

[jeeper]

I have a knock off of the 870, mad by somethig with the name eagle in it (will look tonight for you) less than $100 when I bough it, not sure on cost now, but very reliable, uses same parts as the 870 for upgrades..

What you REALLY need though is the Kletec KSG
http://www.keltecweapons.com/our-guns/shotguns/ksg/

 

[sixstringsteve]

I guess what I meant to ask is, do most shotguns hold more than one round in them? It doesn't need to have a magazine, just 3-6 rounds without having to completely reload. My only experience with shotguns is at scout camp and they fed them one by one there (probably a BSA safety rule).

 

[I Lean]

Yes, unless it's a break-action gun you'll have a magazine. Not a removable quick-change one, but a tube under the barrel that holds a few. (usually 5 is "standard")
"

 

[sixstringsteve]

thanks, that's what I meant. 5 is plenty for my needs. Is it safe to assume that most shotguns have the tube that holds a few?

 

[I Lean]

Yep.

 

[sixstringsteve]

sweet. that'll do. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Tee]

Steve,
Pump or Semi Auto will hold a "few". Any break over barrel (single shot, SxS Double Barrell, O/U Double barrell will only have two) My 870 12ga. will hold 5.

 

[skeptic]

Let me ask you this, are you the only one that could possibly ever shoot it? Personally, I'm just fine with a 9mm handgun as my home intruder gun, but if I were to buy a shotgun for that role and I thought my wife or 14 year old would ever have the need I'd be looking at a 410 or MAYBE a 20G. Plenty of people that have successfully protected their home from an intruder with just a .22.

Wait, just thought of the perfect home defense shotgun - A Taurus Judge! Handgun mobility, and with a handgun length rifled barrel the shot has a chance to spread a reasonable amount in the short distances of a house.