Home Defense Shotguns
- Thread starter Spicoli
- Start date
ricklovin93
.40 S&W
Remington 870 Express 12g 18
I bought one just like this (without a magazine extension) for under 300 bucks brand new, from buds a few years ago. Best deal out there, even the one in the link is a great buy. Only recommendation is to replace the cheap extractor
The fit and finish is not very "pretty" but its looks good enough
I bought one just like this (without a magazine extension) for under 300 bucks brand new, from buds a few years ago. Best deal out there, even the one in the link is a great buy. Only recommendation is to replace the cheap extractor
The fit and finish is not very "pretty" but its looks good enough
ArmedCorgi
.475 A&M Magnum
You know, I'd go with a Mossberg 500. I have one and I love it. I have a friend who has an 870 and it is also great, but there are control features which may or may not suit you. For instance the location of the safety and the slide release. I find the Mossberg more ergonomic. Parts are easy to find Etc. Remington has also had some QC issues recently, so I'd go for an older 870 if that is the direction you are headed.
Greywolf224
6.5 Creedmoor
I can only speak to the Remington 870. I have an 870 express magnum. Bought it about 12 to 15 years ago I forget. Can shoot 2 3/4, 3 inch and 3 1/2 inch shells. Many barrel options and choke sizes. More than adequate to get the job done.Similar finish to this one
Prudii
.357 mag
I'd say Mossberg 500.
You should also consider that shotguns over penetrate through sheet rock. If your at all worried about other people in your home I'd say get a rifle in 5.56 and a stack on 10 round mags loaded with lead nose ammo.
.223 Drywall Penetration: Results
You should also consider that shotguns over penetrate through sheet rock. If your at all worried about other people in your home I'd say get a rifle in 5.56 and a stack on 10 round mags loaded with lead nose ammo.
.223 Drywall Penetration: Results
96coal449
.308 Win
Mos 590 is another excellent choice. Holds 3 more in the tube and also available in a tactical version with great sights.
ECU Pirates
.308 Win
Mossberg 500 flex or 590a1. Used should be found for under 400. I got a 870 police magnum for $350’used and it’s great. Plenty of options.
96coal449
.308 Win
That's the version I was trying to recall.
BDinPutnam
.475 A&M Magnum
I have both a Mossy 500c 20 gauge and an 870 wingmaster 12 with a couple of interchangeable barrels. I agree with @ArmedCorgi in principle - you should go handle them both (and ideally shoot them) before you decide. The ergos differ. Either will do the job.
fnfalguy
.308 Win
Marine Cpl
.577 Tyrannosaur.
Whether Mossberg or Remington, neither one is better than the other in terms of reliability to make a meaningful difference.
Are you planning on keeping the conventional stock? If not and if you put a pistol grip stock on it, the Remington's cross bolt safety by the trigger is easier to manipulate compared to the Mossberg's safety which is on the top and would require you to break your grip to utilize it.
Are you planning on keeping the conventional stock? If not and if you put a pistol grip stock on it, the Remington's cross bolt safety by the trigger is easier to manipulate compared to the Mossberg's safety which is on the top and would require you to break your grip to utilize it.
ECU Pirates
.308 Win
Mossberg is more southpaw friendly.
96coal449
.308 Win
GOYABEAN
.950 JDJ
Armscor Rock Island Armory PA 3-IN-1 12GA Pump Action Shotgun Combo 28"/18" Chrome 4rd Black Synthetic
Mossberg Maverick 88 Security 12GA Shotgun 31046
Hatfield US12P2 PAS Pump 12GA 20" 3" Synthetic Black Stock Black
Remington Firearms 81197 870 Express Tactical Pump 12GA 18.5" 3" Hardwood Stock Black Rcvr
Mossberg Persuader 12GA Pistol Grip Shotgun 50588
Mossberg Maverick 88 Security 12GA Shotgun 31046
Hatfield US12P2 PAS Pump 12GA 20" 3" Synthetic Black Stock Black
Remington Firearms 81197 870 Express Tactical Pump 12GA 18.5" 3" Hardwood Stock Black Rcvr
Mossberg Persuader 12GA Pistol Grip Shotgun 50588
Already have an AR, people always mentioned shotguns when talking about home defense, i also wouldnt mind having one in the collection
Haha nothing wrong with a little healthy discussion
That Hatfield for $150 seems like it's too good to be true!
ArmedCorgi
.475 A&M Magnum
Just don't tell the McCoy's.That Hatfield for $150 seems like it's too good to be true!
I'd take the 500 over an 870 express. QC can be spotty on the budget express versions. an 870 Police Magnum is a better gun than the Mossbergs however. If you found a used Winchester 1300 defender for sale somewhere, thats prolly the best pump to get.
Jmac00
.475 A&M Magnum
Target
6.5 Creedmoor
Older guns may be better than a new production.
My son bought a new Tacticool Moss 500, his buddy got a Maverick, I have a tacticool'd Winchester 120 ( 1200, 1300 , pretty much the same thing but 120 has cheaper wood).
The Magpul'd 500 is pretty nice, the Maverick is bit rougher both in fit & finish and operation.
I'd choose my Winchester over both of them but parts are hard to get. Very few upgrades available ( mag extentions, shell holders, pistolgrip stocks). I had to look for them but did find some.
Were I to buy one now, I'd get a Police Trade-in 870.
Read the comments from trainers. All brands have failed during classes . The 870 seems to be the best and most popular.
New production is not as nice as older guns.
Police models came on a separate assembly line and are better fitted.
My son bought a new Tacticool Moss 500, his buddy got a Maverick, I have a tacticool'd Winchester 120 ( 1200, 1300 , pretty much the same thing but 120 has cheaper wood).
The Magpul'd 500 is pretty nice, the Maverick is bit rougher both in fit & finish and operation.
I'd choose my Winchester over both of them but parts are hard to get. Very few upgrades available ( mag extentions, shell holders, pistolgrip stocks). I had to look for them but did find some.
Were I to buy one now, I'd get a Police Trade-in 870.
Read the comments from trainers. All brands have failed during classes . The 870 seems to be the best and most popular.
New production is not as nice as older guns.
Police models came on a separate assembly line and are better fitted.
Agreed, of one is willing to spend the premium the 870 Police Magnums are prolly the best thing going in new production tactical pumps.
That said I can personally attest to the tank like indestructibility of the Mossberg 590A1.
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Target
6.5 Creedmoor
Thread on shotguns from a class instructor, dated 2013 .
Observations during a recent combat shotgun class I taught - AR15.COM
Also, Magpul's shotgun training DVD is fun to watch and cheap enough on Ebay ( under $20).
And an instructor led class is on my To-Do list as well.
Observations during a recent combat shotgun class I taught - AR15.COM
Also, Magpul's shotgun training DVD is fun to watch and cheap enough on Ebay ( under $20).
And an instructor led class is on my To-Do list as well.
ECU Pirates
.308 Win
This is my bump in the night set up. Only thing I changed was the stock and forend. It had the express sights and extended tube. It was 350 on gunbroker. It's a police magnum, police trade in.
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Vapor
.308 Win
I've had them all.
The only ones i have left from the 870 clan is a Chinese h&r copy with an aftermarket follower and spring ,and a Mossberg that is circa 2008.
I personally wouldnt touch a new 870 express.
But my opinion is like...an elbow. Everyone has one.
The only ones i have left from the 870 clan is a Chinese h&r copy with an aftermarket follower and spring ,and a Mossberg that is circa 2008.
I personally wouldnt touch a new 870 express.
But my opinion is like...an elbow. Everyone has one.
Acer-m14
20×102mm Vulcan
Mossberg 500 Persuader Pistol Grip Shotgun .. could even go in 410 with defense loads ..
your only shooting at 10 feet max 20 down a hall .. buckshot is still a close to a slug ..
and its a shorter gun to swing around in the home
your only shooting at 10 feet max 20 down a hall .. buckshot is still a close to a slug ..
and its a shorter gun to swing around in the home
Vapor
.308 Win
Jackalope
.45 acp
I have a couple of the Mossbergs, including one of their Roadblocker models and a Persuader model with a breacher barrel. However, for home defense, I would go with my Keltec KSG shotgun. It'll carry more than twice the load of the Mossbergs or a Remington. It's also much more compact, so it's more maneuverable inside a residence. It's made for home defense, especially when you add a light and a red dot scope to it. The early KSG's had some issues, but they've been worked out with the latest generations.
Just a question, why a shotgun for home defense? Using slugs/bird shot or buck shot are very dangerous in close quarters to everyone in the area. Those little BBs will go right through walls into the next room, i mean a shotgun patterns correct? So even if you get a good shot on the target, with spread some may miss and now your shot is going into your background into another room. It doesnt matter how well places the shot is. Do you want to risk that? To me honestly i feel if you are going to spend $500 just buy a compliant AR with frangible home defense ammo, ive tested this ammo and it disintegrated unpon impact of the dry wall and did not punch through the wall completely, whereas when we did the same test with shotgun defense ammo it went through and through. But like i said My opinion, just a thought. Good luck with your choice. Stay Safe
Celt
.338 Win Mag
gratuitous picture of my mossy 500. 7+1Good point being made here . . . A little pricey alternative considering a $400 budget.
Back to original post, a Mossberg 500 should fit the bill. Sturdy, easily operated by a southpaw with the top mounted safety, and reasonably priced. If it's for home defense stick with the 18" wood furniture models. Low key, you don't need all the tacticool gear on it that only drives up the price, and makes it a "target" for a lawyer in the unlikely event that you actually have to use it for self defense. At "in the house" distance you probably won't have to much of a pattern spread, but expect wall penetration with most ammo. We don't have anyone else in the house so we go with what most"old school" instructors recommend, 4 Buck. It's going through . . . If you feel the need for extra ammo, an inexpensive ammo cuff can be added to the buttstock.