Recommended Defensive Shotgun?

[AlNyhus]

Remington 870 Home Defense with wood butt stock/fore end, TruGlo front sighting and running #6's.

Forget any sort of ridiculous tactikool add ons. You buy a rig like this in case you need to use it. If you have to do that, you'll be explaining everything. Having a shotgun that looks like what non-firearm savvy people (a jury) can relate to will be important. Something that looks like what S.W.A.T. uses when they knock down a door will carry a stigma.

Be safe but be smart.

 

[WayneShaw]

I don't understand the issue of NOT using 00 buckshot for fear of one passing through a wall and hitting someone else. Sure it could happen, but the same with those that prefer a handgun or AR. Inside a dwelling there isn't much distance for spread, and shooting from the hip with a shotgun will likely hit the target. Shooting from the hip with a handgun can be questionable unless very well trained.

 

[linebaugh]

#4 - 2.75 turkey loads in a short over under here with skeet chokes. A #4 -1.25 oz upland game load would befine as well. I just have the turkey loads.
I would shy away from semi auto personally due to malfunction caused by recoil management. Under stress you may not get gun seated properly which often causes feed issues.
Everything will overpenetate at home defense ranges but birdshot probably will be the best on not wiping out the neighbors.

 

[DumpHollow]

Benelli M4​

Or an M2 or 1897 riot

 

[LVLAaron]

Or an M2 or 1897 riot

When you're not defending home base, you could use the M2 to paddle your canoe

 

[Rook 6]

I don't understand the issue of NOT using 00 buckshot for fear of one passing through a wall and hitting someone else. Sure it could happen, but the same with those that prefer a handgun or AR. Inside a dwelling there isn't much distance for spread, and shooting from the hip with a shotgun will likely hit the target. Shooting from the hip with a handgun can be questionable unless very well trained.

Some refreshing feedback in the responses so far. I am a firm believer that people overthink the setup of tactical shotguns. No need for anything other than a glow bead. No need for sights. Short barrel yes. No AR or handgun unless that’s all you have to grab. #4 to #6 shot. Sling to keep from having grabbed away. Maybe a light. I personally think a light is essential. YMMV. I was a die hard pump guy but I recently tried the Mossberg 940 and it was impressive. Especially for the money.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

and single 0 buckshot. I have 20 ga.

100%, 20 ga with buck shot is very underrated. it gets the job done w better controllability.

 

[jds holler]

I've read a few forum threads where birdshot was condemned as not being effective enough for defensive purposes. Anyone who claims this, must have never used a shotgun let alone killed something with one. Those of us who have, will cringe at the thought of being shot even with a twenty gauge quail load. jd

 

[Ajwilly96]

for in your home, Remington Tac 14 or mossberg shockwave

 

[troupe]

Over my 28 years as a LEO at a Level 1 Trauma Center that covered 29 counties, I have seen more gun shots that I can remember. #5 and #6 loads are very efficient in the home arena. Forget the #8 birdshot. It can stop, but the chances are better that it will be a wound and not a stop. Buckshot will stop, but over penetration is a very real possibility. The #8's looked more like a bad burn. A short barreled 870 with #5 or #6 , a bright light and don't waist your money on junk lights, this is a life protector.

The most important advise that I can give is practice and practice with the ammo you are going to use and know what it will do at different distances. You may have to take a very tight shot and you need to know exactly what that pattern will be like at 2yds all the way to 25yds. The only way to know the pattern is for you to shoot it and get used to it. God help you, because you may not have the time to think what it will do. Your mind will not be clear.

Hopefully you are not be involved in a situation like this, but we all know how society is getting everyday. If you are involved in a traumatic situation, Do not give any statements due to what you will have just been through, your mind will not be clear.

Just my thoughts.

 

[Knotwild]

I have a guy working for me that uses a Beretta 1301 with 21" barrel for pheasants. I would rather have the short barrel in a gun I can use for hunting purposes as well as a house gun. Add a good barrel mounted light and call it a day. At house distances, a shotgun is like a rifle anyway.

 

[Kevin1990]

What @Kracken McGraw said. Rem 870 pump.



Ive had one for 15 years, and I treat it absolutely horrible. Used it for clays, and bird hunting, cant rememebr the last time it was cleaned, if ever, and it won’t quit. Used to go to Walmart, and buy the boxes with 100 shells in them, and a box of clays, weekly for an entire summer. It owes me absolutely nothing, and even with that abuse it’s takes , it would still be in my top 3 home D firearms.

 

[Bill K]

If you have a shotgun you are used too, use it with Light recoil buckshot. If you are looking to buy a shotgun, then look to the Remington 870, easy to operate and learn how. Solid and reliable weapon and it will get the job done, IF NEEDED.

 

[TaperPin]

If you are involved in a traumatic situation, Do not give any statements due to what you will have just been through, your mind will not be clear.

Very good advice.

A coworker that caused a big oops at work immediately ran in circle like a Looney Tune cartoon - he was unable to think or form sentences. We laughed about that day for years.

Unloading a surface grinder at home, the lift gave out and all 1500 lbs came down just a few feet from me - it wasn’t really dangerous since I knew to stay clear, but it hit so hard the combination of visual, auditory, and feeling the earthquake overloaded my brain. I ran around in a tight circle like it was Looney Tune cartoon and couldn’t think clearly for a good 10 minutes. Funny stuff.

In both cases we‘ve had guns pulled on us and other not so fun things, but we were somewhat mentally prepared for those things and it didn’t incapacitate us. The sudden unexpected less serious events had us running around like a headless chickens.

 

[SongdogHunter]

Beretta 1301. Love mine, eats everything.

the newer A300 is another good one but my 1301 Is my favorite

 

[Timberyote]

I purchased the 870 in 1979 and built it in 1980, used it in competition and it's still running strong.

I purchased the 1100 from a friend and built it in 2004.

Either one would work but I prefer the 870.

 

[jds holler]

If you are involved in a traumatic situation, Do not give any statements due to what you will have just been through, your mind will not be clear.

I've been in several hunting situations where three or four guys were involved in the killing of a few deer or elk. -- shots fired by different guys from different locations -- excitement, disorganization, danger --

an hour or two later, just try to come up with an accurate description of what REALLY happened, and who shot what. jd

 

[slm9s]

I took a defensive firearm class about 20 years ago and the instructors were adamant about not using anything with a long barrel (rifle- shotgun). They all said handgun held close to chest. Reason the barrel cannot be grabbed and pulled away from you. So I have a couple of Colts in different spots around the house, no kids or grandkids snooping around.

One other thing to add, if you have young kids, you may have to scoop one up and carry them. A pistol is still usable with 1 hand, a shotgun would be less than ideal.

 

[Dgd6mm]

It's nice when you can shoot the house up and not worry about collateral damage.

 

[Minshooter]

Remington 870 Home Defense with wood butt stock/fore end, TruGlo front sighting and running #6's.

Forget any sort of ridiculous tactikool add ons. You buy a rig like this in case you need to use it. If you have to do that, you'll be explaining everything. Having a shotgun that looks like what non-firearm savvy people (a jury) can relate to will be important. Something that looks like what S.W.A.T. uses when they knock down a door will carry a stigma.

Be safe but be smart.

Very, very, good advice, echoed by many well regarded instructors and attorneys.
(In my opinion), A shockwave, etc., will absolutely turn into a "Gangster's Sawed Off Shotgun" in court.