Is this gun good for home defense?

Question

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3163689

If so, are there any upgrades I should do to it if I get it?

Answer 1

The downside to a shotgun for home defense is that they are long (legally the barrel must be at least 18") which makes them ackward to manuever and easy for an assailant to grab.

I recommend a semi-auto handgun with a laser sight. Having a red laser dot on his chest will make even the boldest intruder surrender and it makes aiming in the dark very easy.

Also, semi-auto handguns can be loaded very quickly with removable magazines and the classic clunk-clunk sound of the slide being racked is also a great warning to intruders.

Answer 2

That is an excellent weapon for home defense. But you must be aware of some of the myths mentioned in other answers. A shotgun is NOT a point and shoot weapon. Home defense occurs at close range, and a shotgun will need to be aimed to be effective. The most effective home defense load is #00 buckshot. This load will produce devastating wounds at close range, without significant risk of over penetration. But even buckshot will not produce a wide spread:

http://www.theboxotruth.com/images/20-4.jpg

As you can see there, the largest group was 4 inches at a distance of 3 meters, which is the average distance across a room in your home. Just remember, practice makes perfect, so get out to the range with it and put a lot of rounds through. If you ever have to use it in defense, you will be much more comfortable with it, and much more accurate.

If you are keeping it for home defense, it should be in a ready to use state. The "sound" of a shotgun cocking should not even be on your list of things to scare a criminal away. It will, however, give away your position and let them know you are ready for a fight. Basically, you do not want to have to waste time cocking your gun if your life is in danger, IMO.

As far as accessories go, the only thing I would consider is a tactical flashlight and mount like this one by Streamlight:

http://www.streamlight.com/documents/info-sheet/tlr1_sup.pdf

Good luck!

Answer 3

Mossberg makes a decent Shogun and this partuicular Model 500 would work just fine for home Defense. The options list is almost endless,pistol grip stocks, folding stocks,different Choke Barrels, Choke tubes for Turkey, Deer etc. You really can't go wrong. I suggest you get it first and shoot it a few times, then decide if it needs any upgrades to make it better for you. I'll be willing to bet you won't be needing much more in accessories except a box of #00 BuckShot Good Choice/Good Luck

Answer 4

A 12ga pump shotgun loaded with 00 buck is perfect for home defense. Pretty much any one will do. If you wanted to save a good chunk of change I would stop at a gun shop and see what they have for used Mossberg 500s or Remington 870 express. You should be able to pick something up in good shape for around $175-$200.

Answer 5

Great choice, but the camo looks dorky unless you are a hunter. Get a black one. Also, at close range you do not need 00 tactical buck. This is another "myth". At short range (even out of an 18" model) the pellets will not have traveled far enough to do anything other than burn a hole right into the assailant. As a matter of fact, even a 20 gauge would be a devastating self-defense weapon.

Answer 6

yes its a good weapon mainly because it can be used easily by anyone and with the pump action its easy to use and load also i don't think the camo is needed though, but if you like it then go for it, me i just use my good old glock, but i have considered a 12 before.
Only thing you need as an upgrade is a shotgun cleaning kit and some shells, one thing you dont need is the scope, unless you intend to hunt with it.
try this for accessories and maybe even a different make or guage
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/

try this for cleaning almost all on here are ok
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/shotguns_ifg.htm

Answer 7

yes sir it is
just point and shoot no aiming required
take the pug out then load ur 5 shells put the other in the chamber
load it to the max
1st load 00buck
2nd load 000buck
3rd load slug
4th load 00buck
5th load 000buck
chamber shell would be 000buck

Answer 8

YES>* however you could use a 357 Magnum also to go along with the Shotgun & you can also shoot 38 caliber ammo in it .* You get two (@)* handguns for the price of one.*

Answer 9

seems as if you picked a winner...
practice with the shotgun; see for yourself what a load of your favorite shot does at 15 feet or whatever.
Considering that it takes under one second to chamber a round, I would leave it loaded but empty-chambered.
18 inch barrel...26 inch or more overall - not a bad choice.

Answer 10

Yes, a shotgun is a good home defense weapon.
PRO'S
#1 you don't have to be a good shot, just point it in the general direction
#2 the sound of a round being chambered is enough to make any home intruder retreat.
#3 it has lethal knock down power at close range.
CON'S
#1 your going to put some major damage where fired, it'll blast through interior doors, walls, and windows.