Home defense shotgun:

[speeder]

Sorry if this is already covered somewhere here, but I couldn't find it w/ a quick search. I seem to remember a thread, can anyone link it?

Looking for a good but not fancy pump-action 12 gauge for home defense. If you do not believe that people should own guns or that a shotgun is a bad idea, please refrain from posting on this thread. I'm only looking for basic gun selection advice.

I was at Big 5 and they have a Mossberg and Remingtons in the $2-300 range that look OK, any opinions on those? Which is better? The Mossberg was a 50577 and cost $319.00, it's made in the USA. I liked it, what do the experts say? TIA.

[scottmandue]

I am in the market for one of these also...

I have no real hands on experience but Mossberg seems to be the defacto home defense shotgun... Although I don't think you can go wrong with a Remington or Winchester. Again I'm no expert but I think any pump action shotgun is going to be extremely reliable so it comes down to features, handling, and budget.

For me I'm looking for 18" barrel, synthetic stock, maximum capacity... I think the maximum capacity is 8 rounds?

Turners had a home defense shotgun sale a few months back, overall they have a larger stock than big 5, and they sell used/consignment guns, you may want to check there.

[slakjaw]

Just get a rem 870 or a winchester 1300 and take the plug out of it. Get some 2 3/4 inch shells with #5 shot.

They are both cheap workhorses.

[Freybird]

I have a 12gage Mossberg. Its fitted with smallest tube length allowed by law for agility-manuverability. It is an absolute DONKEY! Sure footedness is essential. Never had to use it indoors and hope I never have to. Chambering a round will send a chill up your spine.

[Jeff]

I have a Mossberg and have shot a friend's Remington. Both are nice, even though they are inexpensive. Either one would fit your purpose well. I like the feel of my Mossberg better, plus it will shot a 3 1/2" magnum shell.

[HardDrive]

[Seahawk]

Denis,

Get me a FFL and I'll send you Jack's 870 Junior 20 gauge. He has out-grown it for skeet and hunting. There are plenty of mods at cheaperthandirt to make it a great home defense shotgun. Don't worry about the gauge, there are plenty of custom shot/shell choices that makes the gun formidable. The gun was given to us so we're just passing the torch.

Simple gun. Glad you made it back to LA...are you staying for the winter?

[slakjaw]

I cant get 3 1/2" shells to pattern for s&$t in any gun I have ever tried them in.

[rsrfan]

spas 15...subtle, I think not

[sammyg2]

I've got a savage 12 gauge 18" bbl, pistol grip, 7 round capacity. I paid around $150 for it about 25 years ago, never any problems with it. My buddies had mossbergs, basically the same thing. But this is what I'd like to have:

[ls23h]

This is what I have loaded under my bed.

Winchester 1300 Defender 12 GA Pump Shotgun

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=86591818

A video of it in action on you tube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpcnlQYVzhg

[porsche4life]

I have shot both the 870 and the mossberg...both good dependable guns. That 870 junior would meet your needs really well. I just dont own one b/c when i shoot trap i like a lighter gun and only go one shot at a time anyways.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by ls23h

This is what I have loaded under my bed.

Winchester 1300 Defender 12 GA Pump Shotgun

Denise, the Win 1300, Rem 870, Mosberg, etc. home defence shotguns are sold at Turners used for $150-$200 in 90%-95% condition all the time.

If you go to Turners website and click on the "online gunrack" you can access the listing for all their stores.

[CurtEgerer]

I like Benelli

http://www.benelliusa.com/firearms/m4.tpl

[legion]

I have a Remington 870 with an 18" barrel. I have 2 3/4" slugs, 3" slugs, and 00 shot handy...

You can't go wrong with a Remington, Mossberg, or Winchester. Get whichever you like the best.

[Tim Hancock]

Here is a link telling my Mossberg home defense shotgun story.
Home defense package complete (slippery slope)

I really like mine for taking care of catfood stealing varmints at night. I have since mounted a Surefire flashlight to it and it makes for a nice lightweight tool for home use. I keep mine behind the drapes next to my headboard.

[speeder]

Thanks for the kind offer, Paul. I have such fond memories of shooting with you guys last summer, man does time fly...

I'll give you a call when I find a gun dealer here. Might be after the holidays, since I'm driving to NM to see the family this weekend. Merry x-mas to you and your wonderful family! Thanks and MC to everyone else as well!

[Rick Lee]

This is what I have. I stole it for around $330. Very nice and pretty too.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=87599750

[Az911]

I would go with a Remington 870 Express 7shot. There cheap @ $300 can handle 3in shells and there is a huge after market for them if chose to mod it.

[red-beard]

Mossberg - It will do what you need.