Good Cheap Shotgun?

[StormSigma]

A friend and I were talking about home defense and he mentioned that he'd read numerous places that a shotgun was really the best home-defense tool/weapon (which I've read in various threads here and agree with) but he was curious as to what's out there as far as a good, cheap, dependable/reliable shotgun for the purpose in question?

Since I didn't know, I figured I'd ask here, because we seem to have a very large number of gun enthusiasts amongst us. Hell, by your advice, I may pick one up myself. So what do you guys think?

[hardball75006]

Mossberg makes a very good inexpensive pump shotgun.

[Quantim0]

You can get a Mossberg 500 or a Remmington 870 for under $300. They are the benchmarks by which all defensive shotguns are measured.

I have this: Mossberg 590 with ghost ring sights 8+1 capacity. Basically a pimped Mossberg 500.
http://www.fiol-mallorca.com/tienda/images/mossbreg.gif

[DeepBlueZ]

Mossberg 590 Special Purpose....

12 ga., slide action, 20" barrel, 9-round mag tube, globe and post style rifle sights, speedfeed stock for extra shell storage.

I picked mine up brand new for $400.

You can also swap on a pistol grip to make it about 10 inches shorter, but I dont recommend it unless you're a fairly stout person. The lack of a shoulder stock can make a 12 ga. pretty uncontrollable.

I suggest #2 shot shells. The shot is large enough to DROP anyone who takes a chest full of it, but the construction of most conventional interior walls will prevent over-penetration.

[DeepBlueZ]

You can get a Mossberg 500 or a Remmington 870 for under $300. They are the benchmarks by which all defensive shotguns are measured.

I have this: Mossberg 590 with ghost ring sights 8+1 capacity. Basically a pimped Mossberg 500.
http://www.fiol-mallorca.com/tienda/images/mossbreg.gif

you beat me to it....that's the EXACT gun I have.

[Scurvy]

Get a pistol, easier to manuever, handle and practice with.

IMHO of course. From what I've read, for home defense, shotties won't spread significantly enough to make them any more easier point and shoot than a large caliber pistol.

[hardball75006]

Get a pistol, easier to manuever, handle and practice with.

IMHO of course. From what I've read, for home defense, shotties won't spread significantly enough to make them any more easier point and shoot than a large caliber pistol.

I can clean out a hallway with my shotgun, I can't say the same about my .45

[StormSigma]

Get a pistol, easier to manuever, handle and practice with.

IMHO of course. From what I've read, for home defense, shotties won't spread significantly enough to make them any more easier point and shoot than a large caliber pistol.

The problem we had (my friend and I) are that we aren't the best shots in the world, and I really wouldn't want to trust my aim in a break-in situation, especially in the dark. I've fired plenty of shotguns over the years, shooting clay pigeons and at the range, and I just like the area in which the shot covers. Like the guy above said, all I'd need to do is point a shotgun in the right general direction and shoot. Man, I'm going to have to show this thread to him tonight. Kick ass. I hadn't known good shotguns were going for that cheap!

[Quantim0]

Get a pistol, easier to manuever, handle and practice with.

IMHO of course. From what I've read, for home defense, shotties won't spread significantly enough to make them any more easier point and shoot than a large caliber pistol.

Plus my HD pistol only delivers 1 .380" (9mm) hole. My shotgun makes 11 .300" holes. My numbers may be a little off, but you get the idea.

[DeepBlueZ]

Get a pistol, easier to manuever, handle and practice with.

IMHO of course. From what I've read, for home defense, shotties won't spread significantly enough to make them any more easier point and shoot than a large caliber pistol.


a cylinder bore barrel will spread just fine anywhere further than point blank. And if you're at point blank, you're not gonna miss anyway.

There are a lot of downsides to a handgun as a home security tool.

[phutty2000]

I don't think that the best home defense weapon is the shotgun; I am partial to a handgun with a Crimson Trace Laser, just point and shoot.

P.S. and shotguns really leave a mess.

[Fastmofo]

The problem we had (my friend and I) are that we aren't the best shots in the world, and I really wouldn't want to trust my aim in a break-in situation, especially in the dark. I've fired plenty of shotguns over the years, shooting clay pigeons and at the range, and I just like the area in which the shot covers. Like the guy above said, all I'd need to do is point a shotgun in the right general direction and shoot. Man, I'm going to have to show this thread to him tonight. Kick ass. I hadn't known good shotguns were going for that cheap!


Yeah, I did alot of question asking and reading on SG's, the one above looks the sheeet. Make sure you don't use birdshot though, cuz that's all you'll stop with it, hehe. 00 Buck FTMFW:D

[Mart Man GTO]

Get a pistol, easier to manuever, handle and practice with.

IMHO of course. From what I've read, for home defense, shotties won't spread significantly enough to make them any more easier point and shoot than a large caliber pistol.

This would be a very bad idea. Not trying to bust your nuts here, but how many episodes of COPS have we seen where there is a shoot-out that ends up with no one getting shot. The cops are supposed to be pros and often miss. Putting a large number of holes per shot beats one hole per shot if you're lucky enough to hit your target.

I have a 44 Mag, and am a fairly decent shot. I'd still take a SG for home defense. The only disadvantage to the SG is its length. In tight places it might be hard to get on your target.

[simpleGTO]

I bought a cheep 12 ga at Walmart under $100 I don't remember the brand but it has a plastic stock. I shot it one time and was sore for a week.I will never shoot it again unless my life is in danger for real and after the Glock is empty.

[DeepBlueZ]

Yeah, I did alot of question asking and reading on SG's, the one above looks the sheeet. Make sure you don't use birdshot though, cuz that's all you'll stop with it, hehe. 00 Buck FTMFW:D



00 Buck is overkill unless you have concrete walls in your house. remember that a 00 pellet is roughly the size of a 9mm round.

#2 shot is plenty big enough. At close range, you're STILL catching almost the entire load (an ounce or more of lead!) however the reduced mass will allow a couple layers of drywall to contain whatever doesn't hit the scumbag burglar.

[Devil]

The best bang for your buck will be a Remington Model 870. Once a perp hears you move the slide up and down to load , he'll know exactly what is on the other side the door. A shotgun is actually your best protection for home. Think how good your sightings would be after being woke up in the middle of the night , lights are out, with a shotgun your accuracy doesn't have to be that good. It's all a matter of preference IMO.

[Hawkgfr]

It don't matter what is in a shotgun.....It can be birdshot...unless the guy breaking in is on dope HE knows to be skeered of a shotgun....it makes Anni Oakly out of everyone. ;)

the intimidaton factor is worth something too imo

[BlueFlyingGoat]

...Once a perp hears you move the slide up and down to load , he'll know exactly what is on the other side the door...

It don't matter what is in a shotgun.....It can be birdshot...unless the guy breaking in is on dope HE knows to be skeered of a shotgun....it makes Anni Oakly out of everyone. ;)

the intimidaton factor is worth something too imo

:ms_werd: One "cha-CHUCK" form a Mossberg and most sane folks will be running for the exit. If they're not, that's why you just chambered one - put 'em down.:-off the

Actually down on the farm we used an old double barrel - one with rock salt, one with 00 buckshot. Everyone gets one warning...or not.:shiner: But a good pump-action would be much better.

[Scurvy]

This would be a very bad idea. Not trying to bust your nuts here, but how many episodes of COPS have we seen where there is a shoot-out that ends up with no one getting shot. The cops are supposed to be pros and often miss. Putting a large number of holes per shot beats one hole per shot if you're lucky enough to hit your target.

I have a 44 Mag, and am a fairly decent shot. I'd still take a SG for home defense. The only disadvantage to the SG is its length. In tight places it might be hard to get on your target.

You are very correct but you often hear anecdotes about police only firing their guns for qualifications. That's why I suggested practice. I know a SG is supposed to be point and shoot but in close quarters I would trust a well practiced on handgun to a non-practiced shot gun. There's less for the intruder to grab or knock away and a laser can make it fairly close to point and shoot.

The one thing a SG def has up on the pistol is the intimidation factor.

[PixMan]

The best bang for your buck will be a Remington Model 870. Once a perp hears you move the slide up and down to load , he'll know exactly what is on the other side the door. A shotgun is actually your best protection for home. Think how good your sightings would be after being woke up in the middle of the night , lights are out, with a shotgun your accuracy doesn't have to be that good. It's all a matter of preference IMO.

Good choice. I recently gifted my Dad with one for hunting. He's a guy who grew up on a farm in Michigan (Niles/Three Rivers area) and hadn't been hunting for about 60 years when he decided he'd like to take it up again now that he's retired.

I got it at Dick's Sporting goods, the Remington 870 Express Combo, for $369. That includes two barrels, one for shot, one for sabets. He'll be out in MA this week, first week of shotgun season.

[jonfor]

i keep a box of shells and a mossy 590 in the closet. this is last ditch effort because it kicks. i have a maglight and a 1911 springfield for any problems that come up. i also picked up a marlin 1894 cowboy in 357M just in case.

[smokehouse]

Mossberg 500 Persuader tactical edition:

http://shooterssupply.org/guns/gun242.jpg

If you look around you can pick one up for between $310-350. One hell of a deal on one hell of a shotgun.

[StormSigma]

You are very correct but you often hear anecdotes about police only firing their guns for qualifications. That's why I suggested practice. I know a SG is supposed to be point and shoot but in close quarters I would trust a well practiced on handgun to a non-practiced shot gun. There's less for the intruder to grab or knock away and a laser can make it fairly close to point and shoot.

The one thing a SG def has up on the pistol is the intimidation factor.

A friend of mine who's a highly experienced shooter (pistols) says that those targeting lasers are movie BS when in a real situation. In a real break-in in the dark, all the laser is going to do is show the perpetrator where to fire. I have to admit, the logic does hold merit.

[woffman5]

I have a Mossberg Model 500A, and it the handiest gun I own. It has an 18" barrell (sp?), seven round mag, and an IC choke. Great home defense gun. I keep it loaded with 2 3/4" 3 dram #8 shot. The gun is extremely maneuverable, and a dream to shoot!

[smokehouse]

I'm really starting to get into shotguns for home defense. A shotgun is not only menacing, it is also easier to handle and shoot in a panic situation. Pick up, aim in general direction, pump and shoot. Even in a small area the shot pattern will be far larger than that of a small caliber handgun.

[Scurvy]

A friend of mine who's a highly experienced shooter (pistols) says that those targeting lasers are movie BS when in a real situation. In a real break-in in the dark, all the laser is going to do is show the perpetrator where to fire. I have to admit, the logic does hold merit.

well the movie thing is that it shows a big red line, which it doesn't it just shows a red dot. The only other suggestion i have for you is a flash light.

Friend has a sig 226 or 229 with a halogen light on the rail, very very very bright. Someone creeping through your house, eyes adjusted to the dark, gets the shown in his face will definately cause a blink at the least. He's shown it in my eyes in braid daylight and it still makes me turn away.

In the end it's your life and you need to go with whatever you are comfortable entrusting your life to. I'm just trying to give options.

[chief_spinning_tires]

870 express super magnum... period

[StormSigma]

well the movie thing is that it shows a big red line, which it doesn't it just shows a red dot. The only other suggestion i have for you is a flash light.

Friend has a sig 226 or 229 with a halogen light on the rail, very very very bright. Someone creeping through your house, eyes adjusted to the dark, gets the shown in his face will definately cause a blink at the least. He's shown it in my eyes in braid daylight and it still makes me turn away.

In the end it's your life and you need to go with whatever you are comfortable entrusting your life to. I'm just trying to give options.

Well, I sincerely appreciate it. As is, I've gotten a lot of good information here, and I think we're both going to end up with shotguns at some point. I'm really leaning towards that Mossberg myself. Now I just need to track down one of those pistol grips, and I'll be set.

[-db-]

You are very correct but you often hear anecdotes about police only firing their guns for qualifications. That's why I suggested practice. I know a SG is supposed to be point and shoot but in close quarters I would trust a well practiced on handgun to a non-practiced shot gun. There's less for the intruder to grab or knock away and a laser can make it fairly close to point and shoot.

The one thing a SG def has up on the pistol is the intimidation factor.

I agree with you, Scurvy. In the hands of a knowledgeable and trained owner a pistol is much more tactical than a shotgun for CQC/home-defense. Pistols offer huge advantages in these situations. Unlike shotguns they can be fired one-handed (and/or weak-handed...and highly trained users can reload and perform IA single and/or weak-handed on top of it; yeah, there's probably some elite-ass operator out there somewhere who can do weak-handed-only firing cycles, immediate action drills, etc. with a shottie but you're not that guy in real life lol), function as much less clumsy striking weapons, offer more ammunition, offer a much greater range of coverage, are much more cover-friendly (have fun trying to pop out from the side of a refrigerator and swing a shottie into firing position with some semblance of half-assed target aquisition before the bad guy reacts...that's if he doesn't grab the barrel of the damn thing first and instantly raise the instant oh-shit-now-we're-having-some-real-fun pucker factor by about eleventy-billion, you bang the damn thing off the edge of the stove, etc.), the advantages are many.

One thing to consider is what the military uses for MOUT (Military Operations Urban Terrain) or fighting house to house (including inside houses/buildings). Most specialized units with access to nice budgets prefer assault weapons of a sort a bit smaller and shorter than traditional assault rifles. This is because the advantages to using a weapon smaller in size in a "smaller" environment are obvious. A "big pistol" rather than a "small rifle" is the thinking.

Another thing to consider is the pitfall of buying into and securing one's safety to what basically boils down to a very-wrong "spray and pray" or, in this case, the whole "this thing will pattern and cover my ass, I don't even really have to aim" attitude. This is the last kind of attitude anyone should have when it comes to something so serious as to buying and owning a self-defense firearm. Accuracy is everything. You have to hit what you're aiming at. End of story. Relying on the built-in imaginary "cheat" a shotgun offers with its pattern spread is basing your whole odds of survival on a gamble. Yeah, a few pellets might hit the bad guy but are they going to hit him hard enough or will enough hit to take him down? Yeah, so your shotgun shoots a nice big pattern; are those BBs hitting him in the lower leg going to 100% fully stop him (yeah, you aimed haphazardly and low in the dark- but you did hit him)? Would you bet your life on it? Aiming is everything. With any weapon. Relying on a crutch will only ensure your eventual demise because everybody's odds run out sooner or later. Don't play the odds, play for keeps. Learn to aim and hit what you aim at with your weapon.

Then, there's what someone else already mentioned- the fact that shotguns probably don't really put as large a spread out at CQC distances as most folks assume. The fact is, no one is going to "clear a hallway" in their home with a single shotgun blast from a 20-inch barrel. At 7-12 feet or whatever typical indoor distances may be, the diameter of the shot pattern is only going to be a couple inches (basically a big-ass single loose bullet), not a 6 foot by 4 foot wide pattern of shot. Be only a few inches off in aiming and you missed him clean and he's still coming. Better hope you practiced how to rack that slide/pump quick! Most tactical shotguns used by the military fall under two categories- simple tradition (think Marine Corps Embassy Guard duty and such) and special cases where they are especially suitable for particular applications such as door breaching, etc. In other words, they're really not good all-around weapons- they serve very well in only certain ways. A handgun is much more versatile.

Wow...I get wierd on this stuff lol. Just realized I'm really rambling. Anyway, just stuff to think about. Great discussion gang, keep it going. Maybe we can all learn something. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXSfbrAKLFY

[FraggerCrue]

1) Everyone knows that distinctive sound of a pump shotgun. They may not hear a revolver ****ing and what is to hear on an automatic pistol?
2) You can easily shoot a shotgun from the hip and mow someone down. The original point and click interface. Not so with a pistol. Try shooting a target at the range from about 15' with a pistol from the hip and with a shotgun from the hip, you'll see what I mean.
3) I agree, #2 shot is all that is needed in most houses. I run a police load 00 buck, but I live on 11 acres, so I may be in a situation where I have to reach out and touch someone. In all honesty, its much more likely to be someone's dog around here.
4) I have the Mossberg 500: cheap, reliable, high capactiy.

[Quantim0]

If you want to keep any gun for self defence in your house you had better be highly proficient with it. I keep 3 guns around the house for HD and they are all completely different. If I pick up my Mossberg (00 buck) I know I can hit what I need to with it b/c I practice at least once a month with it. I can also grab my AR-15 (M-4) with an Aimpoint (5.56 Hornady TAP). I practice with that 2x a month. Or I can grab my Sig 229 (9mm Federal HST). I practice with that at least once a week.

I am not going to clear my house if someone is in it. I will cover the bedroom door with the shotgun and call the police. The bottom line is you need to be a good shooter with whatever weapon you choose. I would rather go up against a bad shot with a shotgun then a good shot with anything.

[J.E.T.]

You can get a Mossberg 500 or a Remmington 870 for under $300. They are the benchmarks by which all defensive shotguns are measured.

I have this: Mossberg 590 with ghost ring sights 8+1 capacity. Basically a pimped Mossberg 500.
http://www.fiol-mallorca.com/tienda/images/mossbreg.gif

Got the same one with a maglite attachment........for "night" fighting of course;) ;)


JET

[A04GTO]

I am not going to clear my house if someone is in it. I will cover the bedroom door with the shotgun and call the police. The bottom line is you need to be a good shooter with whatever weapon you choose. I would rather go up against a bad shot with a shotgun then a good shot with anything.


:judge: Material possesions can be replaced. You and the ones you love can not. :judge:

[stillgreedy]

Thats a nice shot gun quatimo