About to buy a shotgun from academy. Anyone heard anything about this specific shotgun?

Question

H&R PROTECTOR HOME DEFENSE SHOTGUN
18.5" Barrel
5 round capacity
Chambers 2 3/4" and 3" loads
Black synthetic stock with recoil pad and swivel studs

http://www.academy.com/index.php?page=content&target=products/outdoors/hunting/shotguns&start=0&selectedSKU=0350-02021-5180

This looks like a decent shotgun for home defense. I've looked in Pawn Shops, and I can't find anything that would be decent for home defense. Mostly long and bulky guns, and their too much money. Does this look like a decent gun? I'm just trying to get people's opinions.

I've also checked all the WalMart's around my area and none of them sell guns.

I don't want to buy a gun that's going to fall apart on me, I just want something that I can throw in my closet if I need to use it in case of a home invasion, and something I can take to my Grandpas lakehouse in the woods every 2 years or so.

Thanks guys! Btw, is that gun a 12 gauge? How do I tell? By the chambers size?

Is H&R a good brand?

What type of shells should I buy for it that would be good for home defense?

If I could afford anymore I'd go with a remington or a mossberg, just don't have the cash. I'm 21 and in college.

What specifically do I look for when buying shells? How do I know something is the size I'm looking for.

http://academy.com/index.php?page=content&target=products/outdoors/hunting/shotgun_ammunition

Those are the only ones that are offered at academy, would any of those be good or would it be better to get them from another shop?

Also, out of those 3 different types of shells from academy which would be the best for my needs.

Answer 1

Yes its a 12 ga. Scroll down to the bottom of the page on this link.
http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Shotguns/pardnerPump.aspx

From what I understand its a good home defense gun.
H&R has been around for a long time. I had an H&R Topper single shot that never had a problem.

Now your best bet for ammo would be the 2 3/4 in shells in #4 buck shot (.24 cal) or larger buck shot. Hunting bird shot is not good for stopping a bad guy.
Then you may consider attaching a small tactical light to it. They have many that can attach to the barrel so you can see the bad guy.
Check your local laws.
Practice, practice until you can swing it up and nail your target every time.
And buy a gun lock for it if they dont include one with the gun, to keep kids safe. AND to keep the bad guy from shooting you with it.

Thanks JD :)

Update;
As far as shells, just go to Wally mart or any sporting store and ask for the proper gauge (be it 12 or 20) then ask for the 2 3/4” #4 Buck Shot. Or the #0 Buck Shot. He may ask it you want the “Buffered Buck Shot” tell him it matters little as your target will be only a few feet away.
Here are the sizes of shot and Buck shot.
http://www.deltagearinc.com/ShotgunFacts/GaugeChart.jpg


You can order that gun from any licensed gun dealer. And you may get a better deal by checking with a bunch of them price wise. The Yellow Pages of your area will have them listed or you can look them up on the net.

Update. I looked and they all were Dove loads and that wont do. Unless I missed the link to the heaver shot.


Here ya go. And you may be able to order them online from your area. Check local laws.
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=653622&t=11082005

Here is one with less kick that I would recommend. Read the reviews at the link.
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=182110&t=11082005


One last thing you might want to know. Any buck shot from #0 or called “One aught” and larger, can over penetrate. Just like #0000 can go through the bad guy, the wall behind him, across the yard and kill a bystander. This is why the small #4 Buck shot is safer around other people. Plus the impact of #4 buck is like getting hit with 27 balls of .24 caliber at once.
Imagine being hit by 27 people firing a .22 rifle at once. I have seen it knock a 150 pound wild hog down like a hammer at 20 yards. Almost instant death.
That it wont go through Kevlar and police bullet proof vests is another reason I like it.

Answer 2

Shotguns Academy

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

Look at the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag or an 870 Remington Wingmaster magnum.

You want to get one that is chambered for the 2 3/4, 3 and 3.5 inch shells.

The short 18.5 barrels can be found at gun shows or on line.

Get what you want but always buy one step more then you think you need. You'll never be upset having too good a shotgun....

Miketyson26

Answer 5

H&R is an ok brand. I know their single shot shotguns are dependable. If you are looking for a home defense shotgun, though, I would spend a little more and get a mossburg or a Remington 870.

Actually, for the same price as the H&R you're looking at, Academy Sports also sells a Mossberg Maverick home defense shotgun. Since they're the same price, and all, you should go with the mossberg. The mossberg brand is more reputable on pump shotguns.

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
About to buy a shotgun from academy. Anyone heard anything about this specific shotgun?
H&R PROTECTOR HOME DEFENSE SHOTGUN
18.5" Barrel
5 round capacity
Chambers 2 3/4" and 3" loads
Black synthetic stock with recoil pad and swivel...

Answer 7

The H&R (Harrington & Richardson) Pump Action "Partner" Shotgun will work great as a Home Defense Shotgun and will also make a great gun to shoot occasionally out in the country. H&R makes quality firearms..

* This Model H&R Shotgun comes in both 12 gauge and(NEW) 20 gauge models.EITHER one will work just fine for your needs, and your student BUDGET!........

*I also agree with Beadsarefun's answer of shotshell sizes..

Answer 8

I am totally unfamiliar with that particular shotgun, but I am somewhat familiar with H&R. H&R has never made pretty guns, but they make inexpensive, sturdy, reliable guns.

If it fits your price range and feels good in your hand, go for it.

My preference is for the Mossberg M-500. I've had an 18.5" barreled model next to my bed for nearly 30 years.

Doc

Answer 9

For $40-60 more dollars you can get a Mossberg 500 Defender. I would spend the extra few dollars and get the Mossberg.