What is the best 'short' shot gun for home defense, under $500?

Question

I am looking for a shortened shot gun for home defense and collection. For under 500 dollar, what are the choices? I am also concerned about the shotgun's durability and reliability. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
thanks

Answer 1

If you don't want to modify the gun, Mossberg would be your best bet. Most of their guns are inexpensive (Under $200). Personally, I'd just buy a stock Remington 870 (which usually includes a 26 or 28 inch barrel and large stock for $220 and pay $40 for a good, short stock and either pay a gunsmith $20 to shorten the barrel or maybe $40 to buy a shortened one. That way I'd have a quality gun for $280 with all of the modifications I needed.

By the way, for your price range, the Remington 870 is by far the most reliable model. I personally wouldn't buy a Mossberg unless I had to.

The Saiga 12 (a Russian semi automatic shotgun modeled after the AK-47, might be an interesting alternative at around $200).

Update: "don't go for one of those "sawed off" shotguns."

Minimum barrel length allowed for shotguns is 18 inches, and the shotgun must be 26 inches overall. State and/or local laws may vary however.

Answer 2

They're both good. Flip a coin. Or, you could go with the Maverick 88, which is a 98% copy of the Mossberg and is usually less expensive. I understand that there is also a gun called the Pardner 12, which is a low-cost version of the Remington 870, but I haven't tried that yet. A good load for HD purposes would be #4 shot. It'll be effective against perpetrators, but less likely to go through walls than 00 or 000 buckshot. And stay away from the exotic special loads such as flechettes, mixed shot sizes, square pellets, and any other gimmicks which are out there. If you use this ammo, it may make you look like a sociopath survivalist and get you sent to prison even if you were otherwise in the right.

Answer 3

Matt M, Mossy's haven't been made with single action bars in something like twenty five years.

I suggest the Mossberg as well. VERY durable and utterly reliable. There's also no part on it that a user can't replace inside of five minutes with common home tools. The same can't be said for the Remingtons.

Answer 4

If you are looking for a ready made setup then either a Benelli Nova Assault setup or a Mossberg 500 setup..
If you wanna go cheaper but still a good thing, try the Winchester pump with the slug barrel, but they do have assault setups for the Winchester.
If you stay with a pump, any of the name brand guns will be ok. If you keep it clean, its hard to keep a pump from firing.
Benelli, Mossberg, Winchester, Remington, Charles Daly, Stoeger, Ithaca, Franchi. Browning, Beretta and the high end Benelli are all a little pricey and probably will go over your $500 limit. Hope this all helps...

Answer 5

Mossberg 500/590
Wincester 1300
Remington 870

Any of the above 12ga or 20ga pumps are perfectly accectable.

Don't, repeat Don't buy a pistol grip shotgun!!!

They are shorter and look more convienent, but full stocked 18" barrel shotguns but are MUCH!! easier to use effectively than the pistol gripped models.

You must aim any weapon for it to be effective, a short barreled, full stocked shotgun is one of the most effective weapons you can own for under $500!

In any case i would recommend using #4 buckshot for most home defence situations, OObuck for more rural applications!

Answer 6

For me it was between a Remington 870 and a Mossberg 500. Either way go for right around the legal minimum length of 26 overall and 18 on the barrel. If new plan on spending $250-$350 depending upon location and mark up. Used, I did $200.

sorry about that misinformation on the rails, its gone.

Answer 7

firstly you need a to choose a type. I would strongly suggest a pump action shotgun because they are the less to block and give complete power versus a semi automatic.
I would suggest also to buy a mossberg model 500 they are cheap,real simple and they never ever block.
It is the military choice of shotgun for decades because of durability and reliability. It is a legend and a category all by its self.
their price is under 500 dollars.

Answer 8

Any short major company one is fine. Norinco makes some awesome ripoffs that sell for nothing. But if my memory is correct you can't buy Norinco firearms in the US?

Remington, Mossberg, etc. etc. A Pump-Action shotgun has next to perfect reliability. It's like a revolver there's very little in the way of extra moving parts that can cause a malfunction.

Stick to any major manufacturer and you'll be fine.

Answer 9

Remington, Winchester or Mossberg.

They each make 18 or so inch models perfect for home protection.

You will see cheap similar shotguns from China, Turkey, etc. Trust me, you life is worth the extra $ on a quality shotgun.

I have a Winchester 1300 Defender. I also take this one out and abuse it every so often when I go back country four wheeling. Great, rugged gun that fires every time.

Answer 10

Get a Remington or Winchester. You have a reasonable enough price range that you can get a good one. 18" is the shortest you can legally have, but they manufacture them at that length.

I concur on getting a Remington 870. Excellent firearm.

The only other thing I'd suggest is considering a handgun for home defense. A shotgun allows you to be less accurate, but it also causes more collateral damage to your home. Train yourself and practice regularly with a handgun and you'll be just as prepared for defense. Just my 2 cents.