Home Defense Shotguns

[tkrugen]

I looking at buying a new shotgun for home defense. I would like American made and preferably under $300. I once had a Mossberg 500A, I traded that for my new carry pistol. I needed my pistol but I miss my Mossberg Any Suggestions?

 

[TheCocaColaSanta]

I was wondering the same thing. I just bought my first handgun, a Ruger SR9 and wanted a little Ruger 10/22 for plinking. But nothing says "THIS IS MY CASTLE!!!" like the sound of racking of a good old pump shotgun. Any suggestions? P.S. I won't buy any gun that's not American made.

 

[Deserteagle]

This usually comes down to a battle between the Remington 870 and the Mossberg 500.

You already like Mossberg, I like Mossberg, lots of people like Mossberg, so buy the Mossberg 500.

I chose the Mossberg 500 Persuader. Came with a full stock but has a pistol grip in the box if you want that instead. Also has 18.5" barrel. 5 +1 magazine. Takes 2-3/4" or 3" shells. Smooth bore.

 

[gar2m4]

I looking at buying a new shotgun for home defense. I would like American made and preferably under $300. I once had a Mossberg 500A, I traded that for my new carry pistol. I needed my pistol but I miss my Mossberg Any Suggestions?

I just bought a Mossberg 500 Persuader for $249.........

 

[FrontTowardEnemy]

FWIW, my scattergun (a full-sized 12ga) is kept as a SHTF option in my home defense plan. It is much too large for primary "intruder in the night" home defense use, so it is left to wait for the unruly mob of villagers with pitchforks.

 

[Stan913]

lots of Mossbergs under $300. Easy to modify as you go, and most have a pistol grip in the box. Do not forget the Remington 870, dang fine buck spreader. For home defense always make the 1st round (or 2) birdshot so you don't punch through the drywall and kill the beagles...

 

[AzBanks]

It does not fit your criteria but I would strongly suggest that you look at the Saiga 12. Pick up 5 or more ProMag 10 round magazines to feed it.

I challenge anyone to find a shotgun that can put 50 rounds of 12 ga down range faster than the Saiga 12.

When you have a big mob of zombies(more than 6 or 8), do you want to try feeding in one round at a time or do you want to swap in another ten round mag?



This guy likes 20 round drums and his mag changes are SLOW.

 

[palixdog]

Mossy's are good dependable scatter guns. I own one. But I have found that there are more accessories available for the 870. If you go with the 500A one item in particular a mag extention is not available. The Rem 870 Express in not much different in price.

 

[Stan45]

Mossburg 500 or Remington 870.
Both have been around for some time, parts are easy to find if you were to ever need them.

 

[Deserteagle]

It does not fit your criteria but I would strongly suggest that you look at the Saiga 12. Pick up 5 or more ProMag 10 round magazines to feed it.

I challenge anyone to find a shotgun that can put 50 rounds of 12 ga down range faster than the Saiga 12.

When you have a big mob of zombies(more than 6 or 8), do you want to try feeding in one round at a time or do you want to swap in another ten round mag?



This guy likes 20 round drums and his mag changes are SLOW.

That guy is going to melt his barrel

 

[bcihak]

This is HORRIBLE advice. If you are going to pull a gun and shoot it at someone, it better be a killing round. You never know if you will have a chance at that second shot. ANYONE with training will agree with this, I can send you some videos and podcasts from major trainers that espouse my viewpoint.

 

[santa]

Mossberg 500 in 410 bore. I have one and LOVE IT! Contrary to what you hear there is buckshot loads in 410, 000 and 00 loads. The 000 rounds in 3 inch have 5 pellets, developing almost 1000 pounds of muzzle energy. If that does not stop them, what will? Also the recoil is light enabling several rapid fire accurate shots. Recoil is a problem for many older folks and those with medical issues like Mrs Santa who has Rhumatoid arthritus.

 

[escapedthematrix]

Winchester 1300 defender model. I picked one up used but excellent condition at Gander Mountain for $200. Didn't even look like it was fired more than a couple dozen times with no wear signs. I'll only buy used firearms from them due to high pricing on their new selection. That sweet sound of racking a round in the chamber can sometimes be enough to send an intruder running. If not then there's always the 00 buckshot i've just chambered.

 

[Naybor]

If I had to buy again, either an 870 or 500 would be my choice.

What I'm using now is a 12 ga. open choke double barrel coach shotgun. It does have a mean look to it and gives a nice pattern at 5 and 7 yards.

I used a Mossberg 3 shot bolt action 20 ga. w/polychoke for years until it was stolen. It was a good gun.

 

[alternety]

If someone does not have the arm strength to operate a pump (like when you get old, small woman, etc.) a semi-auto has some real merit. If you need to have "that noise" you can leave a round out of the chamber. Otherwise, the sound of a shotgun going off will certainly alert the intruder that you are armed. Making a noise is not necessarily a good idea in a dark house unknown intruder scenario. It alerts them to where you are. If they have a gun this could be a bad thing.

Someone above recommended a Saiga (based on an AK47, made in an AK47 factory. While a decent choice it has to be reworked from the raw imported gun to make it legal in the US. They also are known to need work on many of them to make them function properly. Once everything is done they seem quite reliable, but it is going to cost you over $1000. A Vepr (based on an AK74 and made in a AK74 factory) is a better choice but scarce. There have just been 1000 imported; no idea when more will come in. Right now they are selling for $1000, but they are ready to use out of the box. They are legal as delivered and have a reputation of much better quality.

Advantages of this type of gun. They will have threaded barrels so you can out a muzzle brake on it. This can make a huge difference in controlling the gun. With a pump, you are significantly slower to get the next shot off and operating the slide moves the gun off the target. You can also put accessory rails on the top and bottom (some of these come with the gun) for a light, better sights, etc. This sort of gun is what I would really view as a home defense weapon. It is easier to control than a pump and has a much better second shot result. Hop on over to the forum.Saiga-12.com site and poke around. There is also a section for the Vepr on that board. Way different price range. Way different overall results.

 

[JCliff]

I bought a Mossberg 500A 28 years ago. Bought it 'cause I didn't have time to teach my wife to shoot a pistol before leaving on deployment. Came with two barrels (one vented-rib 28 inches & one was 18 1/2 inches) and a pistol grip if you desired to configure it that way. 2 3/4" or 3" shells. That gun still racks and blasts as well today as it did when I bought it. I have it standing by with the shorter barrel on it ready to go in my home. While not necessarily the gun you'd showcase, Mossberg makes a decent and reliable gun...hard to beat for the price.

Though I confess that racking it is a most reassuring and confidence enhancing sound, if faced with an imminent threat in my home the first thing the perp will hear is BOOM! If they're still a threat after that then they'll hear the racking sound, followed by another BOOM!

 

[Jahshoewah3619]

I challenge anyone to find a shotgun that can put 50 rounds of 12 ga down range faster than the Saiga


AA-12

 

[JCliff]

I challenge anyone to find a shotgun that can put 50 rounds of 12 ga down range faster than the Saiga


AA-12

Umm....no doubt, but... 50 rds? For a home defense shotgun? Maybe if you need to clear the Hearst mansion...

 

[JCliff]

Well, just looked up and read up a little on the Saiga. Maybe not a bad choice after all. Haven't fired one, don't know how reliable. I just am not sure how much I'd trust an auto-loader shotgun for self defense. Seen an awful lot of malfunctions over the years on the Trap and Sporting Clays range. I don't think I've ever seen a pump malfunction. I know a Mossberg pump will deliver, and for a much lower price.

 

[alternety]

You may have to work on it. But once tuned they seem quite reliable. You may also still get in on a Vepr. Even though I do not yet have one, this would be my recommendation. Out of box performance is reported as very good. Remember these are military weapons with some features gelded. Look in the sites I mentioned. Some vendors may still have some. There may be some available after shipping of preorders begins. You have a narrow window to get these that may or may not recurr in any particular time frame, or at all.

Note: I don't sell these suckers. No benefit from you buying one. I just want to keep one around the house.

Keep in mind that these are serious weapons. Ill thought use, such as emptying a 20 round drum of 00 in the house, could yield serious damage. But, for the duration, it would be entertaining as hell. If you happen to aim real close to where an intruder is standing, they will not be amused. They might even go to pieces.