Home defense shotgun questions

[lovemachine]

I'm hoping to buy my first shotgun for HD purposes. Well, I gotta convince my wife first

I already know I want a Rem 870 12 gauge. But, which model is best for HD?

What are some "must have" mods FOR a home defense shotgun? Do you need a sling? Pistol grip? Adjustable stock? What kind of light? Is a pressure switch recommended? What type of shell carrier? What about night sights?

I'm heading into new territory, and it's rather exciting

 

[Solidgun]

Flash light attachment is a must.

 

[tgallmey]

a flash light and thats all id put on mine. you dont need all that Tacticool stuff I understand the want but it gets heavy and a heavy long gun in the home is slow to bring up I like the 18.5" barrel for that reason for me atleast a 20 inch is harder to bring up than it and you really dont need 25,000 shells for a bump in the night. Im happy with 5 odds are if you need to use it to defend your home and it requires more than 5 shells of buckshot or slugs than you should just leave cause its a bada**

 

[x10]

Ok we have to be careful here, there is no MUST's for a HD shotgun, a straight out of the box Rem 870 is already a Super Great HD gun, you've got a reliable simple gun that will shoot (within reason) ANY shotgun load out there, if you want your first shot to be cotton balls the 870 will let you work the action and your ready for your next shot.

Now everything else is an enhancment and ever enhancement has a price, you have to remember everthing you hang on the side, end, top of the gun will give one more thing for something to get hung up on.

That being said

Lets explore

Sling, for HD your not going to be walking great distance and the advantages of Slinging up for a shot down your halway or stair case may be too small to be counted

Light mounted, this is opinion only but Golly thats a bad idea, Rules of gun handling never point your gun at something your not willing to destroy, So that means you already have a flashlight in your hand because I hope your not goign to point your shotgun at you children to check if they are still in bed. Yes after the target is ID'd you can come up with your shotgun and hit the light but you just spent time turning off your handheld light or letting it drop on a lanyard and hopefully it doesnt' spin around and hit you in the face or still on and showing your body for the bad guy, so learning to shoot with your flashlight in hand would be a great skill to have.


Side saddle or speed feed stock, good idea, several on the market probably find one you like that uses the pins that way you don't count on glue holding it onto the side of the shotgun.

Ghostring sights and a front bead that glows is a great idea but its an extra not a must a glowing or fiber optic front bead will do the job very nice, and it doesn't detract from other sporting purposes,

Extra rounds in mag extensions again a fairly cheap and easy add on it throws a bit of weight out there but you wont' notice it when things are happing but I think my first priority would be the side saddle.

Pistol grip, you can live with or without it it might make it nice for odd shooting postions but I like the pistol grip stocks that you can still have your stock, not pistol grip ONLY,

Maybe I haven't helped we've just discussed but you don't need to do too much to an 870 it comes pretty darn good. I would not feel undergunned with just the standard 870 Turkey gun with a Mag extension. Or any 870 with the shorter barrel, I dont' think I'd put on Still board 36 inch barrels for going around corners. But you knew that already.

Good luck and make sure whatever you hang on your gun you test it and make no comprimises with reliablity

 

[iChokePeople]

Bayonet.

 

[JetGirl]

An 870 is my HD, as well.
I have the extended mag tube with the 18" barrel... and that's it.
No light, no rings, no sling, no nothing else to futz with.
It's just simple, understated, and ready to rock.
Sometimes less is more, if you nodimesane.

 

[IndianaResident]

Say whatever you want about "if you need more than X rounds...", but I'd rather come up with 4 extra than 1 short at the end of the day.

Someone else did the legwork here, I'm just copying, but:

GUNS Magazine, April, 2005, Clint Smith
Duck guns for defense?

Guns Magazine, June, 2008, Clint Smith
Shotguns: still a great option

GUNS Magazine, July 2008, Clint Smith
Affordable home defense: it doesn't need to cost as much as you think

 

[VUPDblue]

I disagree with x10 about the light but I'm on my phone and can't type out the response I want to. This will serve as a TAG so that I can complete my thought when I get to a computer

 

[MtnBiker6510]

You want it maneuverable so keep it as short as possible. Sacrifice magazine capacity for compactness. If you have to swing it out of a doorway into the hall the badguy may already be at arms reach, you don't want any delays or have the gun taken away.
You'll need a light and a robust laser sight with pressure switches. You'll need to be able to visually identify the threat so a light is mandatory. You may not be able to shoulder it properly if the situation arrises and a laser will put you on target, sight it in for 5yds. Pressure switches will keep you from thinking on/off. Instead you'll grab the grip and it'll already be there.

My ideal HD shotgun has a light and a laser w/ switches and a folding stock with pistol grip fore and aft. Only maybe $400 to $500 in it including the Win1300

Just my train of thought on what I might need.

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

Where are you getting all this money, OP? Got yourselves debt free already? ;-)

 

[JetGirl]

Where are you getting all this money, OP? Got yourselves debt free already? ;-)

Huh?

 

[jedi]

I'm with JetGirl on this one OP.
Keep it simple and basic AT THE START.
Just buy the basic 870 and try it out at the range so you get the feel for it.
Then do some dry runs (no ammo) at home of how you would use it, walk the halls, etc.. of your home with it.

I went the Moss 500 route with side saddle, light with pressure switch, tactical 3-point sling, Knoxx SpecOps Stock. The add ons were about 1/2 of what I paid for the Moss. & in the end I ended up getting rid of everything mins the Knoxx SpecOps Stock! Wasted money. . The ONLY reason the light is still on the SG right now is becuase I have no other place to use it and for the price I paid I don't want to see it in the junk drawer.

 

[x10]

I disagree with x10 about the light but I'm on my phone and can't type out the response I want to. This will serve as a TAG so that I can complete my thought when I get to a computer

I won't argue this point

For myself I have fox hunted for years and can hold a light and shoot a moving fox with a shotgun and do the same with a 22 rifle on a coon. So I feel comfortable at home without a light, And truthfully how many times besides power blackouts is anyones home really completly dark now days, I live a mile from any other house in any direction and between the security light down at the barn and the moon 3/4 of the month my house is never really dark, you have digital clocks and night lights. I can live without a light mounted, I'm in a defensive mode with a HD gun, not that I won't clear the house but my primary concern is stopping people from getting the kids, so that limits my movement.

 

[w2k0311]

Agreed with mountain biker !!!

Carried a benelli M1 in Iraq and loved it as well. Way more expensive, but awesome.

 

[Zoub]

I won't argue this point

For myself I have fox hunted for years and can hold a light and shoot a moving fox with a shotgun and do the same with a 22 rifle on a coon. So I feel comfortable at home without a light, And truthfully how many times besides power blackouts is anyones home really completly dark now days, I live a mile from any other house in any direction and between the security light down at the barn and the moon 3/4 of the month my house is never really dark, you have digital clocks and night lights. I can live without a light mounted, I'm in a defensive mode with a HD gun, not that I won't clear the house but my primary concern is stopping people from getting the kids, so that limits my movement.

That is truly bad advice on all levels and there is no way you can argue it.

You define a single, myopic view of a specific scenario that involves not moving, a static position and having lights or ambient light in the house AND assume it will be enough to identify your target.

Yeah, I have night hunted for 30+ years too BUT fox hunting at night is not really about taking a second or third shot and my adrenaline is not amped up. AND if you do swing and blaze away at night on a moving target even with a light on, by definition you have tunnel vision.

Lets see you take 3 to 4 aimed shots with a PUMP, in the dark, in cramped quarters, while holding a light in your weak hand and hit 50% in less than a few seconds. You can even use static targets but in real life they are moving...........and before you go off half cocked, yeah I know how to run an 870 fairly well.

Where do you put the light IF you even remotely have to reload even oen round? Or do you use a light with a lanyard on your wrist while working a pump? I am pretty sure you don't and even reloading a handgun like that and retrieving the light takes some practice.

 

[Zoub]

I'm hoping to buy my first shotgun for HD purposes. Well, I gotta convince my wife first

I already know I want a Rem 870 12 gauge. But, which model is best for HD?

What are some "must have" mods FOR a home defense shotgun? Do you need a sling? Pistol grip? Adjustable stock? What kind of light? Is a pressure switch recommended? What type of shell carrier? What about night sights?

I'm heading into new territory, and it's rather exciting

Do you know shotguns at all? You don't say?

Will she use it? Best way to win her over is to have her master it. That is a win/win situation for you. Any physical limitations for her?

You should better define these issues before you select a gun or even a gauge.

For the gun, short length of pull stock and a light would be first priority. No one ever complains a gun is too short but many will say a gun is too long. If more than one shooter will use it, shorter is always better. With a heavy HD shotgun, shorter LOP is better for any shooter.

Stay away from adjustable stocks until after you have learned to use a shotgun with a stock that gives you a good cheek weld and line of sight. There are pistol grip stocks which fill that need and they have certain advantages. Plan your gun before you buy or you can easily drop $500-$1000 and end up with a bucket full of parts you don't need or want, not counting a light............that pays for a Benelli!

No need for any sights beyond a bead (not ever IMHO but that is me), a sling, shell carrier or other mods until after you master the gun.

And if you get a glowing bead with no light on the gun, where do you think your eyes wil focus in the dark? Right ON the bead, not the target. That equals total shotgun fail. If you have a light do you really need night sights on a shotgun? No. You don't aim with the bead, not ever. It is a reference point for your brain.

 

[IndySSD]

Do you know shotguns at all? You don't say?

Will she use it? Best way to win her over is to have her master it. That is a win/win situation for you. Any physical limitations for her?

You should better define these issues before you select a gun or even a gauge.

For the gun, short length of pull stock and a light would be first priority. No one ever complains a gun is too short but many will say a gun is too long. If more than one shooter will use it, shorter is always better. With a heavy HD shotgun, shorter LOP is better for any shooter.

Stay away from adjustable stocks until after you have learned to use a shotgun with a stock that gives you a good cheek weld and line of sight. There are pistol grip stocks which fill that need and they have certain advantages. Plan your gun before you buy or you can easily drop $500-$1000 and end up with a bucket full of parts you don't need or want, not counting a light............that pays for a Benelli!

No need for any sights beyond a bead (not ever IMHO but that is me), a sling, shell carrier or other mods until after you master the gun.

^^ This is pretty much how I feel, with one exception. I think a sling can be useful, especially for weapon retention but you have to get the right type of sling, train with it, etc....

 

[Bill B]

1) buy a shotgun you are comfortable with, winchester, remington, mossberg, whoever.
2) learn to shoot it as is. If you can't shoot it plain-jane, you ain't gonna get better with more doodads. And I don't mean standing @ the 25 yard line of the range. Take a tactical shotgun class that has a shoot house. Also learn to shoot it from a non-traditional positions. I can (or at least used to) hit a man size target @ 10 yard with an M-16 shooting from the hip. You should be able to do this with a shotgun at whatever distance you have in your home.
3) After you can shoot what you have, start thinking about what would make it easier or better for you. Not just physically, but mentally as well. I am totally comfortable w/ just 6 rounds, others want more. Same idea for pistol grips, etc.
HTH

 

[Zoub]

My ideal HD shotgun has a light and a laser w/ switches and a folding stock with pistol grip fore and aft. Only maybe $400 to $500 in it including the Win1300

Just my train of thought on what I might need.

For what you describe, mine is lighter, faster and cheaper (maybe not cheaper). Not usually things we brag about. It can be even cheaper by dropping the SF light and putting a TLR1 on the rail, which is on the other side of the Nordic mag clamp and moving the clamp back to the barrel band.

A laser is your thing BUT a VG will torque your action bars and you can always tell a gun that has had one. It is also slower to pump, if you really time yourself with it. You will move the muzzle around more as well. Using it in the prone position is even worse then using a pump with out it, which is not great.

 

[AF Gunner]

I’m waiting for the KelTec KSG. This will be my HD Shotty. It’s short and maneuverable, I can easily mount a light, which I agree with most, is a must, and I’ll likely put a red dot on it. It will carry more round than I will need; hopefully (unless Zombie apocalypse), and I think it fits my HD needs near perfect.