home defense shotgun

[tfr270]

I'm shopping for a shotgun for the home. Lots of choices out there and I'm thinking of a Mossberg 500 pump. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Hazcat]

Mossberg is a fine choice!  If is home defense only take a look at their JIC (Just in Case) series 500.

If ya just want a 500 pump then look for a good used one.  A little over a year ago I picked up a 500 (with chokes) for $150.00.  Works just fine.  The ONLY thing I would suggest changing is the safety 'button'.  Get a metal one (about $10.00 installed).

[m25operator]

I know lots of people who like the Mossie, they're just not slick enough for me, I like 870's and my shotgun instructor preferred them as well, tactical not skeet instructor. This is mine.

[TAB]

What ever you choose, make sure the gun fits you.  a poorly fit shot gun is awful to shoot.

[Rob10ring]

I just got home from a match, where we shot shotguns with slugs along side our side-arms. The only similarities to actual defense was that you had to be behind cover and the adrenaline is going and effecting decisions. For ultimate reliability, I've always gone for the pumps. But when the adrenaline took over, there were a lot of hiccups, where people tried to pull the trigger without having racked the next round in, or they short stroked the pump. This was on a much higher number of the pump gun users than I would have expected. The guys with semis (Bennelis, Rem 11-87s, FN's and even a SPAS 12) cleaned house on the 5 targets, and quite speedily. The only hiccup in the autos, was one guy who was trying out low-recoil ammo in a Benelli M2. It was more of a FRONT SITE - PULL THE TRIGGER - FRONT SITE - PULL THE TRIGGER…. Semi-auto shotguns are more reliable than ever before. One of the things that favors the pump is that bird shot is never a problem with it, and that's probably usually all you'll really need in a home. Most semis will function with light loads, but some are finicky.

[Sponsor]

[fullautovalmet76]

I also recommend the 500 too, and the Rem. 870 is a good choice as well. I have a 500 "Breacher" model; not sure what it is called today. I put a Knox stock (http://www.blackhawk.com) on it and I'll soon add a Picatinny rail to mount a red-dot scope. No matter which one you choose, I suggest sticking with Mossberg or Remington because the aftermarket products for these guns is very large and developed.

And despite what the "Gun Store Commandos" say, don't think you have to stick with a 12 gauge for home defense. A viable option is a 20 gauge pump or semi-auto from Remington or Mossberg. In fact, check out these podcasts: http://proarms.podbean.com/category/shotguns/
Listen to A and B. They give a very compelling case for a 20 gauge. And if you have a significant other who can't handle the recoil of a 12 gauge, this would be of great benefit to them.

I hope this helps....Good Luck!
 

[Hazcat]

Fuzdaddy,

I would have liked to to ask those short strokers (NO pun intended) if they normally use or even started on semis instead of the pump.

Reason I ask is my son uses a pump and when he tries a semi he screws up on target aquisition (shoots steel targets against others.  7 targets to a side and the middle 'winner') cause he is used to 'doing something' in between shots.  Sorta like me with my thumb and revolvers and 1911s.  Gotta do 'something' with my thumb for at least that first shot.

[Hazcat]

I also recommend the 500 too, and the Rem. 870 is a good choice as well. I have a 500 "Breacher" model; not sure what it is called today. I put a Knox stock on it (highly recommended) and I'll soon add a Picatinny rail to mount a red-dot scope. No matter which one you choose, I suggest sticking with Mossberg or Remington because the aftermarket products for these guns is very large and developed.

And despite what the "Gun Store Commandos" say, don't think you have to stick with a 12 gauge for home defense. A viable option is a 20 gauge pump or semi-auto from Remington or Mossberg. In fact, check out these podcasts: http://proarms.podbean.com/category/shotguns/
Listen to A and B. They give a very compelling case for a 20 gauge. And if you have a significant other who can't handle the recoil of a 12 gauge, this would be of great benefit to them.

I hope this helps....Good Luck!
 

Good advise on the 20, FA.

[sgtmac]

The Navy uses Mossberg 500's, I have put thousands of rounds through them and never a hiccup! I really like the saftey on top when you have a normal stock. I own both a 500 and an 870, the are both good choices. I think you will find better deals on a Mossberg then on a Remington! Hope that helps a little.

[Hazcat]

The Navy uses Mossberg 500's, I have put thousands of rounds through them and never a hiccup! I really like the saftey on top when you have a normal stock. I own both a 500 and an 870, the are both good choices. I think you will find better deals on a Mossberg then on a Remington! Hope that helps a little.

When I went to get the shotty for my son he didn't like the controls on the 870 either.  The top safety and slide release on the 500 are just more intuative.