It really depends on what type of hunting you will likely do? I haven't hunted Colorado for anything requiring a scatter gun so I have no clue what game you would be after. But, whatever it is, you will want a shotgun that outlasts the amount of hunting you intend to do. The amount of hunting I do requires a well built gun. I will often shoot upwards of 1000 rounds in a weekend and the less expensive Mossbergs and Mavericks will just not hold up.
For home defense, hearing the cambering of a round is a real deterrent, but if they are already within ear shot then you have already lost the first battle. Pumps are great for sound effects but to double as a hunting gun you can give up the sound effects for a semi. (This is hoping that 1) you will use the gun far more for hunting than for home defense, and 2) that if they are already that close you want one in the tube for expediency.)
At minimum I'd go for the Remington 1100 for low end relatively inexpensive, and if you intend to be shooting a lot then move up to a sturdier made gun.
But, there are a lot of differing opinions on the matter, and the only one that matters is yours.... you're the one that has to be happy in the end.
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I bought a Winchester 1300 Ranger for trap and a Remington 870 express for Home Defense.
After playing around with the 870 and some clays, I realized I liked it better for that, too.
I think it's an all around good choice for both.
In fact, I decided to sell the 1300 because it just sits there not being shot. Every gun deserves someone to luv on it.
I would like to get new shotgun. I want it primarily for self defense but would also like to be able to use it in a hunting situation if SHTF.
If you could buy a gun, which would it be and what type of loads would you have for it?
Thanks in advance.
Bob, if you going to use the shotgun for hunting, no matter what you buy, get one with a 28 inch barrel.
You can always buy a shorter barrel later if you really think it's necessary for home defense. The shorter barrel will help you maneuver though the casa better without knocking over lamps and such, but a longer barrel is necessary for hunting game.
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