Finally Got My FOID

[fastpat]

Originally posted by pwd72s
Damned good advice. The sound of a shotgun pump action being worked will make a burglar run fast...as fast as he'll run from a Rotweiller...

Strongly recommend you not wait to cock and load any weapon until you see or are near a burglar. Best load it several days earlier. The sound of a slide action being cocked immediately before use is a movie cliche.

[competentone]

Originally posted by legion
I'd like to start in the $200-$300 range, but will go higher if need be.

With the picture your profile displays (I've always wondered if that's actually you?), I say you won't be happy with anything less than the "AK-47" Shotgun -- the Saiga 12 guage. If you shop around you can probably find one for about $350). Here are two on Gunbroker:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=55875861

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=55760909

One accessorized (kind of high on the price in my opinion):
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=55321403

[legion]

No, that's not me. That's Sameer from "Office Space". If you poke around a little, you can find my actual picture.

[red-beard]

BTW - light shotgun loads are not recomended. #0 shot (about equal to .38) is the most effective at putting the guy down with adequate penetration (read not over) and many projectiles. The lighter stuff doesn't penetrate well (see Dick Cheney's buddy).

[SlowToady]

Originally posted by Jeff Higgins
A Remington 870 pump in 12 gauge will do just fine. Get one with a 28" barrel, 3" chamber, and interchangeable chokes for your wingshooting needs. Get a second barrel, 22" long, 3" chamber, and rifled, with rifle sights, if Illinois allows slugs for deer hunting. This short barrel should also be on it for home defense. Load it up with a heavy duck/pheasant load of #6's or #4's for home use, ignoring the fact that is is rifled. Won't make any difference at conversational ranges. You should be able to get out the door with the gun and the extra barrel for around $400 or so if you look around.

I'd second the Remington 870, because I have one. It's a good gun, cheap, easy to own and operate.

And yes, IL does allow slugs for deer hunting. Which is nice, since we don't have a rifle season (helps the deer get big).

Personally, I would buy a shotgun for home defense, and a shotgun for hunting/skeet/trap. It just is less complicated, overall.

Also, check out used Benelli's (sp?), they make GREAT shotguns. I know they are kinda pricey new but you should be able to find a lightly used one for a good price.

I've had a FOID card since I was 13 (12?) and even thought it was a load of crap.

Congratulations!

[fastpat]

Originally posted by red-beard
BTW - light shotgun loads are not recomended. #0 shot (about equal to .38) is the most effective at putting the guy down with adequate penetration (read not over) and many projectiles. The lighter stuff doesn't penetrate well (see Dick Cheney's buddy).

At 3 to 5 yards, number 6 birdshot is lethal when shot into the center of the chest most of the time, and is recommended for apartment dwellers because that range is very common in an apartment. Number 6 won't penetrate sheetrock walls most of the time either, making an un-intentional shooting much less likely. In the home, if adequate distance between houses is available, one of the buckshot sizes works well out to 25 yards, or more. Also, keep in mind that at ten yards or less, the shot pattern is no bigger than a man's fist, or smaller with decreasing range, so sights on a home defense shotgun aren't a decoration, they are a must. A shotgun must be aimed just as much as a rifle.

[ronin]

Originally posted by legion
In Illinois, in order to legally posses a firearm and buy ammunition, one must register with the state and obtain a FOID (Firearm Owner ID) card.

how the hell this isn't unconstitutional I'll never know

[fastpat]

Originally posted by ronin
how the hell this isn't unconstitutional I'll never know

It's because the Illinois Supreme Court and the US Supreme Court will not do their duty. That fact should remove all doubt about court corruption.