New to shot guns.....

Texas Heat · Sep 22, 2017

Ok....not exactly new to shot guns as hunting tools but definitely new to the home protection game. I'll obviously try before I buy but what am I looking for these days? This part of the forum seems to have died out a bit and I was looking for more current info. What is the industry standard in home defense? Is the 870 still the go-to? How is that crazy Keltec working out now?

Dawico · Sep 22, 2017

The new 870s are junk. Mossbergs are the way to go for cheaper shotguns.

Besides that it all depends on what you want.

Pretty hard to beat a pump action.

Adjustable stock, scope rail, heat shield, etc. is all personal preference.

Texas Heat · Sep 22, 2017

870s are junk? Geez, I am way out of the loop. I guess some serious research is going to be happening. What models am I looking to tryout then? Where is a good start at least?

BRD@66 · Sep 22, 2017

Old 870s are GTG.

subseashooter · Sep 22, 2017

I still keep my Mossberg 500 around, great reliable pump. The KelTec KSG seems to have risen in praise the last couple years, as KelTec has seemed to have worked the bugs out of them.

My all time favorite was my SRM 1216 though. Talk about A LOT of firepower, and a flat out awesome piece of machinery. Amazing tool.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Mikewood · Sep 22, 2017

You say you are not new to shotguns. What shotguns do you have experience with? What do you own? Sure we can set you up with a $1,000 customized shotgun but if you have an old 28" 12 gauge 870 wing master in the closet collecting dust you can buy an 18" barrel from midway USA for $100 and an extended mag tube for $30 and call it good. It really is that simple.

You can also get a used police trade in 870 for $250-350. It won't be pretty but will be more than capable of doing the job. Load up with low recoil tactical buckshot and not magnum hunting buckshot. This is the only time I think the term tactical is properly used.

There are a lot of other offerings. A 20 gauge youth model with a 21" barrel might be an option.

Consider adding a light.

Mossberg is always a good choice. I would look for something simple and not get a three gun "race shotgun" or some uber tactical modded nitril whizbang super seal finish.

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Texas Heat · Sep 22, 2017

Mikewood said:
You say you are not new to shotguns. What shotguns do you have experience with? What do you own? Sure we can set you up with a $1,000 customized shotgun but if you have an old 28" 12 gauge 870 wing master in the closet collecting dust you can buy an 18" barrel from midway USA for $100 and an extended mag tube for $30 and call it good. It really is that simple.

You can also get a used police trade in 870 for $250-350. It won't be pretty but will be more than capable of doing the job. Load up with low recoil tactical buckshot and not magnum hunting buckshot. This is the only time I think the term tactical is properly used.

There are a lot of other offerings. A 20 gauge youth model with a 21" barrel might be an option.

Consider adding a light.

Mossberg is always a good choice. I would look for something simple and not get a three gun "race shotgun" or some uber tactical modded nitril whizbang super seal finish.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

Beneli SuperNova has been on long term duty and just got a VersaMax on clearance last month that hasn't been fired yet but looking forward to that. It'll be my first big boy shotgun. I haven't been able to bring myself to spend $1k on a shotgun but at clearance price, it couldn't be passed.

Mikewood · Sep 22, 2017

Texas Heat said:
Beneli SuperNova has been on long term duty and just got a VersaMax on clearance last month that hasn't been fired yet but looking forward to that. It'll be my first big boy shotgun. I haven't been able to bring myself to spend $1k on a shotgun but at clearance price, it couldn't be passed.

Here is a supernova barrel for $200
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...nova-12-gauge-3-1-2-18-1-2-ramped-front-sight

Mag tube for $60
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...enelli-nova-super-nova-12-gauge-2-round-black

You can always cut your barrel yourself for free and save yourself a couple hundred.

Texas Heat · Sep 22, 2017

I appreciate the input but I'm looking for a dedicated home gun. I'll finally have a buddy gun for the first time if this VersaMax works out.

Mikewood · Sep 22, 2017

I see. Here are a few to consider along the the afore mentioned guns.
http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/mos...auge-pump-action-shotgun#repChildCatid=298704

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/sav...hotgun-with-heat-shield#repChildCatid=3792314

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/savage-stevens-320-12-gauge-pump-action-shotgun#repChildCatid=519202

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Younggun · Sep 22, 2017

A regular pump shotgun with 18" barrel and sporter or youth stock would be my preference. No additional lego pieces other than maybe an extended mag tube and light. Either 12 or 20 will be fine. I've shot 12 for years but lately have been leaning towards 20 and not felt underpowered. #4 buck.

K.I.S.S.

easy rider · Sep 22, 2017

Not sure I ever heard of a home invader saying "I'm glad I got shot by a Mossberg instead of a Benelli".

Texas Heat · Sep 22, 2017

easy rider said:
Not sure I ever heard of a home invader saying "I'm glad I got shot by a Mossberg instead of a Benelli".

I'm just looking for reliability, quality and shootability. I'm not particular to any brand for this duty.

easy rider · Sep 22, 2017

Texas Heat said:
I'm just looking for reliability, quality and shootability. I'm not particular to any brand for this duty.

My point is, if you are going to use it only for home defense, why spend more? The Mossberg 500 has been around since 1960, I believe it is very reliable. Of course it is completely up to you.

Moonpie · Sep 23, 2017

Winchester Model 1897 Trench gun with M1917 bayonet is the answer you seek young padawhan.

Dawico · Sep 23, 2017

Texas Heat said:
Beneli SuperNova has been on long term duty and just got a VersaMax on clearance last month that hasn't been fired yet but looking forward to that. It'll be my first big boy shotgun. I haven't been able to bring myself to spend $1k on a shotgun but at clearance price, it couldn't be passed.

Get a Nova Tactical then just for familiarity.

They are available with different options like rifle or ghost ring sights and regular or pistol grip stock. They are pretty wallet friendly too.

Dawico · Sep 23, 2017

Moonpie said:
Winchester Model 1897 Trench gun with M1917 bayonet is the answer you seek young padawhan.

That over a Blunderbuss? I think you have failed us.

Dawico · Sep 23, 2017

Texas Heat said:
870s are junk? Geez, I am way out of the loop. I guess some serious research is going to be happening. What models am I looking to tryout then? Where is a good start at least?

It's true. Since being aquired by Freedom Group a few years back Remington has really started to go down the toilet.

The older models are still good shotguns. The newer ones are factory fresh wall hangers.

AustinN4 · Sep 23, 2017

Dawico said:
The new 870s are junk.

Too broad of a statement; i.e., new 870 Police models are good to go. Plus, one can always find good older 870s for sale, both Express and Police.

cajunautoxer · Sep 25, 2017

Is there a reason you want a pump vs semi auto?

New to shot guns.....

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