Remington 870, good for home defense?

Question

I like this particular model, the marine magnum: http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model_870/model_870_marine_magnum.asp what price range would you expect for it? Also will 00 buckshot be sufficient for ammunition?

if that link is not functioning try: http://www.gunshopfinder.com/remington/remMarineMagnum.asp

Answer 1

That would be a great home defense gun in fact I'm planing on getting that same model.
And yes 00 buck will stop ANy ONE (unless there wearing a vest)

Price: $559.90

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=84782


Also if you have a larger budget you might want to check out the Benelli M4

http://www.benelliusa.com/firearms/m4.tpl

Price: $1409

http://www.impactguns.com/store/650350117073.html

Answer 2

The Remington 870 would be a fantastic choice for self-defense. It is comfortable to hold and grip, has a reduced recoil pad on the stock, and even the most idiotic burglar in the world knows that a 12-gauge is nothing to be taken lightly. The gun holds six rounds, which is plenty enough to "hold down the fort", and Remington is one of the most trusted and most reliable names among the entire gun industry. My family and I have collected Remingtons [among other brands] for a very long time, and have never experienced anything but positive treatment from them. Even my first rifle was a Remington.

I checked Remington's website, and the MSRP for the 870 Marine Magnum model is $733. Certainly you can find it for cheaper than this, and some places may even try to sell it for a little bit more. They also make an XCS [Xtreme Conditions Shotgun] Marine Magnum, which is the exact same gun, but they nickel plate all of the inside parts so that the gun doesnt corrode, even in the most intense conditions. That one goes for $848. But unless you are planning on leaving it in the mud, snow, rain, and trenches, I would just go with the standard version.

And 00 buckshot would be very adequate. I've always liked 00 and 000, which packs just a tad more bang into the shell. Remington also makes a very nice line of Slugs, which are very powerful in stopping a potential intruder, and are designed specifically to stop even the "toughest" enemy.

Below I have included the section of Remington's website that has their firearm models, as well as their MSRP's. You can also see all of the other models of 870's, some of which go for much cheaper than the Marine Magnum, if youre not looking to spend that much cash. They make over 30 models of the 870.

Good luck in your purchase!

Answer 3

I am a fan of the 870. Shot and qualified with it in the Marines. Can't beat it for home defense in either 12 or 20 Gauge. If you have a lady in the house go with the 20 Gauge and take her shooting a few times. If it's just you, the 12 is also a good choice. Some #6 or #8 loads for either gauge will help keep the over penetration issue minimal and minimal recoil.

The sound of that slide in the dark will definitley wet some drawers someone is somewhere they shouldn't be.

Save a little cash and ditch the flash (nickel plating). The money saved will buy enough ammo to get you familiar with the gun-which is much more important than the looks of it.

Answer 4

Don't get the marine magnum. Get a basic 870 (like the now discontinued 870 HD-no frills). You can keep it loaded with 2-3/4" 00 buck or #4. Magnums are for hunting. 12 gauge is actually overkill because a 20 gauge alone with 00 will punch someone's ticket if that unforunate event becomes necessary. The marine magnum is expensive (like the Mossberg 590) and besides, this is a home defense gun, right? Save your money.

Answer 5

Sure looks like a fine home defense weapon to me, and 00 buckshot should work, though hopefully you will never have to shoot anyone. As for the price, I am saying around $500 or $600. Just as a little tip, try looking into the Remington model 7600 Escape and Evasion Rifle chambered in the .308 Win. I read some about it in a shooting magazine, and it came from an experienced shooter and collector, and it was all good remarks. He said "This rifle is simply for the times when you need to get you or you and your family out of harms way". Good luck with your choice.

Answer 6

If you have a large house without narrow hallways an 870 would be excellent. If you have some narrow places to traverse, it might get in your way because of length. A hand gun might be better.
Do not use buckshot of any kind for home defense, unless you live alone. They will penetrate 2 or 3 sheetrock walls. You only want to kill the intruders, not family members, or neighbors.
Whatever you choose, does not need to be high powered, just adequate. Use the lowest powered loads you can get with the smallest projectiles, because unless you live in a castle you probably won't be shooting more than 20 feet.

Answer 7

You have to be kidding, right? There is nothing better than an 870 for home defense; the sound of the slide being worked to chamber a shell will send most people in the opposite direction as fast as their feet can move. I load mine with number 5 or 6 shot so no innocent neighbor will get a hole in the TV by something going through seven walls. Set up a piece of plywood, 3/8 or 1/2 inch, or several pieces. See for yourself what kind of hole 5 shot blows through them, you can throw a basketball through it.

Answer 8

Any name brand 12 ga would be an ok home defense piece but you have got to know how to use it. My advise would be to buy a reasonably priced gun and spend more money at the range practicing. If you ever need it in a hurry you will need to be able to chamber a round and fire accurately (usually under 15 feet) I agree with several other responses that the best shell would be either 8 or 9 shot. I have told my wife to just shoot the floor, because the sound will chase away most people.

Answer 9

People please think! I am a gun owner and love the 870, but what are shooting at. I taught group guard in the Marine Corp. The most deadly weapon in the world is a 12 ga. shotgun with 00 buck. 12 to 18 pellets coming out of the barrel the size of a .32 cal. with one pull of the trigger. However. If you are in a house to house area, they do not stop until some serious damage has occurred. A slug or 00 buck will go out of your house and thru a couple more house's. If you are worried about home defense use #9 shot as a load. Try going out and shooting at a two by four. The #9's will tear it to pieces but not go much farther. I don't care what a burglar is wearing, you send a 12 ga. at him close range even with small pellets still close together he has a problem. If he still has any urge to pursue further them back up your load with heavy shot. You don't want to kill your neighbor or someone else in the house, but if needed then open a killing zone and stop the problem before it can harm any one. Study the laws of deadly force. I do want to post them as they space required will be more than available. But #1 is to prevent loss of life or limb. Please if you live next to any one think. Dan God Bless

Answer 10

You can't go wrong with that gun, A Remington 870 or any shot gun would make a great home defence weapon,Happy Hunting