Considering changing firearm types. Opinions please. Be brutal.

[gundaddypv]

I'm wondering about which weapon makes the most sense in an overall-anything-could-happen-get-ready scenario.

I have an SKS with Tapco stock. Had a red-dot, but it turns out you get what you pay for and after about 500 rounds it started falling apart.

I have about 1500 rounds, maybe more. I'm wondering about two things:

1. Would a tactical shotgun make more sense? It can be used for defense, loaded with slugs for longer-range shots. It can be used for hunting, everything from birds to large game. Ammo is plentiful. The minuses are that capacity is limited and the rounds are so big, carrying a bunch is very tough.

2. If selling my SKS with all the ammo is worth it for a good tactical shotgun, ammo, etc., how much should I ask for? The SKS has matching serial numbers shoots true and has zero rust. However, the dust-cover is drilled and tapped for a scope mount, but it isn't mounted. That might bring down the value just a bit.

Tell me - is this idea stupid, reasonable, or a great idea? Be brutal.

 

[Capt. Frank]

Sell or trade the SKS for a GOOD gun which uses the same ammo.

 

[JCliff]

It really depends on what YOU want, and what you expect to do. I don’t think your idea is stupid at all. Without question, a 12 gauge shotgun is the most versatile firearm on the planet. There is almost nothing you cannot do with it, as you point out, from the largest big game, to coyotes, to ducks & pheasants, to squirrels & rabbits. It is not necessarily the optimum platform for all these things, but the same gun can be effective in all of them. IF you can get it in your hands in time a shotgun can be extremely effective in a self-defense situation. Best of all, a rock-solid shotgun (say a Mossberg, Remington, or Winchester…there are others too) can be had without breaking the bank. You’ll find you can spend as much as you want on a shotgun, up to more than the value of your house. But you don’t have to in order to get a very reliable firearm, and you don’t have to have all the “tactical” add-ons that are available in order to be out-of-the-box effective. Ammo is available everywhere and is relatively cheap. My inclination is to advise that you just go get the shotgun, and then over time either fix what needs fixin’ on your SKS or trade it towards another AR style platform.
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Instructor hat on:
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1. As I alluded to above, if the shotgun is not in your hands when the bad guy bursts in on your life, it will not likely do you much good. You must factor in your ability to retrieve it and bring it to bear in your personal self/home defense situation.
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2. There is much more to the tactical employment of a shotgun than just point and blast. It really is possible to miss at close range even with buckshot. Rapid reload takes practice. I would never discourage anyone from using a shotgun for self-defense without any training, but if you can find the time and the money I highly recommend it. You’ll learn a lot, have more confidence, and be much more effective if the need arises. I guarantee you’ll have a lot of fun doing it too!
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Good luck with whatever decision you make!

 

[Stengun]

Howdy,

Keep the SKS and buy a shotgun. You can buy a quality tactical shotgun for under $250.00 and even though pistol ammo is in limited supply WalMart always has buckshot on the shelves.

Paul

 

[RobbK]

There is NOTHING wrong with a SKS though I am sure there will be others that tell you so. If you feel you need to upgrade get a AK-47 you already have the ammo for it. Go to your local gun store and see if they will alllow layaways. If they do go ahead and get what ever shotgun is price appropriate for your budget ( I would suggest a Benelli nova or super nova they are in the 400 to 500 dollar price range) In the end shoot what you feel most comfortable with.

 

[SR9]

I'd say it's going to be a little hard to conceal carry a shotgun. Better keep the SKS and buy a good gun for hunting.

 

[JCliff]

I'd say it's going to be a little hard to conceal carry a shotgun. Better keep the SKS and buy a good gun for hunting.

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I don't believe concealed carry was part of the equation. SKS not particularly concealable either.

 

[Warrior1256]

Howdy,

Keep the SKS and buy a shotgun. You can buy a quality tactical shotgun for under $250.00 and even though pistol ammo is in limited supply WalMart always has buckshot on the shelves.

Paul

Agree. I have two tactical 12ga shotguns and very much count on them for HD.