[dog2000tj]

I would like to get some suggestions/direction from those that know on a shotgun. I have shot them before but have never owned one. I understand the differences in gauge(12/20) and action(pump/semi auto). What I would like to know is what manufactures/models would you all suggest for the intended use.

This shotgun would be almost exclusively a home defense gun. I would like it to have a solid feel, be compact and maneuverable, easy to use and absolutely reliable. Just on an aesthetic note, I am not a fan of wood/faux wood furniture on guns - sorry, just a peculiar quirk of mine.


Thanks for the help guys

[canebrake]

Mossberg 500 J.I.C. Series

[Dillinger]

The two most reliable platforms in the home defense shotgun market are as follows:

1) Remington 870

2) Mossberg 500

Both have a ton of aftermarket options, both are extremely reliable and both can be customized beyond your wildest dreams.

Either one of those models can be had, cheaply, in the aftermarket, but both of them would be a great first purchase brand spanking new and added to your collection.

--- Transmission Ends ---

JD

[mrm14]

The Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 are both good shotguns. I perfer .12 ga. and dont care at all for pistol grip shotgun stocks.

I have a older Winchester Super X2 Practical Tactical .12 guage semi auto that holds 8 in the tube and one in the chamber. That is 2-3/4" shells it also holds 3-1/2" shells but with less capacity than 2-3/4" shells.

My brother on the other hand has a Mossberg 500 .12 ga. pump which are very reasonably priced, and like the 870 Remington, there are many aftermarket parts for them.

[Minionsram]

I prefer the Mossy Maveric 88 HD firearm. Cheap and reliable. Comes with the pistol grip and the regular buttstock. You can get in 18.5 with 5+1 cap or 21 with 6+1 cap.

[southpaw 02]

Here is my take on this. I realize that you don't care for a wood stock/forearm.

But as a left hand shooter I would take a look long at the Ohio made Ithaca Model 37 Defense gun. Keep in mind that I don't really care for the shell ejecting on the right hand side. That is just me.

It might be more expensive than a standard Mossy 500 or a Remmy 870. HD models

But if you look at the specialized models then the price is pretty much equal or better towards the Ithaca.

[dog2000tj]

I was wondering if maybe I am limiting myself as far as functionality goes. Would it be suitable to use the same shotgun for home defense as well as bird/skeet shooting? Of the models suggested would they fit that criteria as well?
Is it a matter of just changing out to a longer barrel to achieve better accuracy?

Thanks again fellas

[Virginian]

In my opinion yes, you are limiting yourself. I do not feel a bit unprepared for true "home defense" with my skeet/hunting gun. If I felt I needed it I would get an even shorter barrel. But, I would feel very wrong-gunned on a skeet field or in a duck blind with a typical HD shotgun - very short barrel, extended magazine, pistol grip. In fact a lot of ranges will not let you shoot skeet or trap with such a gun, and I know you are not getting in a lot of duck blinds or pheasant fields. But, are you really wanting Home Defense, or to play tactical games? Not trying to be talking down to the tactical game players; skeet, trap, and hunting are really just different games. You understand what I am saying? No one gun is going to be best for all applications or games, and to me hitting something flying is by FAR the hardest thing to do, so that is the sport I would be most concerned with fitting the gun to. If you are more concerned with the tactical aspect, then go that way.

[orangello]

I am not as knowledgable as most of these guys, but if you want a bird-hunting gun & a home defense gun, you could do what i did. I have had a old used mossberg 500 12 guage since college; it is a great knock around gun as it is already pretty ugly, finish-wise. It functions very well & has never jammed (pump action), but felt a bit awkward for in-home use (some burglars just won't "take it outside" ). I purchased a 18.5" barrel to keep on it for HD use but retained my 28"~ barrel in case of a hunting opportunity. Switching the barrels takes maybe a minute. The gun cost $100 in used & ugly condition; the barrel retails for about $75+ shipping (found mine at gunshow, no shipping). I also switched out the factory wood for some evil black tupperware with a pistol grip attached to a full buttstock (old wrists) for about $45. I haven't had to use it on a burglar yet, but i've been setting out boxes for big screen TV's as bait.

O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. - Firearms, Shotguns, Rifles, Accessories, and Precision Machining A non-uglified 500.

www.mossberg.com the more maneuverable barrel.

32564 - Mossberg 500 & 590 12 Gauge SpeedFeed III Tactical Magazine Tube Shotgun Stock similar stock to what i picked up (no extra shells in mine).

[canebrake]

Originally Posted by orangello

I haven't had to use it on a burglar yet, but i've been setting out boxes for big screen TV's as bait.

Orange you crack me up!