What's the best shotgun to buy for home defense?

Answer 1

You can never, ever go wrong with a Remington 870 for any purpose. There's a reason it's the highest selling gun in the world.

Answer 2

Since 1951 the yardstick for pump shotguns has been the Remington 870. Get one with a hunting barrel with interchangable chokes. Then for under your bed get a 18 or 20 inch slug gun barrel for it. A 12 gauge is the only really logical home defense weapon; the sound of the slide being racked freezes the blood and causes panic type fleeing; if you discharge it the shot will not penetrate three or more walls and take out your neighbor's plasma TV (which will take out your wallet to replace); nor will it injure any innocent passerby; and at 2 in the AM you are not generally fully focused so hitting bullseye is a little difficult; but not with Mr. 12 gauge.

Answer 3

Dhyan, that's not a Shotgun.

But the best reasonable shotgun for home defense would have to be the Mossberg 500. It's every bit as dependable as an 870, but the feed ramp won't bite your fingers when you need to reload fast, it's easier to cock, a similar configuration will be lighter, and the dual extractor claws almost guarantee perfect extraction. I've seen Remington's have some serous extraction issues before, not the kind of thing that I want to deal with when someone's trying to attack your home. Granted, some of the higher end police models do have better feeding, but they're still just not as good as a $150 500.

An above poster said that everybody uses an 870, and he's partially right. The 870 was adopted for military service back in Vietnam, and soldiers who returned generally did join the police department, so when it came to buy shotguns, their departments got the familiar 870s. Mossberg won the combat shotgun contract after Remington declined to submit a test model for contract eligibility, they knew they couldn't compete with the stronger magazine design, lighter weight, and lower production cost of the 590. However, most departments still are using the 870. There are some with 500s, but the 870 still is more popular.

If you're looking for an autoloader, the Beretta 1201FP is a fine choice. It's a Benelli inertia driven action with an 18" or 20" barrel, and very dependable. Unlike a Remington 1100 or 1187, it can cycle low recoil loads, mine has cycled mini shells before, and it's virtually zero maintainance. No gas system to clean or rings to replace. I had to replace a few parts in the trigger group with Benelli parts, it's gone through several thousand rounds, including some very high power rounds.

However, if you can afford the extra money for one, and it wouldn't phase you, you could get a Benelli M4. They're pretty much the most reliable tube-fed autoloader available on the market now. The Marines are using a special version of the M4, called the XM1014(unless, of course, it's out of it's experimental stage by now) which is basically the same as the ghost-ring civilian version, but with a telescoping stock.

If you're looking for something better than that, about the best you can do for a close combat shotgun is a tuned Saiga 12. They're available from Tromix Lead Delivery Systems, and are regularly seen at the highest levels of competitive tactical shotgun competition. Some people do have a low oppinion of them, but after they've been through the guys at Tromix, they're going to really rock. Expect to also buy several extra magazines, as well, since it's a magazine fed 12 gauge autoloader. Magazines for these aren't cheap, with 20 round drums often selling for nearly the price of the original (untuned) firearm.

My personal favorite load for shotgunning is the Fiocchi 00 nickel plated buckshot. Their low recoil loadings are easy to shoot, and kick hardly any more than an AR. The higher power buckshot loads are much more effective, allowing the hardened shell to penetrate clothing and light body armor more effectively before flattening out and destroying tissue. If you're worried about over penetration, steel duck shot might be the ticket. The smaller shot will carry less energy per pellet, but have more pellets, while the lighter-than-lead steel shot will slow down faster as it hits solid objects such as drywall or wood. If you're looking for slugs, the Federal Pow-R-Ball rifled slugs are very effective, and very accurate. They're also not too expensive, so practicing with them won't break the bank.

Answer 4

The Rem 870, Moss 500, and Win 120 are all excellent guns, but the critical detail in favour of the Mossberg is the lack of a feed ramp, which makes clearing jams much easier, especially under stress. The 6-shot model with a pistol-grip is best for maneouverability in tight spaces.

While there are many fine auto-loaders available, the ability to employ brute control over feeding and extraction favours the pump-action.

While the debate continues over what size shot is best for defence (I prefer #1 buckshot in the 2 3/4" short-magnum load), I cannot agree with the fellow who advocates sabot-slugs, aside from the impracticality of precision-aimed fire if awakened in the wee hours and rushed into battle, the danger of over-penetration approaches that of a rifle bullet. Magnum waterfowl loads in BB or BBB shot would be a good alternative to #1 or #4 buckshot. Again, for the last edge in reliable feeding, I would load 2 3/4" rather than 3" shells, also this gives an extra round in the tube.

Answer 5

There is an inherent problem with shotguns for home defense. They are way too long. If you have to go after a family member on the other side of your dwelling and round a corner, most of the shotgun makes it into the room before you do. That would allow a perp to grab the barrel and then you'd be grappling with them.

Personally IF you are going to get one for that purpose get the 20 gauge. If they allow it in your state, get one with a folding stock or pistol grip. I had one for a while that was a legal 30.5 inches. Very handy, very quick, and with a little practice I could empty the 6 rounds in about 2 or 3 seconds. Honestly you don't need a 12 gauge with 3 inch magnums to shoot someone less than 10 feet from you. Plus if there are women in the house, a 20 is MUCH easier to learn to shoot without bruising shoulders.

Answer 6

I like my old warhorse Remington 870 with magazine tube extension and 18 1/2 inch barrel. 8 rounds alternated 00 Buckshot and #4. Simple if you ever need it, point, squeeze, pump, repeat until there is no more threat. Rarely collateral damage to a neighbors dwelling and very effective. Ask anyone who has ever heard a shell being jacked into a .12 gauge in the dark.

I have to admit a good alternative as fishtrembleatmyname recommends is the Mossberg. I still prefer the Remington, but this is an admirable substitute for less.

Answer 7

The 7 shot 18 1/2" inch barrel Remington 870 Express Magnum. Price is about $350. The Mossberg 500A with an 18 1/2" barrel is also excellent. It cost about $240.

Answer 8

Seriously, if you have to ask...you probably shouldn't be handling a shotgun around the house (and probably in the dark).
Get a small caliber revolver (borrow it if you have to), find a concealed carry class in the area, learn the law about shooting someone in self-defense, shoot at a range with an instructor...
THEN make a decision about a home defense weapon.
I've been a shooter for years, but I took a concealed carry class. It opened my eyes about home-defense AND the law. (especially the law) You will not regret it! Good luck!
P.S. Just the sound of chambering a shell in a Remmington pump changed a would-be robber's mind who was breaking in my back door one night at 3:30 a.m. !!!

Answer 9

You would definately want to purchase a 12 guage with the shortest length barrel allowed in your state. I own a Mossberg 500A and it's a decent model and pretty reasonably priced (around $150 I believe). My primary home defense weapon is a Kimber .45 handgun, but I have confidence in my shotgun as well.

Answer 10

Mossberg 500 in either a 6 shot or an 8 shot.

Answer 11

I have had my Remington 870 since 1975. I have a Choate full sized stock on it (no folders for me), an extension tube (eight rounds), a 20 inch barrel, and large rifle sights. I load with #4 shot.

It ain't pretty but is utterly dependable, accurate, and reliable.