nothing against either choice but would like to relate details about my recently put-together HD shotgun package.....I went with a RIA VR82, 20ga semi-auto (the RIA VR80 is their 12ga) because of the good reviews, the cost ($670 total w/sales tax but 10% Vet discount off that), and my feeling that 20ga is sufficient for my perceived HD situations (and I'm familiar with the AR platform)

the optics that I chose are the Sightmark Ultra Shot A Spec Reflex sight ($128 on amazon) because I have Sightmark M Specs on 3 other long guns and find it to be very reliable and user friendly - and then, just for grins, I've also got a little Crimson Trace Red Laser mounted on one of the side rails

best of luck with whatever you choose

a not-so-good pic

 

Deisel
I am going to mount an EOTech EXPS2 on my VR-80 12 ga, in the Pictures below. The Factory Stock they both come with from the factory is the one on Pierre's post above on his VR-82 20 ga.
The reason is they cannot be imported without this stock on them.

And I wanted to show Pierre what his VR-82 above would look like after I replaced the factory Stock with a standard AR-15, 6 position Collapsible Stock and Pistol Grip. I do have a removable stock pad on the stock.

03

 

Still stewing over the purchase of the M4.
I was adding the build out up today and with the weapon, extended magazine tube, handguard, weapon light and EOTECH optic....Im into it for almost 4k!!
Anyone else have an 4k defensive shotgun?
I love the platform and the weapon would be amazing when completed, having trouble swallowing the price tag.

 

so, are ya braggin' or complainin' ? that's a wee bit on the heavy $s side for a HD, lean up against the wall firearm - but if ya got it, flaunt it (with pics)

 

Lucky
Not sure?? It would definitely get use. I have a really good tactical training place about 30 min from me where I train.
Would definitely get good use.
Makes me lean toward getting the build done.
Ill keep you posted.
D

 

(with pics ?)

 

Does that model EoTech have shake awake? I would definitely look for that.
Maybe look at the Mossie 940pro instead of the M4 for the $$$.

 

Diesel,
Cliff brought up the Mossberg 940. It is a good gun. Here is my 940 Turkey Gun. I have an EOTech 511 on it.
They are not making the 511s anymore because they were powered with a watch battery which limited its battery life and especially in the winter. But I do have some EOTech 512s and a 552 (NV Compatible) on one weapon,

They also make them in 940 Tactical Model. One model comes with a Red Dot on it.

 

Getting closer to building out the M4.
Trying to decide on a weapon light.
Thinking of going with a Surfire X300T to be mounted on the end of the handguard.
Thoughts??

 

Diesel,
Surefire makes excellent products as you know. You may have already seen this? But I saw this and thought I would share it with you. That is a good light! Below is a picture of the one we put on the 5,000 DEA and government agency contract rifles. It is a Surefire M951-XM05 *The only thing with it is, if you have only a *Short CAR Length Quad Rail it takes up a lot of space, IMO it is excellent on a Mid Length Quad. Or one of the longer Quad Rails on rifles today, But it is also an excellent "white" light, I have one on my bedroom closet AR.

03

 

still, no pics.....

 

Lucky believe me......I am as unhappy it as you are.

 

curious diesel, how far along are you on this "build" ?

 

Deciding on sling mounts at the moment.
Most importantly, got permission from the wife last week.

 

Go for the flashlght Sniper 3 posted. Seeing what's there is important. Buy the best.

 

Sooooo.
Picked up an M4 off a GunBroker auction. Super stoked!!
Getting the Surefire Turbo that Sniper recommended.
OpticsPlanet is currently having a 11% red dot sale. Unfortunately the model eotech i wanted is not included in the sale. Trijicon rmr is on sale. May be an option.

 

I think all you need for home defense is a Mossberg 88 with 18.5" barrel. I keep my house lit at night except for the bedroom, so don't need any flashlights on my home defense gun(s). It's that simple to me. I don't over-think it because the chances of a problem where I live are next to none. I've made it this far without killing anybody on my home property.

 

I live a little bit outside of town. Really dark at night out here. Stars are really bright, other than that if there is cloud cover or no moon you can see much of anything at night.
I have also yet to use a home defense gun for said purposes. Having said that, the fentanyl out here is also pretty bad. We have had multiple car break ins overnight and 1 home invasion last year. All very close, too close, for comfort. Made me rethink my home defense a bit.

 

You, me, and how many other millions of Americans out there? They may do it in Chicago, NYC, LA, and other WOKE places without penalty but the penalties for such crimes are pretty harsh where I live. Maybe that's why crime is not so pervasive around my place. Neverthless, there's more than just a doorbell camera on this property...... 😁

 

All defense is of equal importance. Gun in the car, gun for me and the wife and many guns in the house. I preferred it when we could go somewhere without locking the doors. People respected each other and there were no ILLEGAL aliens wondering around.

 

I went through a similar debate on the M4. In November of last year instead of the Benelli I bought the Real Tree VR80 that had the red/green dot. I don’t like the way things rattle in that gun and After shooting it it just did not inspire confident to me (others may love it). I was able to sell it for what I paid for it.

Then one of the contenders was on sail at an all time low for the IWI S12 bull pup. This was a great gun but has just too much plastic to inspire long term confidence. Also while short the Bull pup design is a bit thick in back and a bit too strange for a more conventional shotgun person. This was an easy sell give the prices went up again so I was able to place it quickly.

On other forums and several online reviewers place the Beretta 1301 Tactical over the M4, but most of these have lots of up grades. I already have a Beretta 1301 Comp Pro so I wanted to round out my shotgun collection by having both Benelli shotgun action (and it have both Beretta also and a Mossberg ATI pump 500 to round things out). Just arrived so I need to get it to the range along with the BerettaA300 UP.

if I do go with a red dot I’ll either use the Steinmark or the Bushnell which seem to hold up on pump shotguns so they should be fine on semiautomatics. I bought two EOTech 3 series (one from Optical planet and one from the EOTech Amazon store and both were badly pixelated on the reticle. Going to try a VirtecHolographic or a MEpro 2 pro mil spec for my Daniels AR. I don’t think I would use one on a Shotgun, but each his own . The Mil-Spec MEPro to my eyes was easier to view with two eyes open down range than the EOTech. If you want something battle proven and never needs batteries get a MEPro21.